Happy Button Soap Co: Sweet Snuggles Scrub

A little something different for you all today - its been a long time since I have blogged about my other vice: Bath and Body!

I recently entered a contest over at the Happy Button Soap Company facebook page to create a scent for an upcoming customer inspired scrub scent trio.
My entry was Sweet Snuggles - a mix of Lavender, Pink Sugar, White Chocolate and a hint of Coconut. All of these are my favorite fragrances on their own and I thought they'd be awesome all blended together! I often do layer these together from the perfumes that I have in my stash. Yep, I've got a huuuuge perfume stash too, but that's another story! I came up with the name because I remembered Bree's sweet dog, Koumpi, and the Sunday morning snuggles she gets from him. I was one of the lucky winners and Bree sent a full sized scrub to me in the scent that I created!

Her packaging has only gotten more colorful since I last ordered! I don't know if she remembered that I love purple and green or if it was coincidence, but she not only wrapped it in purple tissue, the scrub itself is a light lavender color topped with hot pink sugar!



She even included a scrub sample with my free scrub! Its called Alice and has a very fresh and somewhat nostalgic scent to me. I can't quite put my finger on where I've smelled something similar before, but I love it!

I took this photo a while back, but her scrubs still foam up like this - its insanely gorgeous foam!


I also love her shampoo and original conditioner, it is one of the few sets that I don't have an allergic reaction to when I use them and they're safe for color treated hair! I also love her solid perfumes and body cream and lip balms and - well I don't think she makes a product that I don't love!

The other two winning scents in the trio were:
Blueberry Basil Jam - Blueberries, white sugar, and a touch of sweet basil (created by Julienne Marie)
Spicey Earth - Vetiver and cinnamon (created by Karin J Leary)


All three scents are available in her shop so why don't ya show her some love and give her lil shop a visit after July 7th! (she's on vacation)
Her items are pre made and she ships super fast, sometimes the same day!

Polish and Soap!

365 Days of Color is changing her bottle style, so to sell the existing stock she announced a sale.
Use code summersale to take 15% off your purchase at her shop.
The code is good until 11:59pm Pacific time July 6th.


Haus of Gloi is restocking general catalog handmade soaps today at noon pacific as well as a few special Reverie soaps.

Sol - Gingergrass, neroli, litsea cubeba, saffron threads, frankincense, rosemary, and a touch of cinnamon.

Formula 14 - A pure essential oil blend of patchouli, ylang ylang, orange and bright litsea cubeba. Made with carrot juice and coconut cream!

White Amber (GC)- "an all new scent" (I could not find a description for this one, mysterious!)

White Raspberry - Tart raspberries and a clean cream accord.


Insalata Nocturna (GC) - In the night garden, green Bolivian lemon, rubbed tomato leaf, olive leaf absolute, black fig syrup and basil.


Reverie Perfume oils in Sol and White Raspberry will also be available.

A few of the GC soaps weren't able to be stocked due to supply limitations: Peach Mama, Depravity and Absinthe.
Vice soap has a new look as well!

Moona Spring has arrived!

My Moonalisa came today!


Obligatory box opening and such!


Pot Lot: King Cake and Southern Blackberry Jam Cake
Perfume oils: Vantasia, King Cake, and Bloudeuwedd's Broom
Lip Butters: Peep Show, Chocolate Strudel, and a freebie Cherry Clafouti
King Cake Soap
Monster Go Home Spray: Dr. Bombay
Mermaid Silk and Mango Mint Sorbet Footsie Fizzy freebies

Haus of Gloi and Moona Photo Spammage!

Its been a while so I thought it appropriate to bring you some eye candy of the bath and body variety that I've recently purchased. :)
Let me know if you would like to see a review of any of the scents or products. Enjoy!

Haus of Gloi's Spring collection.




Haus of Gloi's Post Valentine's Reverie:




Moonalisa Easter:


More to come!

Haus of Gloi

Haus of Gloi has just released new Reverie collection scents!

Banana Puddin' - Classic banana pudding with a touch of bourbon vanilla. Slightly soggy vanilla wafers included.

Haus Chai - Creamy chai tea, with mandarins and burnt myrrh.

White Blueberry - Blueberries awash with white vanilla sugar, cream and a sprig of white thyme

I've already placed my order for one Pumpkin Butter in each of these new scents. I am so excited about them!

Haus of Gloi - Upcoming Reverie

Just saw this tweet, thought I'd share!

Also, banana puddin' as a Reverie scent. Must. Happen.

Haus of Gloi Spring has Sprung!

If you haven't made your purchase yet, head on over to Haus of Gloi's Spring section!

I've already ordered some faves from last year and samplings of the two new scents!

Lassi - Cool, fresh mango cream, Tunisian orange blossom absolute, black ginger to ground, splash of green tea and a soft squeeze of lime juice.
I stocked up on the pumpkin butter and perfume oil. I believe this is my most favorite scent they make.

Ploughman - Well worn leather, dirt n' dandelions, carrot, a pinch of tobacco and a light sheen of feral skin musk.
I ordered a soft bubbling scrub in this scent. It reminds me of freshly rained on dirt. I LOVE how it smells!

In the new scents, I ordered mini pumpkin butters:
La Florida - A breath of fresh florals, bergamot, ylang ylang, lavender, violet leaf, rose absolute, orange blossoms, lemon zest and a touch of clove.
Mintha - Fresh parsley, ginger grass, Oregon mint, ho wood and a touch of litsea.

And I just received an email from Bree, of Happy Button Soap Company. She is offering a discount of 25% on the Winter Wonderland collection, Fall in New England collection, and Valentine's kits with code SPRINGSALE

Haus of Gloi - Summer Announcement

Just visiting Haus of Gloi's facebook page and saw their post and thought I'd share!

Haus of Gloi
Hi Everyone,

Spring is almost here and that means that it's time for fresh new scents from the Haus! For 2012's collection, we have brought back old favorites as well as two new scents, La Florida and Mintha.

This year we have opted to offer all scents in whipped soap instead of bars in order to reduce production times and minimize the backup caused by Britton's recent jury service. Bar soaps will definitely be coming back as soon as all production is back in order.

On to the stuff you really care about! Spring release will be at 12PM Pacific (GMT minus 8 hours) on Sunday, March 18th. We will be restocking a number of general catalog items in advance as well.

La Florida
A breath of fresh florals, bergamot, ylang ylang, lavender, violet leaf, rose absolute, orange blossoms, lemon zest and a touch of clove.
(Whipped soap/pumpkin butter/perfume oil)

Lassi
Cool, fresh mango cream, Tunisian orange blossom absolute, black ginger to ground, splash of green tea and a soft squeeze of lime juice.
(Whipped soap/pumpkin butter/perfume oil/emulsifying scrub/bubbling scrub)

Milkmaid
Flushed, but demure. Fresh milk, clean linens, pale musk and pink sweet pea blossom.
(Whipped soap/pumpkin butter/perfume oil/emulsifying scrub/bubbling scrub)

Mintha
Fresh parsley, ginger grass, Oregon mint, ho wood and a touch of litsea.
(Whipped soap/pumpkin butter/perfume oil)

Ploughman
Well worn leather, dirt n' dandelions, carrot, a pinch of tobacco and a light sheen of feral skin musk.
(Whipped soap/pumpkin butter/perfume oil/emulsifying scrub/bubbling scrub)

Selkie
The break of waves, gurgling sea foam, kelp, rain tinged air, sand smoothed driftwood and wild sage.
(Whipped soap/pumpkin butter/perfume oil/emulsifying scrub/bubbling scrub)

Thanks all and we will see you on the 18th!

Matt & Britton
xoxo

I am so excited about this release! Haus of Gloi's products are made from scratch and very high quality. Britton blends the most beautiful and unusual scents. Lassi, being one of my favorites. It reminds me of summer fruits, bright sunny days, and all that is good and happy! I have been rationing my Lassi scented products and now I can restock my stash! I'm also very excited about the two new summer scents this year, La Florida and Mintha; they both will be joining my stash soon!

If you have never tried Haus of Gloi, this is the time! You can thank me later. ;)

Fragrance Friday!

The name Friday comes from the Old English Frīġedæġ, meaning the "day of Frigg"
But here at the xoxo-Jen blog, its cause for celebration! Its the end of the work week, and the beginning of the weekend! I thought it would be fun to share the scents we wear each Friday; and our thoughts about each.


Body Wash - BBW Exotic Coconut: This takes me away to warm summer days where the sun shines bright and the waves gently wash over the sparkling sand.
After shower Lotion - BBW Coconut Lime Breeze: I really like how fresh and like Summer this smells. I have about 1/3 of the bottle left to use up!
Perfume - Chia! A lovely Mua'er (Thank you Gail!!) from the perfume board offered to send a decant to me, out of the blue! I didn't know her and don't typically frequent the perfume board. How awesome is that! This smells very much like Pink Sugar, only I think the musk is stronger which softens this up a bit and makes it a little more grown up. I am in LOVE with this scent!
Hand Lotion - I use this through the day and today it will be Haus of Gloi's Spring Tonic #1! Lemon, Lime, Parsley and Dandelions - a super yummy combination and perfect to brighten up the day!
What did you wear today?

I just won!

I just won a giveaway from Soap Obsessions bloggers Lynda and Jean!

I am going to receive two jars of Creme Fraiche made by Savor.

Fresh Snow ~ A bright and invigorating winter scent. Ozone, icy spring water and juniper comprise this scent.
Frosted Spring Orchard ~ Frost clinging to balsam fir and cedar trees with light orange, carnation, lily and a cooling touch of eucalyptus.
What a lovely gift! Some nice snow and then a spring scent chasing right afterward. What a perfect giveaway for this time of year. Jean even asked me to choose a few extras from a huge list! I am so blown away by these gals' generosity!

Thank you ever so much!

>

Fragrance Friday

The name Friday comes from the Old English Frīġedæġ, meaning the "day of Frigg"
But here at the xoxo-Jen blog, its cause for celebration! Its the end of the work week, and the beginning of the weekend! I thought it would be fun to share the scents we wear each Friday; and our thoughts about each.


Body Wash - I used bar soap today, from Tokyo Factory. Its called Black Kimono and reminds me of licorice! I love it. :)
After shower Lotion - Haus of Gloi's Mango Sticky Rice pumpkin butter. Which is being re-released on Monday!
Perfume - n/a
Hand Lotion - Haus of Gloi's MSR will be applied through the day. :)

What did you wear today?

Fragrance Friday!

The name Friday comes from the Old English Frīġedæġ, meaning the "day of Frigg"
But here at the xoxo-Jen blog, its cause for celebration! Its the end of the work week, and the beginning of the weekend! I thought it would be fun to share the scents we wear each Friday; and our thoughts about each.


Body Wash - BBW Exotic Coconut: This takes me away to warm summer days where the sun shines bright and the waves gently wash over the sparkling sand.
After shower Lotion - BBW Dark Kiss: I absolutely love the sweet yet sultry notes in this fragrance. I used up the last of a trial sized bottle this morning. Yay!
Perfume - Bpal Pink Snowballs 2011: Lovely sweet roses and vanilla. I think this is a perfect February scent!
Hand Lotion - Haus of Gloi's Who Needs Love Pumpkin Butter: The perfect treat for a Friday. Espresso dusted dark chocolate truffles filled with raspberry jam. I reapplied this a few times throughout the day and enjoyed it immensely.

What did you wear today?

Heavenly Soaps quick review

christiansmom requested photos of this soap, so I figured I would paste my mini review in with these too. I didn't initially review these because they were gifts for Jas, but he has been a dear and told me to use them too! :D

The qtip is for size comparison length/width, the thickness of these is over an inch, probably close to 1.5 inches!

This is the kitchen coffee soap, it has coffee grounds in it!

One recent discovery really surprised and impressed me. Heavenly Soaps are mostly single note scents, natural in color, they bubble up so nicely and feel wonderfully moisturizing. Best of all they are VERY affordable. She sends two gigantic bars (same scent) to you, wrapped in those old timey waxy-like drugstore type bags. And her price? Get this! $2-3 for two HUGE bars + shipping.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/heavenlysoap
or
http://soapbypatti.com/catalog/

I hauled like a jackrabbit from her for Christmas gifts for Jas. My favorite so far is the cranberry scented soap. Its very juice-like and sweet, more than it is tart. I haven't sniffed a cranberry quite like it before. Jas' favorite is the coconut lime.
She left feedback the same day I made the purchase 11/30 and I left her feedback on 12/5 after it had arrived. Pretty darn fast for the time of year it was!

I noticed at her etsy shop just now that she has more complex scents than when I shopped! Also at her webshop off Etsy, she carries bath bombs, salts, laundry soap, liquid soap, massage oil, shampoo bars, mini soaps (ball shaped), and you can even get a custom made soap loaf!

Happy Button Soap Company

Just got it today and well, this is the first time I've written a same day review - I think. Yep, that excited about it!

First opened

Top layer removed

All out of the box, such a sweet note from Bree!

All unwrapped. And that's my happy lil haul!
Free samples!
We all love samples, yes? So let's review those first!
Gingerbread Brulee - The classic creaminess of a Brulee mingled with Gingerbread...
--On cold sniff I get a hit of goeey caramel and then I smell cookie. Not picking up a lot of spice, but that is fantastic in my book! I cannot wait to use this in the shower tomorrow morning. I think this will really blossom and be spectacular!

Peppermint Frosting - The sweetest Buttercream icing covered in Candy Cane bits!
--Mm Buttercream, sugar and cool refreshing peppermint on top! Gah, I bet this would be so freaking awesome with molten chocolate shower gel in the shower! Can you imagine!?

I love their shampoo and conditioner and so I ordered more in my very favorite scent.
I've reviewed it before but since I cannot say enough about it, here's why I like these:

My hair type: Just past the shoulder, color treated, oily roots, dry ends, some flyaways, thick yet fine, a little wavy but I flat iron it straight. Tangles are usually an issue, I have an allergic reaction (facial skin breaks out in itchy bumps) to most shampoos, some conditioners make my scalp itch several hours after washing or the ends of my hair make my face itch. Volume is difficult to achieve.

I never thought I would ever find hair care to fix all my problems, but I did!
The shampoo and conditioner allow me to have oil free roots all day long, and half the day the next day. Adding a little pea sized amt of conditioner to the ends before I blow dry smooths out the dry ends. It gives enough moisture that I do not see any apparent heat damage from blow drying or flat ironing. Its color safe. No tangles - I can run my pick through after towel drying with no issues. No bumps, no breakouts, no itching. I don't have to use any other products on my hair; and it has volume, is super shiney, soft and squeaky clean!

The conditioner can be compared to IOE's Plush in how it works, but I find that IOE's makes my face itch and HBSC leaves my hair slightly more silky and shiney. Its light and rinses clean and leaves a little fragrance behind, yum!

Definitely my holy grail combo!

"The Cool scent of falling leaves mingled with warm homemade pumpkin pie..."
The lotion is really nice and creamy, holds a stiff peek on its own and is not greasy at all.
Autumn Harvest is intoxicating and comforting, every single time I smell it. So with this order I got both poo and dish AND a lotion. Now my world will smell like heaven all day!>

Nazarene solid perfume - The scent of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Patchouli mingled with Orange blossoms and musk in the night air.
--I was really hoping for lots of Frank and Myrrh and less Patch, but the Patch note is predominant after I've worn it for several minutes. I have found though, that by layering this with my Autumn Harvest lotion its irresistable! AH is really enhanced by the Patch note which blends so well it doesn't stick out like a single note anymore. Similar in concept to Haus Peach Mama. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the twist up container, no more icky fingers dipping in a tin. Simple and clean to apply! Definitely wearing this tomorrow with my AH lotion. Yum!

I will admit, I was quite skeptical of the lip butters because I'm particular with lip balm. Greasy, watery, texture, taste, feel, and how do my lips feel when its worn off? I have a huge (over 100) collection so I don't like to order them unless I know its going to be awesome.
I took the leap though, because all HBSC products have been spectacular so far. And it rings true with these! comparable in quality to Haunt and Haus of Gloi. Its creamy, melts to my lips on contact but doesn't turn watery. My lips immediately feel soft and moisturized and it seems to stay on as long as others. They're sweetened so they taste good too!

Red Velvet Cake Lip butter - I opened and tried this one and it smells and tastes like chocolate cake with creamy frosting. Yummy!
Butter Toffee Crunch Lip butter - This will be opened once the rvc is all used up! Keeping it sealed, and oh I left the seal in the photo so you could all see how it looks. One of those heat shrink wraps with perforation. :)

I hope you enjoyed my review!

Happy Button Soap Company (2nd review)

Short and sweet review, I'm in a rush, but I wanted to put -something- up about this order. Its fabulous! Arrived super fast!

Everything is lovely, the rose scent is sooo fresh picked. I'm in love with it.
The Missus smells clean and fresh, not foody to my nose at all, love it. Autumn Harvest has more pumpkin in it now, I think its perfect and Oubliette is fresh and a little herbal, great for shampoo.

I LOVE everything! Scented so nicely! The shampoo is pearly ^.^ And you Bree was right, Thirteen o'clock is such a beautiful fresh picked rose, I LOVE using it in the shower!
I like how she tweaked the Autumn Harvest scent, I think its just right! Bliss!

Moonalisa Rockabilly Reorder

Obligatory box opening photos! :D

Some of these scents are reorders and were reviewed in previous blog posts

Perfume Sprays

Lemming Crack - reorder

Mermaid's Tale - reorder (same scent as pacific bath salts)





Potion Lotions:

Blueberry Hill - Delicious, warm blueberry syrup, butter and pancakes, slurp.... this one is a straight up fragrance that is so good on its own, I never had the heart to add a thing. (Rockabilly)

--This smells like a blueberry pastry and is a little too much butter and syrup for my tastes in the pot lot, but I love the soap; where the blueberry is dominant and the maple/pancakes are nearly hidden in the background.

Candied Violets - Sugared violets adorning a Chamborde raspberry liqueur soaked butter sponge cake. (Drive Thru Moo)

--I really love this, I can smell the soft powdery violets and something sweet and sugary. Not getting a cake note, but it could come out when worn. Haven't tested this one yet.

Tea Reader - reorder

Soap - gorgeous, foamy and velvety!

Blueberry Hill - reviewed above





Hair Conditioner - Not sure if this did it or the 4n1, but one of them dried my hair like woah.

Cantaloupe Cooler - reorder



Handmade Creams and Butters:

Monoi Tiare Tahiti Coconut Vanilla - coconut butter cream scented in Coconut & Vanilla. Mmmmmmm, a great oil to go with your coco-coconutty goodness!!! (Rockabilly)

--I was very disappointed in this. Its runny, costly, stays on the surface of my skin and remains greasy to the touch. =/

Perfume Oil:

Duchess of Willowdale - Notes are reminiscent of old Victorian parlors, Honey, Amber, Pipe Tobacco but with added notes of deep, dark, rich chocolates. (Original Scent list)

--I really LOVE this scent! Finally a honey note that doesn't smell like pee on me! I accidentally bought a second one before this order came, and I am glad I did! On cold sniff I do smell the tobacco but when worn its gone and all I smell is glorious chocolate and amber. I'm in heaven! Plus, the extra bottle is prettier (blue w/gold cap) than the one I received. xD




Bath Butter

Peach Paradise - Sweet peaches in syrup doused with creamy coconut milk. (Drive Thru Moo)

--Very very peachy and sweet like candy! Would be perfect for summertime.





4 in 1

Orange Cloud - Lovely and soothing coconut oil, sea salt , almond oil , Baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, toasted orange peel, Sweet Orange Peel, Ylang Ylang and Vanilla essential oils. (Original scent list)

--I can definitely smell the sharp orange peel, but it has been softened a bit by the vanilla. Its not quite dreamsicle-esqe, as I think this is more realistic like a cup of fresh sliced oranges with a dollop of whipped cream. :)

Banishing oil:

Sanctuary - Sandalwood, Agar Wood, Rose and deep forest mulch. (Halloween 2011)

--do not like sandalwood, but this has a heavy rose scent. The drydown is a bit powdery. Its nice for a fresh/floral, but not my kind of "reach for" scent. I can imagine it will make a great massage oil, since the fragrance is not heavy.

Solid Perfume:

Sleepy Hallow - Experience the legend with this solid perfume flying Ointment reminiscent of smoldering seasoned oakwood fires, warmed leather from fierce riding through the eastern woodside and the distinct aroma of roasted spiced pumpkin flesh and smoldering marshmallows. (Halloween 2011)

--I can smell most of the notes in the pot, but when I put it on it goes smoke. Nothing but smoke. I think I might blend my cp marshmallow with this. :D

The whole order together: