I like you 'A Latte'

I wanted to get the gals at work a little special something for Valentine's Day and my original thought was something ooey-gooey, chocolatey or super sweet but then I realized this task would be a total sabotage to myself. You see, I am trying to keep portions in check and this fun little project would blow that whole plan out of the water. I had visions of the tazmanian devil whirling around in a fit, eating up all the sweets and I'm that "tazmaniac" :)

Instead I opted to make my first attempt at decorative soap. I know that many household/pantry items can be used to make soap and who doesn't like coffee, or at the least the smell of coffee.

I gathered my supplies:

• coffee
• glycerin (both clear and opaque)
• vanilla fragrance
• plastic molds
• old tupperware
• popsicle sticks for stirring

First I melted a few hunks of the opaque glycerin in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then stirred and put back in 1-2 times more for only 10 second intervals. You do not want to over heat the glycerin. Once it was all melted, I put a few drops of vanilla fragrance to the mix and then poured each mold about halfway. You don't necessarily have to use a store bought mold; you can use household items as well.  

Then I melted the clear glycerin the same way, different tupperware, and once melted I added coffee to it. I heard coffee is a good exfoliant but the main reason I did it was because it smelled good. Stir the coffee around to incorporate it throughout.

Then pour this mix right on top of the vanilla opaque mix. Let it set for about an hour; I put mine in the fridge and it took only about 35-40 minutes.

Once they are set, pop them out of the mold. I thought that this might be a challenge but the soap came right out. Easy Peasy!

For my containers I found these cutie patootie take-out boxes at Michaels for $1.00 each. I put white tissue paper in each as well.

I also wanted to decorate the soap a tad. I love the black and white contrast but it is afterall Valentine's Day and I simply cannot live without a little pink! I cut strips of hot pink scrapbook paper and wrapped it around the soap and taped it together. Then I added fun foam, glittery hearts to the top. :)

I think they are just so stinkin' cute! Now the boxes are ready to hand out to my friends at work. This is such a simple project but I think it makes a big impact.

Happy Valentine's Day! XOXO