In preparing for the upcoming holidays I've been forced out of my studio and into the real world. Generally, I try to keep out of the real world - it just makes my life easier to be in the studio. I'll go into all that another time.

I did however get to meet Mimie of Mi-Spa yesterday as I helped her out in SanFran with the Association of Craftswomen's holiday craft show. Great show and I enjoyed meeting Mimie and she has some killer products. Remember my lotion thing? Well, here we go again. This time though its Shea Butter (mmmmmm!) The Mi-Spa "Body Butters" are so amazing that they melt into the palm of your hand when you first put them on. I'm not kidding, they are amazing and the scents are killer.

DO NOT ever buy from the grocery store, the bath store, the department store for this stuff. First all of Mimie's products are 100% natural and second you are contributing to the work of an indie business...AND let me pull my AMERICAN card here. It is American made, in America. You are supporting our economy 10x by buying from indie businesses.

Now, to get down to some specifics about Mi-Spa. The scents are fantastic. If you like foodie type scents then you should try the Brown Sugar & Spice or the Cafe Mocha. They both smell just like the name implies and are rich and buttery on the skin. The Gardenia Whipped Monoi Butter and Lavender Butter are both delicate florals and everyone who is a fan of the Gardenia or the Lavender is not going to be disappointed. Even if you are a bit sensitive to scents these two are easy on the nose. She also has Saki Whipped Butter (my personal favorite) beautiful fresh scent and no you don't smell like you just left a Geisha bar with one too many Saki's under your belt.

The other interesting thing she makes is Dry Perfume Roll-on, which is highly concentrated and literally rolls on dry and smells just like their respective namesakes. I tried the Chocolate Truffle and I'm not kidding....it was a French chocolate shop on the rue de rivoli for about :05 seconds.

Yuzu is a Chinese Grapefruit scent and very citrusy and pleasant where as the Green Tea smells like well....Green Tea. You immediately have visions of Japanese Tea Ceremonies with the steam wafting into your nose and the heady smell of luxurious green tea filling your lungs.

Last but not least the SOAP. Bars of soap and not just any bar of soap. First, you can see all the "flavors" on her website. But let me just take a moment to tell you about the Brown Sugar and Spice...ahhhhhhhh! Mimie's ground up bits of nutmeg and sprinkled on the top just for a little extra "oomph!" Smells amazing!

If you are looking for great Spa products for your home and/or as a gift then give Mi-Spa a try. You won't be disappointed!