Treasures in my jammie drawer...

Do you ever tuck treasured things away to be enjoyed at a later date, only to forget that you tucked them away in the first place?

I would try to fool myself in this way in my 20's and 30's, to no avail.  Now that I'm clinging to my 40's by the skin of my teeth, well let's just say that it's much easier for me to "hide" items from myself (often unintentionally)....but I digress.

I said all that to say this:  You'll never guess what I found in my jammie drawer today!!!  Give up?  

O.k., here's a hint:  I took a pair of winter jammies out for the first time in almost a year the other evening, and I notice that they had a wonderful smell (not the typical "drawer" scent that clothes pick up after that amount of time).  Being extremely busy and distracted as usual, I only gave it a fleeting thought and then it was gone.

Today I found the source: A flat black box that I initially thought was filled with costume jewelry....happily, it wasn't.  Look what was inside: 

I wish my reaction was on video -I'm tellin' you, I gasped audibly:
"Oh my gosh!"  Gasp!  I read the labels (yes, my green-eyed little readers there were multiple bars tucked away!)  Ahhh-haaa-ahhh! (that's meant to sound like the angel choir, in case you're wondering) You have to wonder about a grown woman who makes soap herself getting this tickled over a bar of soap, don't you?


I chose to use this variety because I'm trying desperately to re-hide the other bar, as it is my all-time favorite Cocobong soap: Sandalwood-Vanilla.  (I'm not sure, but I think it's going to be hard to trick myself again!)

Spanish Rose is the name of this beauty, and the fragrance reminds me of a soap we used when I was very young "Sweetheart" was the name.  Wonderfully floral, but there's something else too that my aging sniffer can't identify -I only know that it's wonderful!  The lather was exquisite, as was the conditioning (what else would we expect from Cocobong?), and the soap is truly beautiful.  I'm guessing that there's titanium dioxide in the white, because it is really a pretty snowy white.  

What a treat...an unexpected "find" and wonderful surprise!  Thanks, 'bongs! :)

Retreat, huh? Well, I'll just talk about you while you're not here...



Cocobong's (amazing)  Rosemary Soap (bottom)

 In honor of my friend Cocobong's retreat: I thought I would -ahem- fill in for her...  (Note: "When you aren't 'here' I'm gonna talk about you!")

I'm pretty sure that anyone reading this is a regular Cocobong follower, and is likely suffering from some serious review withdrawals (as I am).  So in an attempt (albeit pathetic) to fill a bit of the void -I'm going to turn the tables on my friend and do my own review of her soap.  Bwa-ha-ha-ha!

Seriously, you all probably know her as a kind, thoughtful, interesting artist who painstakingly tests and reviews handmade soaps with a refreshing combination of honesty and grace. True, true ...but do you also know what a talented soap maker she is? Better yet, have you ever used her soap? If you haven't you should!

It so happens that I have used her soaps, and without exception Julia (a.k.a. Cocobong) turns out some downright superior bubbly matter.  I have been known to hoard it, hide it, and eventually use it up -to the point that the last little sliver disappears into my washcloth right before my disappointed eyes (I was hoping to get one more shower out of that bar!)

My past experiences with her soap did not, however, prepare me for Rosemary.
Even those of you who have used Julia's soaps before need to get your hands and washcloths on a bar of this particular soap!

It's appearance is classic Cocobong -understated, with a lovely two-tone color and simple elegance of design.  No swirls or embelishments needed.  (No fair!  I work so hard on that stuff, but her soaps are magnificent without it...doggone those artists, anyway! :))  

The scent is just right: natural, lingering, and fresh.  Perfect for Hubbys too, it's appealing to guys and gals....which reminds me, I need to stash the bar lest my Better Half uses it up when I'm not looking....but I digress:

As lovely as the Rosemary soap is, as perfectly scented....nothing prepared me for the lather.  It is truly unique, and I must say it's amazing!  It's creamy & bubbly, yes, but it also has a silky quality that is hard to describe adequately.  Consider yourself warned....you'll wish you had created this soap!
(It's hard not to be envious of a soap that's this good)

The quantity of the lather was surprising too. Even to a girl who's accustomed to soft water and the extra lather it gives.  It passed the shave test, the shampoo-ing test (talk about lather) and the face test. 

Please know that I'm not authorized in any way to hand out "coco points", but what the heck, 'bongs is relaxing in a hammock somewhere so I'm gonna do it anyway:

                                

                                                     Category scores:                                                             
                                                             scent 10

                                                        conditioning 10


                                                             lather 11


                                                        appearance 10


                                                           shape 10


                          Total score: 10.something Cocopoints  requiring the new category: 


                              "Stop it already, you're making the rest of us look like amateurs!"



Enjoy you're much-deserved rest C'bong -you know we'll all be anxiously awaiting your return!

And from now on, I'll stick to making soap and leave the reviewing to you! ;)