tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32003973337216985952024-03-13T14:31:52.581-07:00SOAPendipityEllensburg Soap Bar and DIY Learning Center.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-28336906997046120662011-08-03T08:47:00.000-07:002011-08-03T08:47:06.361-07:00Workshop Series: T-Shirt BagsThe Summer Workshops at Soapendipity have been underway for a few weeks and everyone is having so much fun completing the projects. Here are the photos from the first project: recycled t-shirt bags.<br />
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Before everyone showed up, I gathered all of the materials. For this project I had fabric paint, fabric for appliques, puffy paint, an assortment of foam stamps and paint brushes.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The t-shirts I picked up at the Goodwill for $1.00/each. I chose plain colored shirts in children's sizes so that the bags would not be too big, but really you could use any t-shirt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gigqxvQH3ys/TjHaK58Y-aI/AAAAAAAAAco/41Y8kuEjLaQ/s1600/soapendipity+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gigqxvQH3ys/TjHaK58Y-aI/AAAAAAAAAco/41Y8kuEjLaQ/s400/soapendipity+003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The applique idea came to me the morning of the workshop, so I quickly grabbed some scraps from home. It was a big ol' mountain of fabric!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XF9LPdBROfI/TjHaMWixh6I/AAAAAAAAAcw/ax1V8m7sPrc/s1600/soapendipity+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XF9LPdBROfI/TjHaMWixh6I/AAAAAAAAAcw/ax1V8m7sPrc/s400/soapendipity+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The girls started by cutting out their appliques and planning their design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOEzv1QWHCY/TjHaLtqOIlI/AAAAAAAAAcs/rAVC3jmNSaQ/s1600/soapendipity+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOEzv1QWHCY/TjHaLtqOIlI/AAAAAAAAAcs/rAVC3jmNSaQ/s400/soapendipity+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Once the design was ready, it was time to cut! To make the bag, simply cut off the sleeves and around the neck. Because I wanted to kids to be able to complete the bags from start to finish, we used a no-sew technique to close off the bottom. At home, you could use a sewing machine and sew up the bottom.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upWQadPNV6M/TjHaOO8RMwI/AAAAAAAAAc4/b75rGgEWzCc/s1600/soapendipity+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upWQadPNV6M/TjHaOO8RMwI/AAAAAAAAAc4/b75rGgEWzCc/s400/soapendipity+010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was so much fun to watch the bags come together! For the sun, Reegan used a piece of fabric for the center and half of a swirl foam stamp for the rays. I don't think I ever would have thought of that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SEpIAUvN54/TjHaRcbXgJI/AAAAAAAAAdE/ksX_7hOy9CM/s1600/soapendipity+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SEpIAUvN54/TjHaRcbXgJI/AAAAAAAAAdE/ksX_7hOy9CM/s400/soapendipity+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here is an applique butterfly she created using two hearts for the body. We used Heat 'n Bond and an iron to apply the appliques.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MmyQD1O7vc/TjHaSi9WujI/AAAAAAAAAdI/yP14Egi_yxM/s1600/soapendipity+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MmyQD1O7vc/TjHaSi9WujI/AAAAAAAAAdI/yP14Egi_yxM/s400/soapendipity+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The finished products were really great!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkJz2_TnIcQ/TjHaQTgdjoI/AAAAAAAAAdA/lBPFSgh5X-Y/s1600/soapendipity+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkJz2_TnIcQ/TjHaQTgdjoI/AAAAAAAAAdA/lBPFSgh5X-Y/s400/soapendipity+015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1o7HVQJMsQ/TjHaO5b90AI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Vu4ARNcPOSc/s1600/soapendipity+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u1o7HVQJMsQ/TjHaO5b90AI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Vu4ARNcPOSc/s400/soapendipity+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The girls had such a great time that they even came back the next week!<br />
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Workshops are held at Soapendipity weekly, through August and are offered at 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Class space is limited, so please RSVP if you would like to attend.<br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-58484243711547316522011-07-13T09:12:00.000-07:002017-01-18T11:46:32.510-08:00My Top 5 Best Selling SoapsIn the almost two years since I have been selling my soap I have have offered my customers a lot of fragrance choices. At times, I have had over 20 to choose from! By far, these five have consistently been my top sellers.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dH-Uq-kd-rA/Th3Ayz7J8OI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/gZ6aqmvVaJ4/s1600/moroccan+mint2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dH-Uq-kd-rA/Th3Ayz7J8OI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/gZ6aqmvVaJ4/s320/moroccan+mint2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. Moroccan Mint</span><br />
This blend of peppermint, spearmint and corn mint is cool and refreshing. With a sprinkling of black tea, this is more of a sophisticated mint, rather than a WOW! mint scent. It will give your senses a lift without you smelling like a stick of gum.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Lemon Verbena</span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCv1NrkFHu4/Th3BFQECPBI/AAAAAAAAAcU/b9J-Xo_5Y30/s1600/lemon+verbena2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCv1NrkFHu4/Th3BFQECPBI/AAAAAAAAAcU/b9J-Xo_5Y30/s320/lemon+verbena2.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is a duplication of the popular Yankee Candle fragrance. Along with the lemon verbena, there are also notes of bergamot, primrose and violet. Keep smelling this fantastic fragrance and you might also detect notes of amber, white musk and an itty bitty drop of peppermint. I have tossed in some poppy seeds for gentle exfoliation.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMKrULokzbQ/Th3Bld4tTRI/AAAAAAAAAcY/H0HinzXEbcQ/s1600/Summer-Melon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMKrULokzbQ/Th3Bld4tTRI/AAAAAAAAAcY/H0HinzXEbcQ/s320/Summer-Melon2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Summer Melon</span></div>
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The first time I put this soap out, I sold 20 bars in one day! It is a perfect summer fragrance, with cantaloupes, watermelons and canary melons coming together, topped with Japanese grapefruit, crisp apple, pomelo and a dash of tonka<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">. </span></span> If you are a fan of cucumber melon, you should definitely give this one a try, for a delightful change of pace.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjaVguWeexc/Th3Bxw3wIEI/AAAAAAAAAcc/nBBHF7UX-ko/s1600/Dragonsblood2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjaVguWeexc/Th3Bxw3wIEI/AAAAAAAAAcc/nBBHF7UX-ko/s320/Dragonsblood2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Dragonsblood</span></div>
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In spite of its funny sounding name (or maybe because of it), I can not keep this fragrance in stock! It is well loved by both men and women. This alluring blend has notes of amber, incense, Madagascar vanilla and patchouli.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-v2i4N5iOY/Th3B5PKkKEI/AAAAAAAAAcg/pwWuWL-IHk0/s1600/OMH2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-v2i4N5iOY/Th3B5PKkKEI/AAAAAAAAAcg/pwWuWL-IHk0/s320/OMH2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Oatmeal, Milk & Honey</span></div>
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I use f<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">arm fresh goat milk, honey and colloidal oatmeal to create my best selling bar of soap. A sweet and toasty fragrance combined with skin loving ingredients combine for a bar of soap you and your skin will love. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span></div>
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All of these soaps are available in my retail store, my Etsy shop and at both the Ellensburg and Roslyn farmer's markets. If you are having trouble deciding, you definitely cannot go wrong with choosing one (or more) of these fragrances.<br />
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Which is your favorite?<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-53552634290310321782011-06-15T00:21:00.000-07:002011-06-15T00:39:29.524-07:00Soapendipity: In Haiku<div style="text-align: center;">Soap, scrub, moisturize</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keeps us clean and smelling good</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't eat the cupcake!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJqkbaW9rsU/TeZOOCClFdI/AAAAAAAAAUc/23jcRM2NJwY/s1600/IMAG0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJqkbaW9rsU/TeZOOCClFdI/AAAAAAAAAUc/23jcRM2NJwY/s200/IMAG0152.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monsters in the soap</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They smell like watermelon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids want to wash</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y07k5zr4mZY/TfAUt69KtrI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Lv6qQhgrOZY/s1600/monsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y07k5zr4mZY/TfAUt69KtrI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Lv6qQhgrOZY/s200/monsters.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soapendipity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A place for friends to gather</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To make soap and stuff</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XE433Ev-6Ok/TDDFCzwMOCI/AAAAAAAAAOA/C8RolJSDtkg/s1600/05+19+10_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XE433Ev-6Ok/TDDFCzwMOCI/AAAAAAAAAOA/C8RolJSDtkg/s200/05+19+10_0152.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dachshundsonparade.com/">Dachshunds on Parade</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a soap for that too</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little wiener dogs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_hVD8vZUr4/TBqDSZ2ffkI/AAAAAAAAAH4/ugCgxlpxNBE/s1600/dachshunds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_hVD8vZUr4/TBqDSZ2ffkI/AAAAAAAAAH4/ugCgxlpxNBE/s200/dachshunds.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lip balm in a tube</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's like lotion for your lips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smooth and kissable</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-cgD1lIEUA/TDC_FeBeIUI/AAAAAAAAAKY/qDxplW7b2i0/s1600/lip-balm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-cgD1lIEUA/TDC_FeBeIUI/AAAAAAAAAKY/qDxplW7b2i0/s200/lip-balm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What every girl needs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A bag to put it all in</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With a zipper top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3huvNF0PENE/TfhbRhmULHI/AAAAAAAAAVo/ze7M_E3Z8zQ/s1600/cosmeticB5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3huvNF0PENE/TfhbRhmULHI/AAAAAAAAAVo/ze7M_E3Z8zQ/s200/cosmeticB5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-28259178011214222072011-06-13T22:26:00.000-07:002011-06-14T00:45:22.001-07:00Please do me a favor.A week ago, I posted the winner of my <a href="http://soapendipity.blogspot.com/2011/05/where-are-my-party-people.html">party favor giveaway</a>. And since then I have been working with Belle to design her custom party favors for her father's day party. In case you missed the <a href="http://soapendipity.blogspot.com/2011/06/we-have-winner.html">winning announcement</a>, here is her story:<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px;">I will be having a large fathers day party this year. (We have a large family and our dad is in liver failure so we celebrate every chance we can for him) I would love to try out your lotion and this would be the perfect chance.</span></blockquote>I was very excited to be able to do this for her and her dad and I couldn't wait to get started! From our initial contact, she told me she wanted the color scheme to be blue and the theme to be "Reach for the Stars". From that, I ended up with this initial design:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5yNFe6cvMc/TfbmwnYHyPI/AAAAAAAAAU0/wVR53RkvBj8/s1600/stars+tag.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5yNFe6cvMc/TfbmwnYHyPI/AAAAAAAAAU0/wVR53RkvBj8/s320/stars+tag.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I sent her this proof and she said it was great, but I still thought there was something missing:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DeRe8IBs81c/TfbnCdcFLwI/AAAAAAAAAU4/A1mhGsRYvDw/s1600/stars+tag2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DeRe8IBs81c/TfbnCdcFLwI/AAAAAAAAAU4/A1mhGsRYvDw/s1600/stars+tag2.PNG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More STARS!! Now it was perfect and I could move on to the next step:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vZNfQsSi0M/TfbojeCjxoI/AAAAAAAAAVA/KAs4d9fSr04/s1600/Soapendipity-Favors-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vZNfQsSi0M/TfbojeCjxoI/AAAAAAAAAVA/KAs4d9fSr04/s320/Soapendipity-Favors-007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Labeling and filling the bottles.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> As you can see, she selected the popular Cucumber Melon fragrance.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOB0TCaG4qk/Tfbof86BgAI/AAAAAAAAAU8/QdJoAWLK8X8/s1600/Soapendipity-Favors-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOB0TCaG4qk/Tfbof86BgAI/AAAAAAAAAU8/QdJoAWLK8X8/s320/Soapendipity-Favors-003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't they look great?! But they are not quite done. To finish them off, they went into a cellophane bag and were tied up with matching ribbon with the tag attached.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go-21g196c0/TfbojwjdJkI/AAAAAAAAAVE/vRzhM9qtaZ0/s1600/Soapendipity-Favors-029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go-21g196c0/TfbojwjdJkI/AAAAAAAAAVE/vRzhM9qtaZ0/s320/Soapendipity-Favors-029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I just love curling ribbon!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uATIXxlMABE/TfbokHjJVYI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Scx2dpEER8k/s1600/Soapendipity-Favors-036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uATIXxlMABE/TfbokHjJVYI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Scx2dpEER8k/s320/Soapendipity-Favors-036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now they are ready for their close-up!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6EwX6ajhfo/TfbomRTcexI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/2_AB5Bt34e0/s1600/Soapendipity-Favors-043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6EwX6ajhfo/TfbomRTcexI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/2_AB5Bt34e0/s320/Soapendipity-Favors-043.jpg" width="230" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhTNjfM-5DA/TfbolBlpwKI/AAAAAAAAAVM/fiSsvqXAeFE/s1600/Soapendipity-Favors-042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhTNjfM-5DA/TfbolBlpwKI/AAAAAAAAAVM/fiSsvqXAeFE/s320/Soapendipity-Favors-042.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqHr24A_OXs/TfbonWvmuJI/AAAAAAAAAVU/PF0C50mSnQg/s1600/Soapendipity-Favors-046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqHr24A_OXs/TfbonWvmuJI/AAAAAAAAAVU/PF0C50mSnQg/s320/Soapendipity-Favors-046.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The perfect little party package!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>They are now on their way to Belle and her family, just in time for Father's Day. I cannot wait to hear all about the party, where I am sure they will be a hit.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Do you like what you see here? Let me know about your upcoming party or event and I will design you your own unique favors. And now through the end of June I am offering 10% off on all custom designs (minimum order of 10). Please click the pink "email me" button at the top right of the page and include the following:</div><div><ul><li>How many guests?</li>
<li>What you would like? (lotion, lip balm, soap, or a combination)</li>
<li>Date of the party?</li>
</ul><div>I will get you a price quote within 24 hours. Please allow at least 2 weeks for completion and shipping. If you need a rush order, please let me know and I will try to accommodate the request.</div><div><br />
</div><div>P.S. For those of you with eagle eyes, you may have noticed that there was a watermark on the image in first two pictures. You will be happy to know that once the design was approved, I did obtain the rights to use the image.</div><div><br />
</div><a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-24300414809561491292011-06-13T09:54:00.000-07:002011-06-13T09:55:27.710-07:00Conquering My Fears<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Most people wouldn't know this about me, but I have social anxiety. Panic attacks included. When I think about it, it seems completely irrational to me. I am a teacher, after all. I have zero, zip, zilch fear of giving speeches, being in front of a classroom or talking to people...when they approach me. Ask the guy at Safeway where the Cheerios are? Piercing my ears with a dull needle would be less painful. Make a phone call to pretty much anyone? I'll take the root canal, please. Walk into a store and ask them if they would be interested in selling my products? Kill me now.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's the last one that has me writing this post today. I love what I do and I know the products I create are wonderful, but...I. Can't. Sell. And if you are going to own a retail store, be able to promote the business, and have any hope of it being successful, you just have to be able to go out and make the sale. So what's a fear and anxiety riddled girl to do?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Make a little, sell a little, take small steps. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><b>3M Corporation Creed </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote>1. Focus on all the things I <i>can </i>do, rather than dwell on the things I <i>can't </i>do. I made a list. You know what? There are lots of things I can do and things that I am really good at. Now, how am I going to use those qualities to my advantage? I made a list for that too!<br />
<br />
2. Remove the word CAN'T from my vocabulary. This one is easier said than done. When I feel that paralyzing fear take over my entire body it really does feel like I physically can't do something. But the word is so limiting - when you say it, you are telling yourself, "Nope, not even going to try." And I really do want to be able to do it. So it isn't that I can't, but that it is just really hard for me. </blockquote><blockquote>3. Say it loud, say it proud! Part of the fear is admitting I have the fear. So I am telling everyone. Friends, especially. I have received so much encouragement and offers to help, it is truly amazing. Which brings me to part B: accept said offers of help! Yes, please. </blockquote><blockquote>4. Do one thing each day in facing my fear - no matter how small. In a meeting last week, I was sitting next to a local business person I want to talk to about selling my products. I proceeded to have a conversation with her...in my head. At that moment, it was enough and the next moment, it will be more. </blockquote><blockquote>5. Start with the people that I know will not say no. This is the first cousin to 3 and 4, but I thought it deserved its own number - because as obvious as this one sounds, it is still one I get hung up on. Face it, when a friend rejects your business idea it is both a personal rejection and a business rejection, right?? Wrong! First of all, some of them have already offered to help, their yes is already in the bag. Secondly, will we still be friends, even if they say no? Of course we will! </blockquote><blockquote>6. Take advantage of all the opportunities that happen inside my comfort zone. I can talk to you for days about my products - as long as you initiate the conversation, or walk into my store, or check out my booth at the market. This is my comfort zone, but I still miss thousands of opportunities to ask for the sale. </blockquote><blockquote>This goal also includes bringing up my business in casual conversation. Yesterday, at the grocery store, I ran into another mom I know. We started talking about coupons and summer vacation. She has a daughter that is the perfect age to enjoy the Soap Bar, so I suggested she bring her in with some friends this summer and I handed her my business card. She hadn't even heard of Soapendipity, but agreed that her daughter would love it. How many of these opportunities do I miss out on every day? Tons! And it really wasn't that hard.</blockquote>Why am I sharing all of this with you? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lee Iacocca </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div>That, and it goes along with #3 very nicely, don't you think? As I am writing this, it does occur to me that it probably won't be one of my most read posts. I mean, it is long, there are no pictures, it is long, it is pretty much all about me, and it is long. But, in the off chance you have made it this far, I would love it if you would share with me what you have done to overcome your fears.<br />
<div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-85697606878663063712011-06-08T17:36:00.000-07:002011-06-13T10:27:51.125-07:00Little Monsters<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y07k5zr4mZY/TfAUt69KtrI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Lv6qQhgrOZY/s1600/monsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y07k5zr4mZY/TfAUt69KtrI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Lv6qQhgrOZY/s400/monsters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Monsters Soaps</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-17887448453315675882011-06-07T19:51:00.000-07:002011-06-11T00:59:59.718-07:00Spring Cleaning Sale (Supplies)Today I went through my cupboards and decided to surplus some of my soaping supplies, at a discount to you. If you are interested, please email me: <a href="mailto:melissa@soapendipity.com">melissa@soapendipity.com</a> and I will calculate postage and send you a Paypal invoice. I will take these in the order they are received, so I apologize if something has already been spoken for. Ingredients listed were purchased by me in 2011.<br />
<br />
A quick note about how I calculated the prices: 20% off<b> today's website purchase price</b>, prorated to the amount I have available (unless otherwise noted).<br />
<br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Purchased from Bramble Berry</span></u><br />
<i>Essential oils:</i><br />
Anise, Star 3.0 oz $6.17<br />
Balsam Peru 3.7 oz $24.71<br />
Basil 2.5 oz $4.86<br />
<strike>Cedarwood 3.4 oz $6.09</strike> sold<br />
Clary Sage 3.4 oz $12.92<br />
Egyptian Geranium 2.5 oz $12.50<br />
Elemi 3.4 oz $17.71<br />
Eucalyptus 3.3 oz $3.33<br />
<strike>Fennel, Sweet 3.7 oz $7.19</strike> sold<br />
<strike>Fir Needle 3.2 oz $5.12</strike> sold<br />
<strike>Grapefruit 12 oz $13.63</strike> sold<br />
<strike>Lemongrass 6.5 oz $8.86</strike> sold<br />
<strike>Litsea 2.3 oz $3.50</strike> sold<br />
<strike>Orange Valencia 8 oz $3.50</strike> sold<br />
Patchouli 3.0 oz $21.11<br />
Rosemary 3.3 oz $6.41<br />
Sage, Dalmation 3.6 oz $11.88<br />
Tea Tree 3.4 oz $11.94<br />
White Thyme 3.7 oz $14.05<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Misc. Ingredients:</i><br />
DPG 13 oz $2.28<br />
<strike>Titanium Dioxide 8 oz $3.20</strike> sold<br />
Sparkle Gold Mica 4 oz $9.60<br />
Dry-Flo 8 oz $3.11<br />
Eco-Soya Xcel Wax 5 lbs $9.24<br />
Crothix Pastilles 8 oz $2.86<br />
<br />
<i>Misc. Supplies (15% off)</i><br />
8 oz Bottle w/pump 30/ea $16.07<br />
Flexible Alphabet Embed Mold 1 ea $3.40<br />
36 Bar Slab Mold w/ dividers $89.68<br />
4 lb Loaf Mold $30.60<br />
<br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Purchased from TheSage.com</span></u><br />
Allantoin 4 oz $6.00<br />
Aloe Extract 8 oz $3.84<br />
Carnauba Wax 8 oz $3.56<br />
<strike>Candelilla Wax 8 oz $4.80</strike> sold<br />
Dimethicone 16 oz $5.76<br />
<strike>Lanolin, anhydrous 12 oz $6.00</strike> sold<br />
Meadowfoam Oil 4 oz $9.20<br />
Sodium Lactate 16 oz $3.60<br />
Squalane 4 oz $8.32<br />
Wheat Germ Oil 16 oz $5.84<br />
<br />
Please email me your list to <a href="mailto:melissa@soapendipity.com">melissa@soapendipity.com</a> and I will calculate shipping and send you a Paypal invoice. Let me know if you have any questions.<br />
<br />
Happy Soaping!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-91922027733353863242011-06-03T21:44:00.000-07:002011-06-03T21:44:21.802-07:00We have a winner!This was my first blog contest and my biggest giveaway ever, with the lucky winner receiving 20 custom party favors in her choice of lip balm, lotion, or soap. I am happy to announce...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qol0IXkQATY/Temz7jjjSnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/XF9WVx8GlFs/s1600/blog+favor+giveaway.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qol0IXkQATY/Temz7jjjSnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/XF9WVx8GlFs/s1600/blog+favor+giveaway.PNG" /></a></div>Commenter #19 - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Schizobelle2 (Belle Wa) is the winner!!! Here is her party story:</span></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will be having a large fathers day party this year. (We have a large family and our dad is in liver failure so we celebrate every chance we can for him) I would love to try out your lotion and this would be the perfect chance.</span></span></span></blockquote>I am very excited to work with Belle in designing the perfect party favor and will be blogging the process for you all to see. In the meantime, I would still love to design the perfect party favors for the rest of you too! Please contact me with the details. For the month of June, I am offering all of my readers 10% off their custom party favor order.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-35393465079242869622011-06-02T20:03:00.000-07:002011-06-02T23:16:47.955-07:00A few of my favorite things!Skin. Our body's largest organ. And although remarkably thin, it has a mighty big job to do. Our skin helps us regulate our body heat, protects us from the environment, keeps water and other good stuff in, and allows us to feel (hot, cold, pleasure, pain, pressure, vibration). With all the responsibilities we heap upon our skin, do you really think we should be putting things on it with names like sodium lauroyl isethionate, tetrasodium etidronate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate? I think not!<br />
<br />
With all of the wonderful, skin loving, and easy to pronounce ingredients available to me, there are a few that I just can't live without using in my products. I present to you, dear readers, my top <strike>10</strike> 11.<br />
<br />
1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Olive Oil</span>: An excellent moisturizer and a good choice for use on babies and people with sensitive skin.<br />
<br />
2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Avocado Oil</span>: In addition to being moisturizing, this oil is thought to be healing as well. High in proteins, amino acids, and vitamins A, D and E, avocado oil is a good choice for those with dry skin, sun damaged skin and eczema.<br />
<br />
3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shea Butter</span>: Highly valued for its protective and emollient properties, shea butter has been shown to be effective in helping with stretch marks, eczema, extremely dry skin and wrinkles.<br />
<br />
4. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lavender Essential Oil</span>: This is one of the few essential oils that can be used directly on the skin without dilution and is one of the most popular essential oils. Everyone should keep a bottle of lavender essential oil on hand! This oil is amazing on burns, insect bites and other skin irritations.<br />
<br />
5. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jojoba Oil</span>: This oil is actually a liquid wax and is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving no oily residue. Jojoba oil is another ingredient that is thought to reduce and prevent wrinkles and stretch marks.<br />
<br />
6. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Goat Milk</span>: Goat milk <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">has a pH similar to our own skin, as well as vitamins and alpha hydroxy acids to nourish and smooth the skin. Additionally, goat milk soap has the most wonderful, creamy lather.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Honey</span>:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> As we age, our skin begins to lose its ability to retain moisture. Honey </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">is a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> humectant which will draw moisture to itself and then help retain the moisture. The result is naturally soft, supple and beautiful skin.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">8. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 16px;">Coffee</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">: Yes, coffee! Caffeine is know to have anti-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">inflammatory</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> properties, which can help to reduce redness, puffiness and under-eye circles. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Coffee seed oil is rich in phytosterols which promote excellent moisture retention, quick penetration and has that wonderful coffee aroma.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">9. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oatmeal</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">: Oatmeal is great for soothing dry, itchy skin.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">10. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sugar</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">: The glycolic acid combined with its scrubby texture will exfoliate the skin, leaving a healthy glow.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Edited to add:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">11. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Aloe Vera</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">: Anyone who has ever had a sunburn knows why I just had to come back and add this to the list. It is lauded for its ability to heal and soothe dry, inflamed, and otherwise irritated skin.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">There you have it, my top <strike>10</strike> 11 list of essential skin loving ingredients for the products I make. Oh, and I just noticed something else. Each and every one of these ingredients can be found at a grocery or health food store! Try finding </span>ammonium lauryl sulfate on the shelf at your local Safeway. Well, I haven't actually looked, but I am pretty sure you won't find it!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-8291825790834517542011-06-01T07:52:00.000-07:002011-06-01T07:52:41.189-07:00Try it...I dare you!<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"You can't look at a cupcake without smiling."</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJqkbaW9rsU/TeZOOCClFdI/AAAAAAAAAUc/23jcRM2NJwY/s1600/IMAG0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJqkbaW9rsU/TeZOOCClFdI/AAAAAAAAAUc/23jcRM2NJwY/s400/IMAG0152.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcake Cold Process Soap</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-73567287339769845872011-05-25T10:44:00.000-07:002011-05-31T15:53:11.552-07:00Where Are My Party People?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oV6yWcZ2oB8/Td08DkLV6oI/AAAAAAAAAUY/PTGdUXAlF_E/s1600/IMAG0086_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oV6yWcZ2oB8/Td08DkLV6oI/AAAAAAAAAUY/PTGdUXAlF_E/s200/IMAG0086_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>June is a huge month for celebrations. Of course there is the obvious: Father's Day, graduations and weddings. But there is also: my son passed 4th grade, my divorce is final, my shorts from last summer still fit, or that kid in my class is finally moving on to 5th grade. Recently, we have had cause to celebrate the end of "Sprinter", that dreadful season between winter and spring that we seem to be languishing in this year. My point is, just like there is always room for J.E.L.L.O, there is always a reason to party! And what party would be complete without a party favor? Okay, so technically you can have a party without a party favor, but go with me on this, I am getting to the good part.<br />
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Over the last few months, I have had the opportunity to design party favors for several events. I enjoy the creativity that comes with offering you a unique product that will make your celebration even more memorable. If you follow Soapendipity on Facebook, you know that I recently posted about an upcoming contest. I said that it is going to be HUGE and I am not going to disappoint. The winner of this contest is going to win a custom set of party favors (up to 20)!! The favor will be designed around your party theme and I will even let you choose lip balm, lotion, or soap.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TspTjJfmawA/Td026ZSL7KI/AAAAAAAAAUM/Ux3uVKSd7YI/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TspTjJfmawA/Td026ZSL7KI/AAAAAAAAAUM/Ux3uVKSd7YI/s1600/wedding.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom Wedding Favors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here is what I ask of you:<br />
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<ol><li>Be having a party in June (or early early July).</li>
<li>Be at least 18 years of age.</li>
<li>Live in U.S.</li>
<li>Let me blog about the design process for your favors.</li>
<li>Be willing to take pictures and make comments of the event for an upcoming blog post.</li>
</ol><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jT67hVgD7DM/Td0uRXqYykI/AAAAAAAAAUI/PrJZ2aWHhcU/s1600/IMAG0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jT67hVgD7DM/Td0uRXqYykI/AAAAAAAAAUI/PrJZ2aWHhcU/s320/IMAG0023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Shower Favors</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What? You say you don't have a party planned in June? I am sure you can put on your thinking cap and come up with a reason you need 20 little celebration gifts. But in case you are still stuck, here are a few:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>End of the year teacher and school support staff </li>
<li>Girl's night out (you know you want one!)</li>
<li>Family reunion</li>
<li>I'm moving, here is my new address</li>
<li>Neighborhood barbecue</li>
<li>It's not Monday</li>
<li>I'm out on parole</li>
<li>The world did not end on May 21</li>
<li>The test came back negative (or positive)</li>
<li>Got that promotion at work (or its cousin, I survived the latest round of layoffs)</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuPdHJmD-Mg/Td07cP44tRI/AAAAAAAAAUU/KU5M2dCABpM/s1600/monsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuPdHJmD-Mg/Td07cP44tRI/AAAAAAAAAUU/KU5M2dCABpM/s200/monsters.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>You can enter this contest by writing a comment to this post telling me about your celebration, the party theme, and what you would choose (lip balm, lotion, soap) if you win. And to sweeten the deal, here is how you can get extra entries:</div><div><ol><li>"Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/soapendipity">Soapendipity</a> on Facebook with your personal profile.</li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/soapendipity">Soapendipity</a> on Twitter.</li>
<li>Post a link to this blog contest on your personal Facebook page. (Make sure you tag @Soapendipity in the post, so that I can see it.) Only once a day, please.</li>
<li>Tweet about this blog contest with a link on Twitter. Again, only once a day and tagging Soapendipity.</li>
<li>Follow this blog via email.</li>
</ol></div><div>Be sure to post an extra comment for each entry. I will be randomly drawing a winner next Friday, June 3rd. </div><br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-62093938117735464642011-04-26T00:02:00.000-07:002011-04-26T00:02:13.366-07:00Giving Soap: A TutorialMy friend Amy gave me some cute washcloths and asked if I would put each of them together with a bar of soap. I tried a few different ways of assembling them, and finally settled on this "swaddling" technique. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ5qR6Ja0to/TbZfN9DIk1I/AAAAAAAAATU/6QGn3GXrpPM/s1600/Soapendipity+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ5qR6Ja0to/TbZfN9DIk1I/AAAAAAAAATU/6QGn3GXrpPM/s400/Soapendipity+130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
They turned out so cute and they were super easy to do, so I thought I would share it with you how I did it. <br />
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Start with some new washcloths.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlJsaipQcpo/TbZiQzQ-PTI/AAAAAAAAAT4/f0QbzrobRLs/s1600/Soapendipity+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlJsaipQcpo/TbZiQzQ-PTI/AAAAAAAAAT4/f0QbzrobRLs/s400/Soapendipity+134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lay one out flat (tag facing up).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2npUGOIC9Ck/TbZfiVgEblI/AAAAAAAAATY/-96JrLeXI78/s1600/Soapendipity+119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2npUGOIC9Ck/TbZfiVgEblI/AAAAAAAAATY/-96JrLeXI78/s400/Soapendipity+119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Begin folding each corner toward the middle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHOjwgPnBNM/TbZf2JuYy1I/AAAAAAAAATc/_AMhKuZbpLI/s1600/Soapendipity+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHOjwgPnBNM/TbZf2JuYy1I/AAAAAAAAATc/_AMhKuZbpLI/s400/Soapendipity+120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now you see that all four corners have been folded in, and your square should be on-point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZLIkWi__ko/TbZgIU2qpcI/AAAAAAAAATg/rr-Rl4I863A/s1600/Soapendipity+121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZLIkWi__ko/TbZgIU2qpcI/AAAAAAAAATg/rr-Rl4I863A/s400/Soapendipity+121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fold the top point down to the middle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ8sQWrwycs/TbZgdUmXDUI/AAAAAAAAATk/ewLAlz5oC78/s1600/Soapendipity+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ8sQWrwycs/TbZgdUmXDUI/AAAAAAAAATk/ewLAlz5oC78/s400/Soapendipity+122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place the bar of soap onto the towel, aligned with the top fold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jENE-nEa9bg/TbZg0WuYt0I/AAAAAAAAATo/sYhFvHcLOVA/s1600/Soapendipity+123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jENE-nEa9bg/TbZg0WuYt0I/AAAAAAAAATo/sYhFvHcLOVA/s400/Soapendipity+123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fold the bottom point up, as you did with the top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQmDd_uS7gY/TbZhILzxFiI/AAAAAAAAATs/UoMT7biivQc/s1600/Soapendipity+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQmDd_uS7gY/TbZhILzxFiI/AAAAAAAAATs/UoMT7biivQc/s400/Soapendipity+124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Then, fold the bottom up over the bar of soap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7T1Hi0YEdzE/TbZhWZdtT8I/AAAAAAAAATw/acj72RXDvtc/s1600/Soapendipity+125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7T1Hi0YEdzE/TbZhWZdtT8I/AAAAAAAAATw/acj72RXDvtc/s400/Soapendipity+125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Continue swaddling the soap by folding in the sides. You should make it pretty snug, you don't want the baby...err...bar of soap to fall out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shq5bfz5r3s/TbZhiVRPZUI/AAAAAAAAAT0/r1g85nIspQM/s1600/Soapendipity+126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shq5bfz5r3s/TbZhiVRPZUI/AAAAAAAAAT0/r1g85nIspQM/s400/Soapendipity+126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Tie with a ribbon. In this case, I re-used the ribbon had been bundling the new washcloths. Don't you just love that?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ5qR6Ja0to/TbZfN9DIk1I/AAAAAAAAATU/6QGn3GXrpPM/s1600/Soapendipity+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ5qR6Ja0to/TbZfN9DIk1I/AAAAAAAAATU/6QGn3GXrpPM/s400/Soapendipity+130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Did you notice my switcharoo from blue to pink? I didn't have anymore ribbon from the bundles left to tie the blue one, but I think I was able to get six tied with the two lengths of ribbon I had.<br />
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So cute!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJkCoA6qbIA/TbZmYVRSg8I/AAAAAAAAAT8/XOCmcvNWQ5M/s1600/Soapendipity+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJkCoA6qbIA/TbZmYVRSg8I/AAAAAAAAAT8/XOCmcvNWQ5M/s400/Soapendipity+113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And oh, so easy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IM2_4vG8Eb0/TbZmjgKPCpI/AAAAAAAAAUA/IR4W9u0Dmmg/s1600/Soapendipity+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IM2_4vG8Eb0/TbZmjgKPCpI/AAAAAAAAAUA/IR4W9u0Dmmg/s400/Soapendipity+117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Consider trying this the next time you buy a bar of my soap to give to that special someone. It's a gift that is sure to be adored and appreciated! Pretty AND practical, how can you go wrong with that?!<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-48077273867462110842011-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-25T06:00:12.069-07:00Is That Glycerin Soap?That is a question I get asked all the time and usually it ends with a much longer explanation from me than the yes or no the customer was expecting. Maybe the explanation is appreciated and maybe it is just TMI, but nonetheless, it is something I LOVE to talk about. So.....<br />
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Is that glycerin soap?<br />
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Short answer, yes. But the teacher in me wants to pass on to you what I know, so if you ask, I must insist you sit through my little science lesson. And this lesson begins with some high school chemistry. And since I am an English teacher and not a science teacher - I promise to keep it simple!<br />
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acid + base = some by-product of the chemical reaction<br />
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What happens when you add baking soda (base) to vinegar (acid)? You get the ubiquitous science fair project bubbly volcano. Well, what happens when you mix lye (base) with oils (acid)? You actually get two by-products, soap and glycerin! Glycerin is a colorless, sweet-tasting liquid, which acts as a humectant. This means it will draw moisture to your skin and is wonderfully emollient and gentle.<br />
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Wait a sec, back up...did I say LYE? As in that stuff that is used to clear clogged drains? Yep! Does that mean there is lye in my soap? Nope! My soap recipes have been carefully calculated so that every bit of lye that I have put in, gets used up in the chemical reaction process (also called "saponification"). In fact, if anything, there ends up being a little bit of the oils left over, which makes my soap even more skin loving!<br />
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But I digress - we are supposed to be talking about glycerin soap here. Because the natural by-product of the soap making process is glycerin, technically all soap is glycerin soap - even though I haven't actually added any glycerin to my recipe. However, when people think of glycerin soap, they are usually thinking about soap of the "melt and pour" variety.<br />
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Melt and pour soap is the soap I use at the make-it-yourself soap bar. It is made by the same process that I make my soaps from scratch, but it is specially formulated to be able to melt down smooth and stay transparent. It does this, in part, with the addition of EXTRA glycerin - hence the "glycerin soap" moniker.<br />
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Did I tell you there would be a quiz at the end? No? Lucky for you, this quiz only has one question:<br />
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Is that glycerin soap?<br />
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Correct answer:<br />
Yes it is!<br />
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So ends my science lesson for the day. I hope that my explanation has been as clear as, well...glycerin!<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-13911732573448072882011-04-24T11:02:00.000-07:002011-04-24T11:13:59.465-07:00A View from My Etsy<script src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><script type="text/javascript">
new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(10732031, 'shop','thumbnail',5,4).renderIframe();
</script><br />
I just love learning new things. This fun collage is something I just learned to do in Etsy, so I just had to share.<br />
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Don't forget, during the month of April, I will be donating 10% of my Etsy sales to the Lake Stevens Relay for Life event.<br />
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Happy Easter!<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-32888695205448493122011-04-07T23:28:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:28:37.555-07:00Just a Soap PicI love this picture! This is as the soap is currently displayed in the store window. I am very pleased with how they turned out and they smell just as good as they look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3jpRIptvz7w/TZ6oCeA5H1I/AAAAAAAAATQ/7Hxlr3z6I5k/s1600/677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3jpRIptvz7w/TZ6oCeA5H1I/AAAAAAAAATQ/7Hxlr3z6I5k/s400/677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of these soaps, and more are available online and in the store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See links to the right ---->>></div><br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-1303077786626589072011-04-02T21:07:00.000-07:002011-04-02T21:07:23.183-07:00Results of Essential Oil Testing<div style="text-align: left;">In my last post, I was testing new essential oil blends and I ended up testing my six blends in small batches of soap. I liked all the blends in the bottle, but was less than thrilled with the results once they were in soap. </div><br />
Back to the drawing board. <br />
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From the initial experiment, I went on to create four new blends that I ended up making into full batches of soap. These blends are olfactory heaven! <br />
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The first one is a blend of Grapefruit and Ylang Ylang. The light floral of the Ylang Ylang compliments the tart of the Grapefruit very nicely.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVb5FInBVRE/TZftGxpZ7oI/AAAAAAAAASw/S9jyAt5Mj6I/s1600/Grapefruit-Ylang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVb5FInBVRE/TZftGxpZ7oI/AAAAAAAAASw/S9jyAt5Mj6I/s400/Grapefruit-Ylang.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RClwjBtKC1s/TZftHRgmX6I/AAAAAAAAAS0/V8CgMdLcO3A/s1600/Grapefruit-Ylang2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RClwjBtKC1s/TZftHRgmX6I/AAAAAAAAAS0/V8CgMdLcO3A/s400/Grapefruit-Ylang2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, is a Lavender and Basil blend with notes of Rosemary, Peppermint and Eucalyptus. Such a great blend!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9PH4K3m75M/TZftH6xA6CI/AAAAAAAAAS4/cI6ojvffvyo/s1600/Lavender-Blend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9PH4K3m75M/TZftH6xA6CI/AAAAAAAAAS4/cI6ojvffvyo/s400/Lavender-Blend.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b3_JlZuSRtc/TZftIe4O3YI/AAAAAAAAAS8/5BPVMcKeUO0/s1600/Lavender-Blend2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b3_JlZuSRtc/TZftIe4O3YI/AAAAAAAAAS8/5BPVMcKeUO0/s400/Lavender-Blend2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then there is the blend I like to call, "Make Lemonade". There is a story behind this blend and it starts with the main essential oil...Lemongrass. You see, I don't like the scent of Lemongrass, but somehow I ended up with a large bottle of the essential oil. Needing to use it so it would not go to waste, I decided to try to create a blend that even I would like and this is the result. I had stinky Lemongrass, so I made lemonade! Besides Lemongrass, this blend also has Spearmint and Litsea Cubeba. The Litsea is another essential oil that has a lemony fragrance and I used it to sweeten up the Lemongrass. I also added some dried calendula petals. This blend is yum and is sure to brighten up your mood every time you use it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llNpuOaBZVo/TZftJdKOGcI/AAAAAAAAATE/zdJ433u-AZM/s1600/Make-Lemonade2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llNpuOaBZVo/TZftJdKOGcI/AAAAAAAAATE/zdJ433u-AZM/s400/Make-Lemonade2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-02pDTnC_njk/TZftIvQqmnI/AAAAAAAAATA/bdxtTU4u9m4/s1600/Make-Lemonade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-02pDTnC_njk/TZftIvQqmnI/AAAAAAAAATA/bdxtTU4u9m4/s400/Make-Lemonade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Finally, is a nice floral that has Ylang Ylang, Egyptian Geranium and just a touch of Lavender. This blend and the Lemongrass and Spearmint blend are my two favorites.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGWedFidnP8/TZftKBEWn3I/AAAAAAAAATM/KSNIpW4h29A/s1600/Ylang-Geranium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGWedFidnP8/TZftKBEWn3I/AAAAAAAAATM/KSNIpW4h29A/s400/Ylang-Geranium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDW_N6eb78s/TZftJ3dc8XI/AAAAAAAAATI/ykE8CMuK-8M/s1600/Ylang-Geranium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDW_N6eb78s/TZftJ3dc8XI/AAAAAAAAATI/ykE8CMuK-8M/s400/Ylang-Geranium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>All four are now available for purchase on the website and in the store. I have some cut into cubes, so feel free to sample (you can also request a sample with your online order).<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-46423775976458919742011-02-19T19:58:00.000-08:002011-02-19T19:58:38.850-08:00It's Not Just Scent, it's Essential<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love trying out new fragrances for my soaps. There is an oil for just about every scent you can imagine. Some of the fragrances are essential oils, which are all natural and extracted from the seeds, roots, bark or berries of a plant. While others are synthetic fragrances oils. Sometimes fragrances are a combination of both essential oils and fragrance oils.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my soap making thus far, I have relied mostly on fragrance oils, as they are generally less expensive and some fragrances just cannot be created using essential oils. For example, if I wanted to make a banana scented soap, I would have to use a synthetic oil as there is no banana essential oil. I love using fragrance oils in my soap. Not only is there a wide range of fragrance blends to choose from, they ones I buy have already been tested to stay true in the soap making process. In all, the fragrance oil makes up less than 1% of the total recipe and all the aroma chemicals are approved for use in skin care products.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Occasionally, I do get requests for soap scented with only essential oils. Some want a more natural product, while others are looking for the aromatherapy benefits (I will be discussing the actual benefits of using essential oils in upcoming posts). Because there seems to be enough demand for products using essential oils, I decided to try creating my own blends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMfq67EUbSo/TWB9I_rEucI/AAAAAAAAASg/7-TKHP-sx1c/s1600/blend3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMfq67EUbSo/TWB9I_rEucI/AAAAAAAAASg/7-TKHP-sx1c/s400/blend3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The essential oils ready for blending.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Not knowing where to begin, I started with a few suggestions from others. I noted each drop that was added to the blend. I kept going until I either thought it was perfect or a no-go. It was really an unscientific process and quite subjective as to what smells good and what does not. I did, however, try to have lots of variety: a floral blend, a citrus blend, a mint blend, etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10DlQ0gibKc/TWB9MRS8HoI/AAAAAAAAASk/1nLaNh5Z63U/s1600/blend1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10DlQ0gibKc/TWB9MRS8HoI/AAAAAAAAASk/1nLaNh5Z63U/s400/blend1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the blends, and my notes for each one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the end, I created about 20 different blends. Of those 20, six made it on to the next round of testing. For each of those six, I made about 1/2 to 1 ounce of the blend. Over the next several days, the individual essential oils will continue to meld. This blending over time could ultimately change the fragrance from what it initially was (for better or worse).<br />
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If the blends make it past the aging round, I will begin testing them in products - especially soap. Fragrances must be able to withstand the high heat and chemical process of soap making.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KO-IVOKUQFI/TWB9ZS4kfnI/AAAAAAAAASs/WeOe1AYdg_U/s1600/blend2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KO-IVOKUQFI/TWB9ZS4kfnI/AAAAAAAAASs/WeOe1AYdg_U/s400/blend2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six blends made it on to the next round!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Blending essential oils to make pleasing (and functional) fragrances is obviously a time consuming process with a lot of trial and error, but ultimately rewarding when I can sell a scented product that I designed myself.<br />
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I will keep you posted on the results of my scenting experiment and the six fragrances from round one will be in the shop if you would like to stop in and give them a sniff. I would also love to know what your favorite scent blends are, as they could end up being used in a future batch of soap!<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-10655983689108473472011-02-16T22:28:00.000-08:002011-02-16T23:04:08.655-08:00Dear Blog: I have not forgotten you!Yikes! Six months...is that how long it has been since I have blogged? What? Really? There has been so much I have not shared with you, dear blog. But that is going to change, starting now. And until I can leave you with a proper post, I will share with you some of the things I have been working on lately.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cdxcKOesLE/TVy6yiuXkjI/AAAAAAAAAR8/cV7ErsANXzc/s1600/heart+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cdxcKOesLE/TVy6yiuXkjI/AAAAAAAAAR8/cV7ErsANXzc/s400/heart+soap.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentine Hearts in English Rose</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgWT-9kBFEM/TVy63_av8VI/AAAAAAAAASA/swmhaAeXlBs/s1600/layer_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgWT-9kBFEM/TVy63_av8VI/AAAAAAAAASA/swmhaAeXlBs/s400/layer_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink soap in citrusy Energy and green in spicy Wasabi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CI8D_Rpql4/TVy9xPXQfmI/AAAAAAAAASE/CdUlsRl2bow/s1600/IMAG0477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CI8D_Rpql4/TVy9xPXQfmI/AAAAAAAAASE/CdUlsRl2bow/s400/IMAG0477.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Valentine's hearts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2W_bT0z5Uho/TVy92D4ViMI/AAAAAAAAASI/jP11kbRTgcg/s1600/IMAG0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2W_bT0z5Uho/TVy92D4ViMI/AAAAAAAAASI/jP11kbRTgcg/s400/IMAG0555.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even MORE Valentine goodness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlAiEUHdEj8/TVy94rBXDCI/AAAAAAAAASM/r5dInhN8_cI/s1600/IMAG0495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlAiEUHdEj8/TVy94rBXDCI/AAAAAAAAASM/r5dInhN8_cI/s400/IMAG0495.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love cupcakes?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgGgV7-ANfE/TVy97z-QSRI/AAAAAAAAASQ/hwJVqAP-hLA/s1600/IMAG0506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgGgV7-ANfE/TVy97z-QSRI/AAAAAAAAASQ/hwJVqAP-hLA/s400/IMAG0506.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy skulls made at the Soap Bar!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4e48YnZZYUc/TVy9-_icRNI/AAAAAAAAASU/GRLy8Af03rM/s1600/IMAG0566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4e48YnZZYUc/TVy9-_icRNI/AAAAAAAAASU/GRLy8Af03rM/s400/IMAG0566.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two new super cute molds for the Soap Bar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v20MoMm04Zs/TVy-Cfh6IwI/AAAAAAAAASY/nDNn62qqLdM/s1600/IMAG0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v20MoMm04Zs/TVy-Cfh6IwI/AAAAAAAAASY/nDNn62qqLdM/s400/IMAG0475.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sent 12 soaps into the world and got these 12 lovelies in return!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Don't forget, the Soap Bar is open from 11-4 Saturdays and by appointment. I hope to see you soon!<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-21413533430397318662010-08-27T01:53:00.000-07:002010-08-27T02:13:16.663-07:00Front Page NewsIf you follow Soapendipity on Facebook you know that I was <a href="http://www.dailyrecordnews.com/news/article_08364a78-b06d-11df-bc9e-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story">featured</a> on the front page of the Ellensburg Daily Record on Wednesday. It was great exposure for my fledgling business and I have already had several people come into the shop because of seeing the article. Every week I am seeing more and more people, either to make soap or to buy soap, lotion or scrubs. It's all very exciting!<br />
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In starting Soapendipity, I have been very conscious of every penny I spend and often that means I spend hours on the internet trying to save a dime on each lotion bottle, a dollar on an ounce of fragrance oil, or a few bucks on shipping. Lucky for me I found the <a href="http://brambleberry.com/">Bramble Berry</a> website very early in my soaping career. I love the fact that it is a "local" business (in Bellingham, WA), not only because I can support a local business, but also because when I place my order it usually only takes a day to get to my doorstep.<br />
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The mainstay of Soapendipity is the make-it-yourself soap bar and the soap making parties. I could not do this without the Bramble Berry <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Bulk-Clear-Melt-and-Pour-Base-P4379.aspx">soap base</a>. I think I have used nearly 200 lbs. of this soap since opening in June! Last month was the Soapendipity grand opening party. Knowing that I could get my order in a day or so, I did not stress because I needed to get more soap for the party. About a week before the party I went to place the order only to realize the soap was on backorder. The party was Thursday and I knew that as long as it shipped Wednesday I would be okay. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/THd2_acCIKI/AAAAAAAAAQU/fukqjfeJ_3c/s1600/IMAG0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/THd2_acCIKI/AAAAAAAAAQU/fukqjfeJ_3c/s400/IMAG0188.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soap made with Bramble Berry soap base.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the meantime, I searched the internet looking for a comparable base as a back up. I came to realize two things: 1) nobody beats the Bramble Berry price on soap base and 2) there was no way that it would get to me in time anyway unless I paid exorbitant shipping charges for overnight shipping. I decided to take my chances on Bramble Berry. Making a call to customer service on Monday I was told that it probably would not be in by Wednesday. Mild panic...maybe I should have invested in those overnight shipping charges. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/THd7K2_pjWI/AAAAAAAAAQk/34YjmLl1oEY/s1600/IMAG0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/THd7K2_pjWI/AAAAAAAAAQk/34YjmLl1oEY/s400/IMAG0080.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Soap Bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By Thursday, I had resigned to being without 25 lbs of soap base for my grand opening. About two hours before the party I went home to get the rest of the supplies from my order that had been delivered that afternoon. As I got closer to the front door...could it be? Were my eyes deceiving me? An extra box had been delivered...the backordered soap base was sitting on my doorstep! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/THd7PtICMbI/AAAAAAAAAQs/OLEhxsdcCCY/s1600/IMAG0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/THd7PtICMbI/AAAAAAAAAQs/OLEhxsdcCCY/s400/IMAG0108.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More soap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The party was a success and I am sure it would have been just as great without the soap, but I am glad it was there! The funny thing is, the following Monday I got an email from customer service telling me that the backordered base was finally in and that I could now place my order for it. To this day I still have no idea how I ended up with 25 lbs of soap that was not even in stock. It was all very "soapendipitous"!<br />
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P.S. I not only get my soap base from Bramble Berry, but most of my other soaping supplies as well. When you come into the Soap Bar to make your soap, you will be able to pick out a fragrance. Our collection contains over 80 scents and there is something there for every soaper. If you don't see one you like, let me know and I am sure I can find it at Bramble Berry!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/THd2x1CILVI/AAAAAAAAAQM/XvjhFCelJvs/s1600/IMAG0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/THd2x1CILVI/AAAAAAAAAQM/XvjhFCelJvs/s400/IMAG0195.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the many Bramble Berry fragrances you can choose from.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>P.P.S. It is now time for Bramble Berry to be selecting new fragrances for 2011 and they are asking a few select customers to test the many they are considering. I think I would be a great participant on this panel. Not only would I be able to sample the fragrances in my cold process soaps, lotions and scrubs, but I would be able to get instant customer feedback from the soap bar on the scents in melt and pour soap. <br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-8971550119344094702010-08-15T23:38:00.000-07:002010-08-15T23:38:12.738-07:00Have Mineral Makeup, Will TravelSoapendipity hit the road today and traveled to East Wenatchee for a private mineral makeup class. Yes...I can come to you! Classes are so laid back and fun in the comfort of your own home, and are especially perfect if you can't make it to one of my monthly mineral makeup classes. So gather at least five of your friends and contact me to schedule your day and time. Cost is $30/person and you will leave with eyeshadow, blush and foundation (perfectly matched to your skin tone and type).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjT2Po3GwI/AAAAAAAAAPc/u23jWOpx9pU/s1600/IMAG0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjT2Po3GwI/AAAAAAAAAPc/u23jWOpx9pU/s400/IMAG0132.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard at work (play!).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjT5bjaWkI/AAAAAAAAAPk/rF7tUxLzkUQ/s1600/IMAG0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjT5bjaWkI/AAAAAAAAAPk/rF7tUxLzkUQ/s400/IMAG0133.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharon and Tracie making custom eyeshadows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjT8im2cGI/AAAAAAAAAPs/Mia7Xip-duY/s1600/IMAG0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjT8im2cGI/AAAAAAAAAPs/Mia7Xip-duY/s400/IMAG0134.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephanie mixing her custom eyeshadow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjUCMz7QJI/AAAAAAAAAP8/vuxqHDruTbI/s1600/IMAG0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjUCMz7QJI/AAAAAAAAAP8/vuxqHDruTbI/s400/IMAG0136.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished products - such great colors were created!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjUGAwPC2I/AAAAAAAAAQE/3IUnGM2LpD4/s1600/IMAG0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TGjUGAwPC2I/AAAAAAAAAQE/3IUnGM2LpD4/s400/IMAG0138.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Maddie enjoying her Soapendipity Lip Balm!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And in case you were not yet convinced...similar product, purchased from a well known mineral makeup brand, would cost over $100! Learn how easy (and cheap) it is to make it yourself - using the exact same ingredients as the big name brands. <br />
<br />
Would you like to take the class, but don't want to host a party? No problem. I hold mineral makeup classes monthly at the shop. This Thursday, August 19th, is the mineral foundation class and it is $15. Contact me for more details or to sign up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-14773518299660102682010-07-25T21:08:00.000-07:002010-07-25T21:08:55.279-07:00Grand Opening Celebration!<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><br />
Thursday night was the Soapendipity Grand Opening party, and what a party it was!! I saw some familiar faces and made some new friends too. There was a sale table set up outside, the soap bar was ready (with an extra special shout-out to the folks at <a href="http://brambleberry.com/">Bramble Berry</a> for getting me the back-ordered soap base in time - woot woot!!) and an extra table was set up for making lip balm and bath fizzy bombs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TE0C6ERc02I/AAAAAAAAAO8/dTqnB__0Hsw/s400/IMAG0077.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sale Table </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The sale table will stay set up in the store and will be at the Farmer's Market each Saturday until everything is gone. Believe it or not it is time for me to make room for my fall fragrances, so I must make room on the shelves for new stuff! Prices on sale items are from $0.50 to $2.00.<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TE0C6ERc02I/AAAAAAAAAO8/dTqnB__0Hsw/s1600/IMAG0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TE0FA8ZazgI/AAAAAAAAAPU/QYqIveENZKg/s400/IMAG0078.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make it Yourself Soap Bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TE0FA8ZazgI/AAAAAAAAAPU/QYqIveENZKg/s1600/IMAG0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Because the fizzy bombs and lip balms were so popular at the party, I have decided to make them a regular activity at the Soap Bar! Prices are $3.00 each or $2.00 each if you are also doing the soap bar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TE0EaZRgXaI/AAAAAAAAAPM/sEPWl8mMWyw/s1600/IMAG0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TE0EaZRgXaI/AAAAAAAAAPM/sEPWl8mMWyw/s400/IMAG0081.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soap, Lotion, Body Scrubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>New items are being added almost daily (as fast as my own two hands can make them), so be sure to come in often to see what is new.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TE0D8EgX9KI/AAAAAAAAAPE/sGnDCNcXxuI/s400/IMAG0082.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcakes and Cookies for Everyone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another big shout out goes to Janee, Maureen, and Rebecca for their help in the shop and for making the cupcakes and my mom for making eight dozen chocolate chip oatmeal cookies to help with the festivities.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TE0D8EgX9KI/AAAAAAAAAPE/sGnDCNcXxuI/s1600/IMAG0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div><br />
Here's the night in numbers: 10 lbs of soap base used, 17 fizzy bath bombs and 11 lip balms made, 43 bars of soap sold, 73 entries into the drawing, two dozen cookies and three dozen cupcakes eaten, and two soap parties scheduled. What a great night!!<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-85751611036175679552010-07-13T18:51:00.000-07:002010-07-13T18:52:39.634-07:00Soapendipity is International!Last week, on her way to the sale at the yarn shop, Diane stopped in to check out the Soap Bar. She told me she was leaving soon for Korea to teach English for a month and was looking for unique, locally made host/hostess gifts to take with her. She came back the next day and placed her order for six gift bags. In each was a bar of Yuzu scented soap, a 2 oz matching lotion, and a lip balm. She came in today to pick them up and was thrilled with how they turned out! I might be a little biased, but I am thrilled too. It is amazing what a cellophane bag and some curling ribbon will do to make something look great and instantly gift worthy!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TD0P6SESxUI/AAAAAAAAAO0/kUX_sLZI9lA/s1600/yuzu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TD0P6SESxUI/AAAAAAAAAO0/kUX_sLZI9lA/s400/yuzu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I also made lotions and sugar scrubs in Energy, Lemon Drop and Summer Melon. These fragrances are perfect for summer! Feeling inspired, I made up gift sets for each of these. In the set is a 4 oz lotion, a 4 oz sugar scrub and a bar of soap. Within five minutes of curling the last ribbon, Lynda (who also stopped in for the first time last week) walked in and bought the Energy set for a wedding gift!<br />
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In addition to the 4 oz size set, I can also do each of those scents in an 8 oz size. More fragrances are going to be added weekly, so if you have a favorite, let me know and I can make it for you. Hint, hint...Apricot Freesia and a fragrance called Tropical Vacation (which is a heavenly mix of mango, coconut and pineapple...yum!) will be added next.<br />
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Also new this week are the Sun Soothers, in both lotion and spritzer. If you overdid it in the sun and are feeling the burn, these are wonderfully cooling and soothing. The spritzer is especially great right out of the refrigerator! I am so excited about this product, I even thought about intentionally getting a sunburn, just so I could try it out as it was meant to be used. Don't worry, I didn't have to intentionally get burned (don't try this at home...the use of sunscreen is highly encouraged). After an impromptu trip to the west side and back on Friday, I had driver's arm...that burn you get only on your left arm from the sun shining through the driver's side window. I am pretty fastidious about the use of sunscreen (as I am the fairest of fair), but even I forget to slather it on before driving.<br />
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Upcoming Events at Soapendipity:<br />
Mineral Foundation class (still a couple of spots left) - this Thursday, July 15th, 6-8pm<br />
Grand Opening Celebration - Thursday, July 22nd, 6-10pm<br />
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<a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-74547854790208338502010-07-04T09:15:00.000-07:002010-07-07T08:31:36.578-07:00What Can You Do at Soapendipity?<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDDpmG8OjI/AAAAAAAAANY/gGhAMFBghZU/s1600/cosmo-martini.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490103065136347698" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDDpmG8OjI/AAAAAAAAANY/gGhAMFBghZU/s200/cosmo-martini.jpg" style="height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CREATE</span><br />
<div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Soap Bar is now open weekdays for walk-in soap making. Soap is something EVERYONE uses, so the experience is both unique and practical. Using my selection of soap molds, fragrances, and colors, you are limited only by your imagination. Looking for a fun gift idea? Make soap! Your recipient will appreciate a gift that they will enjoy using and was created by you. Soap making is a fun family activity that is kids safe and non-toxic. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC9Ppk60YI/AAAAAAAAAJw/EbJz1Y0bq9U/s1600/018sm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490096022321025410" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC9Ppk60YI/AAAAAAAAAJw/EbJz1Y0bq9U/s400/018sm.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 113px; width: 150px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC9P5oY-vI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/6RK2tFKzxZk/s1600/021sm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490096026630552306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC9P5oY-vI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/6RK2tFKzxZk/s400/021sm.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC9QFnRt9I/AAAAAAAAAKA/1g2DGF6CV7I/s1600/023sm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490096029847107538" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC9QFnRt9I/AAAAAAAAAKA/1g2DGF6CV7I/s400/023sm.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 113px; width: 150px;" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LEARN</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Soapendipity offers classes creating your own natural soaps, lotions, mineral makeup and much more! New classes are added monthly, so keep checking the schedule, as you are sure to find something that sparks your interest. The best part? You will get to take home everything you make in the class! As a graduate of a Soapendipity class you will be able to come to the store and purchase additional ingredients so you may make more when you run out. If you don't have the space to keep supplies, for a low hourly rate plus the cost of materials, the Soap Bar is available for use by appointment. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC-MIQKGxI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Z5uzvaTYW7M/s1600/mineral-color.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490097061347597074" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC-MIQKGxI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Z5uzvaTYW7M/s400/mineral-color.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 225px; width: 300px;" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SHOP</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Soapendipity offers a full line for bath and body products, created fresh in the shop daily. We use only skin loving ingredients such as avocado and olive oils, jojoba, shea butter and local, fresh goat milk. New products are added weekly, so come in often to see what is new. Custom gift baskets can also be made for any occasion. All of our products are also available through the website at <a href="http://soapendipity.com/">Soapendipity.com</a> and on Saturday at the <a href="http://www.kittitascountyfarmersmarket.com/">Kittitas County Farmer's Market</a> in Ellensburg.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCe4zPcKI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zdz_uASIx0M/s1600/lip-balm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490101781663805602" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCe4zPcKI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zdz_uASIx0M/s200/lip-balm.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 183px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCWROoDkI/AAAAAAAAAMI/y0Tiz-uZnMA/s1600/body-lotion.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490101633602293314" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCWROoDkI/AAAAAAAAAMI/y0Tiz-uZnMA/s200/body-lotion.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCflLV7OI/AAAAAAAAAMo/lH2VrARBJ4A/s1600/whipped-shea.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490101793576053986" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCflLV7OI/AAAAAAAAAMo/lH2VrARBJ4A/s200/whipped-shea.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 157px; width: 200px;" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCfaik3GI/AAAAAAAAAMg/XaKFYyR_teg/s1600/sugar-scrub.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490101790720711778" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCfaik3GI/AAAAAAAAAMg/XaKFYyR_teg/s200/sugar-scrub.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCfFzlUaI/AAAAAAAAAMY/cpuTM1jobDA/s1600/set.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490101785154900386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDCfFzlUaI/AAAAAAAAAMY/cpuTM1jobDA/s200/set.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 196px;" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDC_FeBeIUI/AAAAAAAAAKY/d3JLvMM6r58/s1600/lip-balm.jpg"></a></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">PARTY</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For less per person than the cost of a movie, Soapendipity is a great choice for your next get-together. In addition to the Soap Bar, parties can be customized with a selection of add-ons such as lip balm, lotion, fizzy bath bombs, and scrubs. Contact Soapendipity for availability and pricing of add-ons. Soapendipity is a great choice for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, church groups, Scouts and 4-H groups, girl's night out, daycare/preschool groups and much more. You don't even need a reason to party, just 5-12 friends who want to get together for a fun time. Contact <a href="http://soapendipity.com/">Soapendipity</a> to find out more, including how the Soap Bar can come to you if you can't come to the Soap Bar.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDFCzwMOCI/AAAAAAAAAOA/ZB_xpDlv108/s1600/05+19+10_0152.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490104597807380514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDFCzwMOCI/AAAAAAAAAOA/ZB_xpDlv108/s200/05+19+10_0152.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDFt8neCLI/AAAAAAAAAOI/AyyUA7OXUOk/s1600/05+19+10_0146.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490105338921093298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDFt8neCLI/AAAAAAAAAOI/AyyUA7OXUOk/s200/05+19+10_0146.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Soapendipity Ellensburg Soap Bar</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">105 E 3rd Avenue (across from the Post Office)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ellensburg, WA 98926</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hours:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tuesday 12-4</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wednesday 12-4</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thursday 2-6</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Friday 12-4</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDDq_ZAVJI/AAAAAAAAAN4/T9lassI4miI/s1600/soap.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490103089102869650" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDDq_ZAVJI/AAAAAAAAAN4/T9lassI4miI/s200/soap.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDDqmIKkvI/AAAAAAAAANw/PGlJ4UuAmfE/s1600/wasabi1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490103082321351410" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TDDDqmIKkvI/AAAAAAAAANw/PGlJ4UuAmfE/s200/wasabi1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" /></a></span></div></div></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-51481958400620583322010-06-21T10:10:00.000-07:002010-07-05T11:23:29.694-07:00Another Party at Soapendipity<div style="text-align: left;">Friday night was Kess' bachelorette party at Soapendipity and the girls had a great time making soap!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is Kess, the bride. She made skull soap for her groom.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-giZhSMyI/AAAAAAAAAII/vbJ8YXvuj9w/s400/018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485279383987041058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-gh-loCmI/AAAAAAAAAIA/vjj24-UsB5Y/s400/020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485279376757492322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Maureen adding the fragrance to her soap:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-hbLgtfhI/AAAAAAAAAIY/NDlsUQs5t1Q/s400/021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485280359479082514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div></div><div>Everyone hard at work:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-hb1KE61I/AAAAAAAAAIg/DOqTzTdX5qw/s400/022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485280370658437970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Soap in the mold:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-hccPFknI/AAAAAAAAAIo/NDscAfxYPF0/s400/023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485280381148435058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-has03S1I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/LKetLGJ9MmU/s400/019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485280351242111826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Once all of the soap was poured, we put them in the freezer to set. Then we headed over to D & M Coffee for a latte'. When we got back, the soap was ready to pop out of the mold.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The finished products:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-ksx41XMI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/vZGvr7INvUk/s1600/028.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-ksx41XMI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/vZGvr7INvUk/s400/028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485283960373468354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-krIIpvFI/AAAAAAAAAJA/twz4nTgrr7Q/s1600/026.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-krIIpvFI/AAAAAAAAAJA/twz4nTgrr7Q/s400/026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485283931985656914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-kpnY-5oI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Baj8JPciLnU/s400/025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485283906015913602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-kpnY-5oI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Baj8JPciLnU/s1600/025.JPG"></a></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-kpnY-5oI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Baj8JPciLnU/s1600/025.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TB-kpnY-5oI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Baj8JPciLnU/s1600/025.JPG"></a></span></span></span></span></div><div>Thank you ladies for including Soapendipity in your bachelorette night out! And congratulations Kess on your big day, I hope everything is perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, you don't need a reason to party at Soapendipity, all you need are five or more friends who want to get together for a fun time. Parties start at $7 per person. Send an email to info@soapendipity.com or click <a href="http://soapendipity.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">here</span></a> to be taken to the Soapendipity website for more details.</div><div><br /></div><div>Soapendipity is also open Tuesday through Saturday 12 - 4 for the walk-in soap making. Come make soap or shop from my growing line of bath and body products. 105 E. 3rd Avenue (across from the Post Office).</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200397333721698595.post-89685968517061036252010-06-17T13:06:00.000-07:002010-07-05T11:23:44.202-07:00Dachshunds on Parade<div style="text-align: left;">This weekend in Ellensburg is the 8th Annual Dachshunds on Parade. I don't have a dachshund, but I am a dog lover with two dogs of my own, so I am super excited for this event. In addition to Soapendipity, I also have Canine Frosting.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you haven't seen my booth at the Kittitas County Farmer's Market, I have lots of collars, harnesses, and leashes in fun patterns and colors. I have been working hard all week to be sure I have plenty of dachshund sized harnesses available and I have even baked up a fresh batch of dog cookies.</div><div><br /></div><div>And for all the dachshund lovers out there, I have also been working on something soapy just for you! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pXqqMAI-D1g/TBqDSZ2ffkI/AAAAAAAAAH4/nMREkkYQyQI/s400/dachshunds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483839848477326914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Dachshund Silhouette soaps!! I love how they turned out and can't wait to have them for sale at the market this weekend. Each soap weighs in at almost 7 oz, and they smell great. In addition to the traditional white background, I will also have a few other color choices. The dachshund in the soap is actually made from soap and I hand cut out each and every one. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">So don't forget to stop by my booth this Saturday and you could leave with something great for both you and your furry friend!! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/?action=view&current=mel-sig-blog.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/melissa_jensen/mel-sig-blog.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336309223381850624noreply@blogger.com0