The Winner of the Name that Soap Giveaway!

I had a really tough decision with this soap. Everyone gave some really amazing names. But, in the end, only one could be used. But, there were so many names that I loved so much that in the future I may use them for other soaps. If and when I do, the person who suggested them WILL get credit!

That being said, the winner of the giveaway is Audra Bessette, with "Stella Blue".

Those of you who personally know me, know, that I am a huge lover of music, of all kinds. However, my personal preferences seem to always date back to the 80's and older. My whole life and my whole childhood you would hear me singing, night and day. Even in the middle of the night when I was supposed to be sleeping. I also loved my Grandmother, very, very much. Her name was Stella, although she went by Louise. However, as a smarty pants, I would often call her Stella when she'd do something I wasn't pleased with as a moody pre teen and teenager. Or, just to make her laugh. So, as a tribute to music, especially to a group I love so much and who have been considered the "Pioneering Godfather's of the jam band world", to my grandmother, Stella Louise who was a huge supporter and fan of my own music, and all of you Deadheads, I give you (or Audra does anyhow)

Stella Blue!

Dark Moon Essentials Name That Soap Giveaway!

Here it is! The soap everyone on my fan page has been asking about! I can't lie to you, I hate it! Not only is this the ugliest soap I have EVER made, my camera doesn't even like it! However, it smells divine!

Let me just put one disclaimer, the colors are NOWHERE near as dark in this picture. That's why I said my camera hates it too! While it IS a very "loud" looking bar of soap, the colors are very light and, there is quite a shimmer to them.

I was inspired to make this soap, by a larger company, who had a bath and body line that I adored. My goal was to create a soap that looked like wild flowers. Instead, what I got was something that looked like a paintball team took aim at. It is scented with my unique blend of Magnolia, Sweet Honeysuckle and Jasmine.

So, with that all in mind, this particular batch is a limited edition, but still needs a name!

From today until Friday, September 27th at noon eastern time, let us know what YOU think it should be named. Be as creative as you like! Serious, funny, whatever you choose. *Vulgarity will be deleted, however*

The winner will receive one 5 oz. bar, pictured above.

The rules are simple:

Rules of entry

 1. In the comments below leave the name that you think the soap should be named. Remember to leave your email address!

 2. Share my Facebook Fan page on your wall

This giveaway will be open until Friday, September 27th, at 11:59 AM Eastern Standard time. I will announce the winner on Monday, September, 30th!  Make sure that in your comments you leave a way for me to contact you! 

This Giveaway is open to U.S. participants 18 years or older. 

No purchase necessary.

Facebook Giveaway Disclaimer: This Giveaway by Dark Moon Essentials© is in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. Information collected is NOT collected by Facebook. In signing up for Facebook promotions, participants release and indemnify Facebook from all liability. For specific questions regarding our giveaways email Lisa@DarkmoonEssentials.com – Subject line Giveaways Question. 

Homemade PlayDough A Tutorial By Jocelyn D

It sure has been awhile since I've posted! Shortly after my last post my laptop decided it didn't want to live anymore. It had enough of my abuse, dragging it wherever I went, using it until I broke keys off, buttons on the touch pad stopped working, (I guess I touched them too much?) hinges were cracked. So, despite our close relationship she decided to break it off and now she's gone. I decided I did not need a laptop, I have my Iphone and my Kindle. I'll get by just fine. Yeah, right. Have you ever tried running a business through a phone and a Kindle? I was finally at my wits end last week and was determined to get back online somehow. So, I dug out my old XPS tower, which wasn't working properly. Then my brother told me he had it's twin at his house that was never really used and to come get it. So, my wonderful husband took parts from one computer and switched them out in the other, as it turned out the "good" computer's power source was fried from an electrical fire a few years ago. The result is I now have a pretty much brand new computer. But.... It's a tower and, it's running on VISTA!!! I'm tethered to my office space in my soap workshop. I think it won't be long until I give in and get a laptop.

But, this post isn't about that. Months ago, back in January my daughter, who was four at the time asked if she could help me somehow with a project to put on my blog. We came up with homemade play dough. I'm sure there are a zillion "new" ways to make it now. However, I taught her to make it the only way I knew how, the way I made it as a kid. And, I sure made a lot of it!

The Ingredients:  1/4 cup Flour, 1/4 cup of Salt, Water and a Bowl

Ready to start!

There she goes!

The fast version: We mixed the flour and salt in a bowl and added water until it was the consistency we liked.

But, Jocelyn's explanation is much better and this is her deal, so I'll just let her show you!

So, if you caught all of that, she has a pretend sister named Allie (someone's been begging for a little sister or brother!) and at the end she announced that we would be back tomorrow for a new awesome activity, which will be on a future post. 

This is what she made with her finished product. She thinks it looks like Yoda.

That is Jocelyn's tutorial at age 4 on how to make homemade play dough. She hopes you all enjoyed it and will give it a try with your own kids!