A chemical reaction appealing to the senses... Soft, aromatic, smooth...  

Ingredients used to create a bar of soap have certainly evolved from the time of the Babylonians in 2800 B.C, but the basic process remains elemental. Combining oils and fat with an alkali to create a bubbly reaction produces soap and glycerin. It is the quality of the base elements which begets a delightful beauty bar. 

Interestingly, the first soaps were believed to be used for cleaning textiles and fabric rather than the body. Bathing bars are credited to the Romans and the Celtics who notably discovered the benefits of personal hygiene around the beginning of the second century. Spain, Italy and the southern parts of France began making soap from olive oil later, proving this ingredient to be far superior for bathing and washing. In the eighth century, this became a lively trade with Northern Europe.
By the nineteenth century, Louis Pasteur affirmed the benefits of personal hygiene and Andrew Pears helped define soap as a "beautifying" cosmetic aid. Consequently, bathing slipped back into fashion and the demand for soap was higher than ever before, cleaning up new industry!

Today, luxurious bath bars are available in countless natural blends affordable for any purse. Whether in for a quick shower or lavishing a delightful soak in the tub, take a look at a little something I created with my limited edition line of bath items to pamper...

 Rub a dub dub... a little something beautiful for the tub! xoxo-Sonya

With a list in hand, after checking it twice, I am ready to hit the market shopping for our Thanksgiving goodies. This year, in addition to filling the table with expected traditional favorites, we will enjoy some simpler choices too. One of my new favorite appetizers is a healthy dip bursting with Mediterranean flavors and crisp veggies...

Layered Greek Garlic & Herb Dip  

1 pkg.  (7 oz.) ATHENOS Roasted Garlic Hummus  

1 pkg.  (4 oz.) ATHENOS Garlic and Herb Feta Cheese, crumbled  

1/2 cup  chopped tomatoes  

1/4 cup  chopped cucumbers  

2 Tbsp.  sliced kalamata olives 

2 Tbsp. chopped scallions  

STACY'S Muti Grain Pita Chips 

This one is real easy. All the work is in the chopping really. I have found that once you cut up the tomatoes and the cucumbers, it is best to blot out any extra moisture with paper towels before assembling the whole thing. When ready, first spread the hummus on the bottom of a 9" pie dish as the bottom layer. Sprinkle evenly a layer of the feta cheese, layer the tomatoes and then layer the cucumbers. Sprinkle the olives and scallions on top and serve with pita chips. Crunchy multi grain pita chips cradle the burst of fresh flavors for a supreme tasting experience!

This Thanksgiving, while waiting for the turkey to finish roasting in the oven, have a helping of some healthy eats... You'll be glad you did!

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! xoxo-Sonya

The daylight hours were spent reading, preparing the food that quickly defrosted, or sorting through clothes to be donated... 

Hurricane Sandy really walloped the east coast and many of us had to break out the candles to make it through the dark nights without power. No Internet, phone, TV or electricity was challenging at first, but liberating as well. The routines had to be broken and altered as everyone adjusted to a "new normal" for the prolonged lack of modern necessities. With so many families in extreme need of basics because they lost their homes and belongings, one project became gathering whatever I could to donate. Blankets, toiletries, and clothing were folded and packed to help.

While most of the items were in great condition, some of the wool sweaters I found had irreparable holes, yet I didn't want to throw them away. I figured those three casualties would do well for recycling in a different way... To create a winter garden of flowers...

Since all three were wool, I threw them in the washing machine, holes and all, with hot water and a bit of Woolite. This would shrink the knit, felting it, so that it could be cut and made into whatever without the worry of runs in dropped stitches. After a hot wash and hot tumble in the dryer, I started to cut circles and strips to create hand rolled flowers for stitching. With purple merino wool and oatmeal cashmere, the roses started to take shape. I used the dark green merino wool for the leaves.