Gabbriella's Sampler Box - HOLY SCHNIKEE~!!!!!

Updated:

 All I can say is "WOW!" While sailing the high seas I came across a sampler program that blew me away. Well, once I received my package it blew me away, that is! Gabbriella's Sampler Box is a monthly sampler program featuring artisans of all stripes. So this isn't a beauty sampler per se, but everything I received sure made me feel lovely! Just opening the box I was enamored. The scent took me back to being a little girl and going into one of those really expensive candle shops in the mall where I wasn't allowed to touch anything, except in this case I could touch it all I wanted cause it's mine for only $19.95. I could not believe I got all this so for so little! What I love the most about this program is that everything in it is unique, much of it handcrafted and one of a kind. It was like going to a funky cool craft fair without leaving my house! They have different size samplers available, what I got was the original sampler for $19.95. I can't necessarily review the products yet, as I just got this yesterday, but I can let you know what I got to see if you're tempted to get one of your own! Already one of my co-workers got the info to get her own package cause she was here when I opened it up and was amazed and needed one of her own!

So without further ado, here's the goodies......

Shelly Frances Minerals
Amethyst Sample
http://www.shellyfrancesminerals.com/

Herbs And Oils Bath Company
Cranberry Spice Soy Wax Tart 
1 full size tart

This is actually for a set of a different scent of tarts,

but I wanted to show what they look like....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/herbsandoils?section_id=5841501
 GOOD LORD THIS SMELLS GOOD!

SBS TEAS
2 ROMEO AND JULIET GREEN TEA HEARTS
This comes in a darling reusable metal tin and includes a lovely write up about tea history.

Looking at their site, I am stunned by their prices. Once I try these out (on Valentine's Day of course), if I like it I'll definitely do some damage on their site as I am a sucker for a good cup of tea.
http://www.sbsteas.com/
They also have a coupon code good through 6/30/2010   -  enter gabfeb and receive a 15% discount off of their already low prices!

DAINTY CREATIONS BY PAOLA
5 HAND SCREEN PRINTED GIFT TAGS AND 1 SCREENPRINTED AND BEADED 3D CARD/ENVELOPE SET
These are lovely, and if you look at her site, she does a TON of cool stuff, from baby onesies to trinket boxes. GORGEOUS!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaintyCreations


I love Etsy anyway, but this is a really awesome way to sample stuff form there. Etsy should look at doing a similar program to push their merchants....but I digress. So let's continue. That's right, there's more.

MAMAW'S ATTIC
HOMEMADE HOT COCOA SAMPLE (ENOUGH FOR ONE CUP)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SheriCarpenter

WOVEN STONES
HANDCRAFTED WIRE WRAP STONE PENDANT
This really suprised me, I didn't expect to get something so nice in a sampler! Now I just need to make a chain for it ( since I do my own jewelry making). The craftmanship is really good, and I have to say I'm jealous of the wire artistry as I'm still working my way up the ladder on that front. I wish their website was complete so I could show you a sample of their wares, but it seems to be under construction. 
So keep an eye on http://www.wovenstones.com/ 
UPDATE: Wovenstones also has an Etsy page with some awesome pieces at
Wovenstones Etsy Shop 

DIRECTLY FROM THE OPERATOR OF GABBRIELLA'S CLOSET, KATHLEEN HERSELF GIVES A FULL SIZED LOVING/POMEGRANATE BATH TRUFFLE
It loks like a cupcake! Hee hee! I'm throwing this is in the tub on V-Day :) It smells like yummy tastes. Oddly though, I can't locate purchasing info on these :-( 
Update:
While Kathleen is taking a break from active selling, you can view this blogs comments for info on how to get her fantastic bath truffles, of which I have added a picture so you can see how super duper cute they are!

SCENTSY WAX TART SAMPLE
COCONUT CITRUS PARFAIT
Mmmmmmmmmm. Smells nummy. 
https://sheric.scentsy.us/Home
Update:
Wow, a little goes a long way with these! I put this sample in a scent burner and have been burning it every night for a week and I still have some in there. It's amazing how long this lasts! I've always used oils or potpourri liquids, but call me a convert. These wax tarts harden once the heat is taken off, so you don't have to worry about them spilling (my kitties have decided to spread the aroma on their own on more than one occasion). The scent is true and strong enough to be effective but not so hardcore you get a headache. I'm so enamored that I I am planning to schedule a Scentsy home party as soon as I get a chance (My DFW buddies, lemme know if you want to come, you know I can give a throwdown!) 
OM SHANTI HANDCRAFTS
2 GUEST SIZED GOATS MILK AND HONEY SOAPS 
VANILLA ROSE & LAVENDER CITRUS

Save 25% on your first purchase with the code GBS25 at checkout
http://www.etsy.com/shop/omshanti

These came in a cute little drawstring bag stamped with their Om logo.

THE ECLECTIC MALL
They contributed a Valentine gift bag with products from a few of their retailers.
We have Baby Powder Crystal Salt Potpouri from Diamond Creek Candles
It really does smell like baby powder. I left these on my desk at work for a soothing, calming scent when I feel like lobbing a book through someone's head for saying that they're at the "libAry" or that they want to use a "comPRUter". Sorry, I have a bit of a temper. 

Hand-made soap samples from Simply Tempted Bath & Body
This is a BIG sample. Guest soap size in Lavender Loves Vanilla. I'm curious to try this one out, it's a weird combination but it must work!

Milk Chocolate Heart from Fannie May Fine Chocolates
I haven't eaten it yet, but I must admit to being a little nervous since it's been in an enclosed cello bag with strongly scented items and the chocolate smells like potpouri. Hopefully it won't taste like baby powder potpouri. You know, like when a piece of candy falls to the bottom of your purse and 6 months later you try to eat it anyway? Okay maybe that's just me. Sadly a bit of unfortunate packaging judgement there.
http://the-eclectic-mall.webnode.com//

HIGHER PURPOSE CRAFTS
a full sized SOAP SAVER

These things are cool. You put your soap slivers in them and they are not only a good washable scrubby, but you you don't waste your soap! My hubby is glad I'll be using this from now on instead of my bizarro liquid soap experiments. I tend to use a lot of EXPENSIVE and /or handcrafted soaps and I HATE to waste even a tiny bit. Her sales fund her provision of therapy dolls to autistic children. Come on, how can you say no to that? 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/summersgabby

Not handmade, but a nice addition nonetheless, we have 4 Avon product samples from
www.youravon.com/kberezin

Last but in no way, shape or form least
HERBAL EXPRESSIONS LAVENDER EYE PILLOW!
Thery organically grow their own lavender. I used mine last night and it is SUPERB. This puppy is worth the price of admission right there......

3/9/10 Update
I have been using this eye pillow like crazy. You keep it in the freezer so the lavender stays fresh and you can use it either cold or you can nuke it. The smell is divine and it's so relaxing and calming. I have used it when I had headaches and if I have insomnia it helps to knock me out naturally. The material is soft and the gentle weight of the lavender is like getting an eyeball massage. I love this thing! 

http://www.herbalexpressions.com/

I had to order a box first to see what I thought of it, but honestly, I think I may order more than one next month. They have the option of getting one of each size box, and I may do just that. I need help.

I guess you want the link, huh?
Gabbriellas Closet

Till next time,
The Beauty Pirate