Soap dishes, new fragrances...and Farmer's Market!

I'm very excited to say that the wood soap dishes are now back in stock! It's been a long time without them, but I finally got ahold of more. I was holding out for these specific dishes, they're the best I've found and didn't want to settle for cheaper quality dishes just to have something available.

There are at least three new fragrances coming soon! Jasmine will be ready on April 10. If you're a floral lover, you'll want to get ahold of some of this.

I just made some Cranberry Fizz yesterday, that'll be ready May 10. And Ginger Fuji Apple too! They're both wonderful, I'm hoping the fizzyness of the scent stays like it does in the Vanilla Champagne (you can really smell the bubbles/effervescense in that one). Speaking of, Vanilla Champagne will be back in stock May 10 also.


And, I've changed my mind again on the Farmer's Market! I'm sending in my application this week for the Monticello market which is on Thursdays (this'll be my 4th year there). I think it'll be ok to just be doing one market per week, and that's a good one for me, so I'll see you there starting in May!

I'm also going to be putting together an email special, hopefully yet today. My daughter is taking a mission trip with her church, they're going to Haiti in May, and she's doing some fundraising to help finance her trip. Her church http://www.crossing-church.com/ fully supports an orphanage down there, and they're going to help do some work on the buildings. Here's her message from Facebook:

"I'm the kid's director for the The Crossing Zimmerman campus. I hang out with kids each and every week and they've had a huge impact on my life! The Crossing has supported an orphanage in Haiti for over a year now and we have the opportunity to lend a hand during May. There are about 30 children who depend on us, ages 12 and under. While there we will be repairing buildings, building shelters and hanging out with the kids.

Time is not on my side. I ask for you to donate as graciously as possible to help make this trip a huge success. My deadline is fast approaching! Anything helps, and nothing is too small!"

She's very excited to be able to help these kids, and I'm happy to help her get there. Like she says, any amount helps. If you haven't signed up to receive our email specials, go to the website http://www.realsimplesoap.com/, and sign up! I don't fill your inbox with junk, I really only do specials a few times per year, and this'll be a good deal.

As always, I appreciate your business!

I've made a decision...

Well, part of a decision anyway.

I haven't totally figured out what to do, other than I am not going to continue with the Farmers' Markets this year. It's just too much.

I've had a few other wholesale interests lately, and will continue with the wholesale accounts and online sales, and most likely still do at least my 4 most favorite craft shows this year (Lemonade Fest, Anoka Riverfest, Buffalo Art & Crafts, and Bayfield Apple Fest), but I think that's going to be it. We'll see how that goes.

I've been working on rebuilding stock, and by the middle of February I should be pretty well restocked (some will be available in January).

I really appreciate all the kind words of encouragement and even offers to help from my customers! You guys really are the best!

I love

my loyal customers!

I did a craft show a few weeks ago where, as soon as booths were set up and vendors were ready to sell, a couple came up to me and said, with huge grins, that they were "here to stock up on soap!" They went on to tell me how much they love my soaps and it's the only soap they'll use anymore. The husband told me that they've been watching my website to see which shows I'll be at, and decided to come to this one to save on shipping costs (which was still a good 30-40 mile drive for them). But I think it gave them something to do, and it's always a fun time to go to a craft show and see what's new and interesting. And it made my day too!

Yesterday I did a show in Buffalo, which is always another great show to do. I've been there for three years now with soap and have quite a "fan" base there. Several people came up to restock, and as always I gave away a lot of free samples and even a few free bars.

I especially love talking with the people who have sensitive skin and I always give them a couple samples to try (Bare Naked and Oh Honey, Honey). It thrills me to be able to help someone stop their constant itching and get them away from the chemical-laden stuff out there. And when they usually call me a few days later to tell me what a difference it made, I just want to give them a big hug and a "Hurrah!" I even offered to work with a lady who is allergic to olive oil and develop a recipe just for her...I'm pretty sure she'll be giving me a call, she had tears in her eyes when I told her I'd be happy to experiment and find something that will work for HER.

And that's why I do what I do! : )