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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Tuesday Tip

Suds up!  I count soap among my many obsessions.  There are 3 simple criteria to make me buy a bar: smell,size and color.  When I am nearing completion of a bathroom project, one of my very favorite things to consider are the soaps and containers.  I look for items that will not only suit the space, but the clients will really enjoy.  But, even at home I like it to feel decorative.

If you are a regular reader of Tuesday Tips you have likely taken notice that I have issues with packaging.  I often shop the big box stores, the very same ones many of you do your shopping.  However, when I get home I can't just put my purchases away.  I require them to strip!  As in rid themselves of the hideous attire your favorite brand is sporting!  I toss everything possible into the recycle bin and trash the rest.  I do this for two simple reasons, beauty and convenience.  I talked about yesterday.  LBE!  And, if I don't have time, I get my kids to do it.  They never complain...they know there are far worse chores I could assign!

Here is a look into the the top drawer of the vanity in the bathroom my kids share:

Option #1


Option#2

Ahh...so much better.  Beautiful and convenient.  The pretty green soap on top smells divine and is mine!  No sharing...just wanted a super pretty picture.  And, given the crazy amount of bars teenagers go through, Dove is quite fine for them!!!  The wood bowl is perfect for the shallow drawer.  Or, if you love a long soak, try a pile of soaps in your favorite basket next to the tub as shown in the top photo. Now the words "beauty bar" make sense wouldn't you agree?

all images courtesy of A&A

30 comments:

  1. I like your idea of some good clean fun. I strip my paper goods.
    Terrific here on tuesdays.
    pve

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  2. Dove should be paying you...the photo is THAT good! And, your bowl is lovely. Tuesday tips are tops!

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  3. Yes, it is much prettier that way. I do have a couple of fancy soaps that the packaging is real pretty and I leave that on as a decorative element on a pretty soap dish.

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  4. Way to go!!! I can empty my drawers and have a pretty on show at the same time. Soap packets here I come!.....now where is that lovely turned rosewood bowl....?

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  5. Oh my gosh I couldn't agree more. I think I used to be more like keeping things for good, but no more. I have decided to use the good china once a week when I cook a roast etc., etc., and while it has taken a little while to come to this conclusion, just making everyday things attractive, is not hard. I don't know if some people can't be bothered or what, each to their own I suppose but they will have the everyday ugly on display, but if they had a nice dish, basket etc., it would look so much nicer......I have also just caught up with a couple of previous posts....and my daughter asked if Santa was real (she's fourteen) and I said to her imagine if santa wasn't real, how it would take the magic out of Christmas, and she agreed, I suppose that's the same as Easter Bunny....my kids still love the Easter Egg hunt, no matter how old they are, it's nice to believe in something childlike and innocent no matter the age. Anyway, enjoy the rest of your week and will call in again soon.
    Take care
    Janine
    XXOO
    Tasmania, Australia

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  6. Oh Man...Is it wrong of me to want to eat soap?
    Yeah, I'm thinking it it.

    It just looks soooo good!

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  7. I do the same thing! And I thought I was the only one :)

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  8. I think it takes up less room anyone. How strange that dove soap can look so pretty! I bet the drawer smells so good when you open it!

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  9. This looks beautiful. But what if you're a soap pump kind of girl? Don't tell me I need to switch out that packaging too?! You will have me obsessively shopping for pump dispensers and beautiful bottles!! Or better yet, I should just become a pretty bar girl - this is a great idea! Love it especially for a guest bath - nobody wants to share soap. Best to have lots on hand! Marija

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  10. Love this; sometimes the little things make the biggest difference. Going to unwrap some bars of soap now--seriously.

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  11. I've never considered doing that, but hmmmm, considering it now!

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  12. Great tip! Especially the part about getting the kids to do it. :) And thanks for visiting my blogs, though I'm a tad embarrassed you saw my "Our Home" post. It was a way to share pictures with an i.d. I'm working worth, and I never really considered that other VIPs might read it. Yikes!!! Still, your feedback is much appreciated. Love your blog! xo, Jess

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  13. I do the same thing! Soaps piled into a big glass cannister in one bath, and in a basket in the other. Pretty and convenient. I read somewhere years ago that taking your soaps out of their wrappers and allowing them to dry a bit makes them last longer too. I have no idea if it really works, but I have a husband who goes thru soap like your kids so anything I can do to prolong the life of a bar...

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  14. Oh Thank you so much for sharing this post! Because you have given me such a good idea for my bathroom by showing the first picture!! Love that!
    xx
    Greet

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  15. Ha ha ha.... First of all, what a gorgeous picture at the bottom!!! That soap just looks absolutely divine!!!! mmm-m. And I couldnt agree with you more.... ugly packaging just *has* to go :D So much nicer to have something pretty to rest your eyes at, even if one is simply getting a fresh bar of soap!!! :D

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  16. I am also a soap lover and have picked up quite a few lovelies at TJ Maxx and Homegoods. I think they make great hostess gifts, especially if the wrapping is pretty and I add a nice ribbon. I never thought to mix them with good old Dove--thank you for the great inspiration! I have "stacked" plain Ivory bars in a rectangular glass vase in my bathroom and that looks pretty, too. Guess it's good to think "outside the box!" {No pun intended : ) }

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  17. A great tip! I'm also a fan of trading out liquid soap bottles for pretty glass soap pumps -- definitely looks better than my Method bottles!

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  18. Looks really nice piled up in that bowl. I have some soap and soap dishes on my retail site pemberleycollections.com the soap dishes are popular. Take a look at my blog, I just passed on an award to you!

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  19. Fab idea... I love your photo, it makes me want to go and rip all the wrapping off my Dove Costco soap right now :)
    Thanks for the inspiration!

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  20. It's all in the details and the presentation. Beautiful!

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  21. I have always stripped my Toilet Paper and Paper Towels, but had not thought of this!!! Thanks much for the great idea...I am off to strip those dove bars nekid! ;)

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  22. P.S.....love your blog! Hope you don't mind a link1

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  23. Great blog! Time to strip those soaps!

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  24. It's the little things that make the difference! Leigh

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  25. Im with you! I love soap too, and carry it in my store!

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  26. Thank you all for your comments and sharing your thoughts and ideas!!!

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  27. I admit to doing the same thing - no packaging; decant everything! Except for products that I like the packaging of - kiehl's and mrs. meyers. I like their no nonsense spare packaging.

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  28. This is SO pretty...I am besotted with the idea. Very Martha Stewart in the best possible way!

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