In all the years I've made and sold soap, the most popular of all time have been these Layered Melt and Pour Valentine's Day Soaps. No matter what exotic ingredients I may have used, or what complex essential oil blend I created...these were still the most popular.  It probably has to do something with the funny text, the bright colors, the fun Valentines Day fragrances, that just delighted folks. They're really easy to make...and if you use a high quality melt and pour soap base, they can be just as good (well...almost just as good) as your "from scratch" soaps. And you'll be certain to delight your family, friends, spouses, significant others - or customers with them.

• Valentines Day Soap Projects

If you've been feeling a bit mighty and magnificent lately...if your confidence and enterprising energy have been burning brightly...if you've got a passionate fire in your heart...then you might just be ready for the Chinese Year of the Dragon. Feisty and gifted, full of energy and self-reliance, the Dragon is one of the most magical of the Chinese Zodiac symbols - and I've created some essential oil blends inspired by this Dragon energy.

Essential Oils inspired by the Year of the Dragon

Most of us in the Northern Hemisphere are in the middle of some really cold January weather. I debated whether to feature the Peppermint Ice Soap project, or the Ice Candles. The Ice Candles won. At least the candles will add a bit of "warmth" to the house. But take your pick. Grab some of that January ice and enjoy. Maybe next week, I'll make snowball candles...