Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! Bath & Body Works discovered an interesting way to combine two of my favorite things in the world — travel and hand soap.
Each of the five new scents in the American Grown line of limited edition hand soaps and shower gels is based on a different US destination.
Available from now through September, there’s Savannah Mint, Montana Sky, Napa Grape, Siesta Key Lemon and Washington Apple, thank you very much. 🙂
BBW scored by going with big, colorful bottles and pegged them at the right price. The 24-oz bottles of body wash retail for $13, the 16-oz hand soaps for $8, but they’re on sale now for $10 and $5, respectively.
Not a bad deal, yah?
Even though I’m a little OCD about hand washing, 16 ounces is a lot of product — enough to even last me a while.
I’ve sampled four of the five fragrances (haven’t tried the Savannah Mint), and each of them brought back fond memories of adventure…
Montana Sky
Montana, 2001
Some years ago I visited a friend in Montana and felt like an ant under those endless skies. But Montana Sky smells more aquatic than Big Sky Country to me. It’s very fresh and light and reminds me of MAC’s Turquatic fragrance, a personal fave. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Napa Grape
Napa Valley, 2009
I don’t live far from Napa’s wine country (it’s about two hours north) but still don’t make it up there enough. BBW says Napa Grape embodies rolling hills and wine grapes, but I’m thinking it’s more a sassy sparkling wine. I really like the addition of grape seed oil to help condition and protect my claws. 🙂 Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Siesta Key Lemon
Key West, 2008
After my BFF’s wedding in Florida last fall, El Hub and I drove the couple hundred miles down through the Keys. The tiny islands of Florida’s Keys extend out into the Gulf of Mexico, connected by multiple bridges. There’s a sunny climate perfect for growing Meyer lemons like the ones in BBW’s Siesta Key Lemon. The soap contains refreshing lemon oil and has a mildly sweet (not sugary) citrus scent. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Washington Apple
The last time I visited Washington was back when Beyonce toured with Destiny’s Child (in other words, it has been a while). BBW’s Washington Apple has a sweet but slightly artificial apple scent that reminds me of old-school scratch and sniff. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B-
I reckon I’d like Savannah Mint, the American Grown scent I haven’t tried… Lawd knows I like the name! If you’ve caught a whiff, let me know what you think.
As one might expect, the American Grown hand soaps are more than mere fragrances. They’re actual hand soaps, too, cleaning and softening my hands without over-drying the skin. That, and they rinse cleanly away (no noticeable residue). If you’re on the market for a new hand soap, they might be worth a try. 🙂
My Friday night with Kanye
Did you do anything fun last night? I had a nice surprise while channel surfing on the couch. I stumbled upon a prerecorded Kanye West concert on something called Fuse TV (a music television network — so cool!).
I’ve never seen Kanye live in concert, but I’m a big fan. The rapping was awesome, but his singing was kinda sketchy … oy. I gotta hand it to him for pushing himself musically and trying new things, but homeboy could probably invest in a few voice lessons. His vocal stylings featured MANY off-key moments.
Still lovin’ ya, K. West! 🙂
Anyhooty, what are you up to today? I’m off to run some errands, but I’ll be back soon.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Check out the Bath & Body Works Great American Hand Soap Event. Their soaps are on serious sale right now (5 for $15 or 7 for $20 for their anti-bacterial line).
Caitlin says
Last night I went and saw The Offspring at the Warfield in San Francisco. AMAZING. Such a fun fun show to go to.
Siesta Lemon sounds like it’d be super tasty! I love citrus fruits and growing up around wine and frequent visits to Napa with the rents, I also love grape and wine scented products. So yummy!
Today we’re weighing the kittens to see how much they’ve grown since the beginning of July, and I’m just washing the car and doing chores while the kitties nap on my bed. Lazy bums 😉
Karen says
Hi Caitlin,
FUN! That’s one of my favorite venues in SF! 🙂
I sometimes wish I could be a cat, le sigh! How many kittehs do you have?
Vampy Varnish says
I am a big fan of delicious scented hand soap. I too go through it like it’s going outta style so that price for the amount is pretty good!
I watched The Wrestler last night and MAN was it depressing! Good, but depressing. I kept focusing on Mickey’s nasty looking fingernails though, they looked like giant lumps of white acrylic, NOT pleasant…
.-= Vampy Varnish’s last blog post… Eyeko Nail Polish =-.
Karen says
Hi Vampy Varnish,
Sometimes I can’t believe that Mickey Rourke used to look like this. Homebody looks SO DIFFERENT.
ines + cha cha says
key lemon sounds like my kind of soap to keep around the kitchen. lemon (& other citrus) helps deodorize the hands if you’ve chopped garlic, shallots or onions.
.-= ines + cha cha’s last blog post… Random Musings – Cleaning Out My Stash =-.
Karen says
Hi Ines,
It’s a good scent for the kitchen sink!
Glosslizard says
I really like the Mrs. Meyers hand soaps, but the Napa Grape sounds terrific! I must try!
Today I rounded up a couple of black tees before the Nordstrom sale ended, yay for cheap shirts! 😀
Karen says
Hi Glosslizard,
Nice. Black tees are always in style — and to get ’em on sale is always a great thing!
Kajal Couture says
I am super OCD too about washing my hands…can’t wait to try these out!
.-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Must Haves #1 – Sunscreen =-.
Karen says
Hi Kajal Couture,
Oh gosh, me too! I like these because they don’t leave ’em feeling dry, even when I wash HELLA times throughout the day.
Alison says
I have to say, I like a lot of Kanye’s music, but there’s no denying he’s a bit full of himself, and that kind of turns me off of him. However, sometimes he says stuff that’s so outrageous that you can’t help but laugh. For example, this article about his new “book”: http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE54P5L820090526
On a more relevant note, I’m excited to try all the new BBW soaps! I’m so hooked on them. I always have a stockpile of them under my sink so I never run out!
Karen says
Hi Alison,
He has a big ego, which isn’t my favorite thing about him. And LOL about that article… sometimes I wonder what the heck is going on in his brain.
The BB soaps rule! 🙂 Do you have a favorite “flavor”? I like Coconut Lime Verbena.
Marisol says
I tend to wash my hands more often when I have nice smelling products near me. I adore the B&BW foam washes.
I was at the winery in your picture today. I did a lil wine tasting in Healdsburg and then we drove to Napa and ended up in Sonoma for dinner. Such a fun day! Hope you are having a great weekend.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Daily Affirmation =-.
Karen says
Hi Marisol,
How fun! Where did you guys go for dinner? Did you go with your sis and mom?
Denny says
I watched Hotel for dogs with my son. It was a cute movie and I enjoyed it.
I was at BBW yesterday and saw these soaps. They really do smell good and I think that I will go back to make a purchase before they are gone. 🙂 My favs are mint & apple.
Karen says
Hi Denny,
Fun! I remember seeing the trailer for that movie and thinking it looked cute. How old is your son?
Marce says
Mmmm those soaps sound delish! I’d probably crush hard on Savanahh Mint too, I love mint. Have you tried mint tea? Glory! (And great after a hella big Argentine BBQ with the family :D)
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Look – Dark Dandy =-.
Karen says
Hi Marce,
I’ve had mint tea just a few times. I remember really liking it!
And what’s an Argentine BBQ like? I bet there’s a ton of food, huh?
Marisol says
I went with my mom and sister. We were celebrating 20 years of living in California. We moved here from mexico city in 1989.
One of the wineries we hit (Amista Vineyards) had apps for their members so we were able to grab a snack there between wine tasting. We had dinner at the Gourmet Taco Shop in Sonoma. My mom’s friend is the owner and wanted us to stop by and chit chat with her.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Daily Affirmation =-.
Denny says
Hey again Karen,
My son is 9 years old. Thanks for asking. 🙂
Alison says
Karen,
My favorite BBW soap depends on the room! In general, I prefer fruity scents to florals. In the kitchen, I’ve got to go with the obvious: Kitchen Lemon. In the bathroom, I (also) love Coconut Lime Verbena and Pineapple!
kit says
Hi,
Key West looks amazing. Too bad I’m afraid of the sun. I guess I can go and bring an umbrella^^
Jan Davison says
Hi,
I like your website! Bath and Body Works doesn’t carry the American Grown body wash soap anymore. Does anyone know where I can get Siesta Key Lemon, Montana Sky, Washington Apple or Napa Grape in that series?
Thanks!
Jan