Variety of Tea and Bar Soap: What a Treat (Lens-Artists & #Kindasquare Day 24)

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Hello Readers,

Lens-Artist photo challenge theme this week is “What a Treat” 

First – the square for day #24 is of this handmade art piece, which can be a treat to make – but the message is also special:

Even with the toils of life – we can stay “kinda fresh” if we sneak in ways “do what we love” (it is the way we treat ourselves intrinsically) 

This photo is for Tierney

Next,

It was a treat to get this Variety Sampler Box of Stash Teas: 

Most of the tea in this variety box were not for me. So I am going to pass the box on to my cousin (who loves tea more than me – and he wants more of the decaf kind).  Also in the photo (right)- did you notice how I color coded the tea bags? That shows you how bored I was with this tea. But it was still a treat to explore the variety.

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Zum Bar soaps were a treat this month. 

For about six years (2008-2014) we regularly used Zum Bar Frankincense & Myrrh soap – (they also have a great room spray and shea butter salve – and this scent brings back memories of those years). We then got away from this brand and now we use so many other brands and items – like  gels,  liquid soaps, shea butter bars, African Black soap, essential oil ones, etc. My son had a time where he loved classic IVORY bar soap (and it is amazing) Also, after my aunt passed away, I used “Dove” bar soap for a week (it was the only soap she used and the smell reminds us of her).  Anyhow, the variety pack of Zum Bar soaps was a treat. The Tangerine-Orange was cheering, the “Cedar” soap had a rich, woodsy aroma, and the Frankincense & Myrrh one was the usual great. All the Zum Bar soaps have a nice “emollient” feel afterwards. And last September – we took a short family trip – and my son bought the Zum Bar “dragon’s Blood” soap – but we did not like that one at all. See the next photo to see that bar soap. 
Okay – so this photo shows the Dragon’s Blood Zum bar soap – which I guess is a popular seller for this brand – but even though this bar soap had a nice color – this was our least favorite of all the Zum Bar soaps.  And isn’t it pretty cool how the colors in the bar of soap coordinate with the painting ((And the painting reminds me of the son that bought this soap – ha!) – —– However, just like the color coordinating of the tea – when the colors of the item stand out more than the actual product – it is time to move on. 

Song for Today

Last month (here) I shared a post with the Corona (1994) song, “The Rhythm of the Night” and the song ties in again today because  I have a heard a few “covers” of this song that were quite a treat.

One of the covers of the song we heard was coming from an eatery – the singer sounded like “Norah Jones” (but I could not find anything like it on YouTube).  

However, I did find this acoustic version of the Rhythm of the Night song by Barrett Crake 

Also, found this sax snippet version – which reminds me of how Tina started the theme this week – encouraging us to find the little treats and the positives that can unfold during this pandemic. 

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Thanks for reading – and quick question.

Do you use bar soaps? My nephew visited us last year and he had never seen a bar of soap in his life.  Thankfully I had some liquid body wash under the sink – but I did not realize that bar soap was so foreign to some people. How about you? 

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Care to join in with the #kindasquare this month?
The theme is KIND and you can find out more at Becky’s blog (here).

Care to join in with the Lens-Artists? Here are the host links:

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54 thoughts on “Variety of Tea and Bar Soap: What a Treat (Lens-Artists & #Kindasquare Day 24)”

  1. Yes, we use bar soap in the bathroom- it’s my husband’s preference- but liquid in kitchen and toilet. Nothing so exotic as Tangerine/orange though. I like the sound of that 🙂 🙂 Have a good week, Yvette.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for chiming in Restless Jo because I am seriously wondering about soap and who uses what!
      That tangerine orange was maybe more of a treat because I did not use anything like it all year – and new can be fresh – and be over to “see” ya soon

      Liked by 1 person

  2. The dragon’s blood bar is very cool looking, but I’ll take your word for it and pass. As for what I use? The traditionals, so to speak . . from Ivory to Coast to Dove. I used to use Bronners and I’ve used those fragrance soap bars in the past as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi – cheers to the traditionals and i have not seen “Coast” in a while – hm- – but I vaguely recall that scent –
      And M! – I forgot about Dr Bronners – we have that in two bathrooms almost as a staple – Lidls sells the baby Dr Bronners (unscented )and my husband likes that but he wishes they had the “earl gray” one ((did you know they had earl gray Dr Bronners) and I prefer their classic mint
      —
      And recently – We tried a clearance sale of a liquid Castile soap (seemed like Dr Bronners knock off) – called “alpine” and their cedar and sandalwood was a lot like any other cedar –
      —
      Thanks for chiming in – I am a little behind on blogging but next Friday plan to feature sandwich Cubano amigo

      Like

  3. I use liquid soap, since you asked. The sort I get is what they use in hospitals – I’m not worried about my complexion but I do like to be clean!

    On the version you heard of that song, I don’t follow Snorer Jones so I can’t be sure, but I don’t think she has recorded it. If the version you heard was quiet and delicate, it might have been Hattie Webb – her version was used here in a McD’s ad in 2016, and it’s lovely, like everything she and her sister do 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh Clive – you really are the music man! That version of the song was very close to what we heard / very close and I thank you for this information — and thanks for chiming in about the soap – clean is the end game so cheers to that’

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I happen to be a big fan of the Webb Sisters, both as a pair and Hattie’s solo stuff, so that was an easy call for me! I featured them in my Tuesday Tunes post for Fathers Day – an equally lovely piece of music.

        I thought it only fair to help with your survey of readers’ washing habits too 😉

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        1. Okay music man – I will
          Be sure to drop by that Father’s Day post
          And I am wondering if you use the no rinse soap and shampoo – for some reason when I think of some hospital soaps – those come to mind ?

          Liked by 1 person

  4. Of course I love tea and now that we’re in our Arizona rental, I actually have an entire three shelf, double door cabinet devoted only to tea…but then there are the three under-the-bed boxes as well. 🙂 I had a lot of tea and when the tea shop where I worked closed the physical store to go online only, the owner gave those of us working there a lot of tea. Since there really aren’t any places I’ve found here to buy great tea, I’ve not been replenishing my supplies. 🙂 In Naperville, there were several tea shops, which was fun but dangerous.

    As for soaps, my s-i-l in France mentioned last time I was there that using bar soap means you avoid all the plastic associated with body washes. I came back with lots of amazing soaps, both as gifts and to use, so I’m set for soap for a very long time. We do use liquid soap at the sinks but as I buy large containers from Costco and refill the small ones, it’s at least less plastic.

    Not sure why it always takes me about three times to get your posts to load, but I persist. 🙂 Hope you’re having a great weekend.

    janet

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for persisting to get the posts to load – and a few bloggers do that for me? Maybe it has to do with image sizes??
      And Janet – I remembered our brief talk about bar soap and wanted to link you somehow but I completely forgot where we had the little comment chat!
      And the plastics touching our products is a big deal – and this is why I got away from using Keurigs – “regularly” – so much plastic surrounding the product and that does add up to human exposures 😉
      —
      And sounds like you have a good amount of tea – for yourself and lots of variety for guests! And you know I think of you with some teas and because you chose the Irish tea in the September virtual tea party – I thought of you when I had “Scottish tea” this month and have a photo to link to you in November’s virtual tea party with Su- ((now how is that for thinking ahead)) haha
      Thanks for the comment

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I love bar soaps and since I am washing my hands all the time now due to Covid they are the best as they lather up well amd are not so drying. I should add that the ones I use are handmade and have interesting scents and colors. Enjoyed your post😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Anne and handmade bar soaps are awesome and the way you mentioned the layering up – reminded me that I have a friend who washes her hands to cool down! Some folks count to ten – or go for a brisk walk – or drink a glass of water – but she excuses herself and washes her hands for a long time and regroups!
      Have a great day

      Liked by 1 person

    1. That made my day to read Becky! This song has been so special to me all this season 🎶🎶🎶🎶and squares has been fun this month (and notice I am going strong here in week three)

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I always use bar soap – bar anything with goat’s milk on the label – it would be too reminiscent of goat’s cheese, the smell of which puts me right off.

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    1. Hahaha / I can undertake trust but every bar we have ever had with goats milk has never had a bad odor – and for a while when we shopped at trader joes – they had goat milk sop for under two
      Dollars a bar – unscented and in a cute little bag – and it really is about skin conditioning to add goat milk lipids and nothing like the cheese or awesome grips you and Jackie enjoy 😉
      And cheers to bar soaps of many types

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Well you get an A+ for variety of treats this week Yvette! I love tea but seldom drink it. Now that the cooler weather is coming I will probably get back to it though. I think the health benefits of green tea are well-documented so that’s what I’ll lean towards. As for soap, I’ve only recently started using liquid soap instead of bars in the shower and I much prefer it. On the other hand my husband hates it and has gone back to bars. Go figure!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Go figure is right – and your hubs going back to bar soaps reminds me that sometimes we just want what we want!
      And tea really grew on me over the years – I did grow up having black tea with milk and sugar – but all the other teas became a key of my life slowly – and when you get into the chilly months – try peppermint tea with almond milk – and try oolong – it is my fav right now and it is a green tea (which I don’t live that much) but it has depth from a little oxidizing

      Liked by 1 person

  10. These are wonderful treats, Yvette! I’m drink tea more often when weather is cooler. Bar soap works for me, but I found liquid soap is more conventient. 🙂 Great take on!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Love the music Yvette as I sit and respond to your lovely post.
    Doing what I love responding to you here and then off to walk.
    LOVE stash tea, you’re lucky cousin.. can you adopt me.. lol.
    OOH Myrhh and franincese are the perfect oils to keep us young, uplifted and spiritual forever!
    Have a wonderful Sunday and keep your rhythm that feeds us giving back to you. ❤️ Cindy

    Liked by 1 person

  12. We use both soaps Yvette. My husband prefers the bar soap and I the liquid one. I als had a bar of Frankincense & Myrrh soap, but cannot remember where I got it from. I loved the smell. I have never seen it again .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well I am not surprised you emended the smell – it can be such a good aroma – even though not all soap companies are the same – so you just have a good product 🧼🧴

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  13. Such a lovely array of colours, Yvette. I’m not a fan of variety packs of tea and only buy pomegranate green tea. I have a bar of laundry soap for rubbing into stains, but otherwise we use Pears liquid hand soap. We order it and it ships from England. There’s a stand selling bar soap in our local mall and I have to hold my breath when we walk past as the strong smells make me cough and splutter if I breathe them in. I think I must have sensitive airways. 😅

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi S
      thanks for chiming in – and the soap stand in the mall might use “chemicals” and that is why it bothers you. There are so many nasty additives companies can add these days
      —
      i have not tried pomegranate green tea and will have to try it
      I have hear do the Pears liquid hand soap and it is a good example of how people fine what they like and stick with it 🙂

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  14. I’ve been rediscovering bar soap as I got involved with liquid soap for many years. I’ve purchased some special bar soaps like the ones you have in this post and it is a wonderful shower experience!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi – I like the word rediscovering for this because that is what I think unfolded here – hahaha – and not sure if you noticed the square photo I found thinking of you and your quilting

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Listening to the Barrett Crake cover now – I haven’t heard this version before – it’s got quite a different & interesting texture. I can hear Norah Jones- ish sounds in my head.

    It’s funny you should ask about Bar Soap – our family has used Lush bars for a while now (shampoos, conditioners, hand soap). But we also use liquid soap in tandem. Different mediums for different occasions, I guess.

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    1. Hi – I ha e not tried the “lush” bars but I think you are right – different occasions call for differ t soaps
      😉
      Thanks for the comment 🎶🎶🎶🎶

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  16. That was interesting, about your nephew. I thought bar soap was normal. Lush specialises in bar soaps and they’re quite hip and modern. I like bar soaps and use them alongside the liquid versions. I also collect the scented ones because after you use them, the fragrance carries for much longer. Your collection of soapy treats looks amazing, by the way.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi! Thanks for stopping by – nice to “see” you and you are so right – the bar dips can have a lingering aroma that can be so natural and smooth

      Liked by 1 person

  18. That’s some amazing-looking soap Yvette. I use a bar soap but use baby soap in a pump for washing my hands. And the face soap (pump – Cetaphil) I have used for years may have changed their formula as now my face has burn marks on it … I don’t know how to explain it and maybe it is the mask I bought … I had been using a bandana mask, then paper masks in the Summer at the Park as it was so hot (though I’m in the minority there), so got thicker masks when loading in all my groceries for Winter. It might be that too.

    My mom used Dial soap for everything – her skin was very smooth and my grandmother used Yardley lavender soap for many years – the cologne and dusting powder too – she always smelled like lavender. In later years she only used Ivory soap and Noxzema skin cream on her face – smooth as a baby’s butt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kinda – oh my goodness – thanks for the flashback with NOXEMA…. do they even seek that anymore? And also – I hate when products change formulas and the latest cetaphil might be the issue – or it could be the masks – hm?
      —
      And never been a fan of Dial – and did recently try their liquid hand soap for the half bathroom but not sure why we don’t like it – also – I would have mentioned the Avon skin so soft body wash (remember the one we were chatting about) but I have not tried it yet – and not eager to because not a scent I love – I also have a “prescriptions” body scrub waiting for me to try. I will keep you posted on both.
      —
      Oh and bought three bars of Yardley soap from Wegman’s during the summer – and tossed the one (did nkt like it at all and have the other two away. One of the worst bar soaps and I am nkt sure why- – no lather and flat aroma and just not a good feeling
      – on the other hand – I wonder if the lavender Yardley (and spray etc) were different formulas and a better product -?

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      1. I hate when they change formulas too Yvette. I wore contact lenses from 1974 to 2009 and was recommended to use the gentlest clear soap available: Purpose Gentle Cleaning Wash was what was recommended and I used it for the same time period. After I no longer wore contact lenses, I had lots of that soap and just continued to use it as it was so mild. Then one day I “started” a new soap. It turned the skin on my hands an instant red. All those years – what possessed them to change things?

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  19. I am all in for “treats” Yvette. A sampler of teas is a great idea for a gift, especially with Christmas around the corner. I have only a couple of specific teas I like. Barrett Crake….an exquisite voice. I use a bar of soap for the shower and liquid soap everywhere else. My huge treat is a favourite specific candle: “Frasier Fur” by Thyme

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Erika/Erica 😉
      That candle sounds nice and I have “Frazier fir” essential oil
      And sometimes add it to a wreath .
      And oh my – you are right – Christmas is around the corner – and that was actually the first tea that I loved from Stash – it was called “Christians Morning” and I once sent a bag of it with my holiday cards.
      And I did not realize that I might be more like you and only like a handful of teas – and nkt to be so picky – but this sample box had silly ones like “decaf hazelnut chocolate” and “decaf vanilla chai” – and then fruity ones – so someone else might value those more 😉
      Wishing you a great day and TTYS
      ☕️☕️💜

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  20. That looks like quite an array of sampler packs of teas. Pity it didn’t suit your taste but so lovely of you to have given it to your cousin. I always like sampler packs of things, such as an assortment of chocolates or biscuits especially if I have not tried them before. I’d rather try a sampler and see if I like it, and if I do I might buy a full packet the next time.

    I used to use bar soap as a kid. Then as I grew older I switched to liquid body wash for hygienic reasons. Personally I don’t like leaving out a bar of soap after it has been used, even if it is in a covered soap dish. Also I don’t like the idea of multiple people using the shower or bath and sharing one bar soap, rubbing it all over themselves. Also I feel I save so much more with liquid soaps. That said, some bar soaps so smell really good.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Mabel – that is exactly how I like to use sampler packs – best way to see if you want the full size of an item
      – and I do love the Stash breakfast tea – just not all their other ones 🙂
      —
      and i know what you mean about sharing bar soaps.
      Also, your comment reminded me why I decided to not take a photo of my dish of half-used bar soap. Just did not feel right
      thanks for taking the time to share with us

      Like

      1. Sampler packs are so fun, and I think more things should come in sampler packs 😀 I think that’s why I like the assortment packs of things like candy, nuts and biscuits around the festive time of the year.

        I do feel liquid soaps are more gentle on my skin. But I find it impressive how some quality bar soaps smell lovely for ages even if you’ve left them out for a long time.

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