One in a Mel'lion Shout Out !

I have tried One in a Mel'lion's soaps in the past, a gorgeous Sun Dried Tomato kitchen soap, so when Mel did a Fall Soap Give-a-Way for her Pumpkin Oatmeal homemade soap, I entered and crossed my fingers! And was tickled pink, (or pumpkin) that I won!

As a natural soap maker (Soaper) myself, I LOVE to try other Soaper's creations. It's kind of like having someone else make dinner for YOU. Know what I mean?  I so enjoy a good bar of homemade soap, ahhh....

Along with the awesome natural soap, I received two handmade Fall Leaves print washcloths.
Seriously, these washcloths are so soft,.... you know the kind that is SO absorbent and soft and fluffy, these are those!  I'm going to designate one for my facial cloth. Mine, mine, mine.

Her sewing creations are super nice, strong stitching, no skimping on fabric quality here.

   Really nice lather !

 Pumpkin, oat-y          scent.
        Love it.

      Thank you Mel from

   One in a Mel'lion

Guest blog from: Prescott Primitive and their Soy Tarts

Ok, these are just too cute. Little melty soy men, "Grubbie Babies" from Prescott Primitives, a cottage industry started by my sister that makes these little cuties along with a whole line of other rustic, primitive homey treats.

"Grubbied up" with a blend of aromatic spices, rubbed into the soy, ready to melt in your tart warmer.

   Hey y'all! This is Margaret from Prescott Primitives and we are launching our Fall and Winter line! We specialize in primitive and country home goods that are hand crafted and made with the "best of class" materials. Our soy warming tarts, for example, are made from the highest quality soy wax and scented using perfume grade fragrance oils. All wrapped up in a crisp cello bag, tied with homespun and a little rusty collector charm!   We think they're pretty special and we know you will, too.

  Anna here, and thank you Margaret for sharing these adorable tarts with us. I used "Prairie Praline" scented tarts today in my house, and the scent was incredible. Strong with a great scent throw. The smell was warm, cozy, inviting, homey, comfortable, you don't want to leave the room honestly. With a caramelized brown sugar, yummy buttery vanilla, and nutty candied pecans.

Prescott Primitives is a featured artist in my etsy shop, find their

"Grubbie Babies" there.

Guest contributor Melissa G. on Homemade Rosewater

California Guest bath and beauty crafter Melissa G. has been busy collecting fresh rose petals from her sunny neighborhood. Before they dry up, she wanted to capture some of the natural goodness found in their satiny petals! Ahhhh........ rose water! 

 There is nothing so awesomely pure as homemade rose water. Gathered and steeped without much trouble at all, rosewater makes a name for itself in it's many uses.

photo by Melissa G.

In ancient times there is evidence of the women using it as a rinse to soften their hair.

It is said that Cleopatra used it as an ingredient in her face masks. In your natural made face masks, or clays, just substitute the liquid for rosewater.  It is good for all skin types.

The presence of vitamin C in roses speaks of it's antioxidant property to protect skin cells from damage which makes it great as a refreshing, uplifting face spritz, and natural toner for its soothing qualities and anti-inflammatory properties.

As a cleanser rosewater removes dirt and impurities from the pores leaving the skin hydrated.  Use it in homemade moisturizing lotion.

That said, rose water is pricey............ make it yourself, at home with your own fresh picked beauties!

And, when your lovelies do dry up, you can use them in homemade skin softening bath fizzy bombs as Melissa did.....

photo by Melissa G.

Or bath melt bombs made with natural oils.

Or pour directly into your bath water, and top off with fresh petals.....

An important ingredient in natural skin care, found right in your back yard...

Thanks Melissa !

Enjoy............ Anna

California Solid Lotion bar by Melissa

Blog reader Melissa from sunny California USA got inspired to make Solid Lotion Bars and was kind enough to send me a photo of her work.  The bar looks so creamy, love the natural

color from the beeswax. 

These all natural solid lotion bars are perfect for summer skin needs. Solid at room temperature, they melt when smoothed across your skin. Absolutely lovely.

Good job Melissa, thanks for sharing with us !

Tomato Basil Goats Milk soap by One in a Mel'lion

I saw this soap by Mel from One in a Mel'lion, (love the pun on her name) and had to try it. Made with sundried tomato and basil, and goat's milk..............right up my ally! 

The look, the ingredients the scent, all spell natural.

I am totally inspired to try herbs in my natural soaps, thanks Mel, awesome soap!

Enjoy.....................Anna

Arizona Sunshine Soap by Simply Handcrafted

Living in Arizona myself, I was intrigued by fellow Arizonan soaper, Jan from Simply Handcrafted when I saw her Arizona Sunshine soap. We did a soap swap! 

I'm sending her my Rosemary Lavender and Jan sent me her Arizona Sunshine, yea!

Wanted to share it with you.....

Arizona Sunshine handcrafted soap with a pure Arizona sun ray !

Thank you Jan from Simply Handcrafted 

 Lovely bubbles and lather. 

Fresh Arizona scent !