I made Valentine's Bath-Kets for the first time last year (1998). Some had wine in them (sold for around $125 each) and some just had some romantic/relaxing teas in them (sold for about $65 each) with soap, bath salts, scented body oils, and only ONE wash cloth or sponge. Turns out that the GUYS haven't figured out that the basket is for TWO.  

While I was on one of my monthly visits to this store to get my consignment check and order for the next month... this memorable little episode unfolded before my eyes! I was a bit early so I had to wait for the store owner for about 30 minutes or so. This was around the fifth or sixth of February in 1998.  

It seemed to be a very, very slow day, so, just for kicks, the clerk (she is a hoot, a 20-something just out of college and a wit to match soon-to-be-from-Texas Camille's) was dusting and putting up stock from boxes when a guy asked her what  was the most romantic thing she had in the store.  

She pointed out the Bath-Kets. "There's a good noogie nudger" she said as she pointed. I thought I was going to faint! I could not believe she would say such a thing to a customer! I had set my mind to have words with her after the customer left!  

Anyways, he looked it over and asked her what I was dying to ask myself...  

"Noogie nudger?"  

"Yeah, romantic stuff..." Then she looks at him with as if! all over her face... "To get her in the MOOD?," she drawls to give him a hint.  

I wanted to laugh so badly I had to step out of the store for a second and compose myself. As I strolled back in, acting as obviously casual as I could, she was explaining the various bath products in the baskets and what they would "do" to increase his chances of getting some (ahem) nice attention in return for his lavish indulgences to his girl's sensitive side.  

He bought one and left the store saying he needed to find his Dad.  

A few minutes later, an older distinguished man came in. He went right up to the clerk and asked "Where can I get that 'Noogie Nudger' basket?"  

"Where did you hear that?" the clerk asked him. She had turned beet red at hearing her own description she gave to a "peer" being used by an older man.  

"My son just bought one and he convinced me to get one too. See, he and his girlfriend are going to be wed on Valentine's Day. And, they are moving out of our house after living with us for about 2 years. Ever since he turned 12, his mother and I haven't had a private moment to ourselves! My wife and I hadn't even thought about a romantic evening in so long, she's gonna need all the nudging I can get."  

This, of course, made the clerk blush even more. But he bought the most expensive bath-ket in the lot! It would be fun to hear how he (ahem) made out with it, wouldn't it? Hee, hee,hee.  

Anyways, I told the clerk that she should be careful about what sort of off-the-cuff remarks she makes about the products in the store. Some folks would have been offended, which could have cost her boss some business. Then I congratulated her for her nice recovery of the situation. Geez--I guess sex really does sell!  

No, I don't really have any intention of calling the Bath-Kets "noogie nudgers" from now on! However, I must tell you that that same gentleman ordered a special bath-ket for this year! He told me exactly what he wanted in it and then cheerfully paid the $200 price tag! Of course, that price included the special delivery to the hotel room... wouldn't you guess? The Bridal Suite!  

Next month... the Birth of A Voodoo Berry! That's right, how did the whole mystique begin? And, more notes from the World of Soapnut List Buds!