Thankful For Soapmaking Skills During This Pandemic

public restrooms in Santa Monica, California

 
The other day I made a batch of soap.  I am so glad that I stocked up and ordered plenty of the oils and butters that I needed.   Like most of us, I never realized that this virus was coming.  It is now even more important  to wash our hands and face regularly.  It gives me comfort to know that I have plenty of soap stored in my cupboard, curing on the racks, and ready to use in the bathroom.

I had a little bit of trouble with my scale.   I think it needs a new battery.  It's so important to weigh all of your ingredients carefully,  and it's critical to be accurate.  It took several tries, but I finally got the scale to give me the exact reading that I needed. 

sinks on the island of Capri, Italy

For this batch I used: olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, lye and distilled water.  I added some Energy fragrance oil at trace.  It's been sitting in the molds on the kitchen table for a few days, under slabs of cardboard and a terry cloth towel.  I plan to put them into the freezer this afternoon and pop them out of the molds this evening.

After that, they will cure on the racks for several weeks.  It's so enjoyable to have mild, fragrant soaps that you have made yourself.  The bars moisturize your skin instead of drying it out or irritating it.  It took me a while to build up the nerve to start making it, but I am so glad that I did.       

Do you have enough soap at your house?  Do make your own, or do you buy it?

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100 Sales on Etsy

Today I mailed out a soap order that marked my 100th sale on Etsy.  I am very pleased about that; I never anticipated it.  I started my Etsy shop after having my hips replaced.  I had no idea if I would find any customers, and if it would continue.  At least it gave me a focus while I was healing.  I decided to add my hand knits and crocheted items, as well.  It's become a very enjoyable mail order business.  I adore my customers.  

The last three orders this week have been for cameo soaps.  I am busily making some more for my stash.  I whipped up a batch of Coconut Dream soap several days ago.  My neighbor requested it, because it lathers nicely in the hard water.  It has a 20% superfat, and only uses a few ingredients.   

I have been working through my paperwork and clutter.  As I get older, it is more of a challenge to stay organized.  If I'm not careful, I can become careless and messy.  With a small cottage, things look out of control very quickly if they are not put away in their place.  I am also writing daily lists in my datebook.  It helps me to remember what I'm doing and to not get distracted.  

My intuition nudged me yesterday to buy a couple of new things, instead of always focusing on used and older items.  I bought a bright red plaid pair of Ralph Lauren pajamas and a knee length, snug, taupe knit skirt.  It will be perfect to wear over leggings with my snow boots.  That way I won't feel so exposed.   Leggings are a bit tight and clingy to wear when you are 55.  January is a great time to buy clothing.  Things are always on sale after Christmas.

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Two Soap Orders Today

This morning I received two soap orders at my Etsy shop.  I was thrilled.  One was for my neighbor, so I hand delivered it to her.  The other I sent to a woman in Oklahoma.  She's a new customer. 

That gave me the impetus to make another batch of  Coconut Dream soap.  Since my dad died, I haven't felt the motivation to make any.  It's a relief to be inspired and excited about selling online again.  Grief has a strange effect.  It can make you sluggish and slow.  I had put my focus on keeping the house clean, staying up on the laundry, and doing yoga each night.  Those are still top priorities.  Riding my bike each morning with Lula is excellent cardio, too.

Last night I contacted a close friend and asked him if he would consider being my trustee.  He agreed.  I am so relieved.  He said that he just had the same conversation with his brother.  It is so important to choose someone who is detail oriented, responsible, good with money, and trustworthy.  This is a huge load off of my mind.  It had been bothering me.  It's so important to plan for the what ifs in life. 

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Back To Soapmaking

It's been ages since I made soap.  When my dad was going downhill, I just didn't have the energy or motivation.  My inspiration is back! Today I made a batch of Shea Butter Goat's Milk Soap with blueberry fragrance oil.  It's for an Etsy order that I received last week.

It was really enjoyable to melt the oils and shea butter, let them cool down for a couple of hours, and then add the lye, goat's milk soap ice cubes, and blueberry flavored scent.  It smells incredible ! I put the tray molds in the freezer for a half hour, and then transferred them into the fridge.  Once they have hardened, I will pop them out of the molds.

I've been on a cooking frenzy, too.  Since my dad died, I have started making and baking really delicious meals again.  Today I seasoned some chicken breasts and browned them in olive oil for tacos.  I whipped up some guacamole, and had a delicious lunch.  I love Mexican food.  It's so satisfying and flavorful.

What have you been having for meals lately?  Do you usually eat at home?

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Saving Money on Fruit

During the summer, I eat a tremendous amount of fruit.  From June until October, our weather is very hot and dry.  Eating watermelon and other melons helps to cool the body down, and the taste is divine.  I add some fresh lime juice to mine, it really brings out the flavor of the  fruit.

Yesterday I stewed the rest of the rhubarb that I had purchased last week.  I added some water and sugar, and let it simmer on the stove for about twenty minutes.  I stored it in a rectangular pyrex dish, and chilled it in the refrigerator.  It's so refreshing to enjoy as a snack.  I've been trying to eat less baked goods, and find that  the stewed fruit is just as delectable as a cobbler, crisp, or pie.

Today I bought some nectarines that were only .50 a pound.  The bananas are always a good deal, but when it's super hot I slice them up and store them in the fridge with the sliced melon.  Otherwise they get brown, mushy,  and overly ripe.

I defrosted some bbq sauce that I had made a while back and stored in the freezer.  It was delicious on the chicken breast filets that I picked up on sale at the Armenian market today.  I rode the bus to the store and back home with my friends.  We always have a animated chat  when we see each other.  It's a little public transportation community.  Some of them ride the Beach Bus, as well. 

I came home to an Etsy order for six goat's milk soaps, in the blueberry scent.  I was elated.  I still get so excited every time I make a sale.  I checked my supplies and there is still have plenty of the blueberry fragrance oil.  It's one of my favorites.

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Cutting the Confetti Soap

This morning I took the soap out of its mold. I let it sit for a few hours before cutting it. I wasn't able to get as clean of a cut as I would have liked, but I think the soaps are still lovely.  I was nervous about how they would come out; I can trim off the raggedy bits.  It's a relief when a new technique works.

I've been doing a lot of housework today. I needed to clean and straighten. I've really got to go through my kitchen cupboards and get rid of the things that I don't need. They are taking up too much space. I will put together a donation bag for the Salvation Army.

I plan to spend some time knitting my sweater today. For some reason, I haven't been knitting. I think it's because this is a new technique that I'm doing.  I have to concentrate and study the directions.

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Making Natural Soaps With Colored Shavings

Yesterday I made a batch of soap using Crisco, olive oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, sodium hydroxide, and blueberry fragrance oil. I grated up a bar of pink hot processed soap that I had made last Christmas, and stirred it into the batter.  I am dying to cut the bars. I need to leave the loaf in the freezer for one more night. I also have to make sure that the soap defrosts  before cutting. If I don't, the bars will crack. Ask me how I know...(I learned these things the hard way.)

I experimented with putting some green shavings of soap into my last batch of Coconut Dream soap.  I was initially disappointed with the way they looked, but after using them, the green color appears. I think they would be fun for children.  The look and texture of these makes me feel happy.I love the pale pastels of milk soaps.

I also baked a blueberry lemon tea bread the other day. My neighbor had given me a huge bag of  fresh Meyer Lemons from her tree. I squeezed them with my Braun electric juicer, and poured the juice  into ice cube trays. I don't want the lemons to go bad. This way I will have enough lemon juice for the rest of the year. Lemons are very expensive in the stores. My own tree hasn't given me any fruit in the past few years. This morning I noticed several blossoms ready to bloom, so I am hopeful.

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Creamy Coconut Oil Soap Recipe

24 ounces coconut oil
3.5 ounces lye
9 ounces distilled water or rainwater

Melt coconut oil over low heat or in microwave. Add lye to water, mixing carefully and thoroughly. Be sure to follow all safety precautions for when working with lye. Let the oil and water cool for twenty minutes.

Stick blend the oil and lye water together. Once it reaches trace, pour into molds. Cover and let set. This soap hardens very quickly. It is ready to unmold in a matter of hours.

Let bars cure for six to eight weeks before using.  They will be very hard and long lasting. They work well with detailed molds.

If adding fragrance, use .8 ounce. For coloring, I used 1/2 tsp. of  rose Brazilian clay.  


This recipe has 20% superfat.  It's an excellent bar for hard water. 

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Unmolded Two More Batches of Soap

butter soap

This morning I unmolded the shampoo bars and the butter soap. I made them on Friday. I filled three soap orders last week, so I am replenishing my supply. I went to a few different stores searching for macadamia nut oil, and couldn't find it anywhere. I ended up ordering it online, from Amazon.

Yesterday I checked on my Etsy orders to see if they had arrived. They were all marked "delivered." Phew! I am always relieved when the soaps are safely at their destination. One of my friends sent me a message that said, "The soaps arrived. They smell delicious!" That made me smile. This is her first time trying them.  We danced together twenty-five years ago at MGM.

socks with a short row heel

Today I am baking a loaf of No Knead Bread. It's on the second rise right now. I had forgotten that I had it in the oven overnight. At lunch time I smelled something odd, and then remembered it was there. It's such a treat to have homemade bread. I had stopped eating baked goods for a while, because I suspected they were making my legs ache. Since adding back the bread, my body is fine. It's such a treat to enjoy a chewy slice of buttered bread with my nightly salads.

I finished the blue striped socks that I was knitting. I will send them to my friend Eileen as a Mother's Day gift. I think she'll  love them.  We wear the same size shoe.  I gave her a homemade heart soap last time she came to LA to visit. She was so appreciative.

one of my walks with Lula in Ojai

I took a bike ride with Lula and my little neighbor this morning. She's such a sweet little girl. She's always in such high spirits, and tells me all about her daily activities. How is your weekend going?   

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Got My Taxes Done

Yesterday I had my taxes done at our local senior center. VITA provides volunteer tax accountants who will do your return free of charge. To qualify, you need to  make under a certain amount of money. I had a wonderful woman who was very helpful. She carefully went through all of my expenses with me, and gave me some excellent advice. She reminded me of  a teacher. I so appreciated her kindness and caring. She was so detailed and exact.

From there I drove over to Mail America and faxed my proof of income to Covered California. They had sent me a letter saying that they needed a copy of my tax return in order for me to keep my health insurance. It felt so satisfying to get those things done. I will be receiving almost $4,800. back from my health insurance payments. That money will go directly into savings and retirement. It's such a relief to have a financial cushion.

I had an Etsy order yesterday for some heart soaps, so I sent those off at the post office. I made another batch today. I took my time, and enjoyed stirring the soap batter. I scented it with Cranberry Chutney fragrance from Brambleberry. It smells heavenly!

I've got to do my physical therapy exercises and yoga now. I haven't done my push ups in ages, and I meant to be doing them every day. My dad is 88, and he does thirty push ups each day! I hope I'll be able to do them at that age, if I live that long. How are you?

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How Long Does My Soap Need To Cure?

hot processed olive oil soap

I have received some questions about cure time in soapmaking, so I decided to write a post on it today. When making cold processed soap, we normally wait four to six weeks to use the soap. It's raw, and the lye will damage your skin. Soap needs that time to mellow and age. If you have ever used a soap that gives  you a stinging, prickly sensation that is from the soapmaker using too short of a cure time. You can't rush the process. It takes patience. The longer the soap cures, the milder it becomes. Three months or longer is ideal. 

When making soap, we  wear shoes, gloves, goggles, and long pants,  and long sleeves so that the lye water does not splatter on  our skin. You don't want to risk a chemical burn from the lye water mixture spilling accidentally. I mix mine in the kitchen sink, with the windows and front door open, and have the ceiling fans running.

With hot processed soap, the batter is safe to handle once it has gone completely through all of the stages. You can see it turning from a creamy mixture like cold processed soap to something completely different. Here are some photos to show you the transformation.

early stages

 

 At this point, I had added half of the six ounces of coconut milk that I was using to make the batter more fluid. You can see how the oil is separating from the rest of the ingredients. It needs more cooking and stirring.

vaseline stage

 Now it's starting to shift.  At this point, I added 1 T sugar dissolved in 1 T hot water. It's important to have your measuring cups and ingredients warm, not cold. Temperature is critical in soapmaking.

applesauce stage

 Things move very quickly once the soap starts to thicken and come together. This is how it looks at applesauce stage. You are cooking off the lye. It's important not to breathe in the toxic fumes and to keep the room well ventilated.

Just before mashed potatoes stage

 Once the soap finishes cooking, it starts to stick together and pull off the sides of the crockpot. At this point you can turn the machine off, and add your extra ingredients. If you are scenting your soap and coloring it, now is the time. You want to heat the water and cup that you are using for your clay. I used 3 T yogurt at room temperature, and the second half of my warm coconut milk. I also added 1 T of fine seal salt dissolved in 1 T of hot water.

Using all of these additives felt counter-intuitive to me the first time. It seemed like so much extra liquid to add, as I am used to making cold processed soap. I was afraid that it would throw off the thickness and ruin the batch. Fluid hot processed is an entirely different technique. It's very effective, though. It helps to watch Youtube videos and to study the method. You can also make it without the additives, but it will be thick and gloppy.  You will have to plop it into the mold, and work very quickly. It hardens like candle wax when it hits the cold air.

You can sample a bar of this soap right away because it is no longer caustic. That is one of the reasons hot processed  appeals to so many soap makers. I let my hot processed bars cure for a couple of weeks, four weeks if I am going to sell them. It's fun to try out your latest soap immediately, and to enjoy the scent and the rich, creamy, bubbly lather. The fragrances don't fade and the bars really feel different, because they are cooked. I also enjoy the clean up, because you just have the crockpot, and you are not worried about touching raw soap with lye. For me, it makes me feel more relaxed. I still clean all of my utensils with boiling water. That's what they do in the labs. It's also a good idea to towel off your faucet handles and clean your counters with vinegar water.

When making cold processed milk soaps, (like goat's milk,) the bars need to cure for eight weeks. They require more time than a non milk soap. You can also make hot processed goat's milk soap, and it is safe to use right away. It's a bit trickier, though, because it separates during the cook time.   I hope that this answers some of your questions. Let me know if you try it. It's fabulous soap!  It is a lot of work, though. 

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Rebatched Soap In The Crockpot

Last night I decided to make a batch of hot processed soap. It had been quite a while since I had made soap this way. I lost my confidence after having a loaf go crumbly the last time I tried it. The sea salt and sugar that I added didn't dissolve. It was a 100% coconut oil soap recipe. I think that may have been part of the problem, too high a percentage of hard oils.  I decided to use a recipe using olive oil, so I did a simple one with coconut oil, olive oil, distilled water, sodium hydroxide, and cranberry fragrance oil.

Things started out pretty well. I had purchased a used crockpot at The Church of Hope Thrift Shop down the street. It was marked at $5.00, and I got it at 50% off. This was my first time trying hot processed soap in a crockpot. I plan to use it  for  soapmaking only.

I watched the soap batter transform through the clear lid. It went through the different stages: bubbling up, looking like vaseline,  and moving into the applesauce stage. I tried working at a higher temperature this time. I melted the oils in the crockpot, and added the lye water right away, rather than letting it cool. I mixed in a tsp. of sugar that I had combined with a T of distilled water. It caused some clumps in the lye water, which made me nervous. I strained the lye water as I poured it into the crockpot.

After about 45 minutes, I added cranberry chutney fragrance oil and a tsp. of red Brazilian clay mixed into a T of distilled water. I heated the water before combining them. To my dismay, the soap started to separate. When I put it in the mold, the loaf looked like it was sitting in oil. I got a familiar feeling of dread and failure.

I placed it in the freezer, and took a hot bath. I removed it afterward, sliced  the oily soaps and cut them up into quarters. I put them back into the crockpot, and did a rebatch. The soap started to come together, and it looked much better. I mixed it together and pressed it into my silicone loaf mold.

This morning I removed it and sliced it into pieces. They smell divine, and I really am happy with the peachy shade of pink from the natural clay. I used a bar this morning in the shower, and fell in love. I had forgotten that rebatched soap is my absolute favorite to use. It's so mild. The lather is wonderful and bubbly. I have been finding several reasons to happily wash my hands.

These will make really nice Christmas gifts for  my friends, knitting ladies, and neighbors.  They are more simple and country looking than the molded cold processed soaps that I usually make. I like how old fashioned they seem and  feel.  They remind me of farmhouse soaps that women my grandmother's age made in  the fifties.  

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Sending Out Soaps For Christmas

Yesterday I received an order in my Etsy shop. It was from a dancer  friend who now lives in Pennsylvania. She wanted ten soaps; she plans to give them as Christmas gifts. This morning I wrapped each of them  in bubble wrap. taped it carefully, and then stuffed them inside small muslin drawstring bags. I wrote out the vintage Santa labels by hand , and wrapped and secured them around the soaps. After that, I printed out the packing slip and shipping label. I really enjoy getting holiday packages ready to ship.

Knowing which size to use for sending boxes can be tricky. In this case, the medium size flat rate box was the best deal. Sometimes I also use the Regional Box A size.  Small business owners in America can order special Priority Mail boxes in different sizes online through the US Postal Service. They are free of charge, and can be delivered to your business or home. I keep a stash with my packing supplies. I also recycle bubble wrap, newspaper, and popcorn, as long as it's clean.

After sending off that order, I had another waiting for me when I got home. This one is for six bars of soap. The customer is  a lady who plays bridge with my father. She gives them as gifts to her friends at the bridge club.  She's a very kind and friendly person. It's fun to connect with people annually and be part of their traditions. Each December, I always wish that I had made more soap. I plan to whip up a few batches this week to store for the future.

At this time of year, the hard work that I've done over the summer starts to pay off handsomely. There are oranges to pick, pumpkins and squash to harvest, and soaps to mail to customers, family,  and friends. It inspires me to continue to sow seeds for the future.  Do you plan to mail many packages this year?

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Christmas Crafts

 
I finished a couple sets of the Christmas pot holders. They still need to be blocked and listed on Etsy. They are so easy to crochet. I plan to use the leftover yarn to make a few simple drawstring soap bags that double as washcloths. I like having something easy to work on when I'm in a group.  The bag below is a yarn holder for a center pull ball of yarn. The pattern is called Handy Dandy Sock Yarn Bags. It's listed under with her free patterns, under Crochet. 

I have been busy filling Etsy orders. I need to print up some more Christmas labels for my soaps.

The mauve lace curtains arrived! I am very pleased with them. They look so old fashioned, and fit in beautifully with the vintage furniture and antiques. My mom would approve. They let the sunlight stream in, yet provide privacy during the day.  I will need to find something to put over them in the evenings. For now, I'm using the old balloon shades. They are a bit tattered, but I mended them. My German Shepherd, Carlie, had ripped through them during an anxiety attack. She used to be so frightened of storms. She would literally climb the walls. (and try to jump out of windows.) She finally settled on crouching in the bathtub. I miss her.

After hearing the news of my friend Kate's death, I felt like I was moving through mud.  I've been making an effort to cook quick, healthy meals. Last night that was pan fried filet mignon, (bought on sale,) brussells sprouts, and baked potatoes. Because of the grief,  the smallest tasks seemed to take so much effort. Today is much easier.  I have been writing about her, and that is helping. I even sat and watched a few psychic and medium shows on Youtube. It sounds funny, but it was comforting. I hope you are doing well. 

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Made Some Green Christmas Soaps Today

soap batter

I made a batch of Shea Butter Goat's Milk Soap this afternoon.  I used green mica to color it; I'm really pleased with the result. It will be exciting to cut and unmold (unmould) these soaps in a few days.  This was my first time using the mica for coloring. I normally use Brazilian clays for swirls and accents. I like how the milk soaps turn out with color. They have a pastel hue. It's subtle and  pretty.

fir tree soaps

My Etsy shop  usually gets pretty active this time of year, so I am busy making soaps for the holiday season. I plan to make several more batches this month. I need to start printing out extra labels, too. I've got a huge box full of small muslin drawstring bags that I ordered last year. I also have several blocks of shea butter in the fridge. It's nice to have plenty of supplies. I'm glad that I invested in all that I needed last year.  

I have been making an effort to try new things and vary my diet lately. If I watch the news or read about people who are arguing, it makes me feel depressed. Even the dance publications have gotten very political. I decided to get grounded in the home, for peace of mind.  I tend to gravitate toward the familiar. I made hash browns for lunch, which I hadn't done in ages. I'd forgotten how delicious they are. Now that the weather is getting cooler I can start cooking and baking some traditional favorites. It's funny how just a small change in what we are doing, creatively, can lift our spirits.  Can't wait to see how these soaps turn out! It's funny how just a bit of color changes the whole vibe. I used Energy fragrance on this batch. It's a fresh, fruity,  jasmine scent. Everyone seems to love it.

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Back to Soapmaking

Yesterday I made a batch of coconut oil soap with a 20% superfat. I love this recipe; it creates a wonderful, creamy soap. The color is a snowy white. It has a terrific lather, and works very well in hard water. I unmolded the soaps this morning. I popped them into the freezer for a few hours after making my morning coffee. When I turned them upside down, they fell out of the molds.  It's always a great relief when the soaps don't stick.  Now they are on the racks, curing.

I also baked a loaf of banana bread yesterday. It felt good to use up the ripe bananas that were in the fruit bowl. This recipe called for two large eggs, so I used three of my tiny Silkie eggs. It's rewarding to have them from your own backyard hens. They're so fresh, and the yolks are bright orange.  The bread came out very nicely. It was soft, moist, and flavorful.

I don't bake very often anymore. I have noticed that I don't have any aches or pains if I avoid eating baked desserts and bread. Yesterday I pigged out on the fresh banana bread and ate THREE pieces! That was a mistake. My legs ached a tiny bit during the night, which they never do anymore. (since having hip replacement surgery.) If I'm going to bake, I'll have to practice more self control. Today I've been much better; I just had one piece. It's funny how your tolerance for certain foods changes as you get older. Have you been doing any baking these days?

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Pastel Baby Booties

After finishing the crocheted stroller blanket for my friend's grandson, I decided to whip up a pair of matching baby booties. I love the variegated yarn, and thought it would look cute with a lavender chained tie. I had that yarn in my stash, as well.  This was my first time making booties. I found a simple pattern on the Paton's website. They are very quick and easy. It reminded me of making adult slippers, but in a miniature size. These will fit a baby who is six months to a year.

Here is  a closer shot of them. I packed them up and sent them off with the blanket and socks this afternoon. It felt so good to get everything in the mail. I can't wait to see a photo of the baby in them! He isn't due until October.

I made a batch of Rosemary Olive Oil Soap for Pink Cottage Soaps. This is part of an order that's going to New York. I had a problem with a partial gel and tunneling in my last batch, so this time I popped the loaf right into the freezer. I like the look of this soap recipe when it's sliced. You can see the flecks of dried rosemary in the pieces that way.  I'll post photos tomorrow, once it's cut.  I'm enjoying using this silicone mold (mould) that I bought on Brambleberry.  I worried when I bought it that I wouldn't get much use out of it. I was wrong. It's very well made, and I love it for the swirled colorful soaps, and those made with dried  herbs.

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Textured Socks

I started the Hermione's Everyday Socks pattern today. I combined a couple of the colors of Tofutsies sock yarn from my stash. This is a fun and easy pattern. It's free on Ravelry. You can find it here. I've just done a few repeats of the four row pattern. I love it. If any of you sock knitters would like to join me, I'd enjoy  hearing from you. I knit plain socks for years, and am just getting into patterns and texture.

I unmolded  a batch of Shea Butter Goat's Milk Soap today. These are the cameos.

And these are the sheep. They're so cute! I got the molds at Milky Way Molds in Portland, OR. I love the detail. I have two large batches that will be shipped to New York. These are curing on the racks now. The fresh rosemary from my garden is drying for the next one. It's an unscented Olive Oil Soap with rosemary.

I have added a long walk to my daily routine. I notice a big difference in my legs already. Nothing works the muscles like dancing, but every bit of exercise helps.  Do you walk regularly?  

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Unmolded the Goat's Milk Soap

 
This morning I unmolded the goat's milk soap. This was the Martha Stewart recipe with Crisco. I was eager to see how it would turn out; it popped out of the molds very easily. I have learned to be patient, and to let the soap completely harden. The center one was one that I tested too early. I will keep it as a sample.

I finished up the article on knowing your type for Dance Magazine this afternoon. I added  my editor's changes, and included a few small tweaks of my own. I am really exited about this piece.  It's advice that I believe will help dancers pursuing a career on stage.  I will post a link here, once it's published.

A raccoon got into my homegrown artichokes  the other night. He or she decimated three quarters of the stalks and flowers on my largest plant. I chopped them up and threw them into  the compost bin. Gardening has so many unexpected challenges. Oh well. "Win a few, lose a few," as my Aunt Mary used to say...

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Working on Etsy Orders

This past week has been excellent, as far as business. I received a big knitting order at my Etsy shop, Pink Cottage Soaps. The customer wants a lovely hand spun cream colored cashmere scarf and hat. The yarn is so soft, and is such a pleasure to knit! It has a delicate diamonds pattern that gives it a very nice texture. I love the feel of it. Scarves take a long time to knit, though. I've been working for several hours a day on it.

This morning I received an order for two pink valentine soaps. I love this mold. It's so feminine and pretty. I boxed them up and shipped them off to Texas. I've got to make several batches of more soap. My stash has gotten pretty low, since I sold most of what I made for Christmas presents. On Wednesday  a woman in my knitting group purchased a couple of bars of olive oil soap for her husband. He has sensitive skin, and this mild soap works for him.  Each little sale matters. I like knowing that so many people are scattered around the country, enjoying my handmade soaps. It makes me feel happy.

Lana and I went for a lovely hike this morning. The oaks were just beautiful. They have such a calming presence. I brought home a few acorns. I plan to plant them in my backyard, and see if I can grow a wise oak tree of my own. It's just amazing to me that such a huge tree can come from such a small nut. The power of a seed is incredible.  How are you doing?

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