02.22.07
Posted in General, Musings, Scent-sational Information at 9:38 am by Debra
I cut three batches of soap yesterday. It never ceases to amaze me how the scent is released when the soap is cut. Why? I don’t know, because it makes perfect sense that cutting through the soap and exposing the inside will release the aromatic vapors right where I want ‘em . . . under my nose! But what I think is going to be a chore (it is the creative process of making the soap that I enjoy more) always ends up to be an experience. A sensual experience, as I get to feel the texture of the slightly soft soaps on my fingertips. A little workout, as I push down on my cutter using my whole upper body. An aromatic storm, as the scents surround me, transporting me to somewhere calm, or maybe rejuvenating me for the rest of the day, depending on the batch I am cutting. When I am done cutting my soap, I feel satisfied on so many levels, having not only enjoyed the experience, but also knowing that I am one step closer to using a new soap.
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02.21.07
Posted in General, Musings, Owen at 2:21 pm by Debra
OK, if I knew the answer to this one, I’d be a much more effective business owner! But sometimes, that is what I feel like I am doing. Between a snotty-nosed toddler (and I mean literal boogers, not a bad attitude), keeping up the house, meals, errands, etc. and just trying to get some sleep, you’d think I was crazy to try to keep Debra’s Rhapsody up and running.
I suppose it is the passion for the scents that keeps me going, and knowing I have loyal customers waiting for the next batch of soap, wondering what I will dream up next and when their favorite soap will be reappearing once again.
Or maybe it is having the escape from all of the other stuff that motivates me to keep plodding on with DR . . . I mean, it is a delightful escape, to be elbow-deep in fair trade, unrefined shea butter, nostril deep in Rose Otto, French high-altitude lavender or divinely deep vetiver on any given day. Sure beats a day at the office . . .
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01.15.07
Posted in General, Healthy Ideas, Musings, Skin Care Tips at 8:44 pm by Debra
Since I use all natural products on my skin, in my house, on my kid, it seemed counterintuitive to head down to CVS to grab the latest color of blush, packed full of chemicals and preservatives that are potentially toxic.
I searched long and hard and found a mineral foundation that is the most natural I could find, and also one of the most affordable. Aromaleigh cosmetics are just wonderful! I use the Voile powder foundation and the Pure Blush in Rosewood, the perfect healthy glow.
They have lots of information to help you understand what is different about mineral makeup and also to help you make good color choices. And when in doubt, order the sample sizes and try them out. I did, and it was worth it, and the samples do last quite a while, too.
Just a word of caution, though, that left me VERY disappointed . . . their beautiful lipstick colors contain parabens. When a classy, woman-owned company successfully makes amazing, all-natural mineral makeup, I don’t understand how parabens, a preservative the FDA will tell you is safe, but has many health hazards, including being a possible carcinogen, can end up in one of the other products. There are a lot of companies that have natural lipstick, so I don’t know why Aromaleigh feels they cannot. Honeybee Gardens, Beauty Wise and Real Purity are just a few that make gorgeous, affordable, all-natural lipsticks.
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01.10.07
Posted in General, Musings, Scent-sational Information at 7:23 pm by Debra
Owen went to Gymboree with my Mum and I sequestered myself in the basement for a 4-batch soaping session today. I can’t wait until these batches are cured, so I can use them, but I guess I’ll cut and wrap them, so you all can try them too! 
Lavender Grove is a blend of lavenders (French and Bulgarian), citruses and woods and evergreens — and a few of my little secrets. The resulting scent is hard to describe, but my “give me anything with lavender in it” customers will be lining up for this one. I’m looking forward to seeing how this scent develops and morphs as the soap cures. Will the woodsy scents stand out more? Or will the evergreen take over? Or will the lavender prevail? No matter which scent wins, it will be a lovely soap, with a peaceful, happy scent and just enough texture from the ground flaxseeds and lavender bud powder speckled throughout.
Verve is a new lemongrass based soap, something most of my customers love. I always try to balance the pungent scent of lemongrass with essential oils that tame it and round it out a bit. This time, vanilla, rosewood, sweet orange, and some woodsy and spicy essential oils were my choices. This will be a great wake up soap, and with streaks of lemon peel powder and calendula powder throughout, it will be toning and healing to the skin.
Shameless is the soap I am looking forward to the most. The scent of the orange blossom, patchouli, ylang, citruses and little secrets still lingers in my nose. Why Shameless? It is a bold blend that could be loved by two types of people — those that appreciate scent as a way of self-expession, and those that become just a little bolder when wearing this scent, in spite of themselves. And I have to say, I am quite proud of my swirls in this batch. I admit, oftentimes my swirls are really glorified streaks or even plops, but the swirls of Moroccan red clay turned out just gorgeous, or I am almost sure they did and I will know when I unmold and cut later this week!
Here’s today’s masterpiece — I actually haven’t decided on a name yet! It was going to be Citrus Rose, but that boring ol’ name doesn’t live up to the beauty of this soap, so now I am thinking about A Half-Dozen Roses Soap, or Rose Six Ways Soap, or something to that effect. I used 2 kinds of rose floral wax and rosewood to scent this soap (with a complex blend of citruses, vanilla and ylang), used rose hydrosol as part of the liquid, added a layer of soap that was colored with rose clay, and pressed red rosebuds and petals into the top of the soap. OK, maybe THIS is the soap I am most looking forward to . . .
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01.07.07
Posted in General, Musings at 2:43 pm by Debra
Debra’s Rhapsodies Blog is back and better than ever! We have new categories, new things to write about and new products to tantalize your senses. Have you missed us? Keep reading and you won’t know how you ever lived without your daily dose of Debra’s Rhapsodies . . .
Too much? Maybe, but I am sure excited about Blogging again and I hope you’ll enjoy reading!
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