Where Do You Want to Go?

This month's Etsybloggers Carnival question is If you could go anywhere in the world  where would it be?  My immediate thought was a warm tropical island to escape this long cold snowy winter but then I thought a little more.  I am totally fascinated with the thought of going to India.  Maybe because I just watched the movie "The Darjeeling Limited" which takes place in India or maybe spiritual aspects draw me to it.  Whatever the reason I would love to go.

The colors, the foods, the scents.  I can just imagine the way a busy market place would smell, all spicy and wonderful.  All kinds of exotic foods and spices to sample and buy.

 

Probablly one of my main interests in going to India would be a spiritual journey.  I would love to learn more about the life of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.  To understand more about the path to enlightenment.  One little bit at a time.  Maybe someday I will be able to take this trip.

Essential Oils 101 Part Four

It's time for another installment of Essential Oils 101.  Today's featured essential oil is patchouli.  Patchouli has the reputation of either being well loved or absolutely hated.  Patchouli has a very strong, earthy, musky scent alone but makes an excellent base note in many mixtures.   Patchouli is also well know from its abundant usage during hippie days.

Patchouli is a native plant to many areas of Asia.  It was first introduced to western cultures in the early 1800's when the British started importing Indian fabrics scented with patchouli oil.  Patchouli  is a bush like plant with furry leaves and purplish white flowers. 

Like other essential oils patchouli has a fairly impressive list of properties.  Know properties include being an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and  an astringent.   It has been widely used in the East to prevent the spread of disease and as an antidote for snake bites.  Psychological uses include inducing peace of mind, rejuvenating, and help with depression and anxiety.

I will be offering a 15% discount on all patchouli soaps in my Etsy shop.  Sweet Sally's Soaps

 

Patchouli Handmade Soap  

Patchouli Cedarwood Handmade Soap  

Patchouli Orange Handmade Soap  

Patchouli Vanilla Handmade Soap

Friday Finds "Hint of Spring"

As I was walking my dog yesterday morning, to my own disbelief I spotted the first true "Hint of Spring". There popping their lovely little heads out of the piles of snow were the highly anticipated first crocus of the inevitable approaching spring. I was delighted with my find and quite surprised because here in the Northeast it has been cold and dreary. So this week's "Friday Finds" I am celebrating my find the crocus.

 

rite of spring...purple crocus fine art photo  by  leapinggazelle

Purple Crocus- Lucite,pearl, and antique copper finish earrings by EternalEden 

Crocus fine Art Photograph Note Card by JudyStalus  

Crocus business card holder case  by Sutekidane 

Spring softly 8x8 Fine art Print by urbandesign  

Etsyblogger Tilt Creations

February's Etsybloger of the Month is Tilt Creations.  Theresa has two etsy shops and two blogs.  Her first shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/tiltcreations features handmade handbags and backpacks.  She has a great assortment of handbags, clutches, backpacks, and duffel bags in brightly colored fabrics.  In her second shop she sells destash patterns, fabric and supplies.   http://www.etsy.com/shop/tilttoo



Make sure to not only visit Theresa's  etsy shops  but also visist both of her blogs.

http://tiltcreations.blogspot.com

http://tiltcreationstoo.blogspot.com

And the Winner is......

Tonight marks the end of the One World One Heart International blogging event.  This was my first year of participating and I am looking forward to doing it again next year.   There were 1088 bloggers participating representing 40 countries around the world.  I didn't get to every single one but I did read quite a few.  It was great fun visiting so many different blogs.

Now for the winner of my giveaway.  I had 443 entries and I used a random number generator to pick one number which happened to be #440.  The winner was Kate from Organic Odysseys.  She is the lucky winner of my 9 Half Bar Soap Sampler.  Congratulations Kate!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Make a Smilebox greeting

WEEKEND SALE

I am having a sale in my Etsy shop this weekend.  When you buy any 3 regular priced soaps you get  a 4th soap for FREE! 

 

Peppermint Chunk Handmade Soap  

 

Charcoal and Tea Tree Handmade Soap  

The sale will run until midnight Monday February 15th.  Shipping for US orders will not exceed flat rate $4.95.   Please visit my etsy shop to see all the wonderful scent available.                                                                 http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetSallysSoaps