Bath & Body Works | Semi Annual Sale Finds

June 9, 2016

 

Here are some of my finds from the June Semi Annual Sale at Bath and Body Works stores until July 3rd.  I don't know about anyone else but I am READY for the fall and Halloween things....

 

Day one and  I got sprayed with lotion from an exploded in the box bottle and I was like...okay I am good... come on Pumpkins.

 

 First, there are a few new Pocketbac Hand Sanitizers out. My store had no clearance pocketbacs available any where....(they didn't have anything else good out 75% off either....wonder why?) But these are a few new refills with a brand new base price. $2.00.  Boo.   They are currently still in the promo buy 5 for $6.00 but I am not thrilled with this being another over inflated price jump. I can go to Walmart and grab a huge bottle of sanitizer for a few dollars and refill some older bottles rather than paying this new price point. 

 

 

 

  

Another new item out on the shelves; Summer Boardwalk in the White Barn Colored Glass Collection Candle.  It joined the Lavender Vanilla, Pomegranate Lemonade and Strawberry Cupcake already out earlier this week.

I am not sure how I feel about the Yellow Glass...I think it is one of those scents you expect to see in a nautical / summer themed stickered glass but I will be grabbing one when candles go on sale.

 

 

 

I was able to get a ceramic pineapple, well two actually.  I am not sure if I am keeping them both or selling one.

 

The collection of things available varied from store to store and those stores closest to me didn't have anything half as good for 75% off like others stores did....Not that I expected to see any cheap candles hit the floor here. I saw some interesting SA behavior for sure first thing Monday. And I was told anything good will not come out as the SA's will buy it first. 

 

 

The tall sunburst like luminary....I was talked into this....easily I might add.  I purchased the smaller version for - $19.50 - as soon as they came out earlier this year and I use it in my office at night as I work. Love it!  I am not sure what to do with this one...yet.

 

 

Found sitting alone on a shelf at the sale...Calling to me.  I answered.

 

 

At the cash wrap, a impulse clearance wallflower buy.

 

 

I said I was read for some pumpkins...

 

I found a few scrubs...no Lavender though...

 

And some 4 oz. candles.  The  huge pile of 4oz. candles on the cash wrap were apparently spoken for before I got there at opening. But I am glad to have these few. 

 

 

  

 

 Only at 50% off but still a good candle find.  I saw Salted Caramel too but passed...

And out of maybe a dozen Forever Red Creams, this was the only one that was new looking inside and not all stirred up like fingers were in it. Yuck.  I had to add it and the two WF bulbs to my second order because the mid store hand held check out (because of huge lines) wouldn't take my survey coupon I was told and I had to use a $10 off of $40 coupon instead. 25% off vs 33% off.  Hmmm.

 

 

On Monday the stores I visited wouldn't bring this out for sale.  Today I spotted in one of the stores I visited.

 

 

I noticed, since I am trying to tag my stash of signatures now with the year, that a few of the items I purchased...the Sonoma items....were dated 2016.  So am I to assume these aren't left overs from last year shipped to the store but now newly produced products?  Many of the other signature items in the red boxes had the year they released stamped on them.

 

On a scale of 1 - 10 my rating of the SAS so far is a 3. I am basing it on the items each store had to offer, the long lines I had to stand in to get a few things, the behavior of the staff ( more to that story for sure), and my expectations of what I would see not being met. 

 

Compared to other stores and photos shared on IG, and FB...many people are making a killing on some really great products while the rest of us have some boring same ole, same ole.  Tell me, if you can do production on signature fragrances for the sale, why is it so hard to pour some Sweet Shop Candles for the sale?  What is it about that line that we can't seem to get a redo on it?

 

With 24 more days of SAS to go what could be offered that would make me want to go back?

Bath and Body Works | Piecing Together a Past

Piecing Together a Past

I don’t know if you’re like me, but when I really like a brand—really like it—I want to know everything. From its earliest beginnings to what’s on the shelves today, I love diving into the story behind the name.

Years ago, when I began collecting Hallmark ornaments as a family tradition, I kept careful records—receipts, catalogs, and the little annual product guides they printed. For years, collectors like myself would chat in online groups, hoping Hallmark would create one master reference book that detailed everything: every ornament, every collection, every year. Eventually, Hallmark listened, and a compendium was born. It was worth every penny to own.

Now, my current obsession—Bath & Body Works—leaves me with far more questions than answers.

From what I’ve gathered, there’s no official history book or public archive documenting the brand’s full journey from its earliest days to now. Unlike Hallmark, Bath & Body Works seems focused almost entirely on what’s next. But for many of us, especially longtime fans, the past matters too.

So, I’ve taken it upon myself to collect and organize what I can—photos, product names, release years—on Pinterest and other platforms. I try to keep it current and as complete as possible, especially for newer collectors or anyone curious about the brand’s evolution.

When I’ve reached out to B&BW for info, those requests have mostly gone unanswered. Instead, it’s thanks to the community—fellow fans, bloggers, collectors, and sellers on sites like eBay—that we’re able to piece things together. And oh, how I regret tossing some of my early empties. facepalm

The company pushes forward, with new collections every month, and rarely seems to glance back. But I wish they would. I’d love to see store photos from the 90s—shelves stocked, walls decked out, the signage, the displays... the essence of the brand’s earliest days. It was a different kind of shopping experience then—one where you felt welcomed to explore, to try everything, where every scent was a little adventure. You weren’t just a sales target—you were a valued customer.

Back then, the scents were unique. You used products to the very last drop. And now, in my research, that’s what I keep finding—photos of nearly-empty bottles. Proof they were loved.

We know the general history: the brand didn’t start on a farm in New Albany, Ohio, as some stories suggest. It actually began with a few products sold inside an Express store in a mall during the 80s. Then in September 1990, the very first standalone Bath & Body Works store opened in the Cambridge Side Galleria in Massachusetts.

I wasn't paying much attention then—I was busy, I guess—but I do remember later shopping experiences that made a lasting impression. The warm, cozy feel. The variety of collections. The joy of discovery. And I rarely, if ever, returned anything.

Now, as I gather information for what I call the “Heritage Era,” I’m grateful to the many collectors who’ve shared their photos and stories. My Pinterest boards are slowly growing, and I’m working on organizing the collections by era.

Recently, when the brand launched its flashback fragrances for the Semi-Annual Sale, their own press release included original release dates. I posted those dates to Facebook, only to be immediately questioned by longtime fans who noticed discrepancies. And honestly, I can’t say with 100% certainty when each scent launched—I remember using them, loving them, but not the exact month or year. Still, you’d think someone at the company would get that right in a press release. Right?

Years ago, during the Forever Red launch, I shopped out of town and met a manager who’d earned a trip to Colorado and even got to visit the company’s home office. She described a “million-dollar room” filled with every product ever made. No photos allowed—but what a sight it must be. She called it beyond amazing. And if I had ever been invited, I think they’d still be trying to find me among the racks. 😊

I don’t know when that collection began, but I hope it started from day one. What a treasure trove it must be.

In the coming posts, I’ll be diving into the scent names and collections from years past—connecting the dots between old and new, and giving a little more structure to the puzzle. I’ll also continue to build out my Pinterest boards with images and info as I find it. I’d love for you to follow along.

Note: This is not an official page, and I’m not affiliated with or endorsed by Bath & Body Works or any other company. All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, and everything shared here is for editorial purposes only. I can't verify every detail, but I do my best to ensure what I share is accurate and well sourced.

Here’s to honoring the scent history we remember—and rediscovering the treasures we didn’t even know we missed.

Target | June 2016 Beauty Box(es) | Sneak Peek

May 28, 2016

 

The New Target Beauty Box for June 2016 hasn't gone live yet but there were some indications that it will be happening in the next few days since the products for the June boxes showed up here for a sneak peek.

 

 

Usually if you type in the search box on the Target.com page, BEAUTY BOX, it shows you a "wow those went quick" page with a box from the previous months posting and the products that came in that box...but if you follow these boxes, you will notice when they change the new products below that will be included in the upcoming box. 

 

This usually happens closer to the end of the month as they get ready to launch the new around the beginning of the next month.

 

I am thinking because there are so many masculine products shown along with feminine items, we will see two boxes this time...especially with Father's Day coming up, a men's box makes sense..

 

As always, we won't know the sizes of the samples or the shade options provided until they post the photos for the launch and we receive the boxes...but that is half of the fun of getting these. 

 

Here are the products shown that will be included in the boxes. 

Axe White Label Night Body Wash

Balla for Men - Original Powder

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

CoTZ® Face Natural SPF 40

Dove Men+Care Fresh and Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner

e.l.f. Tinted Lip Balm

göt2b Glued Styling Spiking Glue
Laneige Water Bank Serum
L'Oréal® Paris True Match Lumi Cushion™ Foundation
L'Oreal® Paris Revitalift Volume Filler Daily Re-Volumizing Moisturizer Cream

Marlowe No.142 Men's Shave Gel

NIVEA Men Crème

Nautica Ginger Eau De Toilette
Old Spice Hardest Working Collection Sweat Defense Pure Sport Plus Antiperspirant
Patene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo

Pixi Mesmerizing Mineral Palette

Remington Beard Boss Beard Oil 
Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter™ Body Butter
S.W. Basics Exfoliant
SheaMoisture® Fruit Fusion Coconut Weightless Creme Rinse
Schick Hydro 5 Men's Razor
Yes To Cucumbers Face Cleanser Towelettes

Pricing has been around $7.00 with the shipping included, but the box offered last month was priced at $10 so hopefully that won't become the new normal pricing.

 

I will post a link when the new box launches so you can grab yours as they usually sell out fast!

 

 

 

 

 

Bath & Body Works | Sale Information for May 27, 2016

Tomorrow, May 27th the three wick candles will be on sale and priced....

Buy one get one free.

The 20% off coupon is still valid so that will help reduce the cost per candle so make sure you use it.

I plan on purchasing two, getting two free and using a survey to make them about $8.75 each.