one man review - holiday 2011

Image via methodhome.com

Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rum! Wait, what? That isn't a holiday song, but rather a pirates tune? And it starts out Yo, ho, ho? Really? Wow. I never knew that! Well, let me just say, some families would enjoy my version much better during the holiday season! (Hey, you know it's true.)

So anyway, enough about liquor and the holidays! How about some reviews! Believe it or not, it's been quite a while since I've done a one man review here on method lust! So in honor of the Christmas holiday season officially starting (hey, Thanksgiving is over buddy, get with the program! ) from here on out, this season is all about Santa Claus and ho-ho-ho, and mistletoe and presents to pret-ty girls! First up, method's 'tis the season' line of hand washes (only available online, and at Target stores with a grocery/fresh produce section:)

baked apple, toasted vanilla bean and winter oak hand washes

baked apple (gel and foaming hand wash) +  So I really didn't want to start off on a Scroogey note, but well, bah humbug! I had such high hopes for the baked apple. Another reader mentioned they thought it smelled a little like apple cider. That got me to thinking, could this be method's apple version of their spiced pear? All apples and cinnamon and clove and rich spices! That sounds like a baked apple to me! So the scent, well, I'll let my conversation with my boyfriend speak for itself:

me: "Here, smell this. Do you think it smells like baked apples? What does it smell like to you?"

the boyfriend: sniff - "Hmm, I don't know what it smells like, but it doesn't smell good, that's for sure."

me: "Yeah, unfortunately, I agree."

I couldn't even get an apple scent out of it. It was sorta some weird mish mash of vanilla and some kinda spice buried deep down and it was just... uninspiring. I couldn't even bring myself to buy and try a bottle, it was so disappointing. Sad face. The concept was great, the result was less than successful.

But, just to prove I'm not a total Scrooge, apparently there are baked apple lusters out there, via method's Facebook page:

"...I love love love the holiday edition baked apple hand wash! I just opened it and am totally in love with this scent."

1.5 out of 5 hard candy Christmases

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toasted vanilla bean (gel and foaming hand wash) +  Our second review, well, it's kinda like the first one. I know, I know. method is never gonna bring me no figgy pudding at this point! (wink!) So how about another boyfriend conversation moment:

me: "What do you think of this? It's called toasted vanilla bean."

the boyfriend: sniff - "Wow. Uh, why does their holiday hand wash smell like suntan lotion?"

Agreed, hon, agreed! Perhaps that's the "toasted" portion of the scent, but it sincerely smells like coconut suntan lotion. In fact, I love that scent (it's crazy, I know!) So I was tempted to pick it up simply for that reason (having nothing to do with the fact that it's supposed to be a fall/winter scent) but started thinking about the new coconut grove hand wash that will be out in the spring, and decided to wait. Plus, I'm uh, trying to find holiday scents here, ya know?

2.5 out of 5 hard candy Christmases

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winter oak (gel and foaming hand wash) +  Man, it looks like method's 'tis the season' line is a total bust! I mean, so far, nada. I should just pack my sleigh and move on, nothing to see here. Oh and whoa Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen (Rudolph was sick at home with a stuffy nose!) What do we have here? Why it's winter oak! Now, this is how method does it right! It's a very unique scent, kinda woodsy, kinda cologne/perfumey, kinda sweet, smoky, just nice! Perfect! Listen up method, these are the kind of scents we lusters expect from you! Something original, special, and oh so method! Perfect for the fall/winter months! Mmm. I snapped up a bottle quicker than you could say "dash away, dash away, dash away all!" (I know, I'm sorry. But trust me the holiday bits are far from over!)

PS - the boyfriend lusted winter oak, too, and even picked himself up a bottle!

4 out of 5 glasses of eggnog

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And now on to method's holiday line:

frosted fir and candy cane hand washes

frosted fir (gel hand wash) + There is nothing I can ever say bad about frosted fir. It's Christmas tree Heaven! Returning for only it's second time around (for shame!) it's just an amazing scent, I lust, lust, super über-lust it! It is the scent of the holidays to me! method fans praise the hollyberry scent, but I personally think frosted fir is the best of the two! And this year it's also in dish soap?! method, I could give you a kiss! Just go stand under the mistletoe, ok? Now close your eyes! And pucker up...

5 out of 5 glasses of eggnog

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candy cane (gel hand wash) + Wow! Just wow! I can't believe it, after years and years and years and well, you get the point of peppermint vanilla (which I think is just eh. Way too much vanilla, not enough peppermint!) method finally gives us a pure mint scent! I mean, it's called candy cane! How can it not be the peppermintiest! I can't wait! Yippee! To the sink I go, scrub scrub scrub my hands with new candy cane, mmm, mmm, mmm, it's so... wait. This smells exactly like peppermint vanilla. E to the x to the actly. What in the world is going on here? Why would method give us the exact same scent under the guise of a new name? This is so... cue Christmas crying face (you know, the face children give you when they don't get what they thought they were gonna get for Christmas!) So much potential. Down the drain.

Peppermint vanilla fans will lust it like crazy. The rest of us, not so much. Enough with the vanilla, method. Make 2012 vanilla free!

PS - Candy cane scent is also available in dish soap for the holiday season.

3 out of 5 hard candy Christmases + (1 out of 5 hard candy Christmases for giving us an old scent with a new name)

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And finally, foaming holiday hand wash:

cinnamon drop and spiced pear hand washes

cinnamon drop (foaming hand wash) + This is a very true cinnamon candy scent! If you lust cinnamon drops, you'll lust this foaming hand wash! It's not very creative, or unique, but it's nice! I wish it were available in gel, as well.

3.5 out of 5 glasses of eggnog

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spiced pear (foaming hand wash) + Oh man, why isn't this available in gel this year? Sniff. Spiced pear is a method classic. And unfortunately, I'm not sure method realizes this. It's a perfect fall/winter/holiday scent. But it comes around so rarely, and that's a shame. Pear mingled with all sorts of wintery spices. Seriously amazing. This should show up in stockings and on store shelves at least every other year, if I had my way (in gel, please! I just can't get my brain wrapped around foaming hand wash. I know, there are method fans for both sides! Fighting it out Snow Miser and Heat Miser style!) I just lust spiced pear scent to ribbon candy pieces! (Even the tiny candy shards that jab the roof of your mouth! Ouch! Whatever, I still lust you!)

5 out of 5 glasses of eggnog

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And there you have it! method lust's 2011 holiday hand wash one man review (with a little help from my wonderful boyfriend!)  I realize scents (and our lust + hate dislike (mama said you should never hate nothing) for them) are a very personal thing - so, have you sledrided (is that even a word? No, no, it's not. But we'll use it anyway, cause I love annoying my 8th grade English teacher) down to your local Target (or gone online) and purchased any of these method holiday goodies? If so, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my reviews? What are your holiday lusts?

And with that... I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good method night!"

ho ho ho bits 'n pieces!

method lust reader Jon (thanks, Jon!) was kind enough to snap a photo of the new holiday hand wash that has started to pop up in select stores (this one was in a Gelson's grocery store.) I'm so excited to pick these up this year - can't wait. I am just in shock that frosted fir is back, baby, back! I lust that scent so much!

Along with this, method has just posted about their new 'tis the season' line of hand washes over on their official blog!

The posts states that the three scents (baked apple, toasted vanilla bean, and winter oak) will be available in gel and foaming hand wash! (I know a lot of fans will be excited about that!) And they are available "at your local Target grocery (and online soon!) until the end of january."

Has anyone found any of these products (holiday or 'tis the season'?) What do you think of the scents? Let method lust know!

sneak peek - holiday 2011

So how about a little method holiday 2011 sneak peek? You know, the holiday season is just about upon us! (Well, at least my version, which consists of all three months - October, November (gobble gobble!), and December!) And of course this year method is giving us our holiday gifts early! Expect to see the new holiday line popping up on store shelves near the end of October! As Joey Lawrence would say, Whoa!

Not only that, but it looks like this year our beloved holiday dish soap is making a comeback! As the Kool-Aid man would also say, Oh yeah! I'm so excited! So look for hand wash and dish soap! The dish soap will be available in frosted fir (so excited, so excited, so excited, I can't believe this has made a return appearance! I lust it so!) and new candy cane scents! How awesome does that sound?! I know everyone adores method's peppermint vanilla, but personally I always wished it had more mint, and less well, vanilla! So it looks like this year I might get my wish!

The hand wash will be available in candy cane and frosted fir gel hand wash, and spiced pear (oh my goodness! So disappointed this isn't available in gel, but still excited for it's return. Spiced pear is the method bomb of awesomeness!) and cinnamon drop (another new scent!) foaming hand wash!

What do you think? Are you excited for these scents, and the return of holiday dish soap? Will you be hoarding bottle after bottle? Cause yeah, you know I will!

seasonal savings!

UPDATE Just heard back from the wonderful Sarah at method, and she's got an update on the holiday backorder issue a lot of people are experiencing. It appears there may be two answers.

"1) We are restocking items later this week- orders will be shipped out Monday; and 2) We are pulling items off of the site as we sell out - unfortunately it takes about a day before it appears off of the site. Currently we are ALL out of 3 items, and will be reaching out to those who ordered them and got a backordered notice: spiced pear surface spray, peppermint vanilla surface spray, and hollyberry dish soap."

As I guessed, the hot items (spiced pear and hollyberry dish soap; well, maybe only hot because those were the ones I had my sights on, and I knew they'd sell out quickly; as this was only back stock they were trying to sell) are history.

Here's hoping next year method catches a holiday clue, and brings back everyone's favorite holiday products! I know everyone was excited to see some of them appear on the website, but for many of us it seems it might have been "too good to be true" as they were snatched up quickly, and had a low count to begin with on the remaining products available.

I'll have a post shortly on the whole holiday products line (or lack of), so look for that soon! I hope this at least answers some people's questions concerning their orders.

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Wow! Drop what you're doing (well, unless it has anything to do with scalding hot water, small babies, or Ginsu knives!) and run on over to your computer (unless it's right next to you, or up a flight of stairs, or at the repair shop!) and check out method's grand holiday product sale!

They're clearing out the leftovers, and we get the deals! I'm talking hollyberry dish soap for $1.60; cinnamon bark spray cleaner for $1.60; and big bundles of holiday products in your favorite scents for a mere $16.00, and up (depending on HOW many products you want!) All scents are cinnamon bark, peppermint vanilla and hollyberry (except for some yummy leftover spiced pear spray cleaner, also for $1.60!)

So what are you waitin' for? Snow? Better days? Thanksgiving to be over? Bah! Forget all that, and stock up! Head on over for some great finds (unless you have band practice, a car pool, or you're still at work. If so, you might want to wait until after, ok?) Ah heck, shop at work! No one will know, I've checked, and your boss just went to lunch. You've got a one hour window. Don't waste it!

video review! - aroma ring

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Mmm! In one of my FAVORITEST scents, spiced pear! You know, on occasion I'll give out a method goody or two to a friend, and for a bit there it was spiced pear spray cleaner! Everyone lusted it! So one friend of mine, John, finally told me recently "Oh my, I've about completely ran out of that spiced pear spray! Get me another bottle!" - because the one thing I HAVEN'T trained most of my friends to do yet is BUY method for themselves (they just want it free, word!?) And I told him "Oh, John. That scent was only a holiday scent. It appears but once every three years or so!" And he was so very disappointed!

So in a moment of sheer kindness (cause really, I can be stingy and greedy with my method! Ha ha!) I slipped a bottle from my method vault, and gave it to him (from my secret stash purchased last holiday! I hope spiced pear comes back around real soon!) He was so happy! I told him "Use it sparingly! That's your last bottle until the next holiday it pops up again!" LOL Who knew cleaning supplies would become rare collectables you hoarded. Or uh, is that just me? I figured as much...

we'll looky here...

...And, just as I thought. It appears the method holiday line has landed (if you're lucky) at your local Goodwill (and possibly other, thrift stores.) I took a quick roam today (upon realizing Target pulled the remaining holiday method line from their shelves; and the bloq line ended up appearing at random Goodwill stores last summer; AND (whew, I know, just follow with me for a moment) Target products show up at Goodwill stores all the time now; it appears they have some "deal" going on. In fact, many of their Christmas prepackaged gifts (you know, beard trimmers, or stress balls, etc.) were also at the local Goodwill store I patroned today.)

SO, anyway, I only stumbled upon ONE method holiday item, a winter berry bamboo aroma ring for a mere .69 cents! Can you believe that? .69 cents! Crazy! Unfortunately, that was the only item I found (at three Goodwill stores!) But, it does show that the leftover method holiday line did make it there, as we'd guessed was going to happen. So, run to your local Goodwill, and see if you were lucky to get some sent to your nearest store! I'm heading to the one near work tomorrow to see if they have anything (since that happens to be the store that had the HUGE quantity of bloq body items! WHY I literally didn't buy up every single container of bloq green mint body wash, I STILL don't know. All that "let's be frugal and only get what we really need" crap. Man, I gotta get over that...)

Let me know if you find something!

let the holiday sale begin (early!)

Looks like Target has started the method holiday sale, early! (Oh, wait, did I already say early in the title? Well, it's worth repeating!) This is a change of pace, as last year they actually waited 'til mid January! I just stopped by on my way home from work tonight, and while hand wash, dish soap, and spray cleaner are still regular price; all other holiday method items have hit sale! As in after-holiday sale! Right now they're only 15% off (which is the first markdown discount Target usually does.)

So if you're looking for some frosted fir, spiced pear, winter berry, or toasted hazelnut candles, aroma rings, aroma sticks (hmm, just realized they were gone!), candle trios, or potpourri ornaments, now's the time! Run on out, and pick some up!

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Looks like lust readers Jamison and Josh found them as well! You readers sure do post comments in the strangest places! Ha ha! Thanks for the info., guys!

let's (everyone) have a ball!

Great news from Target! I just noticed today that, like they've previously done on the aroma rings, they've reduced the price on two of method's holiday line items! The aroma sticks are now $10.99 (from $12.99) and the aroma potpourri ornament balls are $7.99 (from $9.99) At that price, I'm definitely getting an ornament now, and hanging it from my rearview mirror. See, Target can get it right, sometimes... I jest, I jest, we lust us some Target, ok?

Run out, and have yourself a ball! (Oh, and some sticks, too. But that just didn't work as well with the snappy wording. Sorry, I'll try harder next time. Maybe some dog comment, about fetching sticks and balls. Oh wait, sticks and balls. Now my mind is in the gutter. Never mind. Moving on. Go, get, holiday stuff! Stop listening to me, really. It's not good for you. Bad, bad Nathan. Oh please, you know you were thinking it, too...)

yes, virginia, there are mo' ebay finds!

Some great finds on ebay (at actually decent prices, shocking, I know!)

Uhm, remember that first product? It's the original release of holiday spiced pear, in an aroma pill! (method, we WANT our holiday aroma pills and sprays next year! This is a threat, I repeat, a threat! Are you all with me, method lusters! Let's start a method-olution! Holiday pills and sprays, next year!) And you get two of these babies, for one low price! Not a bad deal for some vintage holiday method!

+ method holiday spiced pear aroma pills $14.99 + $6.80 shipping (2) pills and refills

+ method lavender + lemongrass aroma rings $14.99 + $5.55 shipping (5) rings and discs - this is a really good deal, as five rings in Target would cost you $35 big ones!

+ method sweet water aroma pills $25.00 + free shipping! (8) pill refills - another great deal, as these would cost you $32. bucks in the store!

method holiday fragrances

method's very own official people against dirty blog has a great post on their new holiday line, and a Q&A session with method fragrance expert, Suzanne McCormick!

"by julie kim, November 13, 2008

You may have noticed that we have a few new kids on the block when it comes to our new holiday fragrances. We sat down with Suzanne, our in-house "Scents & Scentsibility" expert (yes, that is her official title), to get a closer look at how the new fragrances came to be.

What was the inspiration behind the new fragrances this season?
Nostalgia - we wanted these fragrances to evoke happy memories of holidays gone by... and hopefully create new ones for our little consumers.

What were the big challenges in creating these new holiday fragrances?
Since it is all about tradition... there are particular fragrance notes that are meaningful for this season. We wanted each to be a winner in its olfactive family and, as always, we aim for a well balanced portfolio.

How were the final fragrances picked?
We worked with an internal panel made up of a cross-section of method employees (product development, creative, and brand experts). We go through multiple rounds of submissions starting with a broad range of fragrances and then narrow them down to the final ideas. We are always modifying the fragrances right up until the last minute to get them just right.

C'mon, tell us - what fragrances didn't make the cut?
I never kiss and tell... unless I am under the mistletoe

What's your personal favorite?
All our fragrances are like my little babies... you love each one for different reasons. I hope that there is something for everybody as people take the time to prepare their home to welcome family and friends during this special time of year.

Okay, so even though Suzanne wouldn't tell, we'd love to hear what your favorite holiday scent is. And if you want to take a look at all our new holiday fragrances, you can check it out here."

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Uhm, yeah, so I would LUST her job like crazy! I'm so serious. I know there is much more to it than sniffing things all day long (or is there?) but really, REALLY, I have such an addiction to scents, I think this kind of career would be freakin' amazing... ah! Oh well, I'll keep dreaming of my life as a bloodhound, and we'll all keep buying method holiday products! (Yeah, cause they like, rock! Ohh, frosted fir and spiced pear. Ohh... Sorry, I need a little alone time with my two favorite holiday scents, ok?)

holiday on the go

Hey, we all spend a crazy amount of time in our cars (and trucks!) What better way to enjoy it just a tad more, than decorate the crap out of it for the holidays! Yay!

method's green living expert, Danny Seo, and method lust reader Steve both mentioned recently they've taken the new method holiday potpourri ornament, and hung it from their rearview mirrors! What a wonderful idea! To be honest, I hadn't planned on purchasing one of these. They were just a bit pricey, and no refills are available once the potpourri loses it's spicey pear, or winter berry scent! But steve came to the rescue, mentioning replacing the potpourri with aroma ring refills! Awesome!

So I'm really starting to think this whole rearview mirror thing is a great idea! But here's my question. Uhm, I don't see how the ornament loop would fit around a rearview mirror. Did you cut it, then tie it around the mirror? How'd you get it up there?

What does everyone think? I might just have to head out and pick me up a spiced pear ornament... honk if you lust the holidays!

holiday shout-outs

Some great comments (and compliments) on method's new holiday line, from around the internet-o-sphere!

Kelly over on Green Daily says:

"I'm a big fan of Method products. They list their product ingredients on their website and they smell fantastic. I'm completely aware that I am also a sucker for their packaging and their marketing. Finally, they're convenient as long as there is a Target or Whole Foods nearby. Just when I was getting bored with their current "flavors," Method has released fresh new scents for the holidays.

For a little hint of winter, try their 100% vegetable wax candle in a recyclable glass votive. This year's scents include toasted hazelnut, winter berry, spiced pear and frosted fir. [Scratch and sniff computer monitors would come in handy right about now.]

Three other great products for a delicious smelling home include Method's aroma sticks to diffuse scent into the room, a decorative potpourri ornament, and their "outlet free" bamboo aroma ring.

My favorite Method products are their hand soaps. Method has extended their seasonal scents to their non-toxic, triclosan-free hand wash. I keep one bottle by every sink in the house. It is the ANTI anti-bacterial answer.

If you can't decide on which products to buy, Method has made it easy for you by combining all of their offerings in one kit with a reusable shopping bag for only $32. There is no excuse to not get into the holiday spirit with these earth friendly products."

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While a poster over on a Disneyland forum (of all things!) says:

"The new Method soy candle called Frosted Fir smells exactly like flying over the snowy mountains in Soarin' Over California!! I even held it up to dd's nose and said, "Quick, where have you smelled this before?" She answered correctly!"

holiday specials!

Just wanted everyone to know, right now Target has some great method price specials going on until the 15th! They've got all the holiday hand washes on sale for $2.66, as well as all aroma sprays for $2.99 (one dollar off!), and a few other special prices going on in the aircare aisle!

But the biggest surprise was Target reducing the holiday aroma rings (as it's not listed as a sale price, but instead the regular shelf price sticker has been replaced) from $6.99, to $4.99! What a deal! So while I'm not personally a huge fan of the aroma rings, I finally snagged me a purty spiced pear ring for my bedroom!

Rush over to Target while the specials are still, well, special!

jingle jangle

As I'm sitting here burning my frosted fir candle (yes, yes! I'm early! You know, I try really hard to draw that whole fall first, then holiday/Christmas line. And I've decided my scents (because it's really important to make decisions like this, you know! The world depends on it!) that this year spiced pear and cinnamon bark are my fall/Thanksgiving scents, with frosted fir and hollyberry rounding out the holidays!) BUT I decided last night I wanted to really give my frosted fir candle a good try, so here I am, burning away!

Which got me to thinking, I know, it's a month away, but we're insane! We're crazed! We're obsessed! So I know a lot of us method lusters have already picked up their holiday line (or at least some of it!) And I'm wanting to know, what are your thoughts so far?

What scents did you pick up? What products did you pick up? What do you think of them (scents and products? Smell great? Work well?) Missing anything from the holiday line that method has produced in the past? Think the line-up this year is simply perfect? Let us know! Comment away!

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PS - I guess frosted fir is doing it's thing! I had it burning at work as well (I know, I'm crazy!) and my boss walked through going "Hmm? What's that smell? It smells like a Christmas tree!" and I told him it was my (method!) candle. I can't decide if it's too hollyberry, or has enough tree scent; but apparently he's proven it definitely smells like Christmas tree!

winter is here!

...well, at least in scent form! (And in the north! The south will just have to wait a tad bit longer.) method has added the holiday line to their method home site! It includes the usuals found at your local Target stores, as well as a three bundle packages! Here's what they say:

"deck the house with good scents this season. we've put together some of our best smellers in this limited edition kit, and we're offering it up at a special online price. a bamboo aroma ring, potpourri ornament, soy candle, hand wash and mini soy candle trio, all in fresh seasonal scents...heck, we'll even throw in our reusable market tote. makes a perfect gift, but if you want to keep it all to yourself, we won't tell."

The price is great at only $32! It comes in winter berry, spiced pear, and a combo bundle that comes with winter berry in aroma ring, large candle, and candle trio; spiced pear potpourri ornament, and a toasted hazelnut hand wash. All in a reusable method tote!

So throw on your scarf and gloves, hop in the sleigh, head on over, and pick some up!

holiday line-up

reader notahetero80 asked a question concerning the new holiday line:

"...does anyone know where i can find a complete listing of what each of the fall and christmas scents come in? I love the Frosted Fir scent! It's the most like last years Hollyberry which I cried over it was so good'n christmas-ee.. But at Target it only comes in the handsoap and candle.. I think. Thanks!"

If you ask, you shall receive! (And I feel your pain!) Here goes. Each year method has slowly put out more holiday product! Yay! We lust that! Unfortunately, as more product hits the shelf, not every scent gets a full line. I would have bought up every little thing Frosted Fir came in this year, if it were available in a full line! BUT, unfortunately, it's not. (They chose Winter Berry. Not sure why... Ok, ok, don't hate me Winter Berry fans! I know, it's just a personal choice!)

So here is the breakdown:

+ Spiced Pear and Winter Berry scents - gel hand wash, dish soap, spray cleaner, aroma rings, aroma sticks, potpourri ornaments, large candles (6.5 oz), and candle trios (6.0 oz)

+ Frosted Fir and Toasted Hazelnut - gel hand wash, large candles (6.5 oz) (I'm afraid that's it! Sniff sniff. Hopefully Frosted Fir will sell well, and they'll bring it back in a larger product line next holiday!)

I've asked method if the holiday line will have aroma pill refills, as last year the pill refills hit separately, and later in the season (not sure why?) But I haven't heard back from them as of yet. When I find out, I'll let you know! (Hey, official method people, do you know the answer? Thanks!)

+ Gingerbread + Spice (fall limited edition) - aroma spray, large candle (6.5 oz), aroma pill refills, and aroma ring refills

+ Pomegranate Tea (fall limited edition) - aroma spray, large candle (6.5 oz), aroma pill refills, and aroma ring refills

And yes, (unless method realizes how amazing the Pomegranate Tea scent is, and makes it's an official line-up) all of these scents are limited to their fall/Holiday lines. Holiday is usually discontinued around January, while fall sometimes makes it 'til early spring.

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Some readers have also found Hollyberry, Cinnamon Bark, and Peppermint Vanilla at Bed, Bath And Beyond, and Office Max. These are leftovers from last year, and vary as to what product they come in (ranging from candles, to spray cleaner, aroma sticks, and gel hand wash.)

I still haven't heard from anyone concerning any special edition scents available at Costco (which method is known for having) so until I hear something, I'll take it they may not have released anything different to Costco this year.

Hope this breakdown helps everyone!

holiday lust

All this Halloween and holiday mashup is startin' to confuse me!? What time of year is it, again? Ah well! I had previously had a poll asking which holiday scents you were looking forward to most! The results were:

+ 28% Spiced Pear
+ 21% Toasted Hazelnut
+ 20% Winter Berry
+ 16% Frosted Fir

Now that the new holiday line is starting to hit shelves, I've put up a new poll asking what 2008 holiday scents did you purchase? Let's see how the wishing matches up to the final product (and our final thoughts on the scents, since we can actually smell them now!)

And I agree with all the lusters out there that say Target's end cap is embarrassing. It's all out in the open for everyone to see, and they get to watch us all sniff our way through every product! Ha ha! I'm right there with you! And isn't it funny how we'll sniff the candle, then go and sniff the hand wash in the same scent. Well, I know I do it... and I'm not that weird. Well, ok, never mind. I am... so when you get the chance to pick up your holiday scents, do the poll (located on the right sidebar!) Thanks!

holiday is here!

...well, for some of us! But it is finally hitting Target stores. So if you haven't seen it yet, it should be showing up very soon! In fact, I felt like an undercover spy this morning, roaming my local Target with my hidden digital camera (as they frown upon taking photos in the stores) and I hid down an aisle across from the new holiday end cap, and snapped a flick! Just for you method lust fans! So enjoy! I'm loving the design work on the packaging, and advertising (see below) this year, it's really nice.

I'm feeling a little mixed on the scents, though. So I'm going to give them time to sink in (well, when I purchase some more items, as I did pick up a Frosted Fir hand wash, but that was it until payday, at the beginning of next month!) and then I'll go more in-depth with some reviews. Last year I disliked Cinnamon Bark when I first smelled it, and it took me a while to get around to purchasing some CB hand wash. That's when I ended up really liking it, so I don't want to be too hasty.

My first thoughts on the scents go like this: Frost Fir is Hollyberry meets a tree. No joke. If you love Hollyberry, you should definitely lust this scent, it's REALLY similar to Hollyberry. I think this will be my new favorite for the holidays. Winter Berry reminds me of berries and fruit punch. Don't ask me, that's just what I smell every time I take a sniff - fruit punch (with perhaps a little cinnamon thrown in for good measure?) Spiced Pear is deliciously peary, with spice. Really, it was a huge favorite of mine in past years, and I know it will be this year. And Toasted Hazelnut, well, honestly, I figured this might be my least favorite scent of the bunch, and I think I'm going to be right.) The Gingerbread + Spice hasn't hit our Targets yet. (But hopefully it will!)

One rant. One question.

+ The rant. Ok, at the beginning of the year I could pick up a method candle in 6.0 oz. size for $5.99 in the ceramic container. When method went and changed the container to glass, they added 0.5 oz to total 6.5 oz, and raised the price to $7.99. A bit steep, but ok, we'll go with it. Last years holiday candles came in an 8 oz. size, and cost us $7.99. This years candle trio comes in three small candles, but totals 6.0 oz, and costs us $9.99 (at least at my Target. The trios are $9.99, while the large candles (6.5 oz) are $7.99.) I'm now paying $4.00 more for the same "size" candle I could get earlier this year for $5.99. And I'm now paying $2.00 more to get 2.0 oz less candle than I got last year. Hey, I realize prices are going up on everything, and perhaps raw materials are also more expensive for method now. But I bothers me a little bit when I have to pay $4.00 more to get less candle in the new candle trio sets.

+ The question. I LUST me some aroma spray. And I'm really, really, really disappointed they've decided to not have any this holiday. Last holiday they didn't have any either, but it was (I'm sure) due to the impending spray recall they were about to do. Previous years they have had the aroma spray. I love it, cause it's an easy and quick way to get your house smelling holiday great! Grab bottle, spray, mmm! So I really hope they reconsider the sprays for next holiday! I'll live without a fourth scent, or aroma rings, or such; if I can get me some holiday aroma spray! So here's my question to you, what do you usually purchase in the method holiday line each year? In order of importance? Aroma rings, aroma pill/pill refills, aroma spray, candles, hand wash, dish soap, spray cleaner, aroma sticks, and method's holiday "special" (meaning each year they try to put something new out. Last year it was the aroma beads, this year it's the potpourri ball, etc.) Me personally, I'm too broke usually to purchase up everything, so I end up choosing. If each of these are available, I usually go for the hand wash, candles, aroma spray, dish soap, spray cleaner, and IF I have anything left, sometimes the pill refills. The sticks, and holiday "specials" usually end up being too expensive for me to buy each year. (Though I'd lust me some spiced pear aroma sticks this year, if I can do it!) So what are your picks (again, in order of importance?)

+ Prices. (At least at my Target.) $2.99 for dish soap, hand wash, and cleaning spray. $6.99 for aroma bamboo rings (a $1.00 cheaper than the normal bamboo rings, surprisingly.) $7.99 for the large candles. $9.99 for the potpourri ball, and candle trios. And $12.99 for the aroma sticks.

More on holiday, later! When I've had a really good time to give them all a try! (And when it's closer to the holidays! Ha ha!)

holiday sneak!

UPDATE method luster Robert let us know his Target has already stocked the new holiday line! Lucky Robert! The items include:

Handsoaps in Frosted Fir, Winter Berry, Toasted Hazelnut, and Spiced Pear scents; large candles in all scents (I love that they also have the large size candles!); and the small candle trios, potpourri balls, dishsoaps, aroma sticks, aroma rings, and counter sprays each in winterberry and pear scents. (Aroma pill refills might make an appearance; they were delayed last year as well, for some reason. Sounds like no aroma spray again this year, though (and while they had a reason last year, due to the impending recall; Uh, >cough cough< no reason this year!) I really hope they decide to bring it back for the holidays next year! That's one of my favorite aircare line items for the holidays! Yes, I am greedy. Yes I know this. Yes, I'll continue to be greedy. Thank you.)

+

Now, what to do on this quiet October evening? Wait, I know! How about a method holiday sneak peek! Ohh, I knew you'd lust that idea! Take a look!

This season will bring us the return of Spiced Pear, along with new scents in Winter Berry, Frosted Fir, and Toasted Hazelnut! Let's take a look here at Spiced Pear, and Winter Berry!

Above you'll see method's red carpeting a brand new item this holiday, a potpourri ornament! Something beautiful to hang on the tree! Along with a candle trio, aroma ring, and hand wash.

Here's a shot of the candle trio box. (the candles total 6 .oz, so here's to hoping they're the same price as the current large size candles (6.5 .oz) I lust the great new holiday package design! (But of course, did we not think it would rock? It's method!)

Here's a look at the new Spiced Pear bamboo ring (all the aroma rings for the holidays are bamboo!), dish soap (I'm SO glad they're bringing this back in Spiced Pear! I've brought out my last bottle to use this fall, from the previous holiday season; and was hoping I'd be able to replenish my stock this holiday! And the Winter Berry spray cleaner.

And I leave you with Spiced Pear candles a'glowing. Look for Toasted Hazelnut and Frosted Fir sneaks soon!

darn you method

Sigh... ok, do you see that pic above. I went nuts. NUTS. Want the whole story?

So yesterday I'd mentioned how someone let me know about method bloq being sold at their local Goodwill; and how I started running around for the lust of my life, green mint, to no avail; but also stopped at Big Lots to see if they had anything. And discovered some cut grass and fresh lychee aroma pill combo packs. Then someone mentioned they found discontinued candles as well at their local Big Lots. So I ended up checking two other stores, and discovered nothing more than a few fresh lychee pill refills.

But still aching over the fact this person had found the elusive fig candle (which I like, well, just drool uncontrollably over, mind you) I decided to head on over WAY to the other side of town, and see what that Big Lots held for me. I hadn't been there in forever, forever, and forever. I was sure it'd be just like the other store finds. And you know what...

...it was like a freakin' gold mine of method madness! Do you see what I found in the pic above? Huh? HUH? Do you know HOW much money I spent there? Do you know how the lady at the cash register just sort of stared at me wondering why I was buying like fifty dollars worth of cleaning and candle products?? Let's pause for a moment... yes, I said it. Fifty dollars. That's CAR-AZY! Like, I can't figure out how I'm literally going to afford to pay for gasoline for my guzzling truck for the rest of the month, but I suddenly decide to throw down fifty dollars on method discontinued products cause, well, I can't help myself! It's a sickness I tell you, a sickness! No one should get this excited over cleaning products! Really! The guy in the cleaning aisle that worked at Big Lots and was stocking finally had to walk off for a moment, as I just stood there in awe of everything and couldn't figure out what I was going to get and just wanted to scoop up everything and he realized I was about to destroy all his work of neatly placed items on the shelves and had to just leave me to my own devices!

And so let's do a rundown here, ok? Cause really I can't believe I found some of this stuff. We're talking yes, that is spiced pear all surface cleaner you see there. What the heck?! That stuff hasn't been around for a year and a half! I couldn't believe it! Along with the spiced pear candles I'd finally bought earlier in the day, I'm full up on some spiced pear lust! Then we have three lavender + lemongrass pill refills in their old packaging, and two lavender floorcare bottles! Lavender floorcare, from back in the old school method days! Yo, where did this stuff come from?! I can add this to my two bottles of rosemary mint floorcare I still have, and I'm floorcare covered until I'm 90 years old, I believe! (Cause this stuff lasts forever, because you have to dilute the earlier version with water.) Then we have one lavender + lemongrass candle, just cause they had a few for some weird reason; and then the skies lit open and the clouds parted and we're talking six freakin' fig candles here people! Six! And I wanted to buy more (they had a few more left!) but just could NOT afford it. I'm in figgy fig Heaven! Man!

So there you have it, I'm so freakin' poor it's scary. I think I need to start going to method anonymous meetings, but my house will sure smell pretty while all this is happening. So be sure to head over to your nearest Big Lots, cause someone (be it method or Big Lots) decided to clean out their method vaults and went crazy! Have fun, let me know what you find!

(Note: another method luster let me know he found some fig aroma ring refills for $2. So it's just all sorts of stuff! If I could find some fig aroma pill refills, well, let's just say they'd have to cart me away to the funny farm! Cause I'd be so excited! Oh, and by the way, this is just what I bought. They also had eucalyptus + mint, lavender + lemongrass and sweet water pill combo packs; sweet water pill refills, and eucalyptus + mint candles!)