handmade soaps Archives

Since Declan’s arrival, I’ve admittedly not made a lot of time for myself. To be honest, carving out “me” time is a constant struggle, but I am slowly finding small ways to ‘treat’ myself. This week, I’d like to share with you one of the small ways I do something for myself: handcrafted soaps.

I’ve talked about how even putting on daily lotion can be a stretch, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: Stargazer Soaps. I’ve heard so many of my friends talk about being unable to even shower daily…and this is the one thing I refuse to sacrifice as a busy mom. My daily 10 minute shower is sacred. There is NO way I will let that little sliver of “me” time slip out of my daily routine. While both relaxing and revitalizing, the shower is also where some of my greatest ideas are hatched. Add in Stargazer Soaps natural, handcrafted soaps and those ten minutes are like a mini-spa!

I recently featured Nicole, the owner/artisan behind Stargazer Soaps, in my WAHM Mondays series, and was very interested to read about the soap-making process [and appalled to read about the chemicals that go into commercial soaps]. You can read more about Stargazer Soaps HERE.

I was sent three different soaps to review: two from the Purely Natural line (Lemongrass Butter & Grapfruit), and one from the Creamy Silk line (Rainbow). I have sensitive skin, and am very sensitive to smells, so the Purely Natural line of soaps is perfect for me (no artificial fragrances or coloring). I was also interested in trying the Creamy Silk line, made from coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, palm oil, and many other wonderfully natural ingredients that keep your skin silky smooth!

I started with the Lemongrass Butter Purely Natural soap by Stargazer Soaps and absolutely love the fresh scent and moisturizing effects. As previously stated, I have a sensitivity to smells, especially artificial fragrances. If I’m visiting a friend with a scented candle, or walk by the candle or fragrance sections in a department store, it’s usually a matter of minutes before I have a pounding headache and an upset stomach. My soaps from Stargazer Soaps, with their natural fragrances, are absolutely divine! The Lemongrass is such a bright scent that it is perfect for perking me up during my morning shower!

While I will typically use almost any soap I can get my hands on (it’s faster and easier), my husband has a “thing” for artisanal soaps. Nicole sent me some soaps for him to try a couple of months ago, but at the time, I didn’t think about myself. One of the soaps that I ordered was Coffee in the Purely Natural line. Declan loved smelling the soap in its wrapper, and my husband has loved using it since opening. There is a Stargazer Soap for everyone in the family! (I’m just glad I now have the chance to treat myself)

I’m loving my Stargazer Soaps, as is my husband, and I’ve already got my eye on trying Lavender the next time we order. Take my word for it, do something nice for yourself and treat yourself to Stargazer Soaps’ natural, handcrafted soaps. Consider this ‘treat’ a necessary step in being good to yourself (sometimes it’s all about the little things). Stargazer Soaps make great hostess gifts too…

You can visit Stargazer Soaps’ website at http://stargazersoaps.com/. If you want to see Nicole at work, follow her on YouTube. For discounts and upcoming soaps, follow Stargazer Soaps on Facebook and Twitter!

Feeling lucky? Stargazer Soaps is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a soap pack containing: 1 Purely Natural bar and 2 Creamy Silk bars (of his/her choice of fragrance). You can enter through the form below:

Entry -Form

I’m excited to introduce this week’s featured work-at-home-mom: Nicole Farrell. Nicole is the artisan behind the beautifully handcrafted (and luxurious) Stargazer Soaps.

When I first thought about making my own soap, I never dreamed it would turn into a passion.

As a stay at home mom to 4, I am always looking for ways to save money. I thought making my own soap would be a large pocket saver. But when I started researching the process, I was quickly overwhelmed and gave up on the idea. A few weeks later, I read an article on some chemicals used in commercial soaps. It prompted me to research the products in my shower – the organic, natural, “safe” products I was using on my children. And I quickly had a purpose. Throw it all out and make my own soap!

I began reading as much as I could, and spent countless hours watching videos on YouTube. I ordered from several other soap makers, wanting to feel their product, (not to mention I wanted to toss our chemicals in the garbage as quickly as possible!) I will never forget the first batch of soap I made. I was scared to death! But one batch was all it took for me to get hooked. And I can say – I will never use commercial soap again!

And when I say commercial soap, I use that term lightly. Commercial soaps aren’t even soap, but detergent! If you look at the packaging, you will see terms like Beauty Bar, Body Wash, Facial Bar. Where is the word Soap? You won’t find it, because it isn’t soap. When soap is made, natural glycerin is produced. Commercial companies remove the glycerin and replace it with chemicals. And here is the scary part – it takes 6 seconds for our skin to absorb these chemicals. Ingredients that have many layers to them. One in particular is made up of formaldehyde – but you have to dig through several layers to discover that. I for one do not want to bathe my family in a product that uses chemicals intended to clean my shower. Read more about these chemicals on my blog at http://stargazersoaps.blogspot.com/.

So what will handmade soap do for you? It is different for everyone. I can tell you it can take up to six weeks for your skin & hair, (yes, you can wash your hair with handmade soap!), to re-balance. Your body is so used to having it’s natural oils stripped away it has to readjust. But stick with it. The benefits are very rewarding! I do not make medical claims, and cannot tell you how handmade soap will change your skin. I do know that it has changed my life, (who would have thought soap would change my life?), the lives of my family, and many others who have also made the change.

I am so blessed to be able to share my passion with others! Visit me on my website at http://stargazersoaps.com/. If you want to see me at work, follow me on YouTube. Stay informed of my discounts and upcoming soaps on my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter!