Maryam's Soap Nook

I have always been a bit obsessive about skin and body products. And, as I have gotten older, I have started using more natural products, ones that my children can use as well. So, I have got to tell you about some products that I have been using for the past month that are quite amazing. Maryam's Soap Nook is a family run business that offers a wide selection of handmade bath and body products that are 100% natural.

Known for her absolutely beautiful handmade soaps, Maryam's Soap Nook offers more than 50 varieties of naturally chemical free, super mild soaps with pleasant, and not overpowering, scents. I got the Gardenia and Jasmine for myself (a lovely light tropical scent) and the Exotic Rose and Bergamot (romantic and calming) for my mother. Made with goatsmilk, shea butter, Vitamin E, and various oils (palm, olive, coconut, and mono de Tahiti), these soaps provide a wonderful lather and are gentle enough for your face. And, as you can see from the photos above (taken by me!), they are really beautiful. At only $5 for a 6 ounce handcut bar, these are perfect for keeping in the guest bathroom or giving away as gifts.

I also got the Whipped Shea Body Butter in Peach Gardenia--an absolutely exquisite sweet and feminine combination of juicy peach and tropical gardenia. Ultra rich and moisturizing, a little dab after getting out of the shower is all you need to lock in moisture and leave your skin smooth and healthy. A bit rich to use as an everyday hand cream, this was perfect for my dry feet...I have been lathering up my feet at bedtime, putting on cotton socks, and I swear to you, my feet have never looked so smooth and felt so soft. This is the ultimate dry skin solution. $15 for an 8 ounce jar.

The handmade exfoliating Bath and Shower Gel/Body Wash in Ocean Spray has been a staple in my shower for the past month. Naturally invigorating, this lovely blue shower gel contains aloe vera, Vitamin E, vegetable glycerin, kukui nut oil and jojoba beads that gently buff your skin without any harsh chemicals. So gentle in fact, I have used it on my face. A really mild and clean scent (even my husband used it!), it really does remind me of an ocean spray. $10 for an 8 ounce bottle.
The handmade Shea Butter Enriched Salt Scrub in Ginger Cardamom is truly amazing. Substantially stronger than the gel above, this is truly a beauty treatment that left me feeling invigorated and refreshed. Since I just got back from Mexico, one generous scoop of this salt scrub was all I needed to remove all that flaking skin and leave my skin glowing. Plus, the combination of camellia, olive, sweet almond, avocado and jojoba oils left my skin feeling baby soft. $15 for an 8 ounce jar or $25 for a 16 ounce jar.

Finally, one of my favorite products was the Luxury Body Mist in Coconut and Cream. A light and tropical inspired spray that smooths the skin and has the most wonderful "laying on the beach with a pina coloda" scent that really lingers. Wonderful right out of the shower or as light refresher and pick me up through-out the day. $5 for a 2 ounce bottle or $15 for an 8 ounce bottle.

All of Maryam's Soap Nooks products are handmade in small batches so you are guaranteed to get a fresh product. As a great gift idea, Maryam's offers a gift set for $65 that includes each of the aforementioned products (as well as a body oil blend) in your choice of scents. A wonderful way to sample each of these amazing products.

You deserve this. Someone you love deserves this.