Monday, March 9, 2026

Mardi Maxwell Books | Zarronian Warriors Sci-Fi Romance Series & Doms of Club Mystique

Mardi Maxwell

Contemporary Erotic Romance & Steamy Sci-Fi Romance

To Love and Disobey

The Doms of Club Mystique – Book 1

Addison Mathews’ parents left her wealthy in assets but bankrupt in love. She learned early to be wary of people until the day she met—and claimed—Cade Ramsey.

Cade Ramsey works for a global security agency. He's a no-tolerance Dom who doesn't believe in love. He and his brothers own Club Mystique, an exclusive BDSM club located on their ranch in North Texas.

When Cade decides to give up the lifestyle, he believes Addison is the perfect woman to become his wife. But when Addison discovers his secret life, everything changes.

Before they can resolve their differences, an enemy from Cade’s past targets Addison. Cade must fight to save her—but can he overcome his past in time to build a future with her?

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Mardi Maxwell is the author of The Doms of Club Mystique series, The Zarronian Warriors series, and two additional sci-fi novels, Stone and Wynter’s Warrior.

She recently regained the rights to the Doms of Club Mystique series and is currently re-editing the books while adding new material. The first book, To Love and Disobey, has already been republished.

The second book, Jackson’s Sub, will be released in mid-March 2026, followed by additional releases every 2–3 weeks until the entire seven-book series is available again.

When she isn’t writing, Mardi enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, gardening, and relaxing on the patio listening to birds sing with a glass of wine in hand.

Friday, February 20, 2026

What's the Story Behind TOC Creations

 

www.toccreations.com 


I was so tired of boring soaps and all the insane chemicals in them, so I decided to create my own line of heritage clay soap bars. As I can't work with lye, due to medical conditions, I searched until I found the most pure goat milk soap base available and decided to make it part of my soap making process.  Before all the soap snobs jump in and say that melt and pour is not real soap, or it's detergent, you're absolutely wrong.  When I say I researched, I truly researched and I want to share with you exactly what is in the goat milk soap base I've chosen so you can educate yourself.  


Water (Aqua) – Used during soapmaking. Harmless and evaporates during use.

Glycerin – Draws moisture to the skin. Common in skincare and baby products.

Sorbitol – Sugar-derived ingredient that improves glide and smoothness.

Olive Oil – Conditioning oil known for gentle skin care.

Coconut Oil – Provides cleansing and lather once turned into soap.

Stearic Acid – Plant-derived fatty acid that hardens soap and stabilizes lather.

Hydrolyzed Goat Milk – Processed for stability and gentle skin conditioning.

Sodium Hydroxide – Required to make soap. Fully consumed during saponification. No active lye remains in finished soap.

Titanium Dioxide – Mineral used for opacity and color balance.

Sodium Chloride – Salt that improves bar firmness.

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate – Helps prevent soap scum and improves performance.

Citric Acid – Balances PH for a milder bar.


In case you're wondering, yes there are a lot of soap snobs out there that don't educate themselves on melt and pour soap bases that are just as pure as a cold process soap.  So, I found a great base and now I had to figure out how to make them into the colors I wanted and that sent me down a rabbit hole of time based traditions that really inspired me.  Clay!  Used in historical created soaps it was a great fit for my collection and I'm so glad I went down that rabbit hole!  A little information about my clays which you can also find on the website.


https://toccreations.com/clay-history



I had to make a bar with Crimson in the name, and this one is one of my favorites!  I love the smell of pomegranates (and the taste but this is soap so don't eat it LOL).  It made perfect sense to use this Crimson colored soap a part of the heritage soap clay collection.   Which leads me into the next topic, scents.  This is something that I researched for a long time as well.  I didn't want my soap to just look good I wanted it to have amazing, skin safe fragrance.

The Crimson Silk pomegranate scent  has been revered for thousands of years, originating in ancient regions of Mesopotamia and Persia. From there, it spread throughout the Mediterranean, prized for its deep crimson color and symbolism of abundance and renewal. Its legacy endures as a timeless emblem of richness and beauty.

The Sacred Sandalwood has a sandalwood scent.  Sandalwood has been treasured for thousands of years, originating in the sacred forests of India, where it was used in ritual, meditation, and fine craftsmanship. Valued for its warm, grounding aroma, it became a symbol of spiritual devotion and enduring luxury across ancient cultures.

The Obsidian Sage bar has a Sea Salt/Sage fragrance.  Sage has been used since antiquity along the Mediterranean coast, particularly in regions of Ancient Greece and Rome, where it was valued for cleansing and protection. Paired with sea salt—harvested for centuries from nearby shores—it evokes the ancient practice of purifying both body and spirit through earth and sea.

The Amethyst Veil bar has a Jasmine and Dark Berry scent.  Jasmine was first cultivated in the ancient lands of Persia and South Asia, where it was prized for its intoxicating fragrance and association with beauty and spirituality. Dark berries, gathered for centuries across Europe and the Mediterranean, added depth and richness, symbolizing abundance and quiet luxury.

The Roasted Earth Bar is Coffee and Chocolate scented. Coffee traces its origins to the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where it was first cultivated and later traded across the Middle East and Europe as a cherished ritual drink. Chocolate, derived from cacao first revered by the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, was once considered sacred—together evoking warmth, depth, and enduring richness.

The Mineral Earth Bar is White Tea Scented.  White tea originated in the ancient tea gardens of China, where it was reserved for royalty and valued for its delicate, untouched leaves. Prized for its purity and subtle fragrance, it became a symbol of refinement, balance, and quiet luxury.

A lot of love, time, and energy was put into this curated collection.  I hope you enjoy using it.  Feel free to leave a comment.  I'd love to hear from you!

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Heritage Clay Soaps: Ancient Traditions, Reimagined for Today

 

Heritage Clay Soaps: Ancient Traditions, Reimagined for Today




Long before soap was something wrapped in plastic and stacked on store shelves, it was a ritual. A craft. A necessity shaped by the land, the climate, and the wisdom of the people who made it. Across thousands of years, soapmaking evolved not through trends, but through survival, care, and deep respect for natural materials.

At TOC Creations, our Heritage Clay Soaps are built on that legacy.

Soapmaking as One of Humanity’s Oldest Crafts

Historical records show that soapmaking dates back nearly 5,000 years. Early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and later the Mediterranean relied on simple, powerful ingredients: oils, alkaline salts, and mineral-rich earth. These were not luxury product, they were essential tools for health, hygiene, and spiritual cleansing.

Clay, in particular, played a vital role. Used in bathing rituals across ancient cultures, clays were prized for their ability to gently cleanse, draw impurities from the skin, and soothe irritation. Different regions relied on different clays depending on what the earth provided, each one carrying its own mineral fingerprint.

The Role of Clay in Traditional Soap

In places like the Levant, North Africa, and Southern Europe, clay-enhanced soaps became staples of daily life. These soaps weren’t made for color or novelty. They were made for function, longevity, and skin health.

Clays helped:

  • Absorb excess oil without stripping the skin

  • Provide gentle exfoliation

  • Calm sensitive or irritated skin

  • Add strength and stability to soap bars

These soaps aged well, traveled well, and were often passed down as household knowledge, recipes refined over generations.

Respecting Tradition Without Freezing It in Time

Honoring tradition doesn’t mean refusing progress. It means understanding why something worked, then carrying that wisdom forward with care.

Our Heritage Clay Collection takes inspiration from these ancient practices while embracing modern soapmaking standards. We use a goat milk melt & pour base as our foundation, chosen for its gentleness, creamy lather, and skin-conditioning properties. Goat milk itself has a long history in skincare, valued for its lactic acid content and nourishing fats.

Into this modern base, we introduce time-honored elements:

  • Mineral-rich natural clays

  • Thoughtful oil profiles already saponified for safety and consistency

  • Carefully selected fragrance oils used at skin-safe levels

The result is a soap that feels rooted in history but fits seamlessly into contemporary life.

Each Bar Tells a Story

Every Heritage Clay soap is designed intentionally. We don’t use clays as decoration or trend-driven colorants. Each clay is chosen for its properties, tone, and the feeling it evokes.

From warm earth tones to soft mineral hues, the colors in these soaps come directly from the clay itself, just as they would have centuries ago. No artificial brightness. No unnecessary additives. Just the quiet beauty of the earth.

A Living Tradition

Soapmaking has never been static. It has always evolved with the tools, ingredients, and needs of the time. What matters is the respect for process and purpose.

By creating Heritage Clay Soaps today, we’re not recreating the past, we’re continuing it.

These bars are meant to be used, enjoyed, and integrated into daily rituals. They are a reminder that even in a fast-paced world, there is value in slowing down and choosing things made with intention.

When you use a Heritage Clay Soap, you’re holding a piece of living history, reshaped for modern hands, but guided by ancient wisdom.

And that tradition continues every time the bar meets water.


Monday, February 2, 2026

TOC Creations Heritage Clay Collection

 

TOC Creations Heritage Clay Collection

A curated collection of six artisan goat milk soaps inspired by mineral earth, ancient clays, and quiet luxury. Each bar in our Heritage Clay Collection is crafted using our  Goat Milk Soap Base and thoughtfully selected clays to deliver a balanced, skin-loving cleanse.

Return to TOC Creations


Amethyst Veil



Soft, grounding, and quietly elegant, Amethyst Veil is inspired by the calming presence of violet mineral stone and ritual self‑care.

Formulated with Brazilian Purple Clay, this bar offers gentle cleansing while maintaining the creamy, conditioning feel of our goat milk base. The clay lends a muted lavender tone and a refined, silky finish.

Scented with a Jasmine and Dark Berries fragrance, Amethyst Veil is designed for moments of calm — a soap that feels serene, never overpowering.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Gentle clay cleansing without dryness

  • Creamy lather from goat milk soap base

  • A soft, spa‑like lavender aroma


Crimson Silk


Rich, velvety, and indulgent, Crimson Silk is a statement bar inspired by deep red clay and luxurious texture.

Made with French Red Clay, this soap delivers a silky feel and a warm, earthy tone reminiscent of natural mineral pigments. The lather is smooth and dense, creating a refined cleansing experience.

Finished with a pomegranate and vanilla fragrance, Crimson Silk balances fruit warmth with soft sweetness — bold yet elegant.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Silky lather with a refined feel

  • Mineral‑rich red clay

  • Warm, sophisticated fragrance profile


Mineral Veil



Clean, light, and quietly luxurious, Mineral Veil is designed for those who love a fresh, understated bar.

This soap features a pale, mineral‑inspired appearance and a creamy goat milk base that leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable after every use. Subtle clay accents provide balance without heaviness.

Scented with White Tea, Mineral Veil feels fresh and modern — perfect for everyday use.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Light, breathable feel on skin

  • Minimalist mineral aesthetic

  • Clean, calming fragrance


Sacred Sandalwood



Warm, grounding, and timeless, Sacred Sandalwood draws inspiration from ancient rituals and natural wood tones.

This bar blends earthy clay elements with our goat milk soap base to create a smooth, comforting lather. Its rich tone and subtle texture give it a grounded, heritage feel.

Sandalwood fragrance adds depth and warmth without overpowering — calm, steady, and refined.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Earth‑inspired color and texture

  • Comforting, creamy cleanse

  • Warm, meditative scent profile


Obsidian Sage



Dark, modern, and striking, Obsidian Sage is inspired by volcanic stone and botanical clarity.

Crafted with deep-toned clays, this bar has a bold appearance paired with a surprisingly gentle lather. The goat milk base keeps the cleanse balanced and conditioning.

Finished with a sage‑forward fragrance, Obsidian Sage feels fresh, herbal, and grounding.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Dramatic, mineral‑rich appearance

  • Smooth, non‑drying lather

  • Clean, herbaceous scent


Roasted Earth



Deep, warm, and elemental, Roasted Earth is inspired by sun‑warmed soil and natural clay deposits.

This bar features a rich espresso‑brown tone created through a blend of heritage clays. The result is a dense, creamy lather with a grounding, earthy presence.

Roasted Earth feels rustic yet refined — a perfect balance of raw nature and quiet luxury.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Deep, earthy color and feel

  • Creamy goat milk lather

  • Grounded, natural aesthetic


Crafted with Intention

All TOC Creations Heritage Clay Soaps are made with:

  • Goat Milk Soap Base

  • Thoughtfully selected clays

  • No harsh detergents

  • No active lye in finished soap

Each bar is designed to cleanse gently while elevating your daily ritual.

Saturday, January 31, 2026

The Art of the Pivot: Honoring the Ritual, Refining the Label

 

The Art of the Pivot: Honoring the Ritual, Refining the Label



www.toccreations.com

There is a certain rhythm to working with the earth. When we set out to create the Heritage Clay Collection, we knew that working with raw ingredients like Purple Brazilian Clay and Dead Sea Mud would require patience, respect, and a willingness to listen to the materials.

But as we got closer to sharing these bars with you, we realized we needed to make a change.

A Note on Our New Labels

You may notice that our labels look a little different than our early previews. We’ve made the intentional decision to refine our language, focusing strictly on the purity of the cleanse.

In our excitement to share the historical power of these clays, we realized that some of our descriptions leaned into territory that didn't quite fit the "Simple Ritual" we stand for. We aren't here to offer "miracle cures" or complex cosmetic promises. We are here to offer you a beautiful, traditional bar of soap.

We’ve stripped back the claims to focus on what matters: the origin of the clay, the creamy goat milk lather, and the physical act of washing away the day.

Why the Change Matters

By shifting our focus to "Soap-Only" descriptions, we are protecting the integrity of TOC Creations. We want you to love these bars for exactly what they are:

  • Honest ingredients.

  • Ancestral textures.

  • A clean rinse.

We apologize if this shift causes any confusion, but we believe that transparency is the cornerstone of heritage. We’d rather be clear and compliant than over-promise and under-deliver.

What Hasn't Changed

The recipes are exactly the same. The clays are still sourced from the same mineral-rich veins in Brazil, France, and Morocco. The goat milk is still as creamy as ever. The ritual is still yours to enjoy.

The Amethyst Veil, Obsidian Sage, and the rest of the collection are cured, labeled (with their new, honest coats), and ready for your home.

Thank you for growing with us. We can’t wait for you to unearth these for yourselves.

— The TOC Creations Team

Friday, January 30, 2026

TOC Creations is Excited to Announce Our New Heritage Clay Collection

The Art of the Earth: Rediscovering the Ancient Ritual of Clay



​In a world of synthetic lathers and plastic bottles, there is a quiet power in returning to the source.

​For thousands of years, civilizations have looked to the earth to purify and renew. From the mineral-rich banks of the Nile, where Egyptian royalty bathed in river silts, to the volcanic highlands where ancient communities sought the grounding pull of the soil—clay has always been more than just "dirt." It was a sacred element; a gift from the earth used in the bathing rituals of our ancestors to signify a new beginning.

​At TOC Creations, we believe that history shouldn't be confined to a museum. It should be felt. Our Heritage Clay Collection is a tribute to that timeless history—bringing the raw beauty of the earth into your modern sanctuary.

​A Legacy in Every Swirl

​The intricate textures you see atop each bar are not just for aesthetics. They represent the topography of the land and the fluid motion of the ancient waters that once carried these minerals to us.

​When you hold a bar of Obsidian Sage or Mineral Veil, you aren’t just holding soap. You are holding a craft that honors the "slow" methods of the past:

​The Patience of the Earth: We use natural clays that have formed over millennia.

​The Hand of the Maker: Each bar is hand-poured in small batches, echoing the artisanal traditions of old-world apothecaries.

​The Ritual of the Scent: We choose scents like Sandalwood and Sage—aromas that have filled sacred spaces for generations.

​Why Clay?

​Clay is a unique medium because it bridges the gap between the physical and the sensory. It provides a "slip" and a creamy density that synthetic alternatives simply cannot replicate.

​The Weight of Tradition: There is a specific, velvety weight to a clay-rich lather that feels grounded and substantial.

​The Mineral Connection: By using Brazilian Purple Clay, Dead Sea Mud, and Activated Charcoal, we invite the diverse geography of the world into your home.

​The Visual Ceremony: As the water hits the hand-carved swirls, the bar reveals its depth, turning your bathroom into a private gallery.

​Elevate Your Everyday

​Your daily wash is one of the few moments in a busy day that belongs entirely to you. Why not make it a ritual?

​We invite you to step away from the noise of the modern world and reconnect with the heritage of the earth. Choose the bar that speaks to your spirit—whether it is the invigorating pull of Roasted Earth or the serene, floral embrace of Amethyst Veil.

​The earth has been taking care of us for thousands of years. It’s time to bring that wisdom home.


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