Love is Everything

Happy Valentine's Day! Big hugs and a smooch to everyone reading along!

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love. Not just romance between two lovers, although that's what comes to mind first. But love in all ways, big and small. The intimacy between sisters or family, the bond between you and your pets, the admiration and respect for parents and grandparents. Your first love, your current love, your next love.

Love is everything. Everything is love. Love makes the world go round. Without love there is nothing. So if you find yourself without a hot date on Valentine's Day - one, you're not alone. There's gazillions of people who aren't doing the dinner and roses thing right along with you. But two, you're absolutely loved. Just trust that it's true and you'll begin see it. Send a little love out and it will boomerang right back and hit you squarely in the forehead. Cuz that's how love rolls.

I know I've mentioned it before, but I sincerely love and adore my loyal customers and followers. This grand experiment and adventure would not be possible without your partnership. Let's grow old together, shall we?

Thank you Dr. King

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday was actually January 15th, but today is the day we celebrate his legacy as a national holiday. And what an enormous impact his life and his words have had on us. Each time I read another quote by him, I'm blown away by his wisdom and leadership, so much a part of his time and yet way ahead of his time too. We are still in the trenches working on these exact same issues right now. His ideals are every bit as courageous, wise and on point today. He was a giant among men. Thank you Dr. King for standing up. For saying what needed to be said. For doing what was right. 

"I often feel like saying, when I hear the question 'People aren't ready,' that it's like telling a person who is trying to swim, 'Don't jump in that water until you learn how to swim.' When actually you will never learn how to swim until you get in the water.  And I think people have to have an opportunity to develop themselves and govern themselves.

Delivered at Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago on Aug. 27, 1967

Screw it up. Royally.

"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something. So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever."

- Neil Gaiman 

Whooooot! Happy New Year! Getting my party hat ready for a little celebrating tonight . . . it's been a great year!

15 More Shopping Days til Christmas!

Just saying . . .

Giving Thanks!

Let's talk turkey . . . I'm sure you're being bombarded with every kind of Thanksgiving message ever created in your inbox this week.  Sales and deals and thank you notes and gratitude platitudes.

While it feels just a little pile-on-y, or Same-y Sammie, I couldn't let the moment fly by without taking a quick breath to say "thank you" to all of you, my customers, followers and loyal fans.

It's been a really long run here at Soapworks Studio, and I couldn't have done it without all your unwavering support and cheerleading from the sidelines.  There have been lots of dips in the road where I thought it was time to give it up and move on, but then one of you, somewhere, somehow, showed up in the nick of time to bowl me over with the kindest compliments and set me back on track.

Thank you. You all are the gravy to my mashed potatoes.  Yep, total cornball.  Or should that be butterball? Anyway, hope you get a weekend off to stuff yourselves silly with amazing food.  Spend the day with friends, family, or Seahawks fans (which are a bit of both).  And have a few moments of quiet time to reflect on all the other things we have to be grateful for.  Even if it's just extra marshmallows on the yams.  Or a Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey??!! (You're welcome)

Happy Halloween!

Stringing up the twinkie lights, lighting up the pumpkins and trying not to eat all the candy before the kids get here :)

Wishing you the happiest Halloween celebration evaaahh!  Boo!!

Happy 4th of July

Wishing you an extraordinary Independence Day!

I'm so excited to be celebrating the wedding today of two of my favorite people in the world.  It's a double-trouble holiday today, not your ordinary grilling and chilling kind of holiday.  We've got to make some special memories today!

Off to decorate and enjoy every minute . . .

Red, White and Blue All Through

Happy 4^th of July!  Hip Hip Hooray for Independence Day!

As you read that, maybe you’re scoffing at the very idea of being patriotic. It’s so easy for us in the US to be critical of our country. We believe “America” equals our politics, or our history, or any number of issues, systems, or beliefs which bitterly divide those of us who live here.

That is, until we are at a sports event like the Olympics or World Cup Soccer.  Then we wave our flags until we’re literally red, white and blue in the face. Why is it so easy to cheer for the US in sports and not for other reasons? Maybe it’s a simple contest, pitting us clearly on one side, and the game ends in a few short hours? But it seems to unite us like little else does. The excitement is contagious and you can't help but get caught up in the crowd of people all rooting and hoping for the same thing.

But isn’t that what our country is at heart anyway? We are a nation of people that was built on a set of shared values that all people are equal and that we all have the same rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  I am totally hoping and rooting for that. Americans still fight daily for our freedom and our happiness, here and around the globe.  We believe so strongly in our values that we fight for the people of other nations to have the same rights too. We believe that everyone should have the same opportunities to be free to choose the lives they want to live and to be happy.

All the grumbling is just differences in perspective on how to get there, but at its core it’s ultimately still the same principle. We are a community of people who believe that things can always be better. We are always striving to improve our circumstances for ourselves and for our community – a better future for our kids, less struggle for our neighbors in need, rebuilding after disasters, or simply voicing our opinions on any and every issue that affects our ability to live happy, healthy lives.

There are a lot worse nations to live in, as we see in the news every day - just sayin'. Plus, we’re not quitters. We don’t just shrug our shoulders and accept lesser circumstances. At the bare minimum, we sit around and complain. Or we get out there and protest. And in growing numbers, we get out there and do the work that needs to be done. We don’t sit idly by.

I, myself, am grateful to live in a country where happiness and freedom are the ultimate goal. And where the people around me also believe that we can always better ourselves and our communities and our nation by smart choices, hard work, and a willingness to make it happen.

Reason to celebrate. And I love this holiday even more because I’m completely smitten by fireworks. I absolutely love them. So much so that when I die I want my ashes to be blown up in a firework display instead of tossed over the side of a boat or cooped up in a dusty urn somewhere. That part doesn’t have to wait til the 4^th of July. But having a picnic or big outdoor bbq, wearing flip flops, waving sparklers – that’s just extra ice cream on the pie.

I’m not the cheerleading type, but one day a year, I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my neighbors (some of whom sacrificed everything to move to America so they could live a better life and give their children a hopeful future) and feel my heart fill with pride for the ol’ red, white and blue. Cuz the anthem means a lot more than the start of a ball game, yo.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all our special Dad's!!

Dad's Day - Keepin' It Clean

Did you know?  A Spokane, Washington woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by a widower, was the woman who took up the cause of creating an official holiday equivalent to Mother's Day for male parents.  She went to local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers and government officials to drum up support for her idea.  And eventually she was successful.  Washington State (our very own Washington State!) celebrated the nation's first statewide Father's Day on July 19, 1910.  Civil war veteran William Jackson Smart must have been a pretty great Dad.  Thanks Smart family!

So we've been honoring, celebrating and pampering our fathers on the second Sunday in June for a while now.  Mom's get their day in May, and it's all wagons of flowers and over-the-top brunches, giant boxes of candy, and sentimental and gooey.  Dad's get their day and we usually just buy them a tie and let them play golf.  Maybe grill steaks later for dinner if it's nice out.  Dad's are easier and usually just want to do their own thing instead of be the star of a big party.  So it makes sense to show them how much we appreciate all they do for us with gifts that make them feel treasured, and might not be something they would already buy for themselves, right?

#108226974 / gettyimages.com

Keeping clean and smelling good is not only for girls. I'm hear to tell you that there are plenty of men who use, like, even enjoy those "special soaps" in their morning shower. Sometimes they are brave enough to actually approach the booth, sniff up a bunch of stuff and choose their own favorites.  Often though, they will pretend they don't care while in public, non-chalantly whiffing a few bars their wives hold up to their noses.  But once home, they absolutely love lathering up with a really nice bar.  Gals will tell me that their hubbies have taken over all the bars they brought home and they need to get more.

Why not just buy them their own little supply so they can continue sudsing and smelling fine, while keeping that little secret to themselves?  I've got all kinds of soap scents, manly, neutral, spicy, or perhaps, even a bit flowery.  Who says a guy can't like lavender too?

I've even heard about some men who like to take baths! Can you imagine?! If you've got a Dad (or hubbie) like this, you might consider buying a little soap or bath treat for the super hero guy who works so hard and takes care of so much.

I'll help out. Type the word DAD in the message box of one of the items you're buying and when you ring up at the end, you'll see a 20% off discount on your whole order. It's good starting today, but ends midnight Wednesday, June 11. Because Thursday is the last day I can ship something to arrive before the big weekend (if you live semi- close by).  But don't wait that late if you live farther away!  East Coast folks should get their order on now, or they'll be late to the party.

Happy Dads are the best Dads.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, always the last Monday in May, is a holiday in which we remember our military men and women who have died in service. Not to be confused with Veteran's Day, where we honor all the people who have served in the military - on this day we are paying special respect to those who have given their lives in the course of serving our country. Which is, of course, the ultimate price those brave soldiers have paid for our freedom. (War sucks.)

In addition to the quiet moments of reflection and the speeches at Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Day is known as the start of summer for most of us. And we do it in the usual patriotic way, like July 4th and Labor Day, with flags and banners stuffed in and around our outdoor picnics and sizzling barbeques.

Well, they might not be so sizzling in Seattle. Especially if it's cloudy and raining, which looks like our usual weather forecast. But we'll still try to make red, white and blue cupcakes and jello shots or something, just to be festive. If this is the beginning of summer, then we need to get our party started.

Happy Vacation Monday - at least we can celebrate a 4-day week!

Mom's Day

Home is where Mom is . . .

Happy Mother's Day

Much love and appreciation to all the Moms out there for all they do.

Holy Guacamole! It looks good on you.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  A great excuse to dive into a vat of guacamole - not that I need an excuse.

I adore avocados. Whatever you might have heard about them being too many calories or too full of fat?  Bunk.  Eat boat loads and you'll be healthier than ever, inside and out.  They are loaded with all the good fats, the ones that lower your cholesterol and make everything from the tiny cells up work better. The phtyonutrients and vitamins are just extra bonus gifts.

And they make you more beautiful on the outside too. So moisturizing from the inside when you eat them - you can also do all kinds of things with them on the outside of yourself too.  Like mash them up and apply directly to your face, or elbows, or patches of dry skin and psoriasis.  (Or after a couple too many margaritas, just plunk your face in the dip bowl, but stay clear of the chips!)

I think I come across something almost daily that touts the benefits of avocados for health, for healthy skin, for beauty. And I take it with a grain of salt -- and some lime juice, garlic, chopped jalapenos . . . any time, even breakfast. I'll shove in a little extra today, because there will be an abundance of tortilla chips around.  Ole!

Don't believe me on all the avocado love?  Here's an article on Natural News that has a long list of recommendations and quotes from all kinds of big experts in the health field - a treasure trove of ideas on how to use avocados to look and feel your best.

It's even great for hair! So if you're slathering gets a little out of control or you really are face first in the dip, no worries. You'll have glowing skin AND shiny, bouncy hair too.

National Renewal Day

Sunday May 4 is celebrated as National Renewal Day.  Yeah, I'm not sure who made up all those weird holidays for every day of the year either, but I'll celebrate almost anything and renewal is definitely a good idea.

The dictionary defines "renewal" as the state of being made new, fresh or strong again: the state of being renewed or rejuvenated.

This would be a good day to renew friendships and relationships, renew your commitment to your dreams and big goals, or renew yourself.  Take a day to de-stress, decompress, release the heavy burdens of the daily grind and rejuvenate yourself and your body to better health.

Please, if you're going to take this renewal thing seriously, don't get started on making to-do lists, checklists or big plans about what to renew and how much of it to accomplish.  Take it easy instead.  Do less.  A lot less.  Sleep more.  Maybe all day.

And if you decide to spend along time soaking in the bath tub, we've got more of those Dead Sea Bath Salts to replenish your supply.  Or stockpile them for more of these 'renewal' sessions.  They are especially good at detoxifying your industrious cells, relaxing your hard-working muscles, softening your rough or dry skin and soothing away life's little bumps in the road.  They really are that good.

Mother's Day Pop Up Shop Next Week

In my last post about Mother's Day, I might have forgotten to mention that I am doing my one of my twice-yearly pop-up shops at Group Health Capitol Hill next week - and it's just in time for Mother's Day. So if you wanted to stop into a real, live shop and try to put together a gift for Mom, I'll have the place for you to come to (and save the cost of ordering online too).

This is open to the public and available for everyone. Soapworks Studio will have it's own retail shop for just three days, with a full-line of products available, plus lots of gift ideas for Mother's Day. Bonus reason to stop in: this a fund-raiser sale for Group Health's TLC Foundation, and a portion of all the sales goes to their patient needs fund.

Oh, and did I mention chocolate? I've got a friend who has an amazing chocolate side business who is joining me Friday with her to-die for caramels, turtles, covered oreos and other delicious treats for Mom. We totally got your back, dude.

May 7 - 9
Group Health Central Campus
street level retail shop space
108 - 15th Ave E, Capitol Hill
Wed - Fri 9am-4pm

Pamper Your Mom - It's A Week Away!

In case you've been hiding in a cave (or buried in a sea of work), you may already know that Mother's Day is coming up.  It's being talked about everywhere . . . buy Mom this, give Mom that, send Mom the blah blah.  It's one of those "selling" holidays that get oversold everywhere.

But what can't be oversold, is how important Moms really are.  And how important it is to give them a day of love, respect and attention for all they do to make sure we are taken care of.

So consider this a public service announcement.  Get cracking on your plans to pamper Mom next Sunday, May 12.  Make brunch reservations, or put your order in for flowers. And if Mom happens to love soap and smelly stuff, we're here for you too.

Well seriously - what kind of businessperson would I be if I didn't mention it, right? So no high pressure sales spiel, but we've got all kinds of soaps, or soaking bath salts, or relaxing bath time treats that Mom might really like.  And we can put them in gift baskets or gift bags, add cards, send to her directly - all that kind of good stuff.  

She might even be a gardener type and like a little tin watering can stuffed with garden gloves, healing salve, a scrubby soap bar and a nail brush.  We can get creative over here and customize to fit your Mom exactly.  Just give us a call!  Or feel free to shop the "Gifts" tab on the web site for more ideas.  And if you're still stumped, a gift certificate in whatever denomination you want might just be the ticket - she can choose her own treats.

P.S.  More public service coming at ya'.  This entire week is devoted to National Holidays of appreciation - do any of them need your attention?

May 6 - National Nurses Day

May 7 - National Teacher's Appreciation Day

May 8 - National Receptionist's Day and School Nurses Day too

May 9 - Birth Mother's Day (which really? isn't this sorta like Mother's Day?)

May 10 - Military Spouse's Appreciation Day

May 12 - MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Easter - the nutso holiday

Happy Easter! Wishing you the very best celebration of a holiday that makes not a lot of sense, but that we love, love, love anyway. Maybe because there is chocolate involved?

I thought I put all those marshmallow peeps
and chocolate eggs in here?!

Seriously? How do you put Jesus crucified on the cross and died for our sins in the same holiday as this giant, fluffy bunny that brings us jelly beans and chocolate treats, and hides colored hard-boiled eggs among the tulips in the garden?  Then toss in frilly bonnets, new dresses and pretty little patent leather shoes, all in peachy pastels with lace and stuff.  Wha?

Clearly the religious part and the pagan part clash, and then we added our own little twist to it all by adding fun fashions and big buffets, desserts and sweets a plenty. I don't mind, I'll still party.

I keep the big picture in mind and let the rest take care of itself. It's spring, new beginnings, new life and a beautiful cycle of the seasons. If candy and baked ham is needed for this, so be it.

Wishing you all the Easter joys,
whatever they may be for you . . .

Tulip Festival - Got my spot

Cute new little poster for the Tulip Festival street fair coming up next weekend (Apr 25-27). I just found out my booth location and it's (almost) in the exact same place as last year. I've skipped around that corner in basically the same spot for years - at the corner of Washington St, the main entrance doors to the Co-op.

Love that place - so easy to duck in for breakfast, lunch, afternoon treats and a quick bathroom break too. My home away from home!

Oh, they've got a FACEBOOK page for more info too.