It was fun getting product that was NOT school-related.  First of all, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the Spargur family story.  Roy and Richelle Spargur live in Southeastern Virginia with their nine children and have been homeschooling for 23 years!  They tell a story of great tragedy when their youngest granddaughter was killed in a car accident.  It was this heartbreaking period in their family that was a catalyst into bringing the entire family together in a new way.  After introducing a unit study on Colonial Life in Virginia, the family decided to experiment making soap and voila!  a family business was born.

This really feeds into my own dream that our family can find a common passion that will enable us to work together in a similar way.  We do have a family business now, but credit restoration does not exactly get the kids’ blood pumping with excitement.  It is inspiring to read that families across the nation are finding common interests with their children and teaching them to think like entrepreneurs, especially in our ever changing society and economy, where no jobs are stable or dependable (not to mention the mentoring possibilities…).

Anyway, off my “soap-box” (har-har) and back to the product.

1.  Handcraftd Olive Oil Soap.  I received several Handcrafted Olive Oil Soap bars in wonderful scents such as “Fresh Orange” and “Oatmeal, Milk and Honey.”  They smell great and contain no added chemicals.  This is great since we are a family of sensitive skin and very susceptible to eczema and other skin problems.  The soap lathered up nicely when rubbed across a bath sponge and did not leave that same “hard” feeling on your skin you get when using regular bar soap.  In fact, we have not used bar soap for years because it is so hard on our skin.  This, however, worked great.

2.  Shampoo Bar. Mrs. Spargur claims that she has no problems using this soap bar as a shampoo and no longer uses conditioner at all!  My experience was not the same, unfortunately.  I have to disclose, however, that I have REALLY long hair and I did not like the way my hair felt.  I did not use conditioner so I could get the full effect, and I would not use it as a shampoo again.  I used it for my boys, though, and it was great!  Their hair was squeaky clean and smelled good.  You can use the same shampoo bar for their whole body, and they liked the way it felt.  So we’ll leave this one to the boys.  Emi and I will stick to regular shampoo and conditioner.

3.  Laundry Soap Kit. I was more happy to receive this than the soap.  I have been making my own laundry detergent for most of this year with varying results.  Well, the varying results is that my dear hubby HATES the homemade laundry detergent.  He swears it does not get his clothes clean and leaves spots on his shirts.  I usually use whatever bar soap is on sale at the store, so each batch has been a little different.  I mixed up this batch of laundry soap from the Spargurs, which by the way, is very easy to do and only takes about 10 minutes to complete.  This has saved us boatloads of money because I am first a laundress in my home and second everything else I do (at 4 to 5 loads PER DAY).  So I have been ecstatic with the savings (but annoyed that I can’t get my hubby to feel the same way).  Well, this batch of soap was very similar in results, except I noticed the clothes are more soft. I wonder if this has to do with the natural oils?  I don’t know, but I definitely liked this batch of homemade laundry detergent better than the other soaps I have used.  We’ll see of DH notices a difference.  I will note, though, that the directions calls for a half cup of the detergent per load, but I use a full cup and noticed it cleaned better and smelled fresher.  The detergent can be used in front loaders and high efficiency washers as well, but check instructions.  The amount of detergent may vary depending on your type of machine.

All in all, I believe I just might become a regular customer to Virginia Soaps and Scents.  They have so many products that you will just have to visit their website to check them all out.  There is something for everyone, and these would make great Christmas gifts too!  Their 4.5 oz bars sell for $4.50 or 3 bars for $12.00.  You can also buy 4 bars and get one free or buy 10 bars for $35.00.  Their most popular scents are Fresh Orange, Lavendar, Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, Bay Rum, Coconut Lemongrass, and Sandalwood.  They also have shaving products, lip balm and pet shampoo.  Try it out.  I think you’ll love it!

I received product from Virginia Soaps and Scents for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was not paid for this review.