---->THIS WEEK'S SPONSOR: AUROMA, http://www.auroma.com<----
Complete line of aromatherapy products: Essential Oils & Synergistic Blends, Rare/Precious Oils, Carrier Oils, Additive Free Base Products, Diffusers, Books & More.

Live chat with Carolyn Sajdecki of the Chicago Aromatherapy Arena at http://www.auroma.com on 12/2/00 at 12:00 noon CST.

!!HBN Members Only!! Look for the HBN promotional code in this week's member update to receive 25% on all orders placed by 12/31/00!!

Auroma ~ A Journey In Aromatherapy
http://www.auroma.com | e-mail: kevin@auroma.com
Call us toll free: (800) 327-2025

~ The Soapourri ~ Lilburn, Georgia
www.soapourri.net | handmade herbal and glycerin soaps

~ Creative Necessities ~ Denton, Maryland
www.handcrafted4u.com | handmade soaps, candles, pottery

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: Several members of the Handmade Toiletries Network pride themselves on making quality skincare products to cater to specific skin types and aromatic preferences. One HBN member has found a niche focusing on making handmade soaps for persons with "experienced" skin. Each bar is made with shea butter, cocoa butter and silk protein, and, according to the HBN member's Web site (which you can find through HBN's member directory at http://www.HandmadeBeauty.com), customers have reported relief from itchy skin and acne flare-ups, among other things. To win this week, provide: (1) the name of the business; (2) the owner's name; (3) the name of the soap listed at the site with the name "ugly" in it.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWER: (1) Honeychild Handmade Soap Company; (2) Roberta May; (3) Big & Ugly Oatmeal Hand Soap.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Name the person credited with this quote: "When I was a boy, I thought scent was contained in dew drops on flowers and if I got up very early in the morning, I could collect it and make perfume."

Be the first to answer this week's question and win a sample of geranium absolute from the Reunion Islands off the eastern coast of Africa ... perfect for your next handmade perfume!

Read contest rules at www.handmadebeauty.com/htns_Newsletter.htm

~ Chocolate Mint Massage Bar by 310
$10.00 ~ 1 ounce

After using this bar (appropriately shaped like a Hershey's Kiss), a few times in my bath area, it found its way down to my office where it pampers my dry cuticles now and again. But I have to say that sitting within smelling distance of it is really hard because the aroma of the combination of peppermint essential oil and coco butter is so tantalizing that it's hard not to take a bite. (OK, I confess that when I first got it, I took a bite ... I was expecting something like Andes Candies or Peppermint Patty but this tasted like butter and mint. I checked the label and there's no butter in it, but my taste buds tasted butter.) Anyway, when using it for what it's meant for (the skin, not the tongue), its smooth and creamy texture works quite well to provide relief from the dry, cold season we've just entered on the east coast. As a photographer who hoists very heavy camera equipment for a living, my husband enjoys it as a massage base for his upper back and shoulders, especially when I put a drop of lavender oil on my palms before warming the Massage Bar to use. Chocolate Mint Massage Bars and other goodies are available from HBN member 310, listed at HBN's member directory at http://www.HandmadeBeauty.com.

Join me and my apprentices for "SoapMaking For Gift Giving & Pleasure" at The Smile Herb Shop in College Park, Maryland on December 2, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Q&A and Booksigning to follow! Learn how to make your own soap from scratch using natural ingredients, and take some of our newly made soap home with you!! To register, call Smile at (301) 474-8791.

Lavender Body Bars are great to use during the winter months when skin can use a bit of added moisture retention and protection. This recipe yields about six 1/4 ounce bars.

Ingredients
1 oz. shea butter
1/2 oz. avocado oil
1/2 ounce jojoba oil
.07 oz. beeswax
10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Blending Procedure
Clear enough space in your freezer to hold the mold you are using. Measure all ingredients except essential oil in the heat proof cup and a hot water bath to melt the beeswax. Remove the cup using a pot holder to prevent burning your hands. Stir the mixture with a popsickle stick to make sure all of the wax is melted. The melted mixture will be very hot! If you are using essential oil, allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes, and then add the essential oil. Stir to incorporate. Carefully pour the mixture into small molds (I use 1/4 ounce heart shaped molds with roses in relief) and place immediately in the freezer to harden. After about 15 minutes, pop them out of the mold and wrap in wax paper or a small plastic baggie between uses. You can use one immediately by warming it between your palms to transfer the moisturizer to your palms, then apply to dry skin rubbing gently yet firmly. You can also cup the bar in your palm and apply directly to skin. The warmth from your body will slowly melt the bars to moisturize your skin.