Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Giveaway! Pink Parchment Soaps

I gave out a hint last week. I wonder how many of you guessed the product was... soap?
Environmentally conscientious Etsy shop owner, Trish of Pink Parchment Soaps is holding a divine giveaway for the month of June and I am happy to host the contest! The prize is any three currently available bars in Trish's shop. Not surprisingly, being an expatriate means I do a lot of online shopping and gift-giving for my family back home in America. I stumbled upon Pink Parchment Soaps while looking for birthday gifts for both my mom and step-mom. The best thing about Trish's soaps is that they are vegan and smell divine! Mom called to say that she had finally used up her first bar, the Lemon Verbena, which had lasted her over a month of daily uses! She said that's three times as long as her usual store-bought brand. 


I've had the opportunity to chat with Trish about her shop...
KateHow long have you been making your soaps?

Trish: We have been making soap for 6 years now. Here is a rather funny story on how we got started: Several years ago, we were on vacation in North Carolina and stopped in a small soap shop. They made the most beautiful soap we had ever seen. We also thought, oh these will make wonderful gifts for both my husband’s mother and my mother – both of whom are incredibly difficult to buy for! With both mother’s day and birthdays right around the corner, we stocked up. Once we returned to Michigan, I happened to get a flyer from a local college and they were offering soap-making classes. I took the class, and voila, we were hooked. 

Kate: What caused you to make vegan soap?

Trish: There are several environmental and ethical reasons to make and use Vegan soaps.
True soap is made from oils - either animal fat (tallow) or vegetable oil and sodium hydroxide. Most commercially-made soap is currently made from tallow and/or synthetic detergents.  Tallow usually comes from cattle and sheep. Besides the serious health, environmental, and ethical questions regarding raising animals for consumption, tallow is known to block skin pores and can cause breakouts.  Detergents may have phosphate in them. Phosphates are a known contributor to algae bloom, which has an adverse effect on the health of people, marine organisms, marine mammals, birds and sea turtles. Even phosphate free detergents have toxic ingredients that inhibit the ability of aquatic organisms to breed. Today, we have so many wonderful vegetable-based oils and ingredients available – olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, to name a few – that are both environmentally and skin friendly that there really isn’t any reason to use tallow or detergents.

Kate: What's your one favorite product in your shop?

Trish: Currently, my favorite product is the peppermint soap. I love the smell and the cooling sensation of peppermint.

Kate: What is the best/most fun/most interesting part of the soap-making process? 

Trish: The best part of soap making is when you are trying a new color and/or new scent. In both the hot and cold process methods, both the colors and scents morph – so you never know what you are going to get. The first time we made cucumber melon, I had this great vision of how beautiful a light yellow top with green bottom would look. When we un-molded it, it was florescent yellow and bright purple. It was rather striking, just not what we had in mind!

Kate: What is your next up and coming scent (or) what's currently curing (or) what haven't you tried making yet that you'd like to?

Trish: Up and coming is an unscented (real) cucumber shea butter facial soap, currently curing is a lavender/rosemary shampoo bar, and I’m not telling LOL!

The giveaway is open worldwide with a prize value of $20-32 USD (including shipping)! To enter the giveaway:
1. Go to Pink Parchment Soaps Etsy shop and select the three bars you'd like to receive should you win. Come back here and post one comment to this post with your three picks.
2. Follow me on Facebook networked blogs (see right-hand column), then come back and post a comment to this post stating that you're FB following.
3. Follow Expat Kate directly through this blog on Google Connect (see right-hand column), then post a comment stating that you're EXKate fan.
4. Blog about this giveaway and post a comment with the link to your blog's post.
5. Buy an item from Pink Parchment Soaps etsy shop, and comment here, including either what you bought or your Etsy name.
6. Stumble me, then comment to this post.

You can enter this giveaway up to six times in the aforementioned manner. The contest is open until midnight EST, Tuesday June 30th. The winner will be randomly selected from Random.org, and will be announced on this blog on Wednesday, July 1st, so check back here to find out if you've won! The winner will have three days to contact me at zenagent at yahoo dot com, or another winner will be chosen and subsequently announced! Good luck!

Hugs...

103 comments:

  1. first, I'm a fan:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. and my fave soaps: White Birch Bark Shampoo Bar - never tried one before, Caramel Coffee Soap- sounds soo delicious!!! Blackberry Sage Soap- I LOVE blackberries!! So many more soaps I love, but top three is this. Fingers crossed!! (I know that first answer never wins, but one can hope:) All the best:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. My 3 fave scents are:
    Raspberry Parfait
    Peppermint (Gotta take the maker's own recommendation!)
    Lavender Spa

    They all sound amazing! I hope I win. ^_^
    abigail.lee{AT}gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chamomile
    Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey
    Basmati Rice

    catherineh_78 at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. They all sound so delicious, but since I have to pick only three, here they are...

    Creme Brulee Goats Milk
    Island Coconut
    Simply Corona Beer Soap (I am sooo curious!)

    bridgit.burns_at_gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. These are my favorite:

    - Lemongrass Calendula Soap;
    - Green Apple Soap - Vegan Friendly;
    - Strawberry Fields Soap.

    They look great!
    Thanks a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am a follower on Facebook. (username: Lilly Papers)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Orange Creamsicle, Pink Grapefruit,and Raspberry Parfait are my three choices! There are so many great scents it was hard to decide! Thanks for an awesome giveaway!!

    luvmybabyblue@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great article! If I win, I would like peppermint, clove goatsmilk, and white ginger, and you can bet I will blog about it! Best wishes, Cherie

    ReplyDelete
  10. Monkey Farts - lol!
    Green Apple - My favorite fruit
    Island Coconut - Perfect summer smell

    Thanks so much for the giveaway! I'm crossing my fingers ^_^


    rebekahjpool@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Chocolate Heaven, Mango Madness, and Sandalwood soaps sound great.

    Thanks for having such a great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, it's always so hard to choose! But if I have to...
    White Ginger Soap
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19994847

    My hip-length hair wants to test the White Birch Bark bar:
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24857619

    And the rest of me wants to try Basmati Rice!
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16342649

    ReplyDelete
  13. Creme Brulee Goatsmilk Soap
    Lemon Candy Soap
    Caramel Coffee Soap

    You have such awesome flavors, it was hard to pick!

    lesjoujou AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ok... it was really hard to choose just three soaps because there are so many I'd like to try! I think I've narrowed it down to these:
    White Birch Bark Shampoo Bar
    Creme Brulee Goatsmilk Soap
    Old World Rose Soap

    jenniferbrown04@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd like the Green Apple Vegan Friendly, the Pink Grapefruit Vegan Friendly, and Mango Madness soap.

    noveltynotion@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Here are the three soaps I would love to win:
    Caramel Coffee Soap
    Chamomile Soap
    Strawberry Fields Soap

    audreyscountrycrafts@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I would love to have the
    WHITE GINGER
    ORANGE CREAMSICKLE
    MONKEY FARTS
    tnayainjville@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Kate :)

    I'd love the Vanilla Sugar Soap
    the Orange Creamsickle
    and the Blackberry Sage

    yum!

    thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  19. and I Stumbled it (Doll-In-Laces)

    ReplyDelete
  20. basmati rice, lemon verbena, and white ginger. great shop!

    ReplyDelete
  21. stumbled this giveaway...username is juliaas

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a fabulous giveaway! I love me some handmade soap. :)

    I would love lemon candy, key lime pie and... vanilla sugar!

    gosh I'm hungry now.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I would love to win this; what great soaps! My favorites are Jasmine Powder, Pink Grapefruit, and Green Apple.
    kb3388@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love to win: raspberry parfait, blackberry sage, and mango madness.

    carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'd like to win the lemon verbena, jasmine powder, and basmati rice!
    michelleharrod@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  26. I would love to win the Pink Grapefruit Soap, Lemongrass Calendula Soap, and Chamomile Soap!

    lensimpressions AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I thumbed you up on StumbleUpon!

    lensimpressions AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Umm...
    Vanilla Sugar
    Raspberry Parfait
    Chocolate Heaven

    ReplyDelete
  29. I could get Jasmine Powder, Monkey Farts, and the Strawberry cheesecake.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would love to try the following scents:
    -Caramel Coffee
    -Orange Creamsickle
    -Raspberry Parfait

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I would choose
    Vanilla sugar
    white ginger

    and to give my dad the
    Bay rum!
    Thanks for offering

    ReplyDelete
  32. It is so hard to pick, but I would choose the Spicy Chai Tea, Basmati Rice, and Peppermint soaps.

    urchiken at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. My favorite item from the Pink Parchment Soap shop is Green apple, the Oatmeal Milk and Honey Soap, and the Key Lime Pie Soap. I bet I'd love them all!
    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. These are my favorites
    1.Green Apple Soap
    2.Orange Creamsickle Soap
    3.Peppermint Soap
    I would love to try these out! thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm so glad you introduced me to this shop because I'm a huge fan of handmade soaps. My three picks would be:

    Raspberry Parfait
    Green Apple
    Blackberry Sage

    ReplyDelete
  36. What great soap scents! I like Island Coconut, Orange Creamsickle, and Key Lime Pie Soap! Thanks for the chance.
    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Monkey Farts
    Chocolate Heaven
    White Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  38. oooh i cn't even begin to say which ones are my fave. i like:

    1)Apple Cider Soap
    2)Monkey Farts Soap
    3)Mango Madness Soap

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like:
    1. Lavender Spa Bar - Vegan
    2. White Ginger
    3. Island Coconut

    Thank you!

    janetfaye (at( gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow on Networked Blogs - Janet Fri

    janetfaye (at( gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I follow on Google friend - janetfaye

    janetfaye (at( gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Blogged:
    http://grammyjanetsplace.blogspot.com/2009/05/june-giveaway-list.html

    janetfaye (at( gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  43. These all sound yummy:

    Lavender Spa Bar - Vegan
    Green Apple Soap - Vegan Friendly
    Key Lime Pie Soap

    designsvanessa@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. wow I love soap, here are the 3 I picked
    key lime pie soap, green apple soap and orange creamsicle soap`thanks for this great giveaway

    lagrande2tall4u@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Vanilla sugar, Chocolate Heaven and Orange Creamsicle sound the yummiest! Thanks for the giveaway. mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)ca

    ReplyDelete
  46. 1. Rose Garden
    2. Lavender Spa Bar
    3. Gardenia Splendor Soap

    aikychien@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm a follower.

    aikychien@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. If I'm the winner, I'd choose these:

    1)Pink Grapefruit Soap (Vegan Friendly)
    2)Lavender Spa Bar - Vegan
    3)Rose Garden

    ~Evelyn~
    eggyc@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love :

    1) Gingerbread Man Soap

    2) Strawberry Cheesecake Soap

    3) Pink Grapefruit Soap

    jinghuilee (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love pinkparchmentsoaps and have purchased from her several times as gifts and everyone has been really happy with them.

    The 3 scents I absolutely love are cucumber melon, green apple and usually the 3rd I leave up to trish to surprise me.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I recently bought these as a custom order and I absolutely love them. Theyre soooo cute!!!
    http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=16538710

    and this for my bestest roomie from college:
    http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=16503130

    ReplyDelete
  52. I blogged about the giveaway:
    http://www.jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I blogged about this giveaway:
    http://www.jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Chocolate Heaven, Bay Rum (for the hubbie!) and Orange Creamsicle - yummy!

    jamieandandre at bellsouth dot net

    ReplyDelete
  55. Let me first say choosing only three was a difficult task.
    1. Raspberry Parfait...it looks good enough to eat!
    2. Spicy Chai Tea Soap
    3. Apple Cider Soap

    I would have listed peppermint, but I didn't see it in the shop.

    Stephanie@eyeballgirl.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Lemon Candy
    Caramel Coffee
    Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey

    ReplyDelete
  57. The Rosegarden
    Romantic Sandlewood
    Lavender Spa Bar

    aunteegem@yahoo.com

    I have bookmarked her shop as one of my favorites...

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am a follower of your blog through Google

    aunteegem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. My 3 faves are Chocolate Heaven, Strawberry Cheesecake and Raspberry Parfait Soap!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Orange Creamsickle Soap
    Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey
    Island Coconut

    Yum!

    ashley
    ashlomb at yahoo dot com
    jepeux.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. My fav:
    Island Coconut
    The Rosegarden
    Chocolate Heaven

    thanks!

    cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

    ReplyDelete
  62. Beautiful soaps! They all look amazing but here are the three I would choose:
    Rose Garden, Jasmine Powder, and Chocolate Heaven

    ReplyDelete
  63. I blogged about your giveaway here: http://oceansidecreations.blogspot.com/2009/06/this-weeks-giveaways.html

    ReplyDelete
  64. I would love to try:
    1. Juicy Pomegranate
    2. Orange Creamsickle
    3. Pink Grapefruit

    ReplyDelete
  65. I'm following you on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I'm following your blog on Google.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I follow and love Pinks soap!!
    Juicy Pomegranate
    Island Coconut
    Monkey Farts :)

    Melissa
    melissa33brew@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I love handmade vegan soaps and im a vegetarian....I would buy
    vanilla sugar
    monkey farts
    iced gingerbread
    helen
    malfie@care2.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would pick... lemongrass calendula, juicy pomegranate, and white ginger. Thanks : )

    acm211 [at] gmail [dot[ com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I would choose Lavender Spa Bar, Bay Rum and
    Blackberry Sage. So yummy!

    clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  71. These soaps sound so fresh and delicious!
    I'd choose
    Key Lime Pie http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26737524
    Orange Creamsickle http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25124165
    Lemon Candy http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19075559

    ReplyDelete
  72. you have so many nice sopas and delicious that i could easily eat!:)
    but i like those:
    green apple soap,
    bellad wedding scrup
    rasberry parfait
    blackberry sage soap!
    thank you for this chance!
    great shop!:)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Orange Creamsickle,Raspberry Parfait and Chocolate Heaven sound delish!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Peppermint,Spicy chai tea, and lemon candy sound awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I'd love to try Pink Grapefruit, Lemongrass Calendula and Lemon Verbena soaps. They all look wonderful!
    tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. My fav trio consists of Juicy Pomegranate Soap,
    White Ginger Soap - Vegan and Basmati Rice Soap - Vegan. Thanks.
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I follow you via google friends
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. i can taste and eat:
    green apple soap,
    bellad wedding scrup
    rasberry parfait
    blackberry sage soap!
    thank you for this chance!

    ReplyDelete
  79. The three "flavors" I would pick are:

    Orange Creamsickle
    Lavender Spa
    Island Coconut

    sgregg78 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I follow your blog!

    sgregg78 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I stumbled! (kiddo47)

    sgregg78 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. White Ginger Soap, Key Lime Pie Soap, and Pink Grapefruit Soap are my faves!

    ReplyDelete
  83. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I would love the Island Coconut, the White Ginger and the Creme Brulee Goats Milk Soap!
    shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  85. 1) Creme Brulee Goat Milk
    2) Key Lime Pie Soap
    3) Lemon Candy
    digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

    ReplyDelete
  86. I follow on Blogger
    digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

    ReplyDelete
  87. I follow you on Facebook
    Carol Anderson Ezovski
    digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

    ReplyDelete
  88. If I am the super lucky one my picks will be
    Green Apple soap,Cranberry Citrus Sangria Soap and Island Coconut!
    Thanks bunches for the giveaway=)

    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

    ReplyDelete
  89. hmmm, my 3 favorites are: lemongrass, Island coconut and white ginge :)

    quiltingdiva.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete