led by my nose - that's zum scent! {Indigo Wild + giveaway}

Image from manufacturer's website

Last week, I tweeted about discovering the new Indigo Wild display at my local grocery store.  My son brought me one of the bars of soap I purchased, and I've left it sitting on my desk, because it really does smell that good. (Current favorite scent: Lavender Mint.)
I've been a fan of Indigo Wild for quite some time.  I first discovered Indigo Wild products at New Pioneer Food Co-op in Iowa City, Iowa, something like 2 years BC (before children).  I was totally led by my nose, and honestly, I still am.  I can smell the yummy Indigo Wild products from several feet away, as evidenced by my tweet last week. (Don't let that scare you though!) I'm always pleased when I discover another local retailer selling one of my favorite products!

Although I initially bought from a kind-of local retailer, ultimately, I had to go directly to the source. There are so many products available in their catalog that just aren't carried in most stores!  Extra bonus for me?  It's a company that is based in, and manufactures the products, back home in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Two of my favorite products are the Zum Bar soaps (made with essential oils, food grade oils and goats milk) and the Zum Body lotions.  The scents are delightful and natural. The ingredients are readable and the process is simple.  I wish they offered products that are 100% organic, but seriously, it's hard to beat what they are already doing. 

I love how the bar soaps fill my bathroom (or office!)  with a subtle scent all the time (trust me, a good thing when there is a diaper pail in the room).  Since I discovered the Zum Bars, they are the only soap I keep in my shower. I love that I don't have to be concerned about artificial colors or preservatives.  There are no harsh surfectants, so the soaps are gentle on skin, even mine, which is prone to dryness and eczema, especially in the winter.  When purchasing from them, I love getting the Zum Bundle (smaller slivers of different soap varieties) and the 1 pound bag of soap bars. I don't mind being surprised by new scents, and it gives me an opportunity to try out different soaps I might not have thought to buy.  I haven't yet met a scent I disliked, although not all scents are in my favorites.

The lotions are just the right amount of moisturizer for me in the winter.  I carry a small size of the Zum Body lotion in my diaper bags/backpacks wherever I go. The scent sticks around, but isn't over-powering. The lotion is creamy, and I find that it absorbs well and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy.  I just have to be careful not to use too much, because a little bit goes a long way! There are a lot more ingredients in the lotions, but I don't find any of them to be frightening to this chemical-conscious mama.  I find the lotions work well on my dry patches and itchy pregnancy skin. 

Another thing I like about Indigo Wild is the catalog. I love the humor. It's nice to see a catalog that makes you smile a little bit. I enjoy looking through for new products and scents. 

One product line I wish they would add would be a Mama's line - how about some products geared at expectant or new mothers?  Maybe call it Zum Mama?

I suggest you give Indigo Wild a try.  There is a huge array of scents and products available, from body and face products products for women AND men (and babies, and even dogs!) to household products like laundry soap and cleaners.  They have samplers available if you're not sure of the scents, which is a great way to start your Indigo Wild addiction. Also, sign up for the newsletter if you want to catch the sales!  I usually buy when they have a great deal going on and the newsletter is a great way to keep up to date.

And, for grins and giggles, because I love this stuff so much that I need to share the love, I'm giving away a Zum Sampler!

To enter for a chance to win a Zum Sampler, leave a comment below (not on Facebook or email) telling me about your favorite scents (any scents, not just those carried by Indigo Wild)!

One entry per person. Open to US mailing addresses only. Giveaway ends at 9:00 pm CST November 28, 2011. (I'm hopeful Cakes will have arrived by then, thus avoiding any drawing delays due to baby.) I'll announce the winner on or about November 30, 2011.  Winner will be selected by random.org.  If I have a way to contact the winner, I will attempt to do so. It is, however, the responsibility of the winner to contact me within 5 days of announcing the winner.

Disclosure: I love Indigo Wild, but they don't know who I am, except when I buy their stuff.  So, take that to mean that this post is in no way sponsored by Indigo Wild.  I buy it, and I give you my own honest opinion about it.  Because I love the stuff.  It makes me happy. I bought the sampler myself to give to you, my beloved readers.