So much going on

This is just outside my store window. What a beautiful Hibiscus.

Been working on the website. Installed a brand new website format, got most of it working. They come out with an update. That's installed now. Had to get a new template because of system changes. That's looking better, but there are still some layout issues. All and all its working out. I have had the "Webmaster" hat on way more than the "Soapmaker" hat. Need to get back to that. One very big issue with the soaps is the humidity. In my old store it was easy to control. This new location....dealing with 62%, not good for the soap curing process. Many soaps are not firming up. Will be building a drying room soon. That was in original plans, but it was axed.

The summer soaps are back in stock - Magnolia, Mom's Gardenias, Carolina Peach are ready. Honeysuckle is taking its time. Its a wee bit soft yet. Lavender, Coffee, Mocha, lemongrass, Oatmeal and everything else I am about and out of is slow drying.

The Pomegranate will be ripe soon. This one is decadent.

Birthing of Carolina Peach Soap, 18 pounds 15 ounces

Here she is... fresh but still in the comfort of her mold. A wee bit soft but full of fragrance mmmmmm.

Now she opened to the air.
This lets her breath and lot of good smells come out.

After about an hour, she is easier to hold.

She gets to rest for a while. Still a little soft to handle.

All naked to the world and ready to cut into loaves.

I think this would hurt, being cut with a wire, but they never squeal or move a bit.

Now cut into bars... they are about 4 ounces plus each.

The smell of cut fresh peaches is in the air...

Here they are! Set nicely on the Drying Rack. They will need to stay there for about 4 weeks. So they can cure. Then they will be ready to join the others in the store.

Spring Flower Show -

Our new fragrances are out! We have Honeysuckle, the scent of Honeysuckle in the morning with Calendula Petals for a little color. Magnolia, smells just like Magnolia blossoms and Carolina Peach. A light and clean fragrance with a touch of sweetness. Sweet Almond has a clean scent, but not over-powering. The Old-Fashioned Lye Soap is ready. Made from lard, no added fragrance. Very white, cleans well, but not a moisturizing soap. Very nice selection of the Natural Glycerin Soaps are ready in new spring fragrances. Jonquil Fleur, Strawberry, Violet, Lavender, Moonglow and more.

The Flower Show is today through Sunday. Come out get some flowers, a Funnel Cake and some soap.

Morning News-Herbs gain popularity among gardeners

A mention in the Morning News. I heard they had a picture of the store in the paper. Have to find a copy.

indie breakfast

This is Donna Maria Coles Johnson Of Indie Beauty Network and Jason Keath, Social Media Consultant. Indie Business hosted a breakfast meet about social media. Got loads of useful info and had a great time. Checkout there sites, very informative.


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This is a cool story about "Soap Smugglers" I found through Indie Business
ABC News http://tinyurl.com/ckzj22
NPR http://tinyurl.com/cldrs4

Lye Soap

My first experiment with CPOP (cold process oven process) soap. A fellow Soaper, Aimee Moran turned me on to this. It's regular CP soap set in a warm oven to complete the process. Looks good so far. This is made with lard. It will be harsh 'cause I made it that way. Lots of request for this. Think another name could be "Not safe for bath" Soap
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