Never Shower Alone

DIY BEAUTY | MAKE YOUR OWN NAILPOLISH!

2012-03-06T13:34:00.003-05:00

It's manicure time! Do some good ol' fashioned moisturizing on those winter chapped hands with some Soap and Paper Hand Cream and push back those cuticles!

We found this delightful little recipe for DIY polish we think you'll dig.

All you need:

1 paper envelope

1 bottle white or clear nail polish

1/2 to 1 teaspoon finely crushed powder eyeshadow or as needed (you choose the color!)

1/3 teaspoon fine glitter (optional)

Start by making a tiny funnel by snipping off a corner of the envelope. Open the bottle of nail polish and position the funnel over the top.

Pour the eyeshadow and the glitter together into the nail polish bottle using the funnel. Mix well with a small wooden toothpick. You can also close the bottle and shake well.

That's it! Happy painting!! xo

Facebook Book Club | Part I Discussion

2012-03-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello book club lovelies!

Did you get through the first section of Jitterbug? We want to hear what you think! Below you'll find quotes and questions to riff on. We know this book is...well...a little different, but that means there's TONS to talk about. We'll post the Jitterbug topics in different posts on our Facebook page here so we can all discuss in comment threads. So...grab a cup of coffee and respond to the posts so we can start the discussion up! If you want to wine down with the book tonight, NO PROBLEM! We'll be talking about the book for the duration of the coming week so get that delicious red out, light a candle or two, sit down and discuss with us! We can't wait to hear what you think!!

Here are a few things we want to talk about so head to FB if you have somethin' to say!

"Death is impatient and thoughtless. It barges into your room when you are right in the middle of something, and it doesn't bother to wipe its boots. I have a new passion, my darlings, a passion for being myself, and for being more than previously has been manifested for a single lifetime. I am determined to die at my own convenience." The leaders before Alobar ate the poison egg at the first signs of aging without hesitation, what do you think makes Alobar different and so willing to buck his society's expectations and go forth with a revived passion for life. Do you think it's possible to "die at your own convenience"?

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Did you underline anything noteworthy in the first 1/2? We did! Share and we'll share, too!

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Robbins is definitely a colorful, erotic, dense writer and people tend to love or hate his style, where do you stand? Have you read any of his books before?

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Many relationships are presented in the separate story lines of Jitterbug Perfume. What relationship do you respond to the most? We're anxious to see how the relationship with Priscilla and Ricki progresses...

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"Beets, resembling the hearts of gnomes, were piled in the storage cellar." Robbins twists words and paints vivid mental images with his metaphors. Did you find any favorites as you read?

Visit our Facebook page here to join in the discussion. xo

Who's having a birthday!?!

2012-03-01T14:00:00.000-05:00

Do you know anyone having a birthday this month? Check out the Soap and Paper online store here!

We have smell goods for all the men and women in your life AND we're offering free shipping!

Enter SPRNGFVR at checkout!

Happy Birthday tooooo yoooooooouuuuuuuu!!!!

FREE SHIPPING! | SPRING FEVER SPECIAL!

2012-02-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

Wake up those senses!! Load up your shopping cart with Soap & Paper favorites and try a little something new (is that the new Bella Collection calling your name!?! YES!) and we'll ship it to you FOR FREE!

Enter code SPRNGFVR upon checkout through our site here.

Afternoon Inspiration | Duy Huynh

2012-02-28T13:19:00.000-05:00

How gorgeous is this painting by Duy Huynh? Check out more work here. Stunning!

2012-02-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Jitterbug Perfume is an epic.

Which is to say, it begins in the forests of ancient Bohemia and doesn’t conclude until nine o’clock tonight (Paris time).

It is a saga, as well. A saga must have a hero, and the hero of this one is a janitor with a missing bottle.

The bottle is blue, very, very old, and embossed with the image of a goat-horned god.

If the liquid in the bottle actually is the secret essence of the universe, as some folks seem to think, it had better be discovered soon because it is leaking and there is only a drop or two left.

THIS WEEK : Read the intro and Part I : The Hair and The Bean. Throughout the week post quotes or discussion questions and respond to other's postings! We'll be leading some discussions but we're dying to hear what you think of this lovely little novel.

So...draw a bath, light a Soap & Paper Candle and get to readin'!

Happy page turning!! xox

Facebook Book Club | Jitterbug Perfume

2012-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Click here to head on over to our Facebook page to join! Head over the the library this weekend and pick up the book and we'll see you here on Monday with a few more pages under our belts!

Patch NYC | Inspiration Wall

2012-02-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

We swoon over the incredible design work and styling of our PATCH NYC boys Don Carney and John Ross. Our collaboration with them is just a portion of what they contribute to the world of fabulousness. Don frequently shows his work in galleries around the world and we thought you'd like a little sneak peek of his studio and how he's translated his work environment into an awe inspiring inspiration at a gallery show last year!

Here's the delicious inspiration wall in Don's Studio.

Embroidered eyes and carvings ready to hang.

All together now!

To see what other beautiful work Patch NYC has to offer, visit their website here. We will be showcasing more of Patch's work over the next few months so keep checking in! xo

Store Feature | Good Wood

2012-02-21T15:00:00.002-05:00

Looking to pick up some of the Bella Collection in the DC area? Head on over to GoodWood, an American Merchantile and Dry Goods Store! They made such a beautiful display of our candles, soaps and lotions, we're so happy to be a part of their store! xo

Just Another Manly Monday | Enter To Win!

2012-02-20T10:00:00.006-05:00

Sadly, we're not giving away Ryan Gosling (we'll keep him for ourselves) but you could win a little something for the strong, silent type in your life. We're giving away a Patch Owl Solid Perfume to one lucky guy this week, enter him to win!

To Enter:

1. Post a picture on our Facebook page of a man you love and tell us a little bit about his wise and deliciously earthy ways.

2. Share your entry on Facebook and encourage your friends to vote.

The man with the most "likes" wins!

Winner announced Friday February 24.

Patch Owl fragrance comes in a Solid Perfume, and a pure soy Candle.

Great gifts for men of all ages!!

PS. We don't know Mr. Gosling personally, but if any of you do, let us know! Such a handsome fella!!

Fragrance Profile | The Bella Collection

2012-02-17T09:12:00.003-05:00

This fragrance is inspired by our own Bella Zarember and evokes sweet, innocent notes of Grapefruit and Litsea which represent the spirit of youth--fresh, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Smell again and you detect a whisper of Bergamot as Earl Gray tea is Bella's favorite. The dash of Black Pepper brings that sassy, energetic attitude to the overall scent.

Do you have a Bella in your life? Someone who's sassy sweet and a little tart? Look no further, this is the scent for her. Check out the entire Bella line which includes a velvety Shea Butter Hand Cream, a pure soy Tin Candle, a delicious block of Soap and a fabulous Solid Perfume.

WE GIVE FREE LOVE (POTION)!

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

This super-silky, love-inducing, perfumed body oil is yours for FREE with any purchase from

The Soap and Paper Factory website (now through February 14th)--just enter the checkout code: BEMINE. Let the scent of Neroli mingling with Ylang Ylang take your love to the next level!

Now imagine yourself and that special someone alone, preferably unclothed with Jasmine candles flickering in the background.

Your lover will not be able to refuse you once he/she experiences the magic in this little bottle! There's enough for 2-3 full-body massages--depending on how slippery you want things to get! ;)

Happy Valentine's to all our LOVERS!

XOXO

LOVE POTION for YOU, VALENTINE

2012-01-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

Hello, Lover...

Did you say you were looking for a little sumptin-sumptin?

Well here she is! In the form of a free bottle of ultra skin-loving, super-sexy hand-blended body oil!

But beware---this is not just any ol' perfumed body oil. This is the love potion of the year!

It's yours FREE when you place any order from The Soap & Paper Factory now through Valentine's Day! Go get you some!

XOXO

Stress Relief in a (L'Orange) Pot

2012-01-06T16:53:00.004-05:00

Oh, were you thinking of something else when I said "stress relief" and "pot" in the title?

Well nothing zaps away those winter blues quite like a lil l'orange zest!

Our L'Orange solid perfume will melt away your stress and leave you smelling fresher than a zesty daisy! See for yourself!

GOT SOAP? Urban Outfitters Does!

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

What's the only soap that measures up to ours?

Our own!

Find it now at URBAN OUTFITTERS. Free shipping on orders over $50.

Winner's Choice!

2011-12-18T22:13:00.003-05:00

Do you have a Soap & Paper Factory favorite? If so, let us know on our FACEBOOK page. You could be the winner of a solid perfume and hand cream of your choice!

Jolly your holly days!

Livin' life in tha FISHBOWL

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Did you ever feel like this? Well if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

And if you can't eat 'em, make 'em your pets!

This stunning conversation piece was designed by Johan Liden and Rinat Aruh of the New York concept and design group, Aruliden for Gaia & Gino.

Let our nontraditional gift guide take you to buy this baby now.

I'm 90% sure they carry this (and many other stupendous gifts!) at one of our favorite stores,

Global Home.

Stylee SALUT Flask! (at LAVISH)

2011-12-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

Well, we will be doing a REAL holiday gift guide...of sorts. But del momento, we give you the A#1 gift for celebrating in true holiday style.

SALUT!

Even if you don't drink spirits, this sweet flask will make a conversational accessory and you can find it at one of our favorite stores: LAVISH!

Holiday Soirée & Sale

2011-12-01T13:21:00.001-05:00

CYBERRIFIC on CYBER MONDAY (& part of TUESDAY)!

2011-11-28T13:54:00.001-05:00

Mr. Stag goes for the Threesome

2011-11-18T20:41:00.001-05:00

What more can be said about this FEDORA sportin', fresh-smellin', swagger to the maxin' STAG?

He knows the power of 3.

Do him--for yourself, and for someone you love.

Mr. Stag does NOT disappoint.

HOLIDAY FAIR at GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL!

2011-11-11T12:45:00.001-05:00

Wow! 'Tis the season of giving and receiving again already! We are geared up and ready to return to our favorite holiday market, The Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal (in Vanderbilt Hall). Come visit our booth and experience our many new products in the flesh. Our PATCH NYC STAG and ROLAND PINE 3-wick candles will blow your senses, and our soothing hand cream will delight your hands, body, & soul!

Our "Sales Bettys" will help ease all that "what to buy for whom" anxiety! No, we will not be serving martinis, but we can point you to the best martinis in NYC: Grand Central Oyster Bar and Campbell Apartment, both conveniently located in the iconic Grand Central Terminal.

See you there!

(Or shop online right here!)

BELLA COLLECTION SOAPS

2011-10-21T12:29:00.000-04:00

Formerly available exclusively at Anthropologie, we've now got some in our possession! Possessed is EXACTLY what you will be upon using any of these 3 magical, kettle-saponified, wonders! VEGAN BEAUTY REVIEW CONTEST WINNER MAY CHOOSE FROM THESE, in addition to our core collection (as seen here).

MIDNIGHT: Jasmine, Tuberose, Citrus

Midnight is inspired by a certain Jasmine patch at the top of Dolores Park, in San Francisco--when the fog is thick, the air is cool and the moon is out, I would look forward to hitting that sweet air. It never lasted long enough! It is a reminder of all sweet things in life, and is basically the sexiest scent on earth!

BELLA: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Black Pepper

This fragrance is inspired by Bella, who is now already 16! The sweet innocent notes of Grapefruit and Litsea represent the youthful spirit--fresh, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, with a whisper of Bergamot, as Earl Grey tea is her favorite.

Oh! We can't forget the dash of Black Pepper for that sassy, bold energy!

CLOSE: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Oakmoss

Amber lovers will swoon for this scent!

This fragrance is both grounding and well-balanced. It's so beautiful, it will make you see double! It is a warm, well-rounded fragrance that is super-sexy and totally addictive.

MOVE, EAT, LEARN

2011-10-17T10:21:00.000-04:00

Three mini travel films = one-minute inspiration:

Rick Mereki: Director, producer, additional camera and editing

Tim White: DOP, producer, primary editing, sound Andrew Lees: Actor, mover, groover

PATCH NYC STAG 3-WICK CANDLE = SWOON

2011-10-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

Have you experienced this triple-burning candle sensation yet? Prepare to swoon!

So maybe no one's really thinking about reindeer and balsamic fir trees just yet, but you will be in another week or two!

And maybe you're not thinking about Blue Oyster Cult tunes, either.

But here at the S&PF, we're thinking about all of the above! Then again, we do tend to trot a few steps ahead of the rest, so go figure. Blame it on Rio. (I'm quite having obviously having eighties flashbacks!) The PATCH NYC 3-Wick Stag will bring long-burning satisfaction into every room he enters.

(Our ROLAND PINE 3-Wick ain't so shabby, either!)

A Few of My Favorite Vegan Things

2011-09-30T09:45:00.002-04:00

We L-O-V-E My Favorite Vegan Things from Vegan Beauty Review.

Sunny (can you say Lil Miss Sunshine?) gives a stellar review of The Soap & Paper Factory's Burnt Vanilla pure soy candle. She describes the candle as having "undertones of sexiness"! And she is spot on! Because that is exactly what we put in it!

MEOWWWW! I think I know a few (hundred) people who will be going vegan after viewing this video!

What's Up, BELLA? SCENT, GIRL, FILM

2011-09-15T10:42:00.001-04:00

We love BELLA. Period. (Or exclamation mark.) And we're not just talking about the scent.

The inspiration for our best-selling scent can now be seen here, on the big screen...or on your laptop screen, at least. Bella is the daughter of Soap & Paper Factory co-owner, Lisa Devo, but she's the muse to many!

Bella Zarember stars in, What's Up?, the recent fashion (short) film for wren's 2012 Spring Collection, directed by Gia Coppola. (wren is a sassy L.A. based clothing label with lots of coveted designs by Melissa Coker.)

Watch it now to get a glimpse/whiff/feel of the REAL Bella!

View FULL-VERSION here

2 FOR 1 at GRAND CENTRAL

2011-09-12T07:30:00.000-04:00

If you're lucky enough to be in the Grand Central (NYC) vicinity, RUN (don't walk) there NOW! Sprint down the Graybar Passage, and find the Soap and Paper Factory's miracle performing kiosk. Your body, your pocketbook, and your lover(s) will all thank you. You know why? Because you saved HALF(!) on sexy, long-lasting spray perfumes, skin-softening body scrubs, and double-wick, delicately-scented terrace candles.

You've now got money to burn, you smell like a vixen, your body is as soft as the day you were born, and you look like you were made to do it on the balcony all night with those terrace candles lighting your way from the balcony to the bedroom. Or why not just lie there on the garden chaise?

The world is aglow--and so are you!

Thank us later.

DIFFUSE...And Save HALF!

2011-08-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

Do everyone a favor with our savvy DIFFUSERS. Freshen up that dorm room, stock up on holiday gifts, lively up your homesteady, surprise your sweetheart, your hostess, or yourself! But do it while these are 50% OFF the regular price. It doesn't get much better than this, folks. Offer good through August 31st.

View what's new! NYIGF: Aug. 14th - 18th

2011-08-11T14:08:00.005-04:00

It's that time of the year again: NYIGF! The always fun and inspiring New York International Gift Fair opens on Sunday. The Soap & Paper Factory owners, Lisa and Shannon, will be there to meet you--as well as other beloved Shop Bettys--so please come by Booth #3976 to say hello. We want you to experience our unique, handcrafted products for body and home in the flesh! Not to mention there's a cocktail party in our aisle at 4PM on Tuesday, August 16th. Mingling, nibbling, and imbibing is highly encouraged. See you soon!

The Press is Rolling!

2011-08-10T17:30:00.012-04:00

Fresh on/off the press...our new triple-wick candle boxes for our latest creation with PATCH NYC. The STAG soy candle has sprouted new wicks. (Mr. Roland Pine has, too!) Can it get any better than this? I think not. 3X the burn, baby. In case you were wondering, that's the ink below; not the candle!

We're dying to show you the end result! Coming soon!

(Oooohhhh.............HERE it is!)

Ben Venom & his Heavy (Metal) Quilts

2011-08-04T12:30:00.004-04:00

I happened upon the work of Ben Venom while browsing the internet for inspiration. Quilts have always been a big part of my life. Hey, I'm a southern girl, after all. Granny was a quilter from Yazoo City, Mississippi. She was a natural improvisor--using only what was on-hand--magically transforming old scraps of clothing and linens of various colors, patterns, and textures into a unified masterpiece. Maybe Mr. Venom's work is not exactly what Granny would immediately recognize as quilting, but I think she'd love and admire his work as much as I do. Now go bake me a pie, Ben!

From the RANSOM NOTES Weblog (by Stacey Ransom): "Venom’s work has long been rife with contradictions and he has been smashing opposing concepts together for a long time. Case in point, his recent body of work has been quilted textiles, often considered “women’s work,” yet they’ve been made with graphically aggressive (and highly masculine) Heavy Metal T-shirts. In other words, not your grandma’s sewing circle."

Read more here: http://www.ransom-notes.net/?p=1463

The creative process (over 125 heavy metal t-shirts were sacrificed!)

The finished masterpiece.

Hmm...I wonder what Ben's venom would smell like? (Only because we are so scent-inclined over here at Soap & Paper Would he like SKULL, SERPENT, or SHIP? Or would he throw us all for a loop and demand GARDENIA?! Only one way to find out...

Talk Pretty To Me + Never Shower Alone = BELLA

2011-07-20T14:33:00.000-04:00

Talk Pretty To Me: Never Shower Alone

Because we love HER so (J. & BELLA).

(And soon you will, too, if you don't already!)

Our entire BELLA Collection is coming to our website SOON!

Summer Savings for All. Thanks, BETTY!

2011-07-15T10:44:00.006-04:00

If you can't get to us in the softly-scented flesh,

then ease on over to our online store: http://soapandpaperfactory.com

Betty's got something for you!

Rub A Dub Dub (by Guest Blogger, Jena)

2011-06-24T21:25:00.006-04:00

Bubbly guest blogger Jena Brummans (of "Talk Pretty to Me" fame) gives her take on our Bella soap and explores Michigan boutique, Jb & Me (all while showing off her phenomenally sparkly nails).

I have a slight obsession with bar soap, especially handcrafted all natural bar soap. Trust me when I say bar soap is far superior to liquid soap- once you cross over into all natural bar soap territory you will never go back. It all started when I was wandering around Anthropologie and a pretty crystal jar full of bar soap caught my eye. I knew I had to snatch up a bar so I began smelling them all and "Bella" from The Soap & Paper Factory was by far my favorite. So I hit the shower. The scent of the soap is utterly intoxicating, it's almost like a flower bomb goes off in your bathtub and catapults you into some sort of floral nirvana yet, it isn't overwhelmingly girly. It lathers up like a dream too, and the scent lingers on your skin long after you've used it. Needless to say, an obsession was born.

For all my West Michigan sweethearts, hit up Jb and Me in downtown Holland to score some killer Soap and Paper Factory Products. The display is located in the center of the store and is stocked full of delicious smelling solid perfumes, hand creams, candles and diffusers. The solid perfumes are perfect for tossing into your purse, which puts them at the tippity top of my “to buy list”, as I’d like to have the option of catapulting myself into nirvana at any given moment in time.

Happy Showering Loves.

xoxo

TRIVIA TUESDAY - ROUND #6 - Who's Ya Daddy?

2011-06-14T14:45:00.019-04:00

Lil' Tunechi as baby, rather than BABY DADDY.

{With Father's Day just a few days away, TRIVIA #6 brings us this lil' riddle}

Q: Who is the FATHER mentioned in a current Lil' Wayne song? (And though Lil' Wayne has fathered many-a-child, the father in his song has physically birthed not even one.)
Hint: This father is sometimes used as an allegory or trope, but he's best-described as a personification.

We know how clever you all are so give a crack at the answer by posting in the comments section below. Winner receives his/her choice of any solid perfume or hand cream from The Soap & Paper Factory! (I don't know about you, but I'm still writhing to wrap myself up in some of that PATCH NYC tomato-leaf-laced SERPENT! And NO; that's not a direct reference to Lil' Wayne. HA!)

Anyone can play, but you must follow our blog to win!
(Winner gets choice of any of our sexy solid perfumes, or ultra-luxe hand cream)

Please Don't Stash the 'Stache!

2011-06-14T12:45:00.007-04:00

What every Dad REALLY wants--and NEEDS! XO
(Thank you, http://www.kristanlynn.com/)

Don't Forget Ya Daddy!

2011-06-13T15:02:00.001-04:00

ATLANTA HOME & GIFT MARKET

2011-06-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

We sure hope to see some of you fine folks in Atlanta later this summer! The Soap & Paper Factory will be there with lots of new surprises; and some old favorites, too. Mr. Roland Pine will be dressed in top hat and tails. Smell your way to our booth. Roland will have us all tap dancing!

FROM THE WINNER FACTORY! (WINNERS FROM TRIVIA #3 & #4)

2011-06-02T16:00:00.024-04:00

Meet the winners from TRIVIA #s 3 & 4! Congratulations to you both, and thanks for playing with us! And if you're reading this and you'd like to win, too, tune in to our blog on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for TRIVIA TUESDAY!

•Name: Trista Casey
•What I won: Green Tea hand cream
•My fave Soap & Paper Factory product:
I haven't had the chance to try everything, but I am loving that hand cream!
•My first Soap & Paper Factory experience: I got the soy candle and shea butter soap in Fig as a Christmas gift from my boyfriend a couple of years ago.
•What is your favorite scent? My favorite scent is how the air smells after a violent rain.
•We never shower alone. How do you help conserve water? I conserve water with a low-flow showerhead, and use a kitchen timer to keep my showers under 10 minutes.
•The one beauty product you cannot live without is: The beauty product I can't live without would have to be Burt's Bees lip balm. I have them stashed in drawers all over my home.
•Something you do when no one's looking: Something I do when nobody is looking: sing and dance like a lunatic to the silly pop songs on the radio. I'd die of shame if anyone walked in on that!

* * *

•Name: Katie Beary

•What you won: Green Tea hand cream

•What is your favorite Soap & Paper Factory product? Definitely the solid perfume. I'm obsessed with the rosewood solid perfume I keep in my purse.

•What was your first Soap & Paper Factory experience? Meeting Bella, Pearl, and their lovely mom Lisa at the old shop I worked at in Nyack,NY-- The RC...when I was still in high school! I had never met a family as much fun as them. Lisa gave me a big bag of soap and candles to help me when I was putting together a Mother's Day gift for my mama. Best gift ever.

•What is your favorite scent? Rain or fresh laundry. Clean scents.

•We never shower alone. How do you help conserve water? (Or share some other earth-friendly tip if you prefer): I always keep my showers under 10 minutes. My earth friendly tip: Try to re-use objects as much as you can. Jars (including Soap & Paper's glass candle jars) make GREAT water cups!

•The one beauty product you cannot live without is: A good cleanser.

•Something you do when no one's looking: Dance around my room to Fleetwood Mac!

Whole Foods Market ALL ACCESS in Woburn

2011-05-25T16:45:00.003-04:00

2 Women: The Whip Cracker (aka Shannon) & the Mix Mastress (aka Lisa)

+ 3 Days: at the Whole Foods Market ALL ACCESS in Woburn, Mass.

= 2 Words: artisanal beer?!

(for a new SOAP, of course!)

TRIVIA TUESDAY - ROUND #5: SNAKE IN MY GRASS!

2011-05-20T14:32:00.001-04:00

Our SERPENT solid will have you ssslithering with delight!

We meet again for TRIVIA TUESDAY! Who's gonna get them some today?! Lucky winner may choose from our vast selection of super-luscious hand cream (new product!), or our sultry solid perfume. Take your pick, but you've gotta win first. And if you don't play, you can't win.

TRIVIA QUESTION #5: It's the 5th Round and the 5th month, so we decided to give a little riddle related to gardening...sort of! What forbidden garden fruit's leaf is featured in our glorious PATCH NYC scent known as SERPENT?

One lucky winner only! Write your answers in the "comments" section below. You may answer more than once. Anyone can play, but you must be a Never Shower Alone "follower" in order to win. Good luck, and thanks for playing in the grass with us!

TRIVIA TUESDAY - ROUND #5: DO OVER, DO OVER?

2011-05-16T17:35:00.005-04:00

Yes, we had a champagne lunch at the Soap & Paper Factory headquarters last Tuesday...

Maybe I should just call this The Mystery of the Snatched Snake. Actually, this is not the fault of the sneaky ol' SERPENT; and it's not my fault, either! Really! As I typed away at my keyboard last Tuesday, I was encountering a few more problems than usual. The sudden onset of odd formatting and rearranged paragraphs could only be the work of a ghost in the machine, I told myself. I finally chocked it up to my champagne lunch. Yes, we had a champagne lunch at the Soap & Paper Factory headquarters last Tuesday to celebrate. Because we can.

Then came Wednesday: The TRIVIA post was up, and had even received some comments; but it was loading so painfully slow, I could not bear to let it be. Still under the belief that my champagne lunch had something to do with the badly behaving blog, I reposted, using a lower-resolution image and fiddled around mindlessly with some html. And to my delight, it loaded with the stealth and speed of a shimmying SERPENT! I let out a sigh of relief...

Fast forward to Friday: The blog post is gone! Where the hell did that sneaky serpent go?! I'm checking all my posts, my drafts...........my head (!), but I'm coming up with zero. TRIVIA TUESDAY #5 is nowhere to be found! After visiting @Blogger on Twitter, I learned that: "During scheduled maintenance work Wednesday night, some data corruption impacted Blogger’s behavior..." resulting in a variety of intermittent outages, disappearing posts, and error pages. In order to get things back to normal, many posts (and comments) were temporarily removed. Ours was one of them.

So now it's Monday night: We're still waiting and wondering, as we've yet to see our post reappear. Maybe we'll just repost--for the third time!? C'est la vie! Champagne, anyone?

(Blogger/Blogspot explanation here.)

Boutique Spotlight: Saffron Trading Company

2011-05-06T11:54:00.023-04:00

Christine Gritmon (our first guest blogger!) visits Saffron Trading Company in Nyack, NY

For Mother’s Day, Saffron Trading Company is featuring special gift baskets of every mom’s favorite Soap & Paper Factory products, and giving away a free box of cards or wrapping paper with each gift basket purchased.

I recently visited Saffron Trading Company in Nyack, NY for some Mother’s Day shopping (…OK, shopping for ME, but whatever) and a chat with the store’s owner, Julia Dillon. Their new and improved space at 14 South Broadway has allowed Julia to expand their eclectic product assortment to include clothing, accessories, children’s attire, and of course the full Soap & Paper Factory line, which they are currently promoting for Mother’s Day.

The Soap & Paper Factory has definitely found a great home within this lovely store full of beautiful and unique offerings for home and body. Julia says customers are loving the new hand creams and of course the candles, especially Lavender and the Patch NYC collection (my personal fave). Julia is partial to the Roland Pine scent and the Green Tea candle and room diffuser. “It’s a strong enough scent to fill a larger room, but without being overwhelming,” she says of the Green Tea, one of S&P’s original scents. Saffron Trading Company will also be advertising at the grand reopening of the Nyack Public Library on Saturday, May 7th right across the street from the store. Stop in and celebrate! Your mom would approve.

If you can’t make it to Nyack you can find Saffron Trading Company at http://www.saffrontradingcompany.com – and of course, The Soap & Paper Factory at http://www.soapandpaperfactory.com.

Remember – you can shower your mom with gifts, but NEVER SHOWER ALONE!

MAMA SAID THERE'D BE DAYS LIKE THIS...

2011-04-27T12:10:00.004-04:00

With Mother's Day just around the bend, we can help you deliver what all Moms really want: high-quality, stress-reducing, fat-free goodness! Now through Mother's Day, May 10th, we want to give you something that will make you feel as loved as Mama: FREE SHIPPING on orders over $35! Just enter this secret code at checkout: FBMOTHER. Don't forget about those aunts, grandmothers, sisters, girlfriends, and baby mamas (and baby mama's mama). We will pack your gift in the prettiest packaging and include your personal message on one of our beautiful gift cards!
Find us HERE!

AND WE HAVE A WINNER ... OR TWO!

2011-04-19T17:00:00.018-04:00

Since the debut of Never Shower Alone, we have been hosting Tuesday Trivia. It's a fun way to connect with our customers, and to give away some of the items we love (and that we hope you love, too)! Meet the TRIVIA winners from our first two rounds! Congratulations, Ladies...and THANK YOU!

Meet Penelope-Myles Voss, our TRIVIA ROUND #1 Winner!

•Name: Penelope-Myles Voss

•What you won: Bella Solid Perfume *yum*

•Your first Soap & Paper Factory experience: My first S&P experience was way back in the day when it was Brickhouse Soap! I bought my first brick of handmade soap from Lisa Devo at the Nyack Farmer's Market when I was about 10-years-old! It smelled fantastic, although the wrapping wasn't as classy as it is now ;-)

•Your favorite scent: My favorite scent is the smell of fresh Lemon Curd

•We never shower alone. How do YOU conserve water? I conserve water by using a "shower buddy" (which is a little hourglass in the shower) to make sure my showers are under 5 minutes!

•The one beauty product you cannot live without is: Shea Butter Soap from S&P!

•Something you do when no one's looking: I sing along to Britney Spears and dance around like a crazy person.

Christine Gillespie, our TRIVIA ROUND #2 Winner!

•Name: Christine Gillespie

•What you won: Green Tea Solid Perfume

•Favorite Soap & Paper Factory product: The candles

•Your first Soap & Paper Factory experience: I received some Verbena Shea Butter soap and Bath Powder as a gift -- the best gift ever.

•Your favorite scent: I love citrus scents.

•We never shower alone. How do YOU conserve water? I water my plants with leftover glasses of water and water bottles.

•The one beauty product you cannot live without is: Lotion, otherwise I would look like a lizard!

•Something you do when no one's looking: Eat ice cream straight from the container!

TRIVIA TUESDAY - ROUND #4 - LOVE, LISA & SHANNON

2011-04-12T13:15:00.025-04:00

Okay...Where are we? Oh! We're at the second Tuesday in April, already! And that can only mean one thing in S&PF lingo: TRIVIA TUESDAY!! Who will be the lucky winner of our recently debuted, luxurious, shea butter rich hand cream?

This beautiful baby is 2.3 ounces of pure, creamy, bliss and comes in all of our signature fragrances.

TRIVIA QUESTION #4: Lisa and Shannon are the owners of Soap & Paper Factory. Between the two of them, they have SIX kids! S&PF has two scents that were inspired by and/or named after two of the owners' daughters. What are the two scents? (We are looking for the names of the scents, not the names of the girls--ALTHOUGH, the names of the scents could possibly also be the names of the girls! Are you confused? Is this a math word problem? No way! WHEW!)

One lucky winner will receive one FREE tube of Soap & Paper Factory hand cream of her/his choice! Write your answers in the "comments" section below. Anyone can play, but you must be a Never Shower Alone "follower" in order to win. The first player to answer correctly will be notified by email, so please make sure you are reachable.

(Winner must answer both scents correctly.)
Good luck, and thanks for playing with us!

The Envy of all Hand Creams

2011-04-07T19:35:00.013-04:00

eeny, meeny, miney...

...who wants mo'?

You do! Or at least, you will!
Our hand cream awaits you at Anthropologie .
(online & in stores)

Slither aboard for SHIP + SERPENT (by S&P + PATCH NYC)

2011-03-31T13:00:00.011-04:00

The time has come, matey! Our most recent journey with PATCH NYC has set sail! So slither aboard and let us know what you think about these two beauties! (Both are available in soy candles and wearable, solid fragrance.)

We smell a roll in the ol' hay! Hay Absolute, that is! SERPENT's fresh, alluring and seductively smooth fragrance is absolutely irresistible, and crisp as a lush garden...

...but the layered complexity of SHIP's soft woody undertones is oceans deep and has me sniffing my wrist every few minutes, too!

This is NOT going to be easy! I might have to go for TWO at a time!

It wouldn't be the first time!

THESE ARE THE (LUCKY) BREAKS!

2011-03-23T13:25:00.013-04:00

Q: What kind of break doesn't leave you broke?
A: A LUCKY BREAK, of course!

This is a suh-weet ONE DAY ONLY DEAL for Soap & Paper Factory lovers, and Lucky Magazine readers! Save a superfluous discount (50% off) when you purchase a Soap & Paper Factory Aromatic Room Diffuser on MARCH 24th. We have 7 fresh scents to choose from, and naturally, our handcrafted products are biodegradable, and alcohol & phthalate-free.

Just click HERE for details!

Scent plays a powerful role in the home. Aromatherapy and Feng Shui enthusiasts swear by transforming energy with scent. And Soap & Paper Factory purists do, too!

Here are some of our favorites:

For romance: JASMINE, GARDENIA

To energize/stimulate: VERBENA, GREEN TEA

To refresh/uplift/joy: VERBENA, GREEN TEA

For warmth/security: LAVENDER, G ERANIUM, GARDENIA
To balance/restore: GERANIUM, ROLAND PINE

For relaxation/sleep: G ERANIUM, LAVENDER, JASMINE

To cleanse/purify: G ERANIUM, ROLAND PINE, GREEN TEA
For memory stimulation/focus: VERBENA, ROLAND PINE

For pure inspiration: ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Our earth-friendly room diffusers provide a beautiful home fragrance experience. And at HALF-OFF the regular price, it pays to stock up! (You don't even have to know Feng Shui. Just click HERE!)

Something NEW at Urban Outfitters.com

2011-03-15T15:27:00.017-04:00

Urban Outfiters online is now carrying our very super-sexy PATCH NYC solid fragrances! This is the ultimate collaboration: We teamed up with Patch NYC (the dynamic design duo!) and created this divine collection of solid fragrances. All five sultry fragrances are geared toward men and women. The PATCH NYC collection is elegantly fragranced and perfectly packaged. We never use parabens, phthalates, nor petrochemicals. Only pure jojoba and beeswax blended with our signature fragrances. So choose one, or choose them all!

TRIVIA (FAT) TUESDAY - ROUND #3 - IT'S DREAMY!

2011-03-08T14:30:00.010-05:00

The second Tuesday of each month brings us together--thanks to our mutual love for giving and receiving free stuff! Who will be the lucky winner of our (soon to be debuted) luxurious, shea butter rich hand cream? This beautiful baby is 2.3 ounces of pure, creamy bliss and comes in all of our signature fragrances.

One lucky winner will receive one free Soap & Paper Factory hand cream of her/his choice! Write your answers in the "comments" section below. Anyone can play, but you must be a Never Shower Alone "follower" in order to win. The first player to answer correctly will be notified by email, so please make sure you are reachable.

TRIVIA QUESTION #3: What are the names of the first two scents ever created by Soap & Paper Factory?

(Winner must answer both scents correctly.)

We are super-excited about our new hand cream, and we think you just might love it, too! A LOT! Besides being packed with shea, we also use meadowfoam oil, and Borage seed, 'cause we ain't fooling around. If you use oils that are packed with omega 3’s and vitamins that are necessary for happy, healthy skin, you will get happy healthy skin! And whose (jazz) hands aren't BEGGING for some TLC right about now? This winter may go down in history as the winter that wouldn't end, but let's not let it get the best of our (jazz) hands!

GOOD LUCK, and thanks for playing!

We Confess to StacyKnows about our Social Media Skills

2011-02-22T12:47:00.020-05:00

Dear Stacy:

Please, do not be alarmed when you receive a sweet-smelling, anonymous package.
We have sent you two of our favorite lavender products: our lavender shea butter soap, and our lavender solid perfume. However, our efficient shipper (some prefer the term "houseboy") sent the package before I could insert a note!

If I go by what Liana "Li" Evans writes in "Social Media Marketing", her very helpful best-selling book, I'm doing everything wrong so far.

1) She says Stacy ("the blogger") doesn't want my love.

NOTE: I began reading her book too late. I'd already sent you a message or tweet saying how much we (Soap & Paper Factory) love your blog, StacyKnows.

The fact is, we found you by coincidence, or by FATE, rather. Just before Valentine's Day we were asked to take over one of the display windows at Oasis Day Spa (in NYC). After we started on the window, I wanted to post something special about Oasis on our newly created blog, Never Shower Alone. That's when I found your post about the Oasis Day Spa VaJazzle! It was SO up our alley, and it kept our studio jazzed for days! Who doesn't want LOVE?! Strike ONE for me.

2) Ms. Evans then stresses the importance of establishing an engaging relationship with bloggers first, then sending swag later. Otherwise, it looks like, "Hey, check us out!" and "Write about our stuff!"

NOTE: I thought the gesture of a gift was just something we do because we can! It is not every day that we find people we want to shower gifts with, after all! And when that person quite obviously has good taste, AND a sense of humor, there's no need to sit back and pass her by. (Your "Who's Your Daddy" post for the Identigene DNA kit could've been the missing link to our Father's Day 2010 promotional party by the same name.) Strike TWO for me.

3) Ms. Evans also says to always "Give Link Love." Ah! Well, at least I got that one right! (And I don't just mean in this post, but in a variety of previous tweets/@mentions/FB posts related to StacyKnows.) Whew! I was starting to smell unemployment when I should be smelling lavender!

NOTE: I am not a ProBlogger by any means. (GASP!) Nor do I pretend to be. I am a late-bloomer who is just getting a grasp of the Do's and Don't of Social Media. One thing for certain, I love my job and the company I work for. I love researching and learning, and I'm probably way too curious and longwinded for my own good. But above all, I love to show LOVE! So if you receive a mysterious package from Soap & Paper Factory, with or without a note from Betty, it's because YOU ARE LOVED!

XOXO, Betty

PLAYERS UNITE! IT'S TRIVIA TUESDAY-ROUND #2

2011-02-15T12:01:00.004-05:00

The second Tuesday of each month brings us together--thanks to our mutual love for giving and receiving free stuff! Speaking of love, and having recently celebrated Valentine's Day, we thought our TRIVIA ROUND #2 should continue within that realm.

Two lucky winners will receive one free Soap & Paper Factory solid fragrance of their choice! Write your answers in the "comments" section below. Anyone can play, but you must be a Never Shower Alone "follower" in order to win. Choose from any of our enticing scents! The first two players with correct answers will be notified by email, so please make sure you are reachable.

TRIVIA QUESTION #2: Who was the historical diva who is said to have wooed and wowed her lover with sultry jasmine oil?

Did you know this about Jasmine? In many ancient civilizations, the Jasmine flower represented hope, love, and happiness. The powerful essence of Jasmine comes from its delicate flowers. The aromatherapeutic properties of the plant are many, but it is most often used as a sedative, an anti-depressant, and an aphrodisiac. In India the Jasmine flower is known as the "Queen of the Night" because it releases its intoxicating fragrance at nightfall.

GOOD LUCK, and thanks for playing!

A Damn Good Day to Get CLOSE!

2011-02-14T08:00:00.039-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of our LOVERS! Still looking for a last-minute treat? Our beautiful solid perfumes are a sexy way to fragrance yourself (and the one you love). Apply to your pulse points as often as you wish, or dig in deep and use as a pomade (because it's great for your hair). Pure golden jojoba, beeswax, and signature fragrances make this an elegant and convenient way to lift your senses every minute of the day! This is our best-selling item, and after you experience it, you'll know why!

CLOSE is a spicy and seductive blend, much like its namesake, Soap & Paper muse, Karen Close. CLOSE exudes a voluptuous bouquet of Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Oakmoss. Like Karen, this fragrance is both grounding and well-balanced. Karen tells us this scent makes her feel "frisky!" And in our opinion, frisky is GOOD.

It's so beautiful it will make you see double!

A Shorty List of What I Would've Given My Valentine

2011-02-10T12:41:00.020-05:00

Well, it's true. Days before the BIG LOVE FEST (also known as Valentine's Day), my lover walked out the door! Was my midnight serenade of Teena Marie's "Lovergirl" SO awful?! Did he not love my VaJazzle?! As a diehard romantic; I couldn't help myself.

Had he stuck around, here's what he might have gotten from ME on the BIG LOVE FEST!

First, this charming candle, by Soap & Paper Factory + PATCH NYC, of course! PIPE is an alluring scent of warm vanilla, tobacco, patchouli, bourbon, and a snifter of cognac. Nothing gets you in the mood quite like candlelight, right?

Okay, maybe candlelight + chocolate! One of our favorite chocolatiers in NYC, Jacques Torres, turns up the naughty factor this year with "The Spanker." A 5-oz chocolate pop!

I might have also given him this stylishly modern scent-- a mix of citrus, vetiver, nutmeg, patchouli--cunningly called Fedora. Oh, yes! I would have certainly massaged some of this into his throbbing pulse points.

And lastly, I would have given him this stunning necklace from one of my favorite designers, Madame Fortuna. Okay, so maybe the necklace is a bit feminine, but LOVERBOY was secure...maybe a bit TOO cocksure, actually. Hmm...In any case, he was just the kind of guy who could get away with wearing women's jewelry. And if he didn't like it, he could've just given it to me!

V-Jazzled for Valentine's Day!

2011-02-08T14:47:00.008-05:00

We are totally jazzed about this little Valentine's Day treat! We often wonder, "What can I do for my lover that I've never done before?" (And if it's going to benefit your lover, it's going to benefit you!) We've all done Brazilians (no pun intended), painted our bodies with chocolate, created "Love Me" potions and casted "Come Hither" spells. But leave it to Oasis Day Spa to offer the VaJazzle! What the heck is THAT?! Simple as it sounds: a Brazilian bikini wax, with a little extra something special…a fabulous Swarovski crystal design application! Application lasts up to 7 days. $75. (Our friend Stacy, over at Stacy Knows, brought this butterflied beauty to our attention.)

Oooh! Imagine those crystals shimmering by the light of one of Soap & Paper Factory's Jasmine candles?!

Come on, Valentine's Day! Get here already!!

A Day at the OASIS DAY SPA (in NYC)

2011-02-06T22:00:00.005-05:00

Pearl Z. enjoying a day at the spa at Oasis on Park

When most people think of a day at the spa, rarely does one think of stripping down, getting dirty, and ripping things apart...unless you're a Dirty Soap Lady, of course! The dirtiest of us all, Soap & Paper Factory co-owner Ms. Lisa Devo, spent her Super Bowl weekend at the Oasis Day Spa doing just that! The catch? Soap & Paper Factory has been asked to take over a display window at Oasis Day Spa (at 1 Park Avenue in NYC) and we are gushing with excitement! Lisa's ultra-talented and ultra-lovely daughter, Pearl, helped with the project. We will be posting some BEFORE & AFTER pics as soon as all is said and done. In the meantime, get on over to Oasis on Park and treat yourself or a loved one to some serious spa action! And if you're extra sweet, you might be asked to join us in the window!

Oasis Day Spa,1 Park Avenue, NYC 212.254.7722

Free shipping for our LOVERS...

2011-01-26T08:00:00.066-05:00

Soap & Paper Factory has a Valentine's Day Special for YOU! Because we love you so, we want to spoil you silly! Now through February 14th, receive FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $35. Use the coupon code: KISSME.

Feel free to pass it on! Spread the LOVE!

And if you happen to be in the neighborhood, come see us:

21 Rockland Park Avenue, Tappan, NY.

Our studio store hours are M-F, 10 AM to 5 PM.

Mention the BLOG or FACEBOOK for a 10% discount!

OWL YOU LIKE ME NOW? (Valentine Recommended)

2011-01-22T11:55:00.011-05:00

Dear Lover(s):

Let us entice you with this delightfully frisky fragrance for men and women, alike. OWL is a wise and warm blend of a sacred trio of scents: sandalwood, vetiver, and tobacco. This intoxicating combination is known to enhance both the male and female libido. (yeowwwwl!) Massage the heart-lifting fragrance into your pulse points, and let the candle bring magic and surprise to your budoir. (Please have plenty of time and stamina, because OWL doesn't give a HOOT what else might be on your agenda!) It's the dead of winter, after all...so turn up the heat.

XOXO...Betty

SHIP + SERPENT = another brilliant collaboration w/ PATCH NYC

2011-01-13T15:00:00.021-05:00

Behold: SHIP and SERPENT!

(For those of you who participated in TRIVIA Bout #1, these were the two answers we were looking for. FYI, we had a post & an image of both right on our our FACEBOOK page!)

SHIP mesmerized me the very instant I smelled it. It is a rich, woody blend that contains sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver. A hint of geranium adds a veil of brightness with its herbaceous-floral nature. The balance created is supreme! I was lucky enough to be in the factory/studio as Mixtress Lisa sampled and sniffed, mixed and miffed. My arm became the happiest lab rat ever. If you love the voluptuousness of woody scents, our exquisite SHIP is the wave you want to ride.

SERPENT is a potent and grassy blend that is seductively layered with petitgrain, citrus, and geranium. Before I smelled this scent, I had the inclination to always use the word "snake" (rather than SERPENT). But with just one whiff of this delightful and mysterious scent, my tongue was tempted to hiss, "SSSSERPENT!" If this fragrance doesn't entice fresh, spring, roll-in-the-grass fun, then I don't know what will!

These two new fragrances will debut March 1st. (Available in soy candle and solid perfume.)

......a little clue--or two!!!!

2011-01-12T13:22:00.008-05:00

winner of the snowball fight at the factory!

betty and i are sitting here on this snowy day. we feel as though we are in a snow globe. so cool. sorry for all of you west-coasters. i do love watching the snow come down. it is slow and steady, and as karen (close) always says.....wins the race!

ok! we thought it would be fun to give you all a little clue to the soapy trivia betty has put together. here are two clues:

1) Multi-layered and deep as the sea; a scent infused with the spirit of discovery.
2) Enchanting and smoothly seductive; vivid and crisp as a lush garden.

i could tell you the names of the fragrances, but then that would ruin the game!!!! enjoy. btw. this is my first-ever post!

Mixtress Lisa wants to know, "Who will win the free fragrance?!"

2011-01-11T15:30:00.004-05:00

Here's a glimpse of "Mixtress Lisa" in the "ol'Factory" gettin' busy on our latest collaboration with PATCH NYC. We wanna give all you V.P.P.'s (very patient people) a chance to WIN a little something! Two lucky winners will receive one free Soap & Paper Factory solid fragrance of their choice! All you have to do is correctly guess the names of the two new scents we are working on with PATCH. You must guess BOTH scents correctly to win. So write your guesses in the "comments" section below. We will notify winners by email, so please make sure you are reachable. And good luck! Choose from these favorites!

Go Lisa! Go Lisa!

Welcome to our shower!

2011-01-10T12:00:00.019-05:00

Welcome to our ~~new~~ first-ever blog, Never Shower Alone. With a new year here already, and spring just around the corner (let's just ignore all that cold white stuff on the ground), we are starting to feel a little giddy here at Soap & Paper Factory! And what is a giddy girl to do?! Well she gives stuff away for FREE, of course! Tuesday, January 11th, will mark the launch of our TRIVIA series--and the winner(s) will receive some serious booty! We kid you not. We will also hook you up with all kinds of discount-worthy secret handshakes and magic words. And as though that weren't enough, we will post uncomplicated recipes, gut-splitting knock-knock jokes, and we may even give you advice on how to find your lost remote.

Stay tuned for more eye, ear, and nose candy!