Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Sparkle and Shine

Lemongrass is said to be good for bright eyes and healthy skin glow. It contains vitamin A, and is rather pleasant when taken as a tea. Orange juice, filled with its Vitamin C is also great for the eyes and healthy skin glow. The anti-oxidants in Vitamin C help those dark circles under the eyes. So, take a fresh look at what you're drinking, and really sparkle and shine.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Cyber Monday

For Cyber Monday, it's free shipping at the Manor. All orders placed before Monday at midnight will receive free shipping. Just enter the coupon code CYBERDAY at the checkout and get free shipping on your order.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanks

Being in business takes time. You find yourself absorbed in it any time you're not thinking about something else. Which is most of the time. Ten, twelve, fourteen hours a day. On that kind of schedule, it's so easy to neglect other things. We all go through it. Even those who aren't in business, I suppose. That's why a day like today is great. Thanksgiving. We don't have that in England. I've been in America for seven Thanksgivings. And each year I appreciate it a little more.

Thanksgiving. It's a time to reflect on the year that has passed. A time to be grateful for what you have and all who have helped you along the way. A time to remember things you tend to forget. A time to give thanks.

I'm new to the blog world, but I think giving thanks here is what is known as a "shout out". There are so many people I would like to give a "shout out" to. To give thanks to. They are people I have mainly come across only in print. People I have never met in "real life". People that have touched me and my soapy business just the same. I'm going to try and keep these really, really short, so that if I miss anyone out accidentally, they won't feel too affronted.

I'd like to start with Donna Maria Coles Johnson, whose Indie Beauty Network has inspired me from the very beginning and pushes me daily. She is a constant source of inspiration. To Jen from the Products of the Day consumer review blog, who I sent some products to for review, and lo and behold, we've been in touch ever since. She's been a very, very good friend to me. And to everyone (I think) who has written a word about Manor Hall this past year, and who have helped me in varying other ways, in alphabetical order:

Anne-Marie from The Soap Queen Blog
Christina from Bon Bons In the Bath
Gabreial from Wickedly Chic
Greg from Faith and Fear in Flushing
Jessica from Funky Finds
Joanna from The Soap Bar
Laurie from Blooming Lily
Mallory and Ashe from Miss Malaprop's Indie Finds
Sarah from Mystical-Beauty

And to my friends and family, both sides of the Atlantic, without whose help and support I would not be here right now. You all know who you are. Thank you. Especially to my own mother, and to my mother-in-law, Barbara, who both have been there when needed. Thank you. And to my right hand man and husband, who props me up well when I wanna fall down. Thank you, thank you, thank you. My mann, I love you.

Finally, to my customers... to everyone who has bought, sampled, tried, touched, used, heard about or recommended Manor Hall, thank you. Thank you so much. And if you're reading this blog, even for the first time, thank you. Thank you to everyone. A Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

A Week of Giving

It's the week of giving thanks, and Manor Hall is giving thanks and more, all week long. It's a thank you to all who shop with me, and a chance to pick up soapy gifts at a special price.

Through Friday the 23rd at midnight, everything that isn't already discounted on the site (Mischief Makers, Multibuys and Monthly Specials) is on sale. 20% off on the site, and the usual freebies apply. Just apply the coupon code.

Coupon code? Well, usually these coupon codes are found only in my newsletter, but if you look around carefully, you might be able to find the special eight character code somewhere else.

Happy shopping, and happy week of giving thanks, from Manor Hall.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Radiance Rules

Looking dull? Avoid alcohol based cleansers if your skin is looking dull. Alcohol can also dry out the skin, making it look tired too. The natural acids in pink grapefruit dine out on old skin cells, revealing new skin, and a more radiant looking you.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

The Ripple Effect

So this is where I've been. In the soaping room. For the last ten days nonstop. Not that I mind. The smell is heavenly. The chappies line the shelves like little soldiers. Each and every one of them proudly beaming his scent.

The ripple effect. I had no idea when I made my very first batch of soap, that I would be here these years later with so many on offer and with so many people enjoying them. It's official... Almost Sunset has become my best selling bar. It was inspired by the sunset over Cape May, New Jersey. It's an absolutely to die for smell, with nine different essential oils playing off each other to create something you don't want to put down. It's sweet, it's tangy, it's fresh. Romantic and very addictive. And it's in the curing room until November 19th.

There's something about a glorious sunset. The reds, the yellows, and the orange, all rippled across a setting sky. Only fitting that they should be on display in a soap bar that smells like this. Almost Sunset. Take yourself back to the night when the sun was setting and you never wanted it to end.

Friday, October 26, 2007

In the Mood for a Sneak Peek

I love Winter at the Manor. Shorter days, darker nights. It's a completely different mood to the Summer. It's nearly the beginning of a new month. The site gets changed out. New deals. New steals. And of course, new debuts...

Flower Power

It is believed that around 5,000 years ago (3,000 B.C.), in what is present day New Mexico and Arizona, the sunflower was domesticated into a single headed plant with varying seed colors including black, white, red and the familiar black and white striped. Yes... the sunflower was domesticated in North America. And it's the only crop harvested around the world for seed that can make that claim.

Way back when, the seeds of this plant were pounded into flour, cracked and eaten as snacks and mixed with other vegetables. And evidence indicates that other parts of the plant were used in the making of ointments for snakebites and other skin conditions. And the oil from the seed was actually squeezed for use on the hair and skin.

Sunflower oil is utilized widely today in cooking, but also as a carrier oil for massage. It is chemically stable and therefore excellent as a base for natural balms, lotions and creams. It is easily absorbed and contains skin-adoring vitamins A and D, and more vitamin E than any other vegetable oil. It also has calcium, iron, zinc and phosphorous, minerals which help nourish and revitalize, while the oil moisturizes, softens, heals and protects.

Organic sunflower oil is the base of Manor Hall Lip Skippers Lip Balm, including the all new super-soothing Lip Skippers Mend Blend. Also made with calendula infused organic olive oil, this lip balm is ready to take on the harsh of the cold season. It's just what every pair of smackers needs this winter.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Soak It Up

A bath of water takes the weight off the muscles, which in turn gives your bones a much needed break. Make it warm, add some salts, and drops of lavender. A bit of plant or nut oil, and a chamomile tea bag too. Light a few candles, warm up your towels, and you've got yourself a nice little spa thing going on.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Come One, Come All...


Monday night and the newsletter crowd are having a Manor Hall Free Shipping Coupon Ball.

From now until midnight tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 16th), place your Manor Hall order, and we'll pay for shipping. That's it. No catches. Just a chance to stock up, and leave the weight to us.

Missing out? Sign up for the newsletter and you can get the codes, too...

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Save Your Money

Another chappie... in another city... in another country, courtesy of Jen.

Who is Jen? Jen runs a consumer review blog called Products of the Day - "designed to help you buy better". And how does she help you buy better? She tries the products herself and gives honest reviews, regardless of how much she liked or hated the product. Sounds simple enough. But for anyone who reads reviews of anything, you always want an unbiased perspective. And she does that, sometimes to a product's unfortunate detriment. I think a post called "Don't Waste Your Money Alert" should be enough to let you know where this gal is coming from.
From this side, it's scary when you know someone is going to be perfectly honest with everybody about your stuff, but at the same time, I hold a dear respect for anyone who is so fair and honest in judgment. And that's not to say Jen is all bad, looking only to pick products apart and wait for the dust to settle. On the contrary, she is coming from a place of genuine concern for you, the consumer, and all your hard-earned pennies. The vast majority of Jen's reviews are positive ones. She knows what she likes, she tries them, and she highlights the good and bad (if any) points. Consumers should be able to get good solid information about a product or company, and Jen aims to be that, and succeeds. All that is what lead me to contact her originally and send her some Manor Hall stuff for review. And thankfully (whew) she liked it.

I mentioned a chappie. Ah yes. Another chappie in another city in another country. Courtesy of Jen. Thanks to Jen, a Honey Me Smooth bar made it all the way to a replica of the famous Christ The Redeemer statue, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. That's six countries now, if you are counting. It and many other Manor Hall soap bars can be seen basking in all manner of locales on my Around the World page.

I think Jen's going to enjoy her $25 Manor Hall gift certificate. Thanks, Jen.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

October Earlybird Giveaway...

The newsletter went out last with some steals and deals, and as the month begins we’ve got another Early Bird giveaway for all earlybird orders. Place your order before midnight on Wednesday October 3rd, and we’ll throw a complimentary Lip Skippers moisturizing lip balm into your order box when it ships. Don't you just love something free...?

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Say Hey to Shea...

September is almost gone, and the cooler season beckons. Preparing the skin for the harshness during the months ahead is important. I've never seen the point in waiting until the dry flakes appear before deciding the skin needs attention.

Unrefined shea butter is very versatile, and has excellent soothing, moisturizing and anti-aging properties. It also has a characteristic "nutty" scent to it, that disappears after about twenty minutes on the skin. Shea butter has been used for dry skin by African healers for too many centuries to count. It is high in non-saponifiables and has a unique fatty acid profile. Together, this makes for an incredible ability to moisturize and retain the skin's elasticity.

But the wonder of Shea doesn't stop there. It also helps to protect the skin against damage done by the sun. It repairs degenerated cells, and its vitamin A content makes it a true friend to excema, dermatitis, and skin blemishes. Many report the natural butter to promote and accelerate wound healing, scars, and stretch marks.

The unrefined butter is thick, and easily melts when rubbed between the palms. A little goes a long long way. Intitially, for the first few minutes it feels a little greasy. Then, almost as fast as it melted between your hands it's gone, leaving behind a soft silkiness of protection that soothes cracks and eases dryness.

If you've never tried Shea butter, then you don't know what you're missing out on. And for those of you who don't need any introduction to its wonderful skin kissing properties... take yourself on over to the Manor. Fall has begun, and our natural organic unrefined shea butter is here in plenty...

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Taking the Fifth...

I'd like to welcome The Bahamas as the latest stop on the Manor Hall Around the World tour. Some 2100 miles from its humble roots here in Springfield, Massachusetts, an Almost Sunset chappie has been spotted basking on a balcony in Freeport in the Bahamas.

Along with America, Ireland, Wales, and the Canary Islands, The Bahamas represents the fifth country to bag a Manor Hall handmade soap bar. All in addition to eight states and Puerto Rico.

That's a gift voucher on its way to one happy customer. Many thanks from Manor Hall. Keep them coming!

Monday, September 17, 2007

Sweet September...

With the scorching summer sun getting set to yield to the cool of fall, there's no time like the present to give your skin a treat. Small wonder then that this is the month we nationally celebrate honey. Cleopatra had it right. Fill a bath with milk and honey, and sit in it while the world goes by. Skin needs to be kept hydrated in order to remain soft, supple and elastic. Age, life's stresses, and everyday pollution really stretch our skin to the limit and affect its ability to stay moist. Skin becomes dry, cracked, and yes… those dreaded wrinkles appear.

Honey attracts and holds on to moisture, making it a natural humectant. Honey is also good for sensitive skin. But, the benefits of honey for beauty don't stop there. Studies show that honey has good antioxidant properties. Antioxidants not only play a part in protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but are also rather handy when it comes to skin rejuvenation and the restoration of. Its antimicrobial talents make it good for skin break-outs without drying the skin like most acne lotions, zit creams and wishy washes.

So, celebrate September with a jar of honey, and your skin. Spread it on your face, spoon some in the bath, and even mix with olive oil to condition your hair. Honey, you know you're worth it...

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Mattoon Street Arts Festival

I've spent the week so far stocking up on soap bars. I love the smell of a soapfest, as batch after batch wafts through and fills the whole place with wonderful natural plant oil aromas.

The weekend was a glorious one, and the Mattoon Street Arts Festival didn't disappoint. The Festival, celebrating its 35th year, is Springfield's signature festival, and one of New England's longest running arts and crafts fairs. With over 90 exhibitors displaying and selling handmade arts and artisan crafts on a wonderfully historic tree-lined urban street over two weekend days, it is as unique as the artists and craftspeople that participate in it year in and year out. Herringbone brick sidewalks, stately London Plane shade trees, and cast iron ornamental street lights all contribute to the charm of this designated historic district.

Saturday was sweltering with high humidity and the temperature a record breaking 92 degrees. It was a little too warm, and the numbers wandering through the pretty canopy lined street reflected that. But in true Scarlett style, tomorrow was indeed another day, and the Sunday shoppers stopped by our canopy all day long taking home with them many olive oil soap chappies.

Almost Sunset won the day yet again. I have yet to put this soap bar out and have it overlooked. Thank you to all who stopped by the booth to see what the scent was all about, and to everyone who couldn't resist picking up some Manor Hall goodies.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Strawberries and Cream

Over-active glands are often the problem behind oily skin. A good cleansing routine is what helps here. Strawberries, with their vitamin C and acidic properties, will leave your skin sparkling clean. Grab a fork and four plump strawberries, a dollop of cream, or a splash of milk. Add honey too if you have it. Mash away, and spread on your face for ten minutes or so. Patch test first if you have sensitivities.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Full of Beans

I've always found September to be one of those "where are we" months. I mean, it's still warm but it isn't quite summer. And yet, it's not cool enough for fall.

Skin takes a beating during the summer months. It's odd... the English complexion of olde was always one of pale. These days, if we look like we did back then, we'd be accused of being anemic. Wonder if that's why they were always fainting back then. Yes, okay... I'm just being clever. I know it was the corsets that were way too tight.

So... flaky lips from summer's blaze give way to new ingredients for the Fall. Macadamia nut oil, moisturizing virgin coconut oil and intoxicating coffee butter. Just the right thing to condition that pucker, ready for the cool of the coming months. Lip Skippers Conditioning Lip Butter in a wild coffee roast. Available now at the Manor. Just the thing to take the middling out of the month of September.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

It's All Happening

Growth is great. It can also be very frightening. Because in order to grow, things must change. What was once new becomes old. And a new "new" comes along.

We celebrated our third birthday back in July. The web site will soon be two years. And the What's Happening page just turned 1. At the beginning of July, the Manor Hall Soap Blog was born. I'm not very techy. But after six or seven weeks, I'm now getting to grips with how to make a post all by myself. It's much easier than having to wait for my techy guy to upload the What's Happening page to the web site. Yes. Growth is great.

So as September begins, this is where you can keep up with all the goings on inside and outside of the Manor. This is where it's at. This is... What's Happening. And as for the soaps in the picture above... I'll be telling you about them soon.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Come the Fall...

I've really gotta share this sneak peek with you. Sorry, but I'm bursting with it...

Monday, August 27, 2007

Tea For Three

Chamomile tea has many beauty benefits. The herb lessens the levels of the stress hormone, ACTH, which is produced by the pituitary gland. It relaxes, without making you sleepy. Fill a muslin baggie and toss into bathwater. Brew some and rinse hair with it to soothe the scalp. Or just sit back with a cup of it and feel the calm.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

A Mal For All Seasons

MissMalaprop.com spotlights the best in independent designers & artists, eco-friendly and sustainable products.

Situated on the Gulf Coast in New Orleans, Miss Malaprop (aka Mallory) brings an interesting perspective, not just to indie shopping, but to socially responsible living. She gutted out Hurricane Katrina at her mom's house in Mississippi and was part of the relief and recovery there, returning to New Orleans two months later in October of 2005.

Just a couple reads of her blog and you can tell she's a genuinely friendly and funny person with a talent for discovering unique, environmentally conscious products from independent designers and manufacturers. A talented crafter herself, she makes the supercool reconstructed clothing and accessories over at Dismantled Designs and is a member of the New Orleans Craft Mafia. Her blogging partner is her longtime friend, Miss Mischief, who recently wrote up a review of Manor Hall's Facial Cleansing Grains.

During the summer, Mallory took a well earned break from her New Orleans craft scene, to go out and about tracking down cool Indie Finds. All the way to San Francisco, and along the way even got to show off her photography eye. Because who was in her suitcase, but little chappie of the season, "Ruby Moon". That allowed me to add the unbelievable city of San Francisco to the ever-growing Around the World page. And it also meant that Ruby Moon got the treatment on both coasts this summer... from San Fran, CA all the way to Cape May, NJ.

Miss Malaprop, who reviewed Manor Hall soaps last November when her site was still in its infancy, and was even kind enough to include them in her Best of 2006 writeup has recently celebrated her first blogging anniversary, and so I believe a few congratulations are in order. Congratulations, Mal...

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

The Naughty Boys Club...

To make it for a classic jacket, you've gotta be pretty near perfect. Okay... each bar of soap is different from the next because I cut them by hand. So in that respect, no two bars are ever really the same. But there is a standard here at The Manor, and the chappies have to meet it when being chosen for their designer labels.

Over the summer, we've been clearing out to make room for the new of Fall, and the other day I rounded up all the cheeky chappies that never made the grade for one reason or another. It's something I've been meaning to do for a while. Soaps, salts, bath oils, cremes. The usual crowd who won't sit still for their labels, or who get too boisterous when being bottled and jarred. Usually, they find their way to friends, or family.

As we've grown, so too have our cheeky ones. Way too good to just ignore, and with little personalities all of their own, the Mischief Makers are now making noise at the Manor. Which one's shouting your name...?

Monday, August 20, 2007

Crafty Cube August Sampler

I've just been to the Crafty Cubes site. There's only seven August Cubes left. I'm not surprised.

If you've never heard of the Crafty Cube sampler box, then you're really missing out on something. Different beauty businesses send along their products to be included in them. It's run by Brenda and Shannon, two female entrepreneurs and longtime handcrafters. Last month, I sent a troop of the soap chappies to be included in the August sampler. Check them out.

And if you're an indie business, what are you waiting for? Get your stuff in the October cube. They're taking samples now.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Blooming Lily

Laurie Warshawsky runs Elle-a-Belle Designs, and is the creator of bright, bold and beautiful bracelets, necklaces and earrings in a variety of unique textures and color combinations. Her jewelry is really cute and amazing. I'm soaping all day long, so I don't wear much in the way of jewelry, but I see these and I want them all. I'm absolutely in love with the Falling Mums Necklace. All of her pieces are either limited edition or one-of-a-kind. You can check them out here and at her etsy shop.

Laurie also runs a great independent style blog called Blooming Lily, where she blogs about fashion, jewelry and beauty and reviews all kinds of cool things. Recently, Laurie put up an entry about Manor Hall's new Froot line of foot care products. You can view it on her site, and also at the updated Manor Hall press page. Check out what Blooming Lily has to say, and don't forget to check out her incredible jewelry along the way.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Kissy Kissy

Your lips take the punishment of both winter and summer. And because they don't have little oil glands of their own, they soon become chapped and dry. Exfoliate with a little sugar and olive oil. Moisturize with a little honey or castor oil. And exercise, with lots of little puckers and smacking together. Love your lips - naturally.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

August Yule, Y'all

So... it's a Yule day today. Bet you didn't know that. Otherwise known as Lammas. And okay... a host of other names too, I daresay.

Grab a loaf then. Cos that's what Lammas means. Loaf Mass. The festival of the first wheat harvest of the year. Hmm... I always think of Bette Davis and that film of hers whenever I think of Harvest time. Or was it a mini series on telly? That's what it was... a mini series. The opening music terrified me everytime I heard it. One of those, "setting the tone" musical wonders that still messes with your head long after it's stopped playing.

I love Bette Davis. That book about her and the other woman from the day... what's her name... Crawford. That's the one. Joan Crawford. Yes... that's a book to sit and have a good laugh to. Like, OMG... serious me-aow stuff, girls. Pick up the book, and you can't put it down. Try it. It's better than a powder room fluff-off.

So... the first day of August, and it's Harvest time here at the Manor. The festival of the first wheat of the year. Wheat is what gives us wheatgerm oil. From the germ... the seed of the plant. A wonderful healing plant oil which promotes skin cell formation. Medium in density, it is naturally rich in vitamin E and penetrates the horny layer of the skin with ease. Wheatgerm oil is a wonderful soother for those with dry skin troubles. And with a mineral content that includes zinc, iron, sulphur and potassium, it's a natural nourishment for the skin too. It's known to be very helpful with following:

Excema
Psoriasis
Cracked and dry skin
Aging skin
Overworked muscles
Burns, and sunburn etc
Scars

You can see why I love using natural plant oils in my recipes. And yes, I love to use wheatgerm oil. You can find wheatgerm oil in my Sea Buckthorn All Natural Lotion Stick. I made it handy so you can have it with you wherever you go. It's in a push-up tube, for easy application. Just stroke on... dry gone.

Lammastide, first day of August. The August Yule. Doesn't seem two minutes since it was the first day of the year. Time has this way of moving on...

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

It's Like, So Last Week...

The last week of the month is always crazy busy, with the site changeover taking place, and the newsletter going out. I love the newsletter. I love the emails it brings me and I enjoy keeping in touch with all my customers.

August 1st tomorrow, and there's big goings on at the Manor. Nothing I can talk about too much yet. A few boxes arrived yesterday and the day before... and those were on the tail end of quite a number that arrived last week.

Don't you just love the change of the season, and all it brings? Course, you know as soon as I can tell you, that I will.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Curb Appeal


We've had the decorators in at the Manor this past few months. And this last weekend with ladders in place and dustsheets all around, the paint cans finally got their day. I always love daubing the first of new paint on old walls.

There's still a ways to go yet, but the general look is pretty something, I'd say. On first look it's not the Manor. But then as it settles on the eye, you just know that it couldn't really be anywhere else.

There's a few more changes to come before the 1st of August sunrise. It's been one of those glorious summers we're sure to remember for many years to come...

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

So Long. Farewell. Auf Wiedersehen. Goodbye.

I love it when the planet Mercury starts to move again. He's been retro for the last few weeks. That means, he's going backwards. But he isn't really... it's just an illusion. He only "looks" like he's moving backwards. Nevertheless, this planet of "am I really moving or not", brings folk to complain about things breaking down, computers losing information, and telephone calls not being returned. You name it, a retro Mercury meddles in it.

But today... he is on the move. Finally. He is traveling again. And I knew it the moment I opened my email box for the day. In flies shipping notices from suppliers which should have been here days back. In flies an interview, and a couple of other invites that I had long forgotten about. And in flies nice cheery mails, from folk who have received their order boxes.

You're not supposed to sign anything that you can avoid signing under a retro Mercury. And any deals you make under this influence will possibly end up having to be renegotiated again later. But, you can plan under Mercury. And you can also revisit the past. You can look over old ideas, which for whatever reason never came into being the first time around.

I've always been one for the planets... but not in any silly way. You have to go out there and get life. You can't sit and wait for it to come your way. The planet Mercury always piques my interest whenever he goes retrograde. For me, this last ten days have been impossible at times, where chaos seemed to be the order of the day. Mails headed to and from me went astray. Messages which should be loud and clear on my voicemail were fuzzy and fogged. And... one or two folk ordering soaps from the Manor clicked on the "payment by check" button by mistake when they meant to pay by credit card.

Whatever Mercury's mischief was, it's coming to a close now as he goes "direct". Yes... an old idea from way back jumped out of my workshop to say hello. Yes... we held our big summer sale despite a few techy glitches. And yes... to the many who take the time to write and remind me of just why I stay up some nights till turned midnight packing order boxes. Mercury's on the move, and so this email brought more than just a thankyou when it came in today. It brought a nice nod and a wink from the planet of (mis) communication as he fires up his Mercuric might once again and makes for a move across the skies:

Hello,
Just received my order! I appreciate your prompt service!! I LOVE opening your boxes!!! It's like opening a Christmas present!!!!!! Am looking forward to trying all my new fragrances!!
Thank you. Nancy T.

Til next time, Mercury. Til next time...

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Fruit By The Foot (continued...)

We finally got the labels on straight, and the natural daylight hung around long enough to get the photographs taken. I can't believe it's been so long in coming. I thought I'd never get here. But fruit's like that, isn't it. It appears after the blossom falls and you so badly wanna pick it. But you can't. You've got to let it grow. You've got to let the sunlight do it's job. And you've got to let the rain fall. New product alert. Here's the update to the post I made a few days ago up at the Manor on my What's Happening page.

Islands. Bays. Fruit. Don't you just love how nature naturally gathers together what's needed, all in one place? So I thought, why not? The sea, with its salt. The trees with their fruit. And the tropical islands with their fresh scents, wonderful gentle breeze, and cheery, colorful memories. That's what I put into my brand new Froot line of relaxing yet refreshing foot care. Gentle like the breeze, my Froot Salt Scrubs are now available in two island flavors. Froot Washes and Froot Balms are now here too, with even more on the way. Just the thing to whisk you away at the end of any hard working day.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

The Very First Page

This is worse than being given a brand new exercise book in class. It always was a love/hate relationship with me, that was. You get a brand new book, open it at the very first page, and you promise yourself you're gonna be as neat as possible. And there you are, the first stroke of the pen and the writing's wobbly. And you have to stare at that every time you open the thing.

Yes. This is rather like that. It's the first page of the Manor Hall Soap Blog, and it's like, what do I write. And do I really need so many "and"s in the first paragraph? And you know what? It never was a good idea to use that pen on the first page until I'd got rid of the shakes. It's always better to get that first page behind you.

So... I'm gonna say hello to everyone, far and wide. The book is open. The spine is cracked. And so is the very first page...