All about Emma

We are having so much fun with our Scents & Sensibility line of perfume oils!

"Emma," named for Emma Woodhouse in Jane Austen's novel of the same name, is one of our favorites.

It is said in Jane Austen's memoirs that when she initially set out to write Emma that she said, "I am going to take a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like."

"The real evils, indeed, of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself."

Fortunately, she failed in that regard. Emma is one of literature's best-loved characters. Dear Emma is "handsome, clever, and rich" and a delightful read. We couldn't help wondering what Miss Woodhouse would dab on her wrists on her way to a lively party with friends. We decided it would have to be elegant yet light and fresh, like an exotic gardenia tropical flower blend. It reminds us of Spring!

We are glad to note that we are not the only Emma-lovers on Etsy. Here are a few more delectable Emma items on Etsy:

(top: "Emma - a romantic rose comb" by gardensofwhimsy, left: "Pearl and Crystal Purse Charm - Emma" by Gilliauna, and right: "Emma Basket" by DelightFeltDesigns).

Pretty Much Perfect!

There is something beautiful about the time in a woman's life when she no longer has to carry around a 30-pound diaper bag.

Now that my youngest has hit the toddler stage, I no longer need to gaze jealously at other women and their cute little bags. They can be mine! Yes, mine! (Insert evil laugh here).

I recently came across Miss Pretty Perfect and her wonderful collection of handmade bags. She describes herself and her ideal customer as "a care-free, motivated go-getter who is not easily led. Miss Pretty Perfect represents the independent women who work, strive, and believe in a positive lifestyle and surroundings. Miss Pretty Perfect feels good inside and thinks highly of herself. Attention and admiration keep us breathing. Even though we don't live in a perfect world, Miss Pretty Perfect creates one in her mind."

So now the only problem is ..... which Pretty Perfect bag to pick?

Read more about Miss Pretty Perfect at her blog, here: http://www.missprettyperfect.blogspot.com/

Introducing ... Scents & Sensibility

We confess. We at Swan Mountain Soaps are among the millions of Jane Austen fans who could watch the BBC version of "Pride & Pejudice" at least once a month.

Is that wrong?

If, instead of answering, you are still sighing over Mr Darcy, this post is for you.

We are introducing our new line of Scents & Sensibility perfumes, dedicated to our favorite Austen characters ... Elizabeth, Jane, Charlotte, Georgianna, Emma, Harriet, Elinor and Marianne.

We begin with Elizabeth, arguably one of the best-loved characters of all time...

We got to thinking about what kind of scent Elizabeth would wear to compliment her prettiest dress at a dance at the Assembly rooms at Meryton. Something fresh, clean, cheerful and feminine, of course. We've created a perfume oil in Elizabeth's honor, with strong notes of white roses and light citron notes of bergamot, violets, lily of the valley and other florals.

Our Elizabeth perfume oil comes in a 6 ml glass bottle with a roll-on applicator - the perfect size for travel. The fragrance is blended with skin-loving and vegan-friendly coconut (fractionated) jojoba and palm oils. Just a dab on the pulse points (wrist, behind the ears, neck) will carry the scent on your body for hours ... or at least through the second quadrille.

Watch for more perfumes named for beloved Austen heriones in coming weeks!