Given our current culture of consumerism, I’ll bet any money you’ve got people on your gift-giving list who have pretty much everything they need and then some, right? I know I sure do. However, savvy shopper that I am, whenever faced with that “Oh no, what in the world do I get?” dilemma, I immediately think why, SoapRocks, of course.
What the heck are SoapRocks? In a nutshell, they’re natural soaps made from nourishing almond, jojoba and olive oils, and blends of organic extracts enhanced with vitamins and minerals culled from all sorts of aquatic, botanical and terrestrial sources. But much more than that, what makes them super special is that they’re made to look like 
astoundingly real chunks of the earth’s most precious geological stones. And they smell heavenly. All 45 different SoapRocks (aquamarine, star sapphire, turquoise, amethyst, black opal, moonstone, rose quartz among others) are delicately scented with unique feminine, masculine and unisex fragrances like rainforest mist, clover melon, coconut key lime, redwood, juniper pinion herb, geranium moss and more. They also lather generously and are perfect for even the most sensitive skin.
Mad for SoapRocks from the moment I first saw them and curious about their back story, I was quite pleased to find out they’re the creation of a
rtist Todd Pink who has a background in geology. The Chicago native, who now lives in upstate New York, told me his inspiration to create SoapRocks came 20 years ago when, while showering, it occurred to him that a piece of soap in hand looks a bit like a rock that becomes slowly weathered and polished with use. This light bulb moment produced such a flush of goose bumps that he immediately ended his shower, dressed and went to purchase soap-making supplies. Within days, Pink came up with his first prototype but admits it took years to refine the 180-step process he and his staff of dedicated artisans use to handcraft the gems that so beautifully mimic the ones it takes nature millions of years to produce. A process that also creates a premium moisturizing soap that reveals an intriguing change of color with use.
I’m totally sold on these soaps. Who wouldn’t love the idea of receiving a soap that replicates their birthstone on their birthday? Certainly nobody I know. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, You Finally Got Pregnant or Thanks for Being a Great Hostess, what ever the occasion, these soaps are perfect for marking it with an interesting, out-of-the-ordinary present that’s sure to stir up some conversation. You’ll find them locally at Artist and Display (9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com) and online at soaprocks.com.
Also just want to say thanks to A Woman’s Touch for asking me to be one of their guest judges for the store’s Uplifting Art: Bras for a Cause art contest this past weekend. Although my job’s done, the public is invited to view all the creative entries, cast votes for People’s Choice and bid on any of the bras in store (200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, awomanstouchonline.com) or online at upliftingartblogspot.com. Winners will be announced during a silent auction Jan. 30 (5 p.m.) benefitting ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis a, nonprofit that offers one-to-one support services for those with breast cancer and their families. Learn more at abcdmentor.org.
