'Tis the Season!
Let it suds! Let it suds! Let it suds!
Salutations and best wishes friends!
It's December, the big finale, the wrap up to a really long, stressful year. We can finally snuggle into our own little hibernation caves. And we can poke our heads out here and there to celebrate whatever strikes our fancy with whoever makes us happy.
Winter gives us a chance to rest, reflect, put everything into a new perspective, and just take time for ourselves to breathe more deeply, nourish our souls and connect with what we love.
ARE YOU STILL GIFT SHOPPING?
I've said this often, but it's still true - handmade soap is the very epitome of the perfect gift. It's everyday, much-loved, usable item taken to a higher standard of quality or uniqueness which your sweetie pie or honey bear might not splurge on for themselves.
And like I always do at this time of year, I'm going to share the most important links to everything you need to know about soap gifting:
1. If you've wondered if giving soap as a gift might send a different (not so pleasant) message - I explain what giving the gift of soap really means. In a nutshelll: It's not "you stink." It says "you're special and you're worth it. You enjoy the finer things in life on a daily basis. I love you and want to pamper you." All really good stuff.
2. Are you confused by which scents to choose for all your people? Click here for how to decide which scent to choose for every Who in Whoville. There's lots of handy tips, but honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the new Winter Holiday seasonal scents. They are spicy and festive, a cheery way to start a winter morning in the shower.
3. And finally, now that you've got your pile ready and waiting for wrapping, you'll need to know how to store them to keep them at their freshest, not just this month, but beyond. Here's our cheat sheet of tips on storing soap. There's a science to this.
DO YOU NEED SOME ELVES OF YOUR OWN?
All this holiday-ing can be a LOT, and maybe you're overwhelmed and exhausted trying to come up with yet another gift. We got you. Leave the decisions, the wrapping, the prettying, even the packing, shipping and post office-ing to us. There are lots of new gift options available - from pretty little floral linen sacks for a single bar, to combos of items all wrapped up in boxes, bags and travel pouches, ready to be zipped off to your beloveds.
All you have to do is come up with a cozy sentiment for the gift card. Then slouch over to the computer in your jammies, mug in hand, and jot off the details to us. We'll do the heavy lifting while you take a nap and have just one more cookie. (Find the full selection under the GIFTS tab on the site.)
SWEDISH DISH CLOTHS IN HOLIDAY PATTERNS
I've blabbed on and on about these super eco friendly, super cute, AND super efficient dish and cleaning cloths many times. So I won’t repeat all that. (But if you haven’t heard the hoopla, click here.) Anyhoo, I'm fully stocked with charming winter and holiday designs. Oh, did I mention they make amazing gifts? You can find them under the Accessories tab. ($5 ea)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - SALES AHEAD
My goodness, can we just put the whole “Black Friday” thing to rest? It’s been an entire month of every kind of lights flashing sale, bling bling discount and once in a lifetime specials that are not in the least bit special. The consumerism and sales pushiness are pushing us all away. We’re savvy enough to spot the fake sales a mile away - when the “regular” price suddenly jumps up 20% but they are shouting about their 25% off can’t miss deal. And don’t even start with the “Cyber” sales either. The internet wasn’t invented yesterday and nobody’s waiting to get back to the office on Monday to do their online shopping, lol. People are shopping with their phones all day long! Good grief.
In light of all that insanity, I’m going to do what I always do, sell my hand-crafted-with-love items at their regular fair price in December. And have a winter sale in January if there are any seasonal items left on the shelf after the holiday shopping season is over.
Don't miss the CLEARANCE sale page now, though. Catch a few items at amazing discount prices right now before they are gone!
Because this can't be said often enough - thank you for all of your loyal business and support all year! After all these years you all are like family to me and I wouldn't be able to do this work without you. I am sincerely grateful for each and every one of you.
I wish you the merriest of holiday seasons, whatever you celebrate - jam packed with happy memories, abundant feasting, and lots of laughter with the ones you love . May we show up for what we believe in, practice fierce kindness, and support one another.
With heartfelt love and appreciation -
Heidi Risse