The other day I walked into HomeGoods…
and walked out
with a bin filled with bottles of hand soap.
I stood in the bathroom aisle and picked up each and every bottle
and as I found what I was looking for,
I set them in my cart.
Other shoppers were staring at me…
and I was giving them the ‘don’t touch that bottle’ look
as I hoarded all the glass bottles with pretty labels.
And I will admit that I might have felt a little crazy while placing 7
bottles of hand soap on the counter to check out.
But the girl just grinned at me and gave me the look.
You know- the one that says
‘I get you. I get your vision for the bottles of soap. Awesome score.’
Or maybe it was the one that says:
‘You are either a clean freak or a little crazy…and we will have more in stock next week so…
no need to worry.’
no need to worry.’
😉
And when I got to the car, my husband looked at me like I was insane as he picked up
that bin full of pretty soap bottles.
‘That is a lot of hand soap…
this must be a special amazing kind that we need a half a dozen bottles because they aren’t making it any longer, right? Or are we collecting bottles again?’
I explained that those bottles of soap weren’t just bottles of hand soap.
They were bottles of soap with potential.
They were like a ‘Jack of all trades’ in soap.
They had an opportunity to be so much more than just.soap.
They had the right shape, size and the perfect label…
They had the right shape, size and the perfect label…
and when you find THOSE kind of bottles-
you bring them home.
you bring them home.
All 7 of them at a time.
Because those charming bottles and those pretty labels…
well, together they were
bottles of soap with super powers.
#1. They are perfection as vases for flowers for the side table
and in the bathroom.
#2. They are the key ingredient in mantel stylings.
#3. Old books & bottles filled with flowers?
Of course.
Of course.
#4. And they fit on that old cedar board sitting across the bathtub
without taking up too much space.
without taking up too much space.
#5. And not to mention –
they were definitely right at home mixed in with vintage bottles
One for the road…
they are a smart purchase.
Because you can use the soap first and enjoy their pretty scent and look on the counter…
and then use the bottles in any number of ways after they were empty.
they are a smart purchase.
Because you can use the soap first and enjoy their pretty scent and look on the counter…
and then use the bottles in any number of ways after they were empty.
So these bottles of soap were like ‘Soap on steroids’.
Double the value.
Double the use.
Double the charm.
To call them simply ‘bottles of hand soap’ would be putting them into a small box
and limiting them and their endless potential.
and limiting them and their endless potential.
And that is just not fair.
These were bottles first…
soap second.
Kind of like those gorgeous bottles of Sophia wine that really
are mostly bottles with beautiful labels…
with wine in them.
😉
I like bottles like Sophia…
and those bottles are fabulous long after the wine is enjoyed.
and those bottles are fabulous long after the wine is enjoyed.
My husband just shook his head and said that
‘You are apparently a crazy bottle lady’
and handed me the coconut mocha that he got for me
while I was ‘hoarding’ all the soap bottles in HomeGoods.
while I was ‘hoarding’ all the soap bottles in HomeGoods.
And I smiled and admitted that it *might* be true as I took a sip of my coffee
and admired all the pretty bottles in my possession.
Beautiful labels and presentation get me every time
and I have no shame…
I fully indulge the obsession.
I fully indulge the obsession.
Someone tell me they share the feeling…
should we start a pretty packaging support group?
Or better yet…
an enablers group where we share our latest scores
and can admire them together?
and can admire them together?
Count me and my stash of pretty bottles in.
🙂
Happy Wednesday everyone.
sharing at wow
Anonymous says
In other hands, they might be junk, but the way you deploy them turns them into works of art.
Courtney says
Thank you! 🙂 Hope your week is going well!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Love the bottles and labels…and still kicking myself for throwing out my bottle of Sophia that was a hostess gift….but I love the wine, so off to get some more….two treats in one!…You are a great "it's got potential" person!
Courtney says
Haha!! True… potential is a big thing for me. I love the possibilities of taking something forgotten or toss away and making it something else. 🙂 Now, go buy the wine- and enjoy- and keep the bottle!! xo
Stephanie says
Oh my god I understand the need for these – those labels are so beautifully old-fashioned. I'm a big fan of upcycling things like this and basically now I just feel the need for those soaps in my life
Steph – http://www.nourishmeblog.co.uk
Courtney says
I hear you! And I think the enablers group is off to a great start! 😉
Rhonda says
I have been hoarding French bottled soaps for years! They are so pretty and smell wonderful. I haven't seen the ones you've photographed but I will be looking for them. This is a gorgeous post, Courtney!!
Courtney says
Thank you Rhonda! I bet your French bottles soaps smell and look amazing!!! I am such a sucker for anything pretty like that- you know that every last one would be in my basket coming home with me. 🙂
Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Courtney, your bottles are gorgeous; and you use them in your styling beautifully. I loved this post.
Courtney says
Thank you Shenita!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Oh they all look so pretty with just a few flowers. Love them. I hoard bar soap for some reason. haha
Courtney says
Is it bad to admit that I have a large glass container filled with chunky soap bars too? 😉 Thanks for stopping by Marty!
Kathie says
I , like Marty, like bars of soap in the cupboard with my towels. They smell soo good when the doors are opened! Can you show us how you arrange them in a larghe glass container?
Courtney says
That is a great idea- will see what I can do. thanks!
Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says
Courtney, I recently caught my hubby trying to add my "collection" of empty wine bottles to the recycling bin!! I have the same affliction as you do ~~ glass with pretty labels ~~ and I love every photo in your post today! Oh, and then there's the interesting corks. I see one in your overhead table setting photo! Linda
Courtney says
Oh boy…those men. haha! Some bottles are just not made for recycling in that way 😉 And yes, those corks are so pretty too. I have to confess, I haven't even opened that particular bottle because it looks so pretty just sitting there as it is. Thank you for stopping by!
Andrea says
Oh how I get you! I was at a winery with BEAUTIFUL French bottles, like the Sofia ones and when I heard they just tossed them, I had to have some (plus the one with actual wine in it…)! Hubby too just shook his head as I walked out with a box of empty bottles… 🙂
Courtney says
I bet they were absolutely beautiful!! I will have to check at the wineries out this way next time I am at one with pretty bottles. Thanks for sharing the tip! 🙂
Deb says
I really, really identify with your tale of buying up the pretty soap bottles. I am so happy not to be alone! 😉
Courtney says
Thank you! 🙂
Unknown says
I'm in on the enablers group … loved reading this and seeing the pretty bottles…I knew as soon as I started reading just what you were up to BECAUSE I, too have hoarded soap bottles at the dollar store…hahaha you go girl!
Courtney says
Yes!! We have a great start to the group!! 🙂 Love that you are hoarding bottles and totally get it- and I will definitely have to check the Dollar Store! 😉 Thanks Linda!
Unknown says
I'm in on the enablers group … loved reading this and seeing the pretty bottles…I knew as soon as I started reading just what you were up to BECAUSE I, too have hoarded soap bottles at the dollar store…hahaha you go girl!
Unknown says
I too love bottles like this– regardless of what is inside. I have a couple of soap bottles also from Home goods that I just keep refilling with liquid soap because I LOVE them so much! Now I will be out scouting my three HG's stores looking for the more glass ones you found. Pretty is Pretty – Love your posts!
Courtney says
Thank you so much Debra!! And I will admit, I have refilled too- so I totally get that. Good luck in your HG quest!
Eilis says
Yet another reason to love HomeGoods. Thanks for the lovely inspiration.
Courtney says
Thank you for stopping by Eilis!
Cindy DIY beautify says
Awesome score Courtney, I completely understand the obsession ???? and I may be heading to Homegoods tomorrow!
Cindy DIY beautify says
Awesome score Courtney, I completely understand the obsession ???? and I may be heading to Homegoods tomorrow!
Courtney says
I hope you find some pretties there too!! 🙂
Unknown says
Ok. Maybe it is stupid to ask, but how do you get them clean while keeping the pretty labels intact???
Michelle from Simply Santa Barbara
Courtney says
Not a stupid question!! After rinsing well to get all the soap residue out- I generally put a few drops of bleach inside the bottle with warm water and shake it and then soak for a bit. If it gets stubborn stuff- a toothbrush can do the trick (if it fits of course.) I don't immerse the whole bottle- because of those labels. Hope that helps!
Burlap Luxe says
Courtney, I too have a bottle thing, I collect bottles containing anything that the bottle grabs my attention. I have cabinets filled with bottles, you never know when one may entertain a party and need lots of bud vases.
Love your bottles, love the foto's.
Oh so romantic here.
Xx
Bisous
Doré
Jane says
love the simplicity….something I learned long ago from my mom and something I love about your posts
Unknown says
I love the bottles! You aren't crazy, you're brilliant! Those bottles are a major find!
Anonymous says
Love your tale. I Love the bottles as much as you do. I use them for vases as well. love the photos and the tale. 🙂
Katkeesews says
So true Courtney! I have and love all old and new bottles everywhere in my house. Beautiful post.
johanes says
It was a good reading for me while I was taking my afternoon coffee 🙂 I can understand what you are writing about, bottle lady 🙂 Hope to see more wonderful photos with bottles decorations!
Jolana from http://yellowhouseideas.blogspot.sk
French pretties says
Your bottles are like jewellery. Each has some charme. I am collecting them as well. Love the simplicity. Hugs. Monika
Jean Bee says
Oh goodness, I always go for the bars of soap in the beautiful boxes and packaging. I have a drawer full. The smell is wonderful. However I never thought to look at the bottles so guess what I will be checking out soon. I also love that wine bottle I don't drink wine but I might go get a bottle so I have that bottle. I have a beautiful soft turquoise wine bottle that I got at a winery on Cape Cod when we were vacationing there I soaked it so the label is gone and I can't remember what it looked like but I know I can find one to put on it. I love the color of that bottle. Oh my a new obsession .
Anonymous says
I am so pleased that I am not alone in collecting hand soap bottles! And whilst I may not be a connoisseur of wine, I am of wine bottles with lovely labels … and then there are the olive oil bottles with stoppers … and the lovely shaped conserve jars saved to use as for citronella tea light holders on summer evenings… ! My husband also thinks I am barmy.
Danielle says
We're tidying the basement and I just realized that I am a bottle hoarder. I have so many vintage blue ball jars and other pretty glass bottles, but now I think I need to run to Home Goods and hoard soap bottles. They look so pretty in your photographs. What a great idea. xx
Anonymous says
I too love pretty labels on pretty bottles and love that you first get to use the product and then reuse the pretty bottles….but sadly have a hard time finding them in our area. So recently I made some of my own labels (with French script and French words) for some "sorta pretty bottles" I already have 🙂 …until I can find the pretty bottles with pretty labels. LOVE what you found. (There are, I suspect, many of us who are enamored by pretty bottles w/ pretty labels. Hee hee!)
Running on empty says
Reusing is so good for the planet!
Chris says
Courtney, do you know the name of the beautiful rose in the first photo?
Linda Latta says
PEONY
Judy Levin says
I Love the bottles but can’t quite read the label. Would you please let us know the brand so we can search for it online?
I also love the MichelDesign Works brand and an Italian brand (can’t think of the name) but these glass bottles are exquisite.
I didn’t see anything looking like your bottles and would love to know anything about this brand.
Bisous. Judy
Pam says
I so Love the soap bottels,and the wine bottles there are some blush wine bottles that are just so pretty!!! Im with you in collecting also!!!.Love reading your post.
Ginny Donley says
I hear you loud & clear sister.
I haven’t found pretty bottles like that perhaps i need to change where i buy hand soap 🤔
I still have a bottle addiction though; jam bottles are my weakness
Love all your styling tips & tricks
Sue says
So clever but I have to ask, what did yoj do with the soap??
Kim says
Beautiful post! Will have to try storing the bars of soap with my towels. I like the soap bottles with the beautiful labels, probably because I’m a sucker for a good graphic: It’s how I make my wine choices. Shallow, but it works most of the time. I like to display my roses in old cut crystal decanters and vintage cocktail shakers that I find at garage sales for pennies. Am trying to find a place in my garden for the all the roses you recommended in a previous post and create a similar, sumptuous display:)
Laurie dahl says
I just love your posts Courtney. Its nice to know someone else loves those BEAUTIFUL bottles of soap at Home goods. And count Me in for the hoarders group. I too have no shamE when im in that store. Thanks for the INSPIRATION for the bottles too. My PeoNies will be even more beautiful displayed in them next year,
IsobellE says
Recycling at its best !
One bottle beAuty
QUADRUPLE duty
1. Use
2. Scent while using
3. Decore for tAbles, shelVes, mantles etc
4. Feeding your inDulGence which Makes you happy ( and all of us as we get to see your Creativity)
Mary A. Gavin says
I just bought a pretty water bottle on my way home because I thought it would make a nice vase.my husband gave me the same look…funny…
Gail says
I uy $6 yogurt because I like the jar it comes in. perfect size for a little boquet!
Teannette Major says
I just love bottles too. I thought I might be alone in the world. Haha. So glad for kindred spirits.
Stephanie Harzewski says
Hi! Where did you find the soap dish in photo#4?
Judy says
I also look for soap bottles!! I love the way you style them and am going to work on doing that! I have a display of bottles and salt shakers with no lids on my window sill over my kitchen sink with flowers in them. love your style!!!!!
Jane says
What a Beautiful post. Cant wait to start searching for bottles. Always enjoy reading your post every evening. I so enjoy reading your books over and over again. My happy time!
Mary says
When you know, you know…i get you “bottle spirit” sister ❤️ Why other people don’t get it, I’ll never understand 😉