Monday, June 22, 2015

Handmade in Florida Fine Artisan Soaps



Handmade in Florida restocked last month and I set my phone alarm clock so I would not miss it the minute it happened. The owner, Zahida, decided to delay the opening about 10 minutes to allow more people to browse and get an idea of what they wanted. When the cart buttons were opened I quickly added some soaps and a lip balm. The products arrived packaged with care and beauty. 





Along with the four soap choices, I was sent three generous sample chunks. Handmade in Florida's scent descriptions in italics included.


Blood Orange & Gogi Berry Splashes of blood orange juice and sweet Satsuma orange wedges, combined with the nectars of ripe gogi berry and island mango.


Sweet Orange Chili Pepper A sweet and spicy blend of orange, bergamot, tangerine, cassis, neroli, chili pepper and sheer musk.


Southern Charm A delightful blend of sweet raspberries, juicy peaches and fragrant white magnolias on a warm musky base. 


Serenity This soap is scented with essential oils from lavender, eucalyptus and mint. It sounded relaxing and refreshing and that is just what it smells like. Sweet bedtime baths. At times the lavender appears, herbal and rich, then the spearmint takes over with a minty sweetness. This is my kind of soap scent.



French Lime Blossom I bought this for the beautiful rosette top. Yes I am that shallow. But it is gorgeous. As delicate as a French confection. Notes of linden tree, violet and white lily compose this sophisticated ivory floral soap. There is an almost cucumber like undertone that feels fresh and aquatic that must come from the lily. 



Summer Nights is a fruity floral scent that my eyes love more than my nose. The fragrance is pretty but flits through my mind so fast as to be forgotten. I have since gifted it to my sister, as she liked it very much.



Inner Peace was the one I wanted most. Top notes of sweet orange and lavender followed by a warm blend of patchouli, incense and golden amber... inner peace... And her description is spot on. The fragrance gently unfurls with a soft patchouli that is balanced between heady and transparent. I am in love.



These soaps have a texture all their own. Firm, yet rubbery, they have a bouncy feel that is quite fun! Of course the lather is abundant and soft, and it rinses with nary a bit of residue. The soaps run $8 each and the lip balm was $3.50. I see myself buying the soaps again for sure. The quality and craftsmanship is unmistakable. 


Handmade in Florida is an exquisite company from product to packaging and would make beautiful gifts as well. Do you have any local handmade soaps or products that you have tried? Have you tried Handmade in Florida?


13 comments:

  1. I have not tried this vendor but I have tried a few local/Wisconsin ones. If hubby's stash of soaps ever runs down, I might explore a few more Wisconsin ones that I know of. Although.......he did ask me to just make him some myself. And a coworker asked me if I had any right now......

    ~Deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Make more soap! Make more soap! My mom still has one bar of Cranberry Chutney I gifted her for Christmas you made. <3

      Delete
  2. what gorgeous soaps!! tell me more about Southern Charm... is the magnolia scent prominent?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is pronounced. A very lovely sweet floral. I have already passed it on as a gift but it was very very nice! I plan on ordering from Zahida again if I can. I will grab you a treat ;-) you like fruity florals?

      Delete
  3. No words except, almost TATU.

    I know this is not uncommon but the beveled edges that soapmakers do, with a knife or vegetable peeler...such dedication. If I was living in Florida (or wine was involved), I imagine I might be able to get through it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES. The French Lime Blossom would be TATU for sure if it didn't smell so good! I am dying to use it up! It is funny you mention the beveled edges because I appreciate them. I have had some soaps without them and I just feel like they missed the finishing touch. The fact that each and every slice gets that extra attention and finess really makes an impact. Like hugging your creation good bye. Love the finished edges. <3

      Delete
    2. I just tried Serenity, so lovely. I need this in home fragrance. Mint, eucalyptus and lavender is on my desert island combo list.

      Delete
  4. Thank you so much for taking the time to share my soaps Julie! I really enjoyed reading the post and seeing all of your beautiful pictures - wow - you sure do take some great pics! Thanks again, I really appreciate it xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for a wonderful soap experience! I look forward to purchasing more and watching you create! Have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  5. Such gorgeous bars of soap, Julie!!! and the presentation is just as stunning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are lovely plus the texture is incredible. Thank you! Have you tried them yet?

      Delete
    2. I sent Lynda a sample from my bar around the same time I sent you Istanbul. We thought it was lost but after a month Lynda got a notice to pick it up. I used stamps on an small, thin envelope and they claimed insufficient postage. The limit is 1/4" thick and it was maybe a mm over. The sticklers.

      Delete
  6. Isn't it divine?!?! I miss it. In fact, I am bummed I missed Zahida's most recent opening, but I am sure there will be more. My soap stash is very low. I have two and a half indie bars but about to add two more FP ones. I do have a few Lush bars but I just don't care for their soap. It hardly lathers. Enjoy your gorgeous bar of Serenity. Aptly named, no? <3

    ReplyDelete