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.

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.

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.

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.

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.