It always seems to sneak right up on you… one minute you’re putting the AC back in storage, the next minute looking for the perfect pumpkin, and then WHAM! Black Friday is here, and you almost forget the mad rush that is in every retail store for the month of December.

Some people plan ahead… and have already assembled holiday gift lists that just may help you fulfill all your gifting needs before you even start pouring over the Sears wish book.

If you’re a crafter, you’re going to be in overdrive. I started making my own soap a few years ago, and each year try a new, wild recipe on my friends and family. So far, the best one was a muddy concoction of ground coffee, cinnamon, shea butter and almond oil - not so easy on the eyes, but a delight to hard working hands. It’s very easy to do, but I’ve got to get cracking if I want to give anyone a nice, balsam fir scented holiday bar this year - it can take up to 6 weeks for a bar of soap to go from herbs, oil, water and lye to all purpose cleaning agent. Tack on another day if you want it wrapped with a fancy bow.