I know it's been a while since my last blog post. I've been extremely busy with college work this semester. It's been a challenge keeping up with school, business, and family.
While I have not rolled out any new products, I have joined Etsy for some added exposure. I've heard great things about the site & I'm amazed at all the beautifully handcrafted items for sale.
If you get time, please check out my Etsy shop. There are only a few items listed now, but I hope to add more soon.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Handcrafted Soap - Wholesale
Do you have a business interested in selling high quality hand crafted soap? Country Meadow Creations offers both Glycerin Bath Bars and All Natural Cold Process Soap at wholesale prices.
Glycerin soap is made with a natural soap base and fragrance oils. Cold process soap is made with all natural oils and butters as well as essential oils for scent.
All soap is hand made by the owner and created especially for you. Once an order is placed and paid for, the soap is hand made for you. Your order will be freshly made, not one that has been sitting in an inventory for months!
All terms and conditions are listed on the Wholesale Soap page of our website.
Glycerin soap is made with a natural soap base and fragrance oils. Cold process soap is made with all natural oils and butters as well as essential oils for scent.
All soap is hand made by the owner and created especially for you. Once an order is placed and paid for, the soap is hand made for you. Your order will be freshly made, not one that has been sitting in an inventory for months!
All terms and conditions are listed on the Wholesale Soap page of our website.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Free 4oz Glycerin Bath Bar - August Sale
Month of August Sale:
For the entire month of August, purchase $15 or more of handmade soaps and receive a FREE 4oz bar of Glycerin Soap!
Please make your choice of scent from our list, and place your request in the comments section of the shopping cart. If no scent is chosen, we'll choose one for you from our popular sellers.
**This sale applies to handmade & decorative soaps only. It does not apply to wholesale orders, previous orders, or Kat's Coffees & More products.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Where I spent my summer vacation...
Our family traveled to NY state for our summer vacation to visit family and friends. We had a wonderful time and even did a "touristy" thing, going to Boldt Castle in the 1000 Islands. I had never been and was just in awe of the amazing detail, scenic views, and just the thought of living in a castle was mesmerizing. I am hoping to upload my pics to Flickr soon and will post an update when they are viewable.
A highlight of my vacation was attending the CNY SoapMakers 8th Annual Soap Makers Gathering. This is a Yahoo group of soapmakers living mainly in NY state and the group gets together for food, fun, product swaps, demonstrations, and a wealth of sharing about our field once a year. This is the first gathering I've been able to attend in a few years, since moving to SC. It is a good opportunity for new soapmakers and experienced soapmakers to get together to network and share information about handmade soap.
One of our members gave a shrink wrapping demonstration and another talked about herbs. I would like to incorporate more herbs/botanicals into my all natural cold process soaps and this was just the information I was looking for! I hope to put what I learned to good use in the near future.
I would also like to thank all of the very generous soap making suppliers and other companies who donated items to the group for goodie bags for all attendees and for our door prizes. The companies who donated can be found on our website: CNY SoapMakers
A highlight of my vacation was attending the CNY SoapMakers 8th Annual Soap Makers Gathering. This is a Yahoo group of soapmakers living mainly in NY state and the group gets together for food, fun, product swaps, demonstrations, and a wealth of sharing about our field once a year. This is the first gathering I've been able to attend in a few years, since moving to SC. It is a good opportunity for new soapmakers and experienced soapmakers to get together to network and share information about handmade soap.
One of our members gave a shrink wrapping demonstration and another talked about herbs. I would like to incorporate more herbs/botanicals into my all natural cold process soaps and this was just the information I was looking for! I hope to put what I learned to good use in the near future.
I would also like to thank all of the very generous soap making suppliers and other companies who donated items to the group for goodie bags for all attendees and for our door prizes. The companies who donated can be found on our website: CNY SoapMakers
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
10 Uses for Hand Made Soap
"The soap is too pretty to use. I'll just put it in the soap dish in my bathroom."
Those are two of the top statements many handcrafted soap makers hear when potential customers see their decorative soaps. Soap is a consumable product. The soap maker can always make more. This is something others don't seem to understand. Handcrafted soap makers enjoy creating their products and love to see the look on others faces when they see the uniqueness of handmade soap.
What is the greatest compliment you can give to a soap maker? Use their soap and order more!
Here are some great uses for hand made soap:
1. Hostess gift
2. Travel soap
3. Leave small bars wrapped and put in drawers like a sachet
4. Gift sets
5. Wedding/Baby gifts
6. Put it in the guest bath with a cute note that guests can & should use it
7. Soap favors for parties
8. Seasonal decor
9. Fun baby/kids soap
10. Take it in the bath or shower!
Those are two of the top statements many handcrafted soap makers hear when potential customers see their decorative soaps. Soap is a consumable product. The soap maker can always make more. This is something others don't seem to understand. Handcrafted soap makers enjoy creating their products and love to see the look on others faces when they see the uniqueness of handmade soap.
What is the greatest compliment you can give to a soap maker? Use their soap and order more!
Here are some great uses for hand made soap:
1. Hostess gift
2. Travel soap
3. Leave small bars wrapped and put in drawers like a sachet
4. Gift sets
5. Wedding/Baby gifts
6. Put it in the guest bath with a cute note that guests can & should use it
7. Soap favors for parties
8. Seasonal decor
9. Fun baby/kids soap
10. Take it in the bath or shower!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
How Do You Make Your Soap?
I often get this question when people see my soap or purchase it. Is it hard to make soap? What do I need to make soap?
Here are the basic instructions to make glycerin melt and pour soap bars:
1. Purchase high quality soap base, fragrance or essential oil, colorant, and soap mold.
2. You will need a good quality scale to measure your ingredients.
3. Know how much soap the mold holds. The supplier will typically list this on their website.
4. To make a basic bar of soap you will need to cut the soap base and measure it to the exact quantity the mold holds. (I use a Pyrex measuring cup to hold the soap while weighing.)
5. Using small intervals and watching carefully I melt the soap base in the Pyrex cup in the microwave. (Caution - You need to watch the soap to avoid boiling it. The soap base and/or cup will be hot when taking it out of the microwave.)
6. If the soap base is steaming when you take it out it is probably too hot to add your fragrance oil. The fragrance will dissipate if the base is too hot. Let the soap cool down as you gently stir it to prevent a "skin" forming on the top.
7. When the soap is cool I add the colorant, either liquid or powdered, and mix well. I then add the fragrance oil and stir gently to incorporate.
8. When it is all mixed, slowly pour the soap base into the mold.
9. If there are small bubbles on the top of the base you can spritz with rubbing alcohol and they disappear.
10. Let the soap air dry in the mold (times will vary depending on ingredients used, size of soap bar, and mold used). When it is hardened, gently release it from the mold.
And there you have it, your first bar of glycerin melt and pour soap!
*Please note that this is not the only way to make melt and pour soap and the above is the method I prefer to use. Other soapmakers may prefer other methods.*
Here are the basic instructions to make glycerin melt and pour soap bars:
1. Purchase high quality soap base, fragrance or essential oil, colorant, and soap mold.
2. You will need a good quality scale to measure your ingredients.
3. Know how much soap the mold holds. The supplier will typically list this on their website.
4. To make a basic bar of soap you will need to cut the soap base and measure it to the exact quantity the mold holds. (I use a Pyrex measuring cup to hold the soap while weighing.)
5. Using small intervals and watching carefully I melt the soap base in the Pyrex cup in the microwave. (Caution - You need to watch the soap to avoid boiling it. The soap base and/or cup will be hot when taking it out of the microwave.)
6. If the soap base is steaming when you take it out it is probably too hot to add your fragrance oil. The fragrance will dissipate if the base is too hot. Let the soap cool down as you gently stir it to prevent a "skin" forming on the top.
7. When the soap is cool I add the colorant, either liquid or powdered, and mix well. I then add the fragrance oil and stir gently to incorporate.
8. When it is all mixed, slowly pour the soap base into the mold.
9. If there are small bubbles on the top of the base you can spritz with rubbing alcohol and they disappear.
10. Let the soap air dry in the mold (times will vary depending on ingredients used, size of soap bar, and mold used). When it is hardened, gently release it from the mold.
And there you have it, your first bar of glycerin melt and pour soap!
*Please note that this is not the only way to make melt and pour soap and the above is the method I prefer to use. Other soapmakers may prefer other methods.*
Saturday, July 12, 2008
New Product - Half Stack Sampler Packs
Just what is a "Half Stack Sampler Pack"? It's a set of all natural cold processed soap in half bar sizes. You choose the number of bars and the scents that you will receive. These sampler packs are perfect for travel soap, hostess gifts, college students, and small gifts.
The Petite Half Stack Sampler Pack is your choice of 2-2oz bars of cold processed soap. The Regular Half Stack Sampler Pack is your choice of 5-2oz bars, and the Grande is your choice of 8-2oz bars.
These sampler packs are subject to current inventory as listed on the All Natural Soap pages.
If you're overwhelmed with scent choice, just want to try a small bar of a new scent, or looking for a travel soap or small gift, these sampler packs are for you!
Closing for Inventory - Notification
Country Meadow Creations will be closed July 17-28 for mid year inventory.
Look for some great deals on soap making supplies and extra stock items when we re-open.
All orders placed during our closed period will be process on July 29 and you will receive email notification when your order will ship. This includes both handcrafted soap orders and Kat's Coffees and More products.
Thank you for your continued support of our business!
Look for some great deals on soap making supplies and extra stock items when we re-open.
All orders placed during our closed period will be process on July 29 and you will receive email notification when your order will ship. This includes both handcrafted soap orders and Kat's Coffees and More products.
Thank you for your continued support of our business!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
1st Week of July Sale
To celebrate July 4th, Country Meadow Creations is offering a $5 discount on all handcrafted soap orders over $30.
This sale is being offered July 1-7, 2008. The discount applies to handcrafted soap orders only. It does not apply to prior orders, wholesale orders, or Kat's Coffees & More products.
To receive the discount, you only need to place an order of $30 or more through the website and the shopping cart will deduct the $5 discount.
You can order as many times as you'd like during the sale period to receive the discount.
Happy Shopping!
This sale is being offered July 1-7, 2008. The discount applies to handcrafted soap orders only. It does not apply to prior orders, wholesale orders, or Kat's Coffees & More products.
To receive the discount, you only need to place an order of $30 or more through the website and the shopping cart will deduct the $5 discount.
You can order as many times as you'd like during the sale period to receive the discount.
Happy Shopping!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
How Do You Define Success?
What is your definition of success? How do you determine if you have become successful in your business?
Each of us has our own idea of what a successful business is and how we're going to get there. I have created a new blog to showcase women-owned businesses and to help women find success in their lives.
A flower in bloom shows growth and prosperity that are supported through nourishment from soil, water, and nutrients.
Are you a woman in business? Do you want to share your success story with others? What type of bloom are you?
Businesses will be featured on a first come, first serve basis for no cost. This is a great way to highlight your business, network, and get some free advertising.
Please visit Success in Bloom Blog for more details!
Each of us has our own idea of what a successful business is and how we're going to get there. I have created a new blog to showcase women-owned businesses and to help women find success in their lives.
A flower in bloom shows growth and prosperity that are supported through nourishment from soil, water, and nutrients.
Are you a woman in business? Do you want to share your success story with others? What type of bloom are you?
Businesses will be featured on a first come, first serve basis for no cost. This is a great way to highlight your business, network, and get some free advertising.
Please visit Success in Bloom Blog for more details!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
FDA Globalization Act of 2008
As if rising gas and food prices weren't enough, now small business owners who are struggling to provide for their families may have a bigger struggle ahead. In comes proposed legislation from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Read the Discussion Draft
Read the Section-by-Section Analysis
Read about the hearings held by the Subcommittee on Health
When you are ready to join in with other Indie Business Owners to have your voice heard, head over to Donna Maria Coles Johnson's Indie Business Blog to sign the petition to:
Stop the FDA Globalization Act of 2008!!
Read the Discussion Draft
Read the Section-by-Section Analysis
Read about the hearings held by the Subcommittee on Health
When you are ready to join in with other Indie Business Owners to have your voice heard, head over to Donna Maria Coles Johnson's Indie Business Blog to sign the petition to:
Stop the FDA Globalization Act of 2008!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
All Natural Soap Ingredients and Uses
Country Meadow Creations uses the following ingredients in our All Natural Cold Process Soap Bars:
Cold Process All Natural Soap Bars: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Essential Oil and/or botanicals/herbs.
Base Oils and Butters
Olive Oil: This oil is known for its moisturizing and gentleness. Olive Oil attracts moisture to the skin while allowing the skin to perform its natural functions.
Coconut Oil: Is used in soap to produce a creamy lather and hard bar of soap that won't clog pores. Note that this oil may affect those prone to allergic reactions to nut products.
Palm Oil: Is water soluble and its firmness will hold up longer throughout use. Contributes to a harder bar of soap.
Avocado Oil: Absorbed easily by the skin and good for all skin types. Contains many vitamins, including A, D, and E, amino acids, glycerides, protein, among others.
Castor Oil: Is easily absorbed by the skin while attracting and retaining moisture. Is softening and emollient.
Shea Butter: This butter nourishes all skin types while soothing and softening dry skin.
Essential Oils
Tea Tree: Anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. Can aid in the healing of chapped or troubled skin. Uplifting and purifying.
Cedarwood: Has a woody, slightly camphor-like scent. Relaxing and stabilizing.
Eucalyptus: Can stimulate circulation, is purifying, cooling, and invigorating.
Lavandin: This oil is produced from a cross pollination of true lavender and spike lavender. It has a woody scent with a hint of camphor. Balancing and calming.
Lavender: Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Balancing and relaxing.
Lime: Used in facial soaps for its astringent properties. Refreshing and equalizing.
Sweet Orange: Known for toning and circulatory stimulation. Refreshing and uplifting.
Patchouli: An anti-inflammatory that is said to tone and tighten skin while regulating oily skin. Earthy, balsamic, woody, spicy scent.
Peppermint: Is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and toning. Refreshing, vitalizing, and cooling.
Spearmint: Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Refreshing, cooling, calming, and uplifting.
Tangerine: Antiseptic, astringent, and toning. Cheering and uplifting.
Botanicals/herbs are added to the all natural soap bars for their aesthetic value and gentle emollient properties.
*Please Note* This information was provided to inform and educate our customers about the ingredients we use to make our handmade products. We make no claims as to the effectiveness of the ingredients. This information should not replace advice from your physician.
*As with any product, if irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.
To purchase natural soap made with these fine ingredients, visit our site:
Country Meadow Creations - All Natural Cold Process Soap Bars
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
They're Celebrating 8 Years!
My friend Lisanne and her husband Jeff are celebrating 8 years of marriage today. They are parents of two beautiful children. Lisanne currently works from home, juggling freelance work and two toddlers.
If you get a second today, please visit Lisanne's blog - Bathtub Junkie and wish her & Jeff a happy anniversary.
If you get a second today, please visit Lisanne's blog - Bathtub Junkie and wish her & Jeff a happy anniversary.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
We Met An Author!
Friday was a very exciting day for my daughter & I. We had the opportunity to meet Kathryn Wall, author of the Bay Tanner mystery series. I have had the newspaper clipping sitting on my couch for the last two weeks so I would not forget to attend her speaking engagement.
One of my favorite things to do is go to the library and look through all the books to find an author that is new to me. I love mystery/horror/thriller books. While looking at the new releases last year I came across the book Sanctuary Hill. The cover looked intriguing and when I read the jacket cover I was excited to learn that the author lived in Hilton Head, SC and based her books around the area. I have lived in SC for nearly five years, but have never had the opportunity to visit Hilton Head. This was a great way for me to be introduced to the area.
After reading the first chapter, I was hooked on the main character, Bay Tanner. I could not put the book down, I needed to know what was going to happen to her next. When I read a book such as this, one that hooks me after the first chapter, I then go to the front of the book to see what else the author has written. I found I was actually reading the seventh book in the series and immediately wrote down the names of the previous books so the next time I visited the library I would know which order to read them in.
I have since read In For a Penny, and And Not a Penny More. Mrs. Wall writes the books in such a way that it is not necessary for a reader to read the series in order. She gives enough background information in each book to catch the reader up and inform them of what they may have missed in previous books without giving away the story lines from previous books.
Mrs. Wall was very friendly as she signed books for eager readers. She spoke openly as she explained the process of becoming an author. She was very engaging and entertaining. After she spoke she took the time to answer my 9-year-old daughter's question, "What is your favorite part about making a book?" Mrs. Wall explained that she enjoyed turning on her computer to a blank screen and starting the process of writing, not knowing what was going to happen, and getting to the end to find out how it ends. I appreciated her taking the time to speak to my daughter. She was also gracious enough to take pictures with us!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Shhh, Men Don't Want You to Know Their Secret!
That's right, men think they are keeping a secret from the rest of us. They think we don't know what they really think. Do they think we really believe it takes them an hour to shower and shave? Are we so gullible that we believe what they tell us?
Of course not, we KNOW their SECRET! The men in our lives are in that bathroom sniffing the multitude of soaps we have lining the shower. They are secretly sniffing each bar every morning, wondering why they don't get to have such wonderful skin-loving soap for themselves.
How many times has the man in your life "conveniently" run out of soap and just had to use yours? They want to enjoy all the benefits of luxurious scents and soothing soaps too!
Why not treat the Dad in your life to some simply luxurious soap this Father's Day, June 15.
Country Meadow Creations carries a Glycerin Mens Soap line as well as some All Natural Soaps scented just for men. And while you're shopping for Dad, don't forget to pick up a bar or two for yourself!
Need a personalized card sent with Dad's gift? Let me know in the comment section of the shopping cart what you'd like and it will be included free!
Of course not, we KNOW their SECRET! The men in our lives are in that bathroom sniffing the multitude of soaps we have lining the shower. They are secretly sniffing each bar every morning, wondering why they don't get to have such wonderful skin-loving soap for themselves.
How many times has the man in your life "conveniently" run out of soap and just had to use yours? They want to enjoy all the benefits of luxurious scents and soothing soaps too!
Why not treat the Dad in your life to some simply luxurious soap this Father's Day, June 15.
Country Meadow Creations carries a Glycerin Mens Soap line as well as some All Natural Soaps scented just for men. And while you're shopping for Dad, don't forget to pick up a bar or two for yourself!
Need a personalized card sent with Dad's gift? Let me know in the comment section of the shopping cart what you'd like and it will be included free!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sale Ends Saturday
Don't forget to check out the Memorial Week Sale
All Handcrafted & Decorative Soaps are on sale for 20% off. This does not include previous sales, supply sales, wholesale orders, or Kat's Coffees & More products.
All Handcrafted & Decorative Soaps are on sale for 20% off. This does not include previous sales, supply sales, wholesale orders, or Kat's Coffees & More products.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
What's in Your Soap Base?
Do you know what you're putting on your skin every time you get in the shower? Have your read the ingredients on the package? Do you know if they are good for you or not? Do you know what the benefits of using them are? Can you even pronounce them?
At Country Meadow Creations, I believe my customers should know what is in the soap I make and sell to them.
The following ingredients are found in the Glycerin Soaps that Country Meadow Creations sells.
Glycerin: Is a vegetable based humectant which attracts moisture to your skin.
Sorbitol: A natural moisturizer derived from fruit and berries.
Titanium Dioxide: A mineral based addition that makes the soap base white.
Propylene Glycol: Solvent and preservative properties.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: A detergent and surfactant used to boost foaming ability.
Sodium Stearate: An emulsifier.
Stearic Acid: Used to harden soaps.
Lauric Acid: Saturated fatty acid, contributes to lather.
Sodium Chloride: Salt, contributes to a hard bar of soap.
Not all soap bars will contain each of these ingredients. They may also contain liquid or mica colorant, cosmetic grade glitter, fragrance oil, or essential oil.
*Please Note* This information was provided to inform and educate our customers about the ingredients we use to make our handmade products. We make no claims as to the effectiveness of the ingredients. This information should not replace advice from your physician.
At Country Meadow Creations, I believe my customers should know what is in the soap I make and sell to them.
The following ingredients are found in the Glycerin Soaps that Country Meadow Creations sells.
Glycerin: Is a vegetable based humectant which attracts moisture to your skin.
Sorbitol: A natural moisturizer derived from fruit and berries.
Titanium Dioxide: A mineral based addition that makes the soap base white.
Propylene Glycol: Solvent and preservative properties.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: A detergent and surfactant used to boost foaming ability.
Sodium Stearate: An emulsifier.
Stearic Acid: Used to harden soaps.
Lauric Acid: Saturated fatty acid, contributes to lather.
Sodium Chloride: Salt, contributes to a hard bar of soap.
Not all soap bars will contain each of these ingredients. They may also contain liquid or mica colorant, cosmetic grade glitter, fragrance oil, or essential oil.
*Please Note* This information was provided to inform and educate our customers about the ingredients we use to make our handmade products. We make no claims as to the effectiveness of the ingredients. This information should not replace advice from your physician.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
It's Sale Time!
Memorial Week Sale
All handcrafted & decorative soaps are on sale for 20% off 5/25/08 - 5/31/08.
The shopping cart will automatically deduct the correct amount.
This sale does not apply to Kat's Coffees & More products, wholesale orders, or previous orders.
http://www.countrymeadowcreations.com
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Price of Patchouli Essential Oil
Wow! I had heard that the price had gone up on this essential oil, but hadn't had a need to buy any in quite some time. I was amazed to see that the price on supplier websites ranged from around $50-$200. The sizes varied, but this is outrageous to me. I cannot justify paying that much for an ingredient. I would have to pass along the cost to my customers, and that is something I am not comfortable doing.
Luckily I found a full bottle in my supply cupboard the other day so I won't have to purchase the oil for a while. I am hoping that the price goes down before I need to replenish my supply. If it does not go down I will be forced to suspend production of soaps that contain this ingredient. This change would affect the All Natural My Man Soap. I will post notification if and when the time comes that I do this.
To me, my customers come first and a price increase is not acceptable.
Luckily I found a full bottle in my supply cupboard the other day so I won't have to purchase the oil for a while. I am hoping that the price goes down before I need to replenish my supply. If it does not go down I will be forced to suspend production of soaps that contain this ingredient. This change would affect the All Natural My Man Soap. I will post notification if and when the time comes that I do this.
To me, my customers come first and a price increase is not acceptable.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Craft Store Soap Bases vs. Soap Supplier Soap Bases
I've posted a blurb about this on my Squidoo lens, Why Handcrafted Soap?
Since Lisanne made a comment about this topic on my last post, I thought I would address it now.
Basically, if you're going to make soap for decoration or to see if you like making it then craft store bases are just fine. However, if you're going to give soap as gifts or you're going to start a business you will want to do your research about the ingredients and the suppliers. It is the opinion of most soapmakers that the craft store bases are full of chemicals and detergents that can irritate your skin and they are a high price for a low quality soap base.
So where can you buy quality soap bases from? Check out the following list of suppliers, in no particular order, that I have personally used in the last 9 years of soapmaking.
Wholesale Supplies Plus
Soapers Supplies
Bramble Berry
The Chemistry Store
I hope this list is useful, and if you know of other glycerin soap base suppliers that are trustworthy and have a high quality product, please feel free to leave a comment.
Since Lisanne made a comment about this topic on my last post, I thought I would address it now.
Basically, if you're going to make soap for decoration or to see if you like making it then craft store bases are just fine. However, if you're going to give soap as gifts or you're going to start a business you will want to do your research about the ingredients and the suppliers. It is the opinion of most soapmakers that the craft store bases are full of chemicals and detergents that can irritate your skin and they are a high price for a low quality soap base.
So where can you buy quality soap bases from? Check out the following list of suppliers, in no particular order, that I have personally used in the last 9 years of soapmaking.
Wholesale Supplies Plus
Soapers Supplies
Bramble Berry
The Chemistry Store
I hope this list is useful, and if you know of other glycerin soap base suppliers that are trustworthy and have a high quality product, please feel free to leave a comment.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
What is Glycerin Soap?
It depends on who you talk to as to what it's called. It's easiest to call it glycerin soap, but it's technically called Melt and Pour soap.
So what is it? It's basically a soap base that you cut into chunks, melt until it's liquid, add fragrance oil and colorants, pour into a mold, and wait until it hardens. Sounds easy, right? Yeah, it does, but it's not as easy or simple as it looks.
Is it good for your skin? Of course it is, provided the soapmaker uses high quality ingredients and knows what they are doing.
How do you know what quality ingredients are? You research, research, and then research some more. You continuously do your homework, learning about new ingredients and testing your product until you get it right.
In the next few posts I'll be discussing some different soap bases, ingredients, and where to get your ingredients.
So what is it? It's basically a soap base that you cut into chunks, melt until it's liquid, add fragrance oil and colorants, pour into a mold, and wait until it hardens. Sounds easy, right? Yeah, it does, but it's not as easy or simple as it looks.
Is it good for your skin? Of course it is, provided the soapmaker uses high quality ingredients and knows what they are doing.
How do you know what quality ingredients are? You research, research, and then research some more. You continuously do your homework, learning about new ingredients and testing your product until you get it right.
In the next few posts I'll be discussing some different soap bases, ingredients, and where to get your ingredients.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Updates Coming Soon!
I have a quite a few updates to do here in the next few days. I will be changing things up a bit on the sidebar and I'll be adding new links to other WAHM sites and blogs.
Please stay tuned & be patient as I make my changes. Thanks for reading!
Please stay tuned & be patient as I make my changes. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
He's Home!
Just a quick update to say that my husband is home from the hospital! He's doing much better, but still needs to take it easy. Thanks for all the emails everyone!!!
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Health News
Unfortunately I am not going to be updating the blog for a few days because my husband had a heart attack on Saturday morning. He is doing much better, but I need to focus on helping him heal so I won't be blogging or soaping for a few days.
I'll update again when he is doing better! Thanks for all your thoughts!
I'll update again when he is doing better! Thanks for all your thoughts!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Work At Home Mom. It's that simple, or is it really?
I've been a WAHM for nearly 9 years and it's certainly one of the hardest jobs I've ever had. Not only do I run a home-based business, but I have two children & a husband, a house to clean, groceries to purchase, bills to pay, a dog to make sure is taken care of. I also went back to college full-time so I've got homework and studying to do.
I just don't think there are enough hours in a day to accomplish everything I need to accomplish. The family is my top priority. I have no problem living in a messy house if I have no time or motivation to clean it daily. My customers have always been understanding if I get a bit behind in orders.
So what do I do for a living? I make & sell handmade soap. Yup, soap! I've been making soap since my youngest was a baby because of skin allergies and a desire to make something natural to put on our skin. I started with glycerin soap bases and eventually moved to cold process soapmaking. I love the creativity I have with glycerin soap, but also like the natural ingredients I use in the cold process soaps.
Here's an example of my glycerin soap & all natural soap:
Ashley Sings Glycerin Soap
All Natural Citrus Sunshine Soap
I'd like to feature other WAHM sites on my blog so if you know of an outstanding site, please leave me a note in the comments section.
Thanks!
I just don't think there are enough hours in a day to accomplish everything I need to accomplish. The family is my top priority. I have no problem living in a messy house if I have no time or motivation to clean it daily. My customers have always been understanding if I get a bit behind in orders.
So what do I do for a living? I make & sell handmade soap. Yup, soap! I've been making soap since my youngest was a baby because of skin allergies and a desire to make something natural to put on our skin. I started with glycerin soap bases and eventually moved to cold process soapmaking. I love the creativity I have with glycerin soap, but also like the natural ingredients I use in the cold process soaps.
Here's an example of my glycerin soap & all natural soap:
Ashley Sings Glycerin Soap
All Natural Citrus Sunshine SoapI'd like to feature other WAHM sites on my blog so if you know of an outstanding site, please leave me a note in the comments section.
Thanks!
Networking
I am looking for WAHM sites to exchange links with. Please send a comment with your request & I will check out your site or blog. I am looking for family friendly sites only. I also reserve the right to refuse any site I don't feel fits in with my business philosophy.
Thanks & I look forward to linking to some great sites!
Thanks & I look forward to linking to some great sites!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Let's Get Posting!
I've had this blog for quite a while & used to actually write on it. It has been ages since I've used it and thought now was a great time to get started again.
So here's a little update about what I've been doing lately:
I've gone back to college to work toward teacher certification for early childhood. That's right, I'm going to be a teacher. Today was the last day of the semester and I've got one year left before I get a job.
As for the soap business, that is still a priority in my life. Now that I have a couple months off from school I am going to be updating the site and will be posting the info here.
Please stay tuned as I add new content!
So here's a little update about what I've been doing lately:
I've gone back to college to work toward teacher certification for early childhood. That's right, I'm going to be a teacher. Today was the last day of the semester and I've got one year left before I get a job.
As for the soap business, that is still a priority in my life. Now that I have a couple months off from school I am going to be updating the site and will be posting the info here.
Please stay tuned as I add new content!
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