Angelic Soap

An Abbreviated Tutorial

2012-01-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I made a double batch of Vata Shea Ayurvedic soap (one of my best sellers).

I thought that I would also whip up a pure castile, which is one of the world's true luxury soaps - nothing but virgin olive oil, distilled water and sodium hydroxide.

The Vata went beautifully! It was a good soaping day! The Vata takes a little longer to trace and a bit more time to cure than soaps that do not have as many rich oils and butters. Vata has raw shea butter, jojoba, avocado, almond oils plus other goodies that make it so skin-loving.

Well - the Vata was nothing compared to the castile. 45 minutes to trace - and one year to fully cure.

Good, true soap making is a lot like wine .... it requires a chemist's mind, an artist's creativity and a perfumer's nose. Oh, yes, and patience.

For those of you who do not fully understand some of the soap terms (and why would you?) - here is a quick, no frills tutorial for cold process soap making:

Fats, oils and butters are carefully selected and weighed with precision according to your recipe. This mixture is heated to a specific temperature.

Sodium Hydroxide and cold distilled water are also weighed, then combined. This mixture of lye water heats up and then cools. When the lye water approximately reaches the same temp as the oils, both are combined, beat (stirred) continuously until the batter reaches "trace".

"Trace" is a state of emulsification (or saponification). The common term 'trace' comes from the batter leaving marks, or "traces".

Colors, additives and fragrances may be added along the way. (You can see this can be tricky)

The lot gets poured into molds, covered and/or insulated (or maybe not!).

Typically, after 24-48 hours, the soap can be unmolded, sliced and left to air dry for about 4 weeks (minimum). During this "curing" period, the water evaporates from the soap and the ph values change. This period cannot be rushed!

I love soap making because of the changes that naturally occur. Soap making always surprises me!

And, yes, I have had to use the trash can for more than one spoiled batch! Seems that these bad soaping days occur mainly in summer.

Please do not try this at home unless you have help or know what you are doing!

Sweetheart Soaps

2012-01-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

I have been working very hard to replenish stock sold during the Holidays.

To not feel like a one-woman assembly line, I have concocted three new romantic soaps that coincide nicely with Valentine's Day. All three of these bars are Limited Editions.

I am pleased with these new creations and they are a bit more lavishly scented than my 'regular' line.


Grimoire (Book of Shadows)


Love Letter

Champagne Blanc Shea

Grimoire features Dragons' Blood resin, myrrh, incense, blood orange. All in all, a rather exotic "red resin" soap. Good for men and women. Fortified with clay for a little slip if used as a shaving soap. Gilded on top to look ancient.

Love Letter - dust, woodsmoke, white rose, resins and incense. A mysterious creation intended to evoke a yellowed, old note that was found in a dusty album, just next to a pressed flower. This soap is also filled with French Pink clay for shaving and gilded.

Champagne Blanc Shea - this was a surprise! This soap actually does have some bubbly olfactory notes. A beautiful bergamot is the star here, coupled with ozone and lemon-lime, this soap has an effervescence. Creamy white and sprinkled with gold. This soap whispers of possibilities.

Dreaming of the Tropics?

2012-01-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

One bar left of our lovely, petite Coconut-Cardamom-Lemongrass Cream!

This organic, raw cocoa butter soap is enriched with organic coconut cream and coconut milk, fair trade, organic palm oil and, of course, castor oil for true luxury.

This soap smells like fresh coconut and will leave your skin beautifully conditioned and lightly moisturized.

There is cardamom and lemongrass essential oils in the fragrance mix and the bar is sprinkled with these respective herbs.

Petite Coconut-Cardamom-Lemongrass

So - if you cannot jet off to the Caribbean for that winter getaway, grab this soap and head to your shower for a spa-like experience!

Happy New Year!

Back in Stock

2011-12-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

My personal favorite and my shop's best seller, "Vata Ayurvedic Shea High Performance Bar" is back in stock. This is my gold standard bar. Containing sweet almond, avocado, jojoba and apricot kernel oils, Vata also contains organic palm and raw shea butter.

There is no finer, gentle, rich soap at any price!

Vata Ayurvedic Shea

Vata is very lightly scented with carefully chosen essential oils. There is a bit of turmeric in the recipe, but the bar appears snowy white with no added color.

Great complexion soap and a great baby soap.

December already?!

2011-12-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to December, 2011!

Whew! The past year has flown by on *wings*.

As a thank you gift to all of my beautiful clients, readers, fans, followers and friends, I am offering a holiday special for the soap shop.

Please input the coupon code HOLIDAY at checkout for a 20% off discount that is automatically deducted from your order of Angelic Soap.

In many ways, 2011 has been a challenging year for many people.

Please accept this special sale as a token of my gratitude and love.

Personally, I am a gift procrastinator. I am that last minute shopper that is in a panic. Seriously, I am then "in the mood" and really enjoy the quest.

If you are like me, please be aware that orders for Christmas delivery must be placed on or before December 15, 2011.
No worries about gift wrap, each soap comes tenderly wrapped in metallic gold tissue and tucked into a gold organza bag.

With Higher Love and Gratitude!

Walk in Beauty!

French Lavender Butter Cream

2011-11-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

Back in stock!

A generously cut bar of French Lavender Butter Cream that smells like a lavender field in the south of France.

Pure, French Lavender essential oil (the pure plant essence), folded into our rich, creamy organic coconut cream and raw, organic cocoa butter soap that will pamper any body.

Most of us are so used to chemical smells, that this essential oil fragrance in combination with the luxury soap recipe will leave you sighing "oo-la-la"!

French Lavender Butter Cream

Holiday 2011

2011-11-17T16:32:00.000-08:00


Evergreen Shea

Midnight Mass Shea

Snow Angel

Starry Night

Dark Angel

Holiday Memoir

Bronzed Amber

Etsy Showcase

2011-11-16T14:41:00.001-08:00

Rosemary Mint Lavender Shea

2011-11-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

Grab this moisturizing soap, turn on the hot water and transform your bath or shower into an aromatherapy experience! A bit more heavily fragranced than our typical bars, this soap is a sensual treat.

Great for men and women, this is an Aveda-like scent, wrapped in our creamy recipe, enriched with raw, organic shea butter.

Rosemary Mint Lavender Shea will leave your skin soft, with a lingering scent.

Why start (or end) your day without exquisite self care?


Rosemary Mint Lavender

The First Soap of the 2011 Holiday Line

2011-11-09T11:30:00.000-08:00


Bronzed Amber


Bronzed Amber

Bronzed Amber

Bronzed Amber is a giant soap bar with the rich scent of precious amber resin, ginger essential oil, musk and orange blossom water. A sexy standout, Bronzed Amber is my top selection for gifting this holiday season. With a peaked, bronzed top, this pampering soap is perfect for men and women.

Looks fantastic in our complimentary gold dressing. And did I mention that it is drop dead sexy?

New Packaging for the Holidays

2011-11-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

Coming soon and just in time for the holidays!

Our new packaging will make every soap gift-worthy!

HINT : it will still be dazzling GOLD!!!

Thieves

2011-11-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Back in stock!

Our much-beloved "Thieves in the Garden" handcrafted soap is now for sale in the shop. This fast seller is one of our most sought after creations in the cold and flu season. "Thieves in the Garden" is loaded with essential oils that truly provide a spa-like, aromatherapy experience in the shower or tub. Spices and citrus play accompaniment to pure eucalyptus oil in this rustic soap, enriched with raw, organic shea butter.

Thieves in the Garden

Soaps for the Witches New Year

2011-10-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Halloween ... my favorite "holiday"... the day of the year that you can disguise and transform yourself! I love the creative aspect of All Hallows Eve.

Many of you know about the rich history of this particular day - it is not just a child's dress up party with lots of sugar!
One tradition that keeps Halloween is Wicca. Halloween is the Witch's New Year.

In keeping with this ancient and very meaningful day, I have selected a few soaps to celebrate Halloween. Happy New Year, Rhiannon!


Super Natural Creamy Pumpkin

Dragon's Blood Shea

Angelica Herbal Soap


Magick Shea

Rue Shea

No self respecting White Witch would be caught without a stash of these soaps - particularly the Rue Shea and the Angelica Herbal.

Have a safe and super fantastic Halloween!

.... and please remember to keep the 4 legged family members inside!

Seasonal Pumpkin Soap

2011-10-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

By special request, I have created a (super)natural pumpkin soap.

This is a super creamy formula, thanks to raw, organic cocoa butter and many food grade premium oils.

I did not use any scent in this soap, opting for pumpkin pie spices, organic blackstrap molasses and the pumpkin puree. The soap is lightly sweet in fragrance.

This pretty soap is colored with turmeric, as well as the pumpkin.

Each hand cut bar is topped with a raw sugar and spice blend.

This is a limited edition.

Super Natural Creamy Pumpkin

Even though we use food grade oils, please don't eat the soap! :)

Petite French Lavender & Oak Butter Cream

2011-10-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

A new scent, size and price!

Now in the Etsy shop, a petite version of our raw, organic cocoa butter and coconut cream recipe. The fragrance is a blend of French Lavender essential oil and a smoky oak fragrance.

Find this and more on sale now!!

Use coupon code TAKE50 at check out for a 50% discount.

Petite French Lavender & Oak Butter Cream

2011-10-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

For a few days only ....

Receive 50% off ALL soap in the Etsy shop!!! Input coupon code TAKE50 at checkout.

This is as low as prices get!

Shop early for the best selection!

White Floral Shea Supreme

Angelic Hugs

Etsy Mini

2011-09-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Savings in the Soap Shop

2011-09-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

Please use coupon code FALLONME15 for a 15% discount off all of Angelic Soap in the Etsy shop!

Autumn Sale!

2011-09-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

After the abject oppression of the summer heat, I am offering 10% off any and all soap purchases in the shop! Simply input the coupon code AUTUMN10 at checkout for your 10% reduction.

Where I live, it was intensely hot for many months with a drought to top it off! This weather was not easy to manage mentally, physically or psychologically.

I had to scrap abut three soap batches due to the intensity of the ongoing triple digit days. :(((( Oh, I cannot stand to waste!!!! I could not even pull off a rebatch.

With all of that heat, which magically lifted just in time for the first day of Autumn (yay!), I somehow lost sight of the fact that we are fast approaching the Holidays!

Now is a great time to grab some of your favorite soaps at 10% off.

Tuck a few away for those Holiday gifts!

Lemon Sugar

Orange Vanilla Cream

Peppermint Cream Shea

New Slide Show

2011-09-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Sweetest Things - New Soap!

2011-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

I listed two new shea butter soaps this week that are oh-so -sweet smelling!

These offerings are a bit of a departure for me, as I used fragrance oil blends (I typically use essential oils) and deep COLOR! The soap recipes are the same - a basic all-vegetable oil base with that raw, organic unrefined shea butter that I LOVE.

So, bridging the gap between summer and fall, here are my two new soaps ....


Sparkling Rain Shea

Black Vanilla-Green Fig Shea

The Sparkling Rain Shea is based on the much-beloved "China Rain". The scent is lavish and quite sweet with hints of melon, cucumber and musk. A bit shimmery in scent and appearance, this soap reminds me of my younger days when I wore the "China Rain" fragrance. I used a heavier hand with the fragrance in this batch, so the scent lingers on the skin. Of course, the raw, organic shea butter moisturizes beautifully and provides a nice base for the fragrance.

The Black Vanilla-Green Fig Shea is very sweet indeed! I have made soap with this blend before, and I would say that this is the sweetest smelling to date. The fragrance is a blend of green fig (not ripe) and my go-to Black Vanilla, which has Madagascar vanilla and Tahitian vanilla in the mix. I divided the batch as I was making the soap, scenting the green portions with Fig and the darker portions with the Black Vanilla. I swirled some crushed vanilla beans into the mix and left a small potion au naturel. As with the Sparkling Rain Shea, the butter lends a hand at keeping the fragrance on the skin.

This summer has been brutally hot and we are in a terrible drought. So - I must have Rain and Green on my mind.

Guess what?

As I write this post, it has actually started to rain outside!! Oh my goodness! This is only the second rainfall in many, many months!

I am going to go outside and drench myself!

In Love, Truth & Beauty

Two New Soaps

2011-09-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

Rosemary Mint Lavender

French Lavender Butter Cream

Now LIVE in the Etsy soap shop. Just click the picture of the glittery Temple Incense soaps to the right with the caption "Handcrafted Soaps".

For those of you with curiosity about the magical and mythical properties of herbs and their respective oils, please know that I always add a special 'something' to each bar.

In the above soaps, French Lavender is featured due to its incredible calming ability. Lavender also is said to bring good luck (sign me up for a dozen bars, right?), promote dreams, love and psychic powers. Lavender may well be the Queen of herbs in my book.

Other herbs and oils in the above soap: Rosemary for cleansing of negativity; Mint for purification and psychic clarity; Galangal (in the Rosemary Mint Lavender) for clearing negativity and promoting a good outcome in legal matters.

Folklore or Fact?

Angelic Hugs

New Soaps Listed!

2011-08-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long, hot summer where I live. So, just in time for the "dog days" of summer, here are a few new soaps listed in the shop....

Royal Patchouli

Peach Apricot Vanilla Shea

Black Raspberry Shea

Lemon Verbena Basil

Angelic Florida Water

Back in stock: Precious Woods (Prosperity Blend), Lemon Sugar, Magick Shea and Vata High Performance Bar with avocado and jojoba oils plus organic shea butter.

Angelic Hugs!

The POWER Lunch NOON US CST with The Divine Prince 08/12 by The Divine Prince | Blog Talk Radio

2011-08-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

The POWER Lunch NOON US CST with The Divine Prince 08/12 by The Divine Prince | Blog Talk Radio

AUGUST FIRE SALE!!!!!!!!

2011-08-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it is hot enough here in Dallas to start a fire! So, to defeat the heat, I have put specially selected soaps on sale in the Etsy shop.

These specially-priced soaps have been top sellers, so you can be sure that you are not getting a degraded or inferior product.

Most of the stock is down to one bar only, so please hurry so as not to be disappointed. The exception is White Floral Supreme Shea, which has a few bars of back stock.

Many of the soaps are gigantic - 8+ ounces - and each one is infused with the best ingredients, particularly the soothing organic, raw butters that can make a huge difference in your skin's comfort.

Many of the soaps contain cosmetic quality clays that I appreciate in a hot clime. Check out the Sweet Bay Oil Shaving Soap (my current favorite - I use it daily and not just for shaving) which contains French Green Clay and the Cherry Blossom with French Pink Clay

Here are a few examples of what is on sale:

White Floral Supreme Shea

Sweet Bay Oil Shaving Soap

Spicy Lime Ginger

Orange Vanilla Cream

Cherry Blossom Cream

Also featured is Herb Garden, Black Patchouly, Oak Moss and Apricot-Peach Black Vanilla with Hempseed Oil. Each soap contains clays, butters and soothing, premium oils to make your skin sigh with relief!

For my blog readers and Face Book fans, I have activated the coupon code of SUMMER10, so you get an extra 10% off at checkout!!

BONUS!

Here is the link to the shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/angelicsoap

Happy Savings and Keep Cool!

A Non-Vegan Soap Full of Sin!!!

2011-07-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

I am going to blame my sin on the unbearably hot weather.
Texas is close to breaking weather records.
The heat wave started in May when the temps soared to the upper 90s. As of today, we have had over 30 straight days of 100+ degree temperatures.

A rare phenomenon has taken place: I have lost my appetite for everything except sweet foods and ice cream. Now, I am not supposed to eat ice cream due to lactose intolerance. Additionally, I am a practicing vegan.

I crave sweet and creamy, so I made the most decadent soap ever!!!

It is made with Organic Heavy Cream, Organic Raw Cocoa Butter, Food Grade Rose Water and cruelty-free Tussah Silk. The color is thanks to French Rose Clay which is also terrific for sensitive skin.

Organic Cream, Rosewater & Silk Soap

I feel so guilty!!

But, my guilt is your luxurious pleasure!

Buy it now in the Etsy shop.
I guarantee that your summer parched skin will LOVE it.

Want to Pare Down Your Summer Grooming Routine?

2011-07-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

You should try my latest obsession - eco-friendly, all natural, handcrafted and ridiculously convenient shaving soap.

Seriously, shaving soap is my latest obsession.

I am not a warm weather kind of woman, so I take more showers and baths in the summer months. Especially now that I live in a place where it has hovered around, below, at and over 100 degrees since May.

I use my shaving soap daily - and love it. No more bottles, cans, jars, tubes, or worrying about how to get the stuff in a carry on bag for a flight!

I do not use a brush, I simply use the soap as an all over cleanser (even my face in this humidity!) and it just happens to give me an awesome shaving experience so I can go out in public. :))

The transformative ingredient is French clay. This clay infuses the soap with 'slip' so your razor can grab it and whisk that hair away.

Additionally, I find that even though my skin is sensitive, it likes this gentle, yet purifying clay! Hooray!

Currently, I offer two kinds of soap in the Etsy shop that are perfect for a close shave - Sweet Bay Oil and Deep South Floral, especially for the ladies.

Although I am using the Sweet Bay Oil more, the Deep South bar has the added benefit of raw, organic shea butter, so some of you lucky Gals may be able to skip the body lotion!

In this type of sizzling weather, less is more, with the exception being sunscreen.

Deep South Floral

Sweet Bay Oil

So, if you order a bar or two, please let me know if you love this soap as much as I do!

Prosperity Blend

2011-06-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Lore has it that the precious wood essential oils in this soap can attract prosperity.

These days, we could all use a boost!

Precious Woods Prosperity Blend

Now in stock at the Etsy shop.

In Love, Truth & Beauty

Special Pricing in the Etsy Shop

2011-05-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Please input coupon code ANGEL25 at checkout for an automatic 25% discount in the Etsy soap shop off any of your selected soaps.

Happy Memorial Day!

Love, Truth, Beauty

Honey Colloidal Oat Castile

New Soaps in Shop and THIS HEAT!!!

2011-05-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

It is 102 in the shade where I reside - went right from tornadic weather (with hail) to HOT.

I am a Pitta dosha, according to Ayurvedic medicine. This is the classic, red-headed, green-eyed dosha that is HOT already. The mind and intellect are quick and sharp too. Hot. Hot. Hot. When faced with extreme heat, I am not only miserable, I am cranky, irritable and inpatient. Yep. That's me!

I have been MIA on both my blogs - and my reading of my other friend's blogs. But - I am back! Yay!

I was racing against time to stock new soap before the temps climbed, as I like my oils to stay fresh. So - I have been a little busy...but - I would like you to see a few new soaps.

White Flowers Supreme Shea

Oak Moss Rose Mint

Orange Blossom Shea

Bay Essential Oil Shaving Round

Black Temple Incense

Calendula Petals

Green Matcha Tea

More to come!

BIG as the Full Moon Sale

2011-05-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

Due to the Full Moon-induced lunacy, I am running a short special in my soap shop.
50% off each and every bar!

Simply input coupon code FULLMOON50 at checkout.

If you need more than one bar, please email me through Etsy - BEFORE YOU PURCHASE - and I will check stock. If I have what you need, I will create a special listing for you. Often, I have more than one bar, which is the standard listing.

La Luna

"Temple Incense Shea" and "5 Sandalwoods" soap are back in stock. This is a great opportunity to purchase some favorites and try some new things!
Time to howl!
Love. Truth. Beauty.

Spring Cleaning the Temple

2011-05-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Spring feeling more like summer here!

Regardless of what the weather feels like, I follow the time-honored tradition of 'spring cleaning'. Not only do I go through clothes and household goods for donation, I also cleanse and purify the house.

The spring cleaning of one's living quarters makes a big difference in the personal environment.

Typically, I thoroughly clean the house, change out bedding, drapes, carefully clean all crystals, adornments and organize or toss clutter. Then, I prepare a solution, depending on my purposes or intentions, and wipe down all the home's surfaces. Last, I burn incense and utilize aromatherapy.

Ahhh.......serenity.

I have not posted in awhile because I have been super-busy creating new soaps! I am excited about these new beauties, but I will wait awhile longer before posting any images. The curing period can test my patience. Especially the curing period for pure castile soap, which is 6 - 12 months.

While we are on the topic of spring cleaning, many of you may not know that I create special soaps for rituals, ceremonies and purposes. These soaps are typically custom-ordered to the client's specifications. I have a small arsenal of herbs, roots and oils that I use to create these special soaps. Lastly, I imbue each and every one of my soaps with Reiki energy. I hold a 3rd degree in Reiki, although I do not widely advertise that fact.

I recently made some custom ritual soap attuned to Angelic healing for a special client. The order turned out beautifully.

Additionally, I have a batch of soap that is curing on the shelf that uses particular oils and herbal decoctions for prosperity. Sometimes, you must have knowledge of the magical arts and you will be able to spot the special soaps in the shop.

Curious?

Here is a current example of a spiritually-based cleansing soap .....

Sweetgrass, Cedar & Sage

This soap is made with the essential oils of the smudging herbs: sweetgrass, cedar and sage. These herbs are said to purify spaces, places, a person and the atmosphere. The smudging practice is well-known to Native Americans and Spiritual Practitioners.

I am fond of this soap, as it has a mild, clean aroma and is colored with natural chlorophyll and turmeric. As always, the soap recipe itself is lightly moisturizing.

So, do keep in mind that "Your Body Is Your Temple".

How about a nice spring cleaning in your tub?

In Love, Truth and Beauty

Stormy Monday

2011-04-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Just a short post this evening to check in and thank each and every one of you for reading my blog.

I have been unable to write as often as I would like because the soap shop has been busy.

In between filling various orders and special requests, I have been re-stocking the shop with old favorite standards and some seasonal offerings.

I am excited about the new soaps! Most will be available by the middle to the end of May, 2011.

I will surprise you with photos of the new soaps as soon as I complete the soap making.

In the meantime, I will leave you with three citrus-based, scented soaps that seem just right for now. All three are enriched with raw, unrefined and organic butters. Yum!

Lemon Sugar


Pink Grapefruit & Apricot


Orange Vanilla Cream

Like so may other areas in the United States, we have been plagued with extremely treacherous weather lately. I may have mentioned before that I do not like to make soap during rain or high humidity. Well, I had no choice today! Amidst tornado warnings, rain, lightning, thunder and hail, three new logs somehow managed to get poured. Typically, I can cut my logs within 24 hours (or sooner). Lately, I have had to wait 48+ hours to cut the soap logs with no recipe changes. So much moisture in the air!

Keep your fingers crossed and pray to the soap Angels that the batches I made today gel and cure properly.

Thank you!
Be safe in this stormy weather.

In Love, Truth and Beauty..........

Tax Day

2011-04-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Use the coupon code TAX20 to get 20% off every soap in the Etsy shop.
This special offer will expire after April 18th.

Happy shopping, saving and tax day!

Green Soap

2011-04-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

First up - Peppermint Cream, actually a bluish-green, but made with peppermint essential oil and ground mint. I love mint, so I am partial to this beauty. Chock full of pampering ingredients so as not to dry or irritate skin.

Peppermint Cream

Next, Green Tea Supreme, a very hard, yet moisturizing bar that has the fresh, dry, soft, yet crisp scent of green tea, topped off with crunchy raw, organic sugar. Only one bar left of this soap!

Green Tea Supreme

Herb Garden is my current obsession! I love the fresh bay, basil and lemon balm oils. The base recipe is very hard and rich (and giant bars!), creamy and moisturizing, so I tossed in some ground nettles to balance the recipe. I seriously love this soap!

Herb Garden

Forest Shea is all good things in one bar! It has all the evergreen scents - pine, cedar, balsam fir, softened with ground vanilla beans, nutmeg and other spicy essential oils. It is on the sweet side, but perfect for a person who feels 'grounded' when surrounded by nature. It is not the candy-like green that shows in the photo. It is a softer green, topped with a white frosting and sprinkled with iridescent fairy dust. This soap just gets better with time. Hurry! Only two bars left and it is on SALE!!

Forest Shea

One last bar of Thieves in the Garden, also specially priced. Only one bar left! This is eucalyptus rich with sweet orange, cinnamon and clove essential oils to ease colds, sinus issues and allergies. This soap is fabulous in a hot steamy shower!

I hope that you have liked my little green soap treasury! Each one of these soaps would be suitable for a man or a woman.

May you have a great rest of the weekend!

Angelic Hugs!

Saturday!

2011-04-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

...and I have soap to make!

If you missed the free shipping promotion in the shop, please stay tuned. There may be more spontaneous surprises "in store".

Have a great weekend, All!

Here is a treat for you!

Lemon Poppyseed Cake Soap

This soap smells exactly like a bakery muffin!

Yummy Soapy Fun!

Today Only

2011-04-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Free shipping in the Etsy shop for all my beautiful blog followers, Facebook fans and Twitter-ites! :)

Please use coupon code APRIL1 at checkout for free shipping on any and all items.

Sorry, not applicable to International orders.

This is no April Fool!

Forest Shea

Evergreen, Vanilla Bean, Clove & Cinammon

Much Love and Angelic Hugs to Each and Every One of You!

Spring Flowers

2011-03-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here in Texas spring has arrived, heralded first by jonquils.

Jonquils

The breathtaking beauty of Texas Blue Bonnets may well be one of the very best things about this state. The blue flowers spread like carpets along roads and in between highways. They are magical!

Blue Bonnets

I have some floral soaps in the shop, for those who are still experiencing "winter in spring".

Jasmine Garden Shea


Peony-Tuberose White Flowers

Deep South Floral


Cherry Blossom Butter Cream

What Do You Look for in a Soap?

2011-03-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have a confession.

I cannot use scented soap on my face or body.

I also do not like any 'weird' ingredients in my soap unless I am exfoliating.

I started making my own soap because it seemed that everything was irritating my 'red head' Irish skin.

Now, I am a soap and water girl from way back. I do not use commercial cleansers - ever. And guess what? The same people who preach "no soap" are amazed when they see my skin. :)))

Most women are aware of the soap vs skin cleanser debate. So many people tell you to not use soap on your face.

Handcrafted soap is different.

Handcrafted soap retains the natural glycerin which is typically siphoned off by the big commercial brands and sold as a by-product. Big companies then dump chemicals into the soap batter to create lots of bubbles. Then comes the artificial fragrance, colors, preservatives and who knows what else?

It is the lack of glycerin, the combination of drying oils (yes, some oils can be drying if the recipe is not well-proportioned) and the chemicals that make your skin feel like sandpaper. This starts the cycle of wash and then slather moisturizers (which can also have lots of junk that your skin does not like or need).

Skin is the largest organ of your body and will absorb anything you put on it. Be careful.

I realize that I am in the minority, but I do not select a soap based on scent, unless it is for hand-washing. Oddly, my first inclination is to still pick up soap bars and smell them.

I love to appreciate olfactory delights! Also, I am a bit of a fragrance snob (as in commercial toiletries). I despise "badly" scented perfumes, colognes and oils. Ick. I get headaches and nausea from inferior scents.

I am not opposed to good fragrance oils, although my preference is for essential oils. Most of the time, my soap blends both with good results.

So - I get my post-wash fragrance fix in fragrance oils or sprays that I create myself and I leave my personal soap unscented. I also love to mix a current favorite scent with raw coconut oil or raw shea butter and use that as a scented body lotion or cream.

This leads me to ask the question - What Do You Look for in a Soap?

My personal favorite is an unscented, creamy, high performance soap. High performance for me means that the soap should cleanse, but not irritate my skin. My skin should feel lightly moisturized, never stripped or tight.

I like "Butter Cream" or "Vata" from my own line. "Butter Cream" is a coconut cream and raw, organic cocoa butter base with palm and castor oils. Clients tell me that it will remove eye makeup! "Vata" is stuffed with good-for-you ingredients like jojoba, avocado, almond, apricot kernel oils and raw, organic shea butter. So soothing for skin on the dry side!

There are many soap artisans who make luscious soap that is unscented and coddling. Why don't you try a bar or two?

My favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla. But those indulgent calories had better come in the form of an extremely high quality product - no fake anything - thank you very much.

This mandate goes for my soap too.

In Love, Truth and Beauty.....

Custom Log of Coconut Butter Cream

2011-03-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

I just made a custom log of Coconut Butter Cream for one of my favorite clients.

The soap is made with my basic Butter Cream recipe - one of my personal 'bests' and a client favorite too.

The batch I made for Ryan includes raw, organic coconut and a light coconut fragrance oil.

Coconut Butter Cream

This soap has some premium ingredients such as raw, unrefined, organic cocoa butter and organic coconut cream. Castor oil and Fair Trade palm oil round out the formula.

This is a soap that gets better with age - harder, milder and more bubbly.

Personally, I prefer my Butter Cream with no fragrance or added coconut.

I guard the recipe, as I believe it is my hands down favorite of all of my soap! It is super conditioning and very high end. The raw butter and the delicious coconut cream make one ultra-luxe, everyday indugence!

In Love, Truth and Beauty....

Follow Angelic Soap on Twitter!

2011-03-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

Follow Angelic Soap on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/AngelicSoap

Tangerine Temple Incense

Toxins in Topical Skin Products

2011-03-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of toxic substances found in skin products.

Do you need any more reasons to use handcrafted soap and/or body products?

Why Do So Many Skin Care Products

Use These Potentially Hazardous Ingredients?

Simple answer: because they're cheap, readily available, and easy to dilute.
Are they in the products you currently use? It's time to check. Go grab your containers of skin care products and check them against the following …

Ingredient	Use	Dangers
Parabens	Heavily used preservatives in the cosmetic industry; used in an estimated 13,200 cosmetic and skin care products.	Studies implicate their connection with cancer because their hormone-disrupting qualities mimic estrogen and could disrupt your body’s endocrine system.
Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum		These petroleum products coat the skin like plastic – clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins. They can slow cellular development, creating earlier signs of aging. They’re implicated as a suspected cause of cancer. Plus, they can disrupt hormonal activity. When you think about black oil pumped from deep underground, ask yourself why you’d want to put that kind of stuff on your skin…
Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)	Found in over 90% of personal care products! They break down your skin’s moisture barrier, potentially leading to dry skin with premature aging. And because they easily penetrate your skin, they can allow other chemicals easy access.	SLS combined with other chemicals may become a "nitrosamine" – a potent carcinogen.
Acrylamide	Found in many facial creams.	Linked to mammary tumors.
Propylene glycol	Common cosmetic moisturizer and carrier for fragrance oils.	May cause dermatitis and skin irritation. May inhibit skin cell growth. Linked to kidney and liver problems.
Phenol carbolic acid	Found in many lotions and skin creams.	Can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and even death from respiratory failure.
Dioxane	Hidden in ingredients such as PEG, polysorbates, laureth, ethoxylated alcohols. Very common in personal care products.	These chemicals are often contaminated with high concentrations of highly volatile 1,4-dioxane that’s easily absorbed through the skin. Its carcinogenicity was first reported in 1965, and later confirmed in studies including one from the National Cancer Institute in 1978. Nasal passages are considered extremely vulnerable, making it, in my opinion, a really bad idea to use these things on your face.
Toluene	May be very poisonous! Made from petroleum and coal tar… found in most synthetic fragrances.	Chronic exposure linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage…May affect a developing fetus.

You see, your skin is not only your largest organ – it’s also the thinnest. Only 1/10th of an inch separates you from all sorts of toxins. Your skin is highly permeable, allowing what you apply to your skin access to your bloodstream (and thereby to the rest of your body)…

Which is why I remind you not to put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t be willing to eat.

As you’ve heard before, beauty is more than skin deep. Pampering your skin with ‘beauty’ products laced with toxins is playing Russian roulette with your health. More on that in a minute.

Content Courtesy of Dr. Mercola.

Find the entire article and video here: http://www.mercolahealthyskin.com/

Tea and Sympathy

2011-03-04T10:04:00.001-08:00

Two lovely tea-based soaps...both creamy and luscious!

Cardamom-Masala Chai

Green Tea with Raw Sugar

I grew up in an Irish family where "a cuppa" tea could cure any ailment. I believe it and adhere to the tenet to this very day!

In Love, Truth and Beauty....

Ready for Spring?

2011-03-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

YES!

Here are a few floral and citrus soaps for those of us who are impatient! These soaps are made with creamy, moisturizing bases to help winter-weary skin ease into Spring.

Peony-Tuberose


Pink Grapefruit-Apricot

Lemon Sugar

Spicy Lime Ginger

Vata Ayurvedic Cleanser

There is also a gorgeous "Cherry Blossom Butter Cream" soap. Wow! A one of a kind scent blended into a coconut cream and raw, organic cocoa butter recipe. This is a girlie-girl soap! So good for skin and spirits!

In Love and Beauty ...

Two New Soaps Listed

2011-02-20T14:03:00.001-08:00

Dragon's Blood Resin

Spicy Lime Ginger

Both of these recipes are well-rounded with olive, soy, coconut, castor oils, a large helping of raw, organic cocoa butter (fair trade from Ghana) and a splash of coconut milk.

Dragon's Blood Resin has Red Reef Aussie clay and red glitter on top. The scent is derived from a blend of sandalwood, amber, vanilla, myrrh and incense. To my nose, it is a powdery smell.

The Spicy Lime Ginger is more ginger than lime and is more spicy than sweet. This beauty is colored with mica and sprinkled with raw, organic sugar.

This post is from my other blog that is dedicated to my handcrafted soap. You can find it here: www.angelsoap.blogspot.com.

May you always walk in Love and Beauty.....

Yearning for Spring?

2011-02-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

If so, try this gorgeous smelling soap!

Deep South Floral Shea soap will transport you to the coolness of a Southern garden in the middle of a sultry, sunny day! The scent is romantic, nostalgic, but made modern with oil of vetivert root.

Deep South Floral Shea has notes of creamy magnolia, gardenia and heliotrope making this soap exceptionally aromatic.

Deep South Floral is super creamy for winter-battered skin. The soap recipe is enriched with a heaping helping of raw, unrefined, organic shea butter.

An added benefit is the use of French Pink Clay to color this beauty a rosy hue.

Since I started using raw, unrefined organic shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut butter in my soap recipes, I truly feel the difference!

In Love, Truth and Beauty......

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) in an "Anti-Aging" Cream - Updated

2011-02-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post here on a subject near and dear to every soaper's heart: LYE.
I am certain that we have all encountered those dear ones who exclaim with fear - "LYE?!!!". "I don't want to use LYE on my skin!!!!".
I have tried for years to explain why lye, or sodium hydroxide, the official name, is integral to soap making. In the words of soap angel, Kathy Miller: "You can't have soap without lye".
I have failed miserably to get the point across that after a nice long cure of handcrafted soap, the lye is rendered 'benign', no zip, no zap.
Oh well........let's not even go to that place where I try to explain about the lathering agents and scads of toxic chemicals in the detergent and 'cleansers' that many folks embrace for bubbly fun.
Sigh.
One point to this post is that I saw a new, mass-marketed, anti-aging cream. A "breakthrough" miracle worker. Of course, I had to check it out. The list of ingredients revealed that one of the main components was .... LYE!

Here is the ingredient list:

WATER, GLYCERIN, GLYCOLIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PANTHENOL, PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT, ALLANTOIN, PEG-100 STEARATE, CELLULOSE, XANTHAN GUM, CELLULOSE GUM, BENZYL ALCOHOL, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICA, IRON OXIDES, PRO-VITAMIN B5, AMINO-PEPTIDE, GREEN TEA

Lye and that other 'popular' product, titanium dioxide in an overnight "repair" cream.
Now, THAT is scary.
What? Huh? Why? ????
Why would lye be in a overnight face cream?
Any ideas? (besides the fact that the 'resurfacing' happens due to burning your skin off?)

In Love, Truth and Beauty.....

Re-Stock of Two Personal Favorites

2011-02-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

I just finished making new batches of two of my personal favorites, "Vata Ayurvedic Cleansing Bar" and "Butter Cream". One or both of these gems are in my soap dish at all times.

I have very thin, fragile, sensitive skin, thus - I started making my own soap!


"Butter Cream"

"Butter Cream" should look familiar, as I post photos of this bar more than any other. It could be overlooked, as it rather 'plain'. Like all things that are truly beautiful, what is inside this bar makes it stellar. Coconut cream, coconut milk, raw, unrefined, organic cocoa butter, castor oil and palm oil combine to make a hard, long-lasting conditioning soap.

The coconut cream and raw, unrefined, organic cocoa butter really elevate this soap to luxury status.

Over a year ago, I switched to raw, unrefined and organic butters for all of my soap. What a difference! Indescribably decadent and incredibly beneficial for skin.

Below is another, brighter view of "Butter Cream".

"Butter Cream"

The second soap that I made is my "Vata Ayurvedic Cleanser". This is another soap that is a bit plain on the outside, but ooh-la-la, what a slice of heaven! I designed this recipe for very dry, fragile skin that may be sore and angry from wind, harsh weather or chapping.
Good for babies, but better for me (*smile*)!
"Vata" has loads of high-end ingredients like avocado, jojoba, apricot, almond oils, raw, unrefined, organic shea and coconut butters, all blended with orange blossom water (that smells like Paradise!) for an unparalleled skin pampering experience.

"Vata" contains specially selected essential oils and turmeric for additonial benefits.

After washing with this soap, smooth a little organic apricot kernel oil over the skin for overall rejuvenation. This oil is light, but nourishing and sinks in quickly.

"Vata" is a splendid choice for late winter and spring.

Ahhhh.....after this winter, my skin NEEDS this coddling treatment.

"Vata Ayurvedic Cleanser"

In Love, Truth and Beauty.....

So Over Winter!

2011-02-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

If you are feeling like this winter has been just a bit too harsh, extreme and long, check out some of my new soaps!

Lemon Sugar

Black Temple Incense

Orange Vanilla Cream

Green Tea Supreme

Peony-Tuberose

Peppermint Cream

All of the above soaps are now for sale in the Etsy shop.

Each soap has an enriched, creamy base for moisturizing and conditioning winter-weary skin. These new additions are extremely emollient due to the lavish quantities of raw, unrefined, organic shea and cocoa butters.

The scents for these new soaps are designed to lift winter-weary spirits.

I hope that you are staying well and warm!
Personally, I give thanks to the furnace Gods daily!

In Love, Truth and Beauty......

Surprises and Gifts!

2011-01-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

If you purchase any of our fine soaps, please leave a comment during check about how you "found" us for potential special pricing, discounts and surprise goodies!

We love surprises!!!

Did you know that we can be found here http://www.houseofthedivineprince.com/Queen_s_Chamber.html ?

Check it out. There is a wealth of information contained in our beloved friend's website. The Divine Prince knows a tremendous amount about crystals and gem stones. Spend some time there.

We remain very humbly grateful that The Divine Prince hosts Angelic Soap!

Infinite Angelic Hugs....

Tibetan Crystal

In Love, Truth and Beauty....

New Winter Soaps Listed

2011-01-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

I was very busy and haggard in December, but my labor has paid off!
Today, I listed a few brand new soaps (and re-listed some old favorites) in the soap shop.
I have been watching my diet like a hawk, so, well, uh, er - most of my soap is "foodie"! Ha!
The base recipes have all been reformulated to include lovely raw, organic and unrefined shea and cocoa butters, coconut milk and/or castor oil (a personal fave).
Here are some of my new soaps, which I designed to uplift skin and spirits that may need extra TLC during this LONG winter.....


Lemon Poppyseed Poundcake


Pink Grapefruit & Apricot Shea


Coconut Honey Butter


Tangerine Temple Incense

Are you hungry yet?

In Love, Truth and Beauty

Angelic Hugs!

That was Fast!

2011-01-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

The first week of January has flown by on wings!
I am taking a short intermission from soaping.
The soap shop will be open for orders, but no parcels will be shipped until after January 15, 2011.
The stock is getting low!
Only one bar each left of "Hope Chest Shea" (specially priced for January), "Sugared Citrus Patchouly", "Intense Emollient Herb Garden" and "Lullaby Shea". Other soaps are still available - standards like "Honey-Beeswax" and "Butter Cream" - both excellent winter skin delights.

Butter Cream

I will be listing new soaps around January 16, 2011. I cannot wait for you to see the new soaps! I think they will hit that old mid-winter spot! Fragrance and formulations are very nice indeed.
I have devised some new base formulas for winter. Almost every soap has copious amounts of raw, unrefined cocoa butter or raw, unrefined shea butter - organic and free trade sourced. I still use castor oil and coconut milk or coconut cream in nearly every soap for that luxe, dense, incredible lather that you have come to know and love.
Happy January, All!

2011

2011-01-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

Best wishes to all for a healthy, prosperous and joyous New Year!
May each of you be touched and warmed by the power of love.
Angelic Hugs!

To Sale or Not to Sale...That is the Question

2010-12-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

I typically resist the usual "sales" in my little shop.

However, I usually mark all inventory down in August. August is simply too hot for all of my base oils and product. I think of the summer clearance as "Christmas in August".

I have been toying with the idea of a monthly 'special'.

I invite your comments on this notion.

What do you do in your shop?

If you are a consumer, what draws you to a shop?

I created many new soaps before Christmas, as I like a good, long curing time - although that is not always possible with 'in-demand' soaps!

I am now thinking of some new strategies for 2011 (Can you believe it is going to be 2011?!).

Any thoughts, comments and suggestions are welcome!

As always.......thank you.

I love our 'soap blog' community.

I have found that most of my blog readers are more supportive, respectful and helpful than any of the soap forums.

THANK YOU!!!

Honey & Beeswax Soap Log

In so much Love, Truth and Beauty.......

December 18, 2010

2010-12-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a few minutes off from wrapping and packing orders to say "thank you" to all of my followers!

As the Solstice grows closer, my wishes for you are love, joy and true warmth of the heart.

Let each and every one of us continue to carry this transformational energy, lest we forget that the Holidays are not the only time to feel love, kindness and compassion.

We need to love and care for ourselves before we extend the same to others.

Warm Wishes for All of your Days!

Angelic Hugs!

Frankincense & Myrrh Shea (Gilded)

Holiday Soaps on Sale!

2010-12-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

I have caved to the pressure...but also mindful that many people's purses are not as full these days...so - I am offering three (3) of my limited edition soaps at special prices.


Candy Cane Swirl

Candy Cane Swirl has a sweet scent of spearmint, vanilla and sweet orange essential oils. This soap and scent is one of my personal favorites! Now ON SALE in the Etsy Soap Shop until December 21, 2010.

Frankincense & Myrrh

The classic and timeless scent of Frankincense and Myrrh in a beautiful, swirled shea butter recipe! Now ON SALE in the Etsy Soap Shop until December 21, 2010. This scent is made with a combination of REAL frankincense and myrrh essential oils with added fragrance for staying power.


Cedar Chest

Cedar Chest is another shea butter recipe that smells exactly like Grandmother's cedar chest. The scent is extremely soft and great for men and women! The soap is beautiful, snowy white with delicate swirls of spices. Topped with Copper Penny mica, Cedar Chest is gorgeous! Now ON SALE in the Etsy Soap Shop until December 21, 2010.

I believe that these three soaps are some of my best creations!

All three are limited editions.

In Peace, Truth and Beauty......

Sagittarius Soap Giveaway on Facebook

2010-12-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Archers!

I am giving away one (1) FREE birthday soap to a lucky Sagittarius! And, generally speaking, being ruled by Jupiter, Sag is naturally lucky, optimistic and fun-loving.

So, in honor of all Archers, I am giving away a Lime Margarita with Sea Salt Soap Bar!

Please head over to my Facebook Fan Page!

No International shipping with this offer.

Thank you!

Happy Birthday to all Sagittarius born!

Holiday Soap Listed!

2010-11-20T21:31:00.000-08:00


Winter Forest Shea

Frankincense & Myrrh Shea

Candy Cane Swirl

All extremely moisturizing and lavishly scented! On sale now in the Etsy Shop!

"Celestial Shea Soap"

2010-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

Isn't she lovely?

French Lavender, Vanilla, Tonka, Musk, Myrrh, Tuberose all wrapped up in a moisturizing raw, organic shea butter recipe.

Ultra Feminine!

Good Night, Sweet Princess

2010-11-14T18:38:00.000-08:00

"Lullaby Shea Butter Soap"

New listing in Etsy Shop!
Creamy shea butter soap, scented with the natural aromatherapy of French lavender, Lemon Balm and Chamomile.
"Lullaby" - take me away....

In Love, Truth and Beauty

Scorpio Birthday Soap Giveaway

2010-10-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Three rules:

1). Join my Fan Page on Facebook
2). Be a Scorpio
3). Be one of the first three to comment after the giveaway is officially announced

Get one of these...........

Sexy Scorpio Soap!!

In Love, Truth and Beauty....

Examples of 3 Different Soap Types

2010-10-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here are examples of three different types of soap created in three different methods.

First up - "Night Queen", a cold process soap scented with the beautiful night-blooming jasmine! Note the silky texture in the body of the soap bar, as well as the textured top....this smooth finish, fine swirls and cake batter-like top is typically indicative of cold process soap.

"Oak Moss" is created in the hot process method. This soap is cooked in a crock pot, the oven or a stove top. Hot process soaps have a distinctive texture, somewhat waxy and usually rustic in appearance.

"Citrine-Topaz Gem Chunk" is created in a collage-like fashion from cut up and melted soap. This is referred to as melt and pour. This type of soapmaking is not considered to be 'made from scratch' like cold process and hot process, but it has certain advantages.

More to come in future blogs about the various methods of soapmaking!

Do you know what is in your soap dish?

In Love, Truth and Beauty ....

Allergies, Sinus and Rainy Weather....

2010-10-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

...and a prod from my new Nephew-in-Law prompted the creation of this new soap!


Thieves in the Garden

Thieves in the Garden is inspired by the famous essential oil blend, "4 Thieves". This blend is reputed to have helped combat the plague! It is also touted as possessing the ability to reduce bacteria, fungus, mildew and bacteria when diffused into the air!

I am not making such lofty claims for Thieves in the Garden, but it certainly seems to temporarily ease congestion and hay fever when used in a hot, steamy shower!

Triple-scented with eucalyptus essential oil, rosemary, clove, cinnamon and lots of other goodies, this Angelic Soap has loads of aromatic, spicy notes and is laced with eucalyptus leaves and studded with cloves.

I think it looks like the French cave paintings at Lascaux! I love those paintings!

Invigorating!!!!

Be well.....

.....in Love, Truth and Beauty

Soap Giveaway!

2010-10-20T22:06:00.000-07:00

Head on over to my fellow Texan's blog for an opportunity to win three (3!) of her gorgeous soaps!

Here is the link:
http://www.tierraverdesoaps.com/
Simply follow the instructions for a chance to win.
Personally, I have been lusting after several of Tierra Verde's soaps for quite some time. I hope that I win!

New Fall Soaps

2010-10-18T19:56:00.000-07:00


Sweetgrass-Cedar-Sage


Oak Moss Castile-Type Hot Process

Hope Chest

In Love, Truth and Beauty...

Rosewater Complexion Soap

2010-10-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

Formulated in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition from a closely guarded recipe, I have posted two new Rosewater soaps in the shop. For those readers familiar with Ayurveda, these bars will be recognized as Pitta-pacifying cleansers.

There is a creamy smooth bar and a mildly exfoliating type laced with ground almonds and orange zest.

Here is the smooth Rosewater Bar:

Here is the mildly scrubby Rosewater bar:

The Rosewater Cleansing Bars are made in the hot process method and contain cooling ingredients. I have found that this soap performs beautifully on my delicate, sensitive skin.

In Love and Beauty....

Soap of Sin

2010-10-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes - that is correct!

The soap of sin is actually a bar of good, clean fun - but the aesthetics, the French connection and the scent! Well ... you just have to experience French Vanille Noir for yourself!!!

This is one of those soaps that can perfume a space....and every time I walk by it, it makes me happy! I blended the scent from cocoa butter, and - AHEM! Black Vanilla, fresh French Roast coffee, nutmeg, orange blossom, a little chocolate........and now I need to go to confession.

French Vanille Noir is cold-processed and rich (go figure)....scads of raw, unrefined cocoa butter, coconut cream, and other oils plus skin safe sparkle!

Why not sin a little with this seasonal splurge? What is a little dark, good, clean fun, eh? After all, the days are getting shorter, and All Hallows Eve will be here before you know it!

Available now in our Etsy shop.

In Love, Truth, Beauty, and Decadence.....

The Queen's Chamber

2010-09-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

I am overjoyed to announce that our fine soaps are now featured in The Divine Prince's Queen's Chamber!

Divine Prince Ty Emmecca is located in the historic and beautiful New Orleans and operates a working, as well as a virtual Temple.

He is a sweet, smart, incredible man who has given me the best advice in a time of certain crisis!

You can find the Divine Prince at many different websites, social networking sites, his blog and blog talk radio....just to mention a few....I often wonder if he ever sleeps?

Additionally, Divine Prince Ty Emmecca has one of the most impressive collections of crystals and geodes that I have ever seen!

He is a gifted and amazing Master who is infinitely wise and fascinating!

Start your visit with Divine Prince Ty Emmecca here:

http://www.houseofthedivineprince.com/Divine_Prince_Home_Page.php

Our link is located in The Queen's Chamber.

http://www.houseofthedivineprince.com/Queen_s_Chamber.html

If you find your way to our shop through The Queen's Chamber and purchase some of our luxury soaps, do mention in the comments section during checkout "The Divine Prince" for a special discount!!

As Divine Prince Ty Emmecca says, "All is indeed a Divine Blessing"!

In Love, Truth and Beauty...

New Soaps Listed

2010-09-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

I have been too busy to post for a few weeks now. I suspect this may continue as the holiday season will descend upon us soon! My solution is to write shorter posts until I find more time.

Today I wanted to share a few pics of cold process soap newly listed in the Etsy shop.

"Cacao Spice" is an exotic blend of too many aromatics to list! Spices, Woods, Dark Chocolates and Black Vanilla make this soap an adventure. Vegan-friendly, "Cacao Spice" is enriched with raw, unrefined, organic cocoa butter for a luxurious experience.

"Magick" is indeed a magical, multi-tasking soap. Creamy organic shea butter bottom topped with a beautiful Red Aussie Clay, this is like getting two bars in one! The scent is enchanting - Blood Orange, Dark Patchouly, French Lavender and Rose Geranium makes "Magick" a light, yet thoroughly pleasing olfactory treat.

Last, but not least, "Rose Hemp Milk" is a soap that Cleopatra would envy! Lovely rosewater-based soap, chock-full of raw, unrefined, organic cocoa butter and organic hemp milk, "Rose Hemp Milk" is kind and beneficial to skin. This soap is offered at a very special low price.


Cacao Spice


Magick

Rose Hemp Milk

New Seasonal Soaps!

2010-09-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of new soap bars listed on Etsy....


Sweet Patchouly Shea Butter


Woods Blend

5 Sandalwoods

Jasmine Garden


Temple Incense Shea

Orange Blossom Cream Bar

For more information on these large (5-8 oz bars!!) and luscious lovelies, please visit my shop with one simple click on the link below!

www.etsy.com/shop/angelicsoap

As always,

Thank you for reading my blog!

In Love, Truth and so much Beauty.....

Only a few days left for our "Cinderella" Sale!

2010-08-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Big Etsy sale at our Angelic Soap shop until August 31, 2010. 50% off all listed handcrafted soap until then - hurry! Quantities are dwindling, although there are still some very nice soap selections!
As of September 1, 2010, Cinderella leaves the ball and *poof*! prices go back to the pre-sale amounts!
Simply click on the 'Want to go shopping?' link to the right of this post to take you to our site.
Happy Shopping!
In Love, Truth & Beauty....
..

Virgo Shaving Soap on FaceBook

2010-08-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

It is time for the monthly soap giveaway over on the Facebook Angelic Soap Fan Page.
Just for Virgos, I have created a unique shaving soap. I know how hard-working and practical you Virgos are, so this soap does double-duty!
Olive oil-based shaving soap is laced with opaque Castile to create a soft, lush and highly emollient lather - perfect for shaving, bathing or showering.
Scented with Rose Wood, Cedar Wood, Vetivert, Patchouly, Pine Needle, Neroli, Tangerine and Tonka Bean essential oils, this soap smells delectable.
To sweeten the deal, and add a little sparkle to your grooming routine, Virgo Shaving Soap is colored with layers of Patina Green, Copper and Gold Shimmer micas.
There are only 3 bars - so hurry on over to FB!!!

Happy Birthday, Dear Virgos .... I love you!
In Truth, Love and Beauty....

ETSY SALE OVER SOON!! 50% OFF!!!

2010-08-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Everything currently listed in our Etsy shop is reduced to 50% off!!!
There are limited quantities still available for such delicacies as hot process Rosewood, Caramelized Honey & Smooth Oat Castile and Pink Grapefruit.
Where else can you buy a true luxury soap for approximately $2.75?
Take advantage of the savings now and stock up for back-to-school, birthdays, Christmas and other occasional gifts. This soap gets better over time!
Due to the limited edition production of our hand-crafted soap, once these items are gone - they are gone!
It is a HOTTER-THAN-AUGUST-SALE.....your skin will thank you!

Above is our "Gardener's Hand Soap"..... a few bars available in the shop at 50% off. Perfect for men and women, this soap is very lightly scented with lemon balm and laced with organic corn meal to gently scrub your hard-working hands. This soap is also terrific for the hands of cooks, mechanics, and all hard-working FEET!!!!
We could all use a little exfoliation and luxury after this long, hot summer! xox
Grab 'em now!
In Love, Truth & Beauty.....

OUTRAGEOUS SALE AT OUR ETSY SHOP!!!

2010-07-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

August is on, and so is our fabulous sale.

Head over to our Etsy shop for up to 50% off on ALL listed soaps!

P.S. ALL quantities are listed .... shop early for the best selection! When these soaps are de-stocked, most will be gone forever... (poof!)

In Love, Truth and Beauty.....

Happy Birthday to our Leo Friends

2010-07-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

If you are born under the natal sign of regal Leo, head over to our Facebook page for an opportunity to receive a FREE, full-sized bar of our creamy soap.

Just follow the link on this page - a little like the Yellow Brick Road - to sign up for our Facebook Fan Page.

Paris in the Night

2010-07-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Angelic Soap is featured in the Etsy Treasury with our hands-down best French Vanilla Soap called Rococo. Befittingly, it is featured in "Paris in the Night" treasury.
As I consider Paris one of my 'spiritual' homes, I am overjoyed!
Oooh la la!

Find it here: http://fb.me/vUbhvu3r

I attempted for many years to make a French Vanilla that was "just right"...this scented soap nails it. Hints of orange blossom, rich vanilla, chocolate, a little coffee come together in a sweet, seductive milk soap bar loaded with raw, organic cocoa butter.

I may never be able to exactly dupe this gem!

In Love, Truth and Beauty....

Woods Blend

2010-07-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of the new soap, "Woods Blend", a gorgeous, creamy creation scented with vetivert, cedarwood and rosewood essential oils.

Somehow, this soap smells refreshing during this hot weather. I suppose it is only natural to yearn for a shady glade when the temperatures soar into triple digits.....add water = ahhhh...

There is no color in the bottom layer of the soap. The top is colored with light green oxide and there is a cocoa line separating the two layers.

The soap base is my usual olive oil vegetable base, lightened up a bit with rice bran oil for summer and enhanced with hemp oil. This soap is moisturizing, conditioning and soothing to your skin.

"Woods Blend" will be available in the Etsy shop very soon!

In Love, Light and Beauty.....

Straight Up and Sweet

2010-07-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sweeter-Than-Most Patchouly scents a luxurious vegetable oil-based soap. The soap is scented with nothing but "Dark Patchouly" essential oil, but it smells more sugary than the characteristic fragrance of what is typically anticipated in patchouly.
Patchouly is one of those love it or hate it fragrances, but this patchouly is truly different, appealing to most people - men and women!
This soap is creamy delight for your sun-drenched or over-heated skin. The soothing base features a host of good things, including rice bran and hemp oils.
This surprisingly sweet-smelling soap has some lavender swirls and topping to suit the patchouly vibe. There is also a faint cocoa line in homage to our good friend, Tiggy over at Future Primitive.
A terrific late summer soap soon to be available in our Etsy shop.

In Truth, Love and Beauty....

In a Woodsy Mood...

2010-07-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I am wanting to smell "woodsy" fragrances because it is triple digits where I live. I have been on a soap-making spree with wood and resin scents (which happen to be my life-long fragrance faves).
Listed in the Etsy Shop is "Deep South Summer Soap". This cold process soap is a rice bran oil base scented with heliotrope (swoon), gardenia, magnolia, jasmine and grounded with vetivert. The color comes from French pink clay and emerald mica.
Smells like a warm, romantic, Southern night stroll amidst all of the best of the Southern florals.

With a soap this gorgeous, I could almost stand this southern heat!

Heat Wave

2010-07-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

It is definitely July.

The morning news is reporting a horrid heat wave for more than 14 states.

Then there is that tar ball problem affecting the Gulf states.

The news also reports economic woes that all of us had hoped were behind us.

Ugh...

Dear Readers, we have a whole lotta summer still unfolding.

Even though the Etsy sale has officially ended, there are still bargains to be snagged. Angelic Soap Shop on Etsy may be the antidote to all this "Summertime Blues".

I have an idea in my noggin for another batch of soap that I hope to make this week....and posting more photos is on my "to do" list.

Meanwhile, I will leave you with a nice suggestion for a light, yet nourishing and luxurious summer soap - our Lemon Silk Chiffon. This soap is as delightful to look at as well as to use. Topped with calendula (marigold) petals, Lemon Silk Chiffon is a luscious pleasure for your bathing or showering delight.

Stay cool....and use good soap in all those showers!
In Truth, Love and Beauty.....

FREEdom Sale

2010-07-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

In honor of the 4th of July holiday, there is a sale at our Etsy shop.

From July 2 - July 5, 2010 at midnight CST, buy ANY amount and we will throw in a FREE full-sized bar of handcrafted, luxury soap.

The FREE soap will be selected by Angelic Soap Shop just for you!

We wish you a safe and happy holiday.

Just click on this link to take you to the site:

www.etsy.com/shop/angelicsoap

Happy shopping...and have a safe and happy holiday!

In Love, Truth and Beauty...

Amazing Vedic Astrology

2010-06-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a fascinating blog to follow -

http://myindian-vedicastrology.blogspot.com/

Here is the website!

http://indian-vedicastrology.com/wordpress/

In Truth, Wisdom and Beauty

Moon Child Soap Giveaway!

2010-06-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

If you are born under the natal sign of Cancer, Sweet Moon Child, please join my Facebook Fan Page (there is a link on this blog)! Make a comment under the status of Cancerian FREE soap give-away. There are only three (3) bars for three (3) lucky people!
You will receive one full bar of the hot process soap pictured below.

The soap is called "Blue Moon Amber". Perfect for sensitive Moon Children, this soap is vegan-friendly, made with premium vegetable oils and enriched with delectable coconut milk. This soap was cooked on the stove top at the end of last year the night of the blue moon!
"Blue Moon Amber" is a sensual blend of precious amber, musk and night-blooming jasmine.
Suitable for Men and Women! But watch out! This soap will leave your skin lightly moisturized and smelling sexy! Strangers may start following you on the street (or so I am told)!
Good Luck and Happy Birthday to all you beautiful Moon souls!
In Love, Truth and Beauty...

Deep Summer Soaps

2010-06-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

I have been craving the scent of patchouly oil. Perhaps it is because summer is here and it seems to lend a woody, exotic, unmistakable fragrance to the house. Perhaps it is because I have always loved a good patchouly oil. In any event, the stinging critters do not seem to like it and that is A-OK with me!

Above is a loaf of soap that I concocted with patchouly oil - straight up. The soap recipe is lightened for summer with rice bran oil, coconut oil, palm oil, castor oil and (Yes!) hemp oil.

I used mica for that pale lavender swirled top.

Next, I created a soap batch entitled "Deep South Summer Soap". This soap has one of my all-time favorites - vetivert. Love Love Love Love Love it!

I was first introduced to vetivert in New Orleans during my adolescence. The word is loosely translated into "root that is dug up". In New Orleans, I was taught that the dried roots are woven into fans, placed in drawers, closets and cupboards for freshening in the humid Louisiana climate.

Many soapmakers and aromatherapists use vetivert oil as an "anchor" (same with patchouly oil). It is deep, dark and resinous - you either love it or hate it. Me? I love mine straight, thank you. I also like it blended.....it seems rather magickal!

For this Southern Summer batch, I sweetened the scent with touches of heliotrope (swoon), gardenia, magnolia and a smidge of jasmine. The soap recipe is the same as the Patchouly loaf, with the addition of French pink clays......one of my favorite ingredients for skin-friendliness.

These soaps will be ready in approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks.

May your June be sweetly scented and fragrant with possibility.....summer is just around the corner.

In Love, Truth and Beauty......

Here is a sexy, soapy tune.....

2010-06-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am thinking of making this classic song our theme song....what do you think? It is a tad naughty...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHtV4INmNpw

Listen at your own risk (and have plenty of soap for that shared shower!!!).....

Teddy Pendergrass, R.I.P., but Baby, that song will live forever!

In Love, Peace, Beauty ...

As spring will soon turn to summer....

2010-05-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

We find ourselves in Gemini's natal position.

Gemini - the trickbag of the signs - the sign of the twins - mutable (read: fluent communication & flexible), air (read: mental realm), masculine (read: not receptive like the feminine energy). This sign thinks it is Peter Pan guiding us into perpetual summer.
Do not get me wrong - I have a fair amount of Gemini in my chart - but boy! These folks change their minds like the wind (air)..and their moods, and their phone numbers, residences, their looks and their partners - better yet - they like multiples of everything.

They are perpetually and eternally youthful. Not a bad thing, eh?

Perhaps the most mentally agile of all signs, they can also drive a more fixed sign (like Taurus) absolutely nuts.

Geminis are the Jabberwockys of the zodiac. They are all Grade A, world class talkers...and the sweet darlings simply need someone (ok, many people) to listen.

They have all manner of communication devices, toys, books, stuff to keep them plugged in.

Johnny Depp is a Gemini. 'Nuff said there....

Bob Dylan. A word genius. No doubt.

Helena Bonham Carter who drove Tim Burton, a Virgo, so mad, as to buy a separate flat in the same building! Best relationship ever!!! Still going strong!

Let's not forget Naomi Campbell conking folks over the noggin with her cell phone (how appropriate).

Walt Whitman "I Sing The Body Electric". Wow.

Judy Garland. At once evoking sympathy and admiration.

Marilyn Monroe - who studied at the Actors Guild and was a serious student of Russian! Hey - look who she married! She was one smart cookie! That 'Girl" never has gotten enough credit for her intellect due to her sex bomb image. I seriously doubt that Arthur Miller married a dummy!

So many more....the list goes on and on.

A bit of mad genius, a lot of the child, a command of the language, charm, wit - is it any wonder these Twins get a bad rap when they pitch one of their out-of-the-blue tantrums?

That air can turn into a tornado with no apparent reason. The Gemini does not understand him/herself. How can we mere mortals understand them?

Ruled by Mercury, they are all razor sharp. Be careful. That tongue is sharp too!

The poor things also fret, are nervous wrecks and they worry so well they should get paid for it.

Try a little tenderness....let them talk, talk, talk, talk.....and get them to calm down by plunking them in a car and driving them around new and quirky neighborhoods.

Geminis love to know all of the local shopkeepers. They like to frequent their haunts, but throw something in that is new and fresh just to keep them on their toes (and out of depression).
If they do go into the doldrums, refresh their memory of a childhood ritual. This calms them down and gives them a point of reference in the turbulent skies of their mind.

Motion is key. Does the body follow the mind or the mind follows the body?

No matter...just be certain their rooms are piling over with their books, papers, magazines, astronomy instruments, gadgets, "stuff". If you cannot stand to look at the mess, shut the door. Trust me - they keep an account of all their treasures. Mess or not.

If you want to get rid of them, bore them to tears with your own problems. They will be gone faster than you can count to 11.

Ha!

But why would you want to run them off after they so often turn on that considerable charm and fill you with the sense of wonderment that you have not felt since you were a kid ?
So, if you want to gift them, here are some perfect soaps for your Gemini peeps....

Gardener's Soap with Calming Lemon Balm

Confetti

Confetti has soothing, calming and soporific lavender (so does our "French Breeze", another great choice), plus Confetti is a carnival of amusement to gaze upon. Got to keep those minds busy!
Yellow is the color of Gemini, so a citrus may be in order. Our "Lemon Silk Chiffon" will do the trick. "Grapefruit" and "Yuzu Bundles" will work too!
If all else fails, you might consider spontaneously flying a kite with your Gemini. Loosen up. Go to a zoo, a carnival, an ice cream stand, a Disney movie. See a silly movie. Have FUN.
This business of being an adult day in and day out is not all it is cracked up to be!
With so much Pleasure, Joy and Beauty......

PS You can find these soaps at our Etsy shop, but beware, a Gemini does not really want to calm down!

Have not posted in awhile....

2010-05-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

...but delighted to post this!!!!

Thank You
to all of the inspired and inspiring bloggers who encourage and revive me daily!!

In Love, Truth and Beauty....

New Harmony Soaps

2010-05-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished a custom order that I shipped off to New Harmony, Indiana today. These soaps will soon make an appearance at The Atheneum, the Richard Meier building that overlooks the Wabash River.

First up - "Gardener's Bar"... light scent of lemon balm and lemon geranium, cornmeal for exfoliation and lovely to look at...

"Red Geranium" ... named after the famous Inn and Restaurant in New Harmony. This soap is scented with a light geranium essential oil and gets the fab color from Aussie Red Clay, French Green Clay and natural chlorophyll.

Next up - "Wabash River Valley"... light mints and citronella scent this gorgeous landscape soap.

"Beeswax and Honey" - the classic!

"Harmony Butter Cream" .... rich, unscented and uncolored bar of luxurious unrefined cocoa butter and coconut cream.

Last, but not least, an homage to my favorite watering hole - "The Yellow", named after the local tavern. The soap is lightly scented with citrus, sprinkled with lemon peel.

I am so happy with the way these chunky soaps turned out! Most weigh 8 ounces!!!

These lovelies are available only through the New Harmony Gift Shop at the Atheneum Visitor's Center in New Harmony, Indiana....or, Utopia, as it is called...

In Love, Truth and Beauty...

Florals and Citrus Silk Soaps

2010-04-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Just posted a few new soaps at the Etsy shop. I am quite happy with these new lovelies. Some are made with added hydrolyzed silk protein. The addition of silk knocks the soap off of the vegan map, but this particular type of silk is readily absorbed by the skin and hair. The silk provides reinforcement, nourishment and conditioning benefits! I also think it lends a bit more density to the lather...always a plus in my book.

First up and suitable for vegans, sensitives and purists, "Snow White Castile".. classic, olive oil-based, hot process soap. No scent. No fragrance. Terrific translucent purity. Timeless luxury tweaked thanks to added coconut milk.

"Lemon Silk Chiffon" ... juicy lemon, creamy meringue top, calendula petals and silk protein.

"Cocoa Rose" ... light touch of roses and tuberose (a white flower, actually) with a very faint whiff of dark chocolate thanks to Miss Tiggy's 'cocoa line', topped with French clays. This soap is very pretty and clean-smelling. There is silk, coconut milk and a touch of almond butter in this base. The soap is made by the cold process method so it is a very smooth consistency with no translucence.

"Peony Butter Cream"...smells just like that fab flower! This is the rich, unrefined cocoa butter base with coconut cream, colored with French clay and topped with rose petals. "Peony" is scented with a slightly heavier hand than most of my soap.

"Sorcery"....this is the soap that I based on my Mother's signature fragrance, vintage "Sortilege". This soap is sophisticated thanks to its jasmine, rose, neroli, ylang and aldehydic mix....smells like a fine parfum, but lighter. If you like Chanel No. 5, this may be your soap. Enriched with silk, "Sorcery" is topped with a sparkly, creamy frosting. A little bling to accompany the 'Little Black Dress' vibe.

You can find these beauties at http://www.etsy.com/shop/angelicsoap.

As always, thank you for reading my blog!

Wishing you Love, Peace and Beauty....

Fruity Soap for Spring!

2010-04-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

I created a "Vanille-Fig" soap that I cannot stop smelling! Now, I made a very small amount, so there are only five bars. I wish that I had whipped up a bigger batch.

Here is the scoop - this is a vegan, hot process soap that is packed with good things for the skin, including coconut milk, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil and castor oil.

Castor oil is amazing, healing stuff. It is not called "The Palma Christi" or "Hand of Christ" for nothing! Check out Edgar Cayce's healings and uses for castor oil and try some for yourself.

I personally do not care for vanilla or fig as 'stand alone scents', but the combination in "Vanille-Fig" is magical! Sweet, green and warm - all at the same time. The soap is a dark color, courtesy of the vanilla content. The lather is low and rich.

I think this soap is one of my all-time personal bests!

Another luscious fruity soap is the hot process "Grapefruit". This soap is scented with both pink and white grapefruit essential oils. The color is courtesy of varying intensities of turmeric - so good for skin!

Similar in recipe to the "Vanille-Fig", this vegan soap is a definite pleasure to use!

Again, enriched with coconut milk, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil, "Grapefruit" is a nice change of pace for your morning shower. Low, rich lather and that unbeatable juicy and delicious scent.

All of our soaps are lightly scented (unless noted otherwise) and moisturizing due to the super fat ... this is the process whereby a luxury or special oil or butter is added after the soap batter comes to saponification. In other words, after the lye and oils combine into a cake batter-like consistency, the 'super fat' is added ... this is what makes the soap so lovely for the skin. Non-drying and hydrating.

Want to go shopping? Find these great Spring soaps here www.etsy.com/shop/angelicsoap.

In Love, Truth and Beauty....

Want to Go Shopping?

2010-04-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Just click here

http://www.etsy.com/shop/angelicsoap

Allergies or Itching for Something New?

2010-04-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung with a vengeance. Allergies are at an all time high in these parts. Achooo!!!
One simple measure you can take is to shower and wash your hair after you are inside for the night.
Trust me, this works! In addition to washing off all the pollen and dust that have accumulated during the day, a shower naturally produces beneficial negative ions.
Now, if you are like me, you will need some additional enticement for this evening ritual.
Why not switch up your soap?
How about a classy, hot processed, sweet Honey and Beeswax bar (below)?

Or would you prefer the classic indulgence of one of our pure extra virgin olive oil Castiles? We have an unscented, a very light floral and a sweet and lightly spicy smelling Smooth Colloidal Oat (think Aveeno) and Caramelized Honey. No finer choice for preparing the skin for rest and rejuvenation.

Fragrance can interfere with, or enhance sleep. Be careful what you choose if you like fragrance at bedtime. For a light, yet grounding scent, try our delectable "Rosewood" bar with cedar and other wood essential oils.

Lavender is the go-to essential oil for deep relaxation...find it in our "French Breeze" soap. "French Breeze" also has light touches of clove and geranium essential oils which result in a surprisingly clean and ultra-fresh scent.

For a seductive fragrance, "Amber Blue Moon" is hard to beat. With amber and night blooming jasmine, "Blue Moon" is a perfect choice for introducing a little sultriness into your night slumber.

I hope that these soaps give you a few new fresh ideas for that mundane, routine shower.
Ready, set, lather!
With Love, Truth and Beauty....

Uses for Coffee Soap

2010-04-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Years ago, I used lemon juice to remove kitchen odors from my hands after food prep. Lemon juice does a good job of removing those garlic and onion smells that linger on the fingers. However, I do not always have lemons on hand and the juice can be irritating.

I soon discovered the reason why nearly every soap maker has a coffee soap in their line - coffee grinds remove those same stubborn odors.

Coffee grinds also exfoliate mildly and their caffeine is used in some skin care.

Another terrific use for coffee soap?

Shampoo your canine critters with coffee soap. Just be sure to use handmade soap - not detergent soap!

I do not want to be indiscreet, but Lea and Shaggy could certainly use a bath with odor-removing coffee soap!

The soap we create is called "Coffee House Soap". This bar is super-fatted for moisture, scented with a sweet, sexy musk and vetivert with fine grinds of organic French roast laced throughout the soap.

When humans use "Coffee House Soap", other people tend to remark "Oh! What is the scent you are wearing"? and then follow you around, so be careful!

When Lea and Shaggy use it - well...they are a lot more pleasant to invite into the home - which is where they naturally want to be - as close to the human(s) as possible. I think you understand this point.

You can find "Coffee House Soap" in our Etsy shop. Or, scroll down the page here and click - shipping costs are already added in to your purchase.
In addition to washing the canine and the cook, this soap makes a great hostess gift!
In Love and Beauty....

Our Etsy Shop's Great Review!!

2010-04-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.mybeautifulletsy.blogspot.com/

Thank you!

Happy Easter!

This Made Our Day!!!

2010-03-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

A big THANK YOU to Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps for this terrific award!!

In Love, Truth and Beauty.....

Butter Cream Soap Addiction

2010-03-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

As much as I adore scent (and I do!), my sensitive skin will not allow any fragrant soap.
My solution?
I created a soap for myself called "Butter Cream".

"Butter Cream" has no added fragrance or color. YAWN....
This is what it does have - indecent and scandalous amounts of unrefined cocoa butter, coconut cream, coconut milk and luxury vegetable oils. This is one secret recipe that I protect at all costs!
Decadence and Heaven. Sinner and Saint. Diet and Dessert. Vegan and Milk!...you get the idea.
I have found that people are attracted to soap through: 1). scent and, 2). appearance. If the soap is beneficial to the skin, most people take that as a bonus.
Soap is soap, right? If it smells great, that is the major point, right?
WRONG.
"Butter Cream", nice, vegan and coconut milk-based, tends to get overlooked in favor of the fancier soaps next to her.
How deceptive is "Snow White" the "Butter Cream"?
I will tell you that one try and many are addicted to sweet "Butter Cream"....look at me.

In Truth, Love and Beauty.....

Springtime and Happy Birthday to Aries?

2010-03-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

"I daresay you haven't had much practice,"

said the Queen....

"Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible

things before breakfast."

Lewis Carroll

I have been thinking about how the astrological Cardinal signs usher in the seasons. In the most simplistic explanation, the commandant Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) welcome their respective seasons ... leaving the stewardship of same to the steady Fixed signs (Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus) and then let the fluid Mutable signs (Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini and Virgo) pave the way for the inevitable changes.

Specifically, I was pondering why Aries, Cardinal Fire, designated by a Ram, would be the herald of Spring.

...and then - ah ha! I got it! Aries, arguably the most impatient of the signs - the "baby", as it were ... simply cannot wait for Spring to - well, spring!

He (for Cardinal Fire is masculine) literally pushes the tender buds and blooms and flowering trees into action. Why wait? We have not got all day, Darlings! Let's go!

I have some Aries is my natal chart. I just had to go and plant those annuals as soon as the temps creeped into the upper 50s....and now, sadly, Mother Nature (The Commander-in-Chief) is throwing rain, hail, winds and snow down on the first day of Spring.

One-upped again.

Drat!

But hey - ACTION is the Ram's favorite modus operandi - so - I am quite certain that I will repeat my gotta-get-it-done-now business next year.

The dear Aries is a General in the army of this planet (as all Cardinal signs are) - but Mother Nature is the CEO.

Arie's symbol is the Ram's horns, or the Fountain of Youth - depends on how you want to see it, Alice.

It is a pushy fire sign that charges in with all of its Martian-ruled energy and wipes the opposition out.

Admire the Aries in your life....where would we be after the desolation and death of Winter without Aries promise of a bursting Spring?

Aries want to be FIRST! They want to WIN! Most of all - secretly - down deep inside - they want you to like them. (Shhhh....do not tell anyone!)

So....when you see those bulbs and tender greenery peeking up in March......remember....Aries has tender spots too....and after the gentle submission, close-to-resignation of Pisces, all beings that share this planet need the nudge of the Ram's horns (or the Fountain of Youth).

In honor of Aries and the very, very, very first day of Spring, I have created a special soap. There are only three (3) bars. They are reserved for the first three Aries who post a message to my Facebook page. (Whew! This is stressful for me. Is it hot in here?)

It is called "Veldfire".... vetivert, musky, triple-strength fragrance (did you expect anything less?)...nice glycerin, olive oil base swirled with sparkly mica of hot pink, orange, coral atop creamy castile.

I wanted it to have more RED in it, but it is HOT, Baby.....and there are only 3 bars.

Everyone - out of the way!!

A Ram and a resplendent Spring coming through!

In Love, Truth and Beauty....

Soaps of Taste and Class...

2010-03-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

Listing some new soaps for spring over the next two days that are classics, reinterpreted. Most of the new soaps are made in the hot process method, that is, over a kettle on a stove. This method produces a rustic looking, almost translucent soap that is mild and always seems to retain a slight softness to the bar.
The new soaps include Honey-Beeswax (swoon), Pure Castiles, Caramelized Honey and Smooth Colloidal Oat Castile, Rosewood, Vanille-Fig, just to name a few.
Here is a group shot of the lovelies...

I see some cold process bars in the photo too - particularly a larger bar of the much-beloved "Mermaid" - an outrageous combination of decadent cocoa butter and coconut cream with all of the colors and pearl of abalone shell. There is also an Ayurvedic Vata Soap (Perfect for Spring!!) of my design that has been my personal facial cleanser for many years.

Cold process soaps typically are silkier in texture, many times swirled with fine arabesques of colors.

I find that my cold process soaps cure to a harder consistency than the hot process soaps. They are mild and last a very long time.

I am excited about these new soaps.

I am listing these on Etsy and hope to be finished by the end of business on March 18, 2010.

I will keep you posted.

Thank you for reading....

In Love, Truth and Beauty.......

What can I say about the Irish?

2010-03-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

Two limited edition Celtic knot soaps in the Etsy store now.

The Celtic Knot below is scented with nearly every herb in the garden. Uplifted, spirited and sparkling thanks to the emerald mica. The emerald tops a castile base infused with a light touch of gold mica. Lovely. Better than green beer - hands down!

The Celtic Knot (round) is a subtle, bronze mica top resting on a creamy castile base. This sophisticated soap is scented with the eternally beautiful oil of Rosewood.

These soaps are so much better than a celebration with green beer!!

Find them here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/angelicsoap

Free Shipping - ONE DAY ONLY!

2010-03-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

Help me celebrate!

This Friday, March 12, 2010, ALL ITEMS in my Etsy shop SHIP FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No limit!

The offer is good from 12 EST to 12 EST - 24 hours!!!

And then, at the stroke of Midnight + 1 - poof!

Gone!

Like Cinderella!

Sorry, offer not valid for International shipping. :(

Please shop early for best selection.

Thank you!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/angelicsoap