Freshly Made Soap

One more thing to cross of my ever growing list. 

Yes, I  made Soap!

And what an interesting process this was, The soap I made consisted of four ingredients only, It was just amazing to watch these basic ingredients of oil, water and sodium hydroxide whip up into a softly scented smooth paste of soap!   I am very keen to look further into the chemistry behind the process now... At first I could not imagine lathering  olive oil and caustic soda onto my skin, but I was just amazed to watch it transform.   Can anyone suggest a good Soap Making Book, I am keen to try a few different processes and ingredients now.  There will certainly be a lot more regular soap making sessions going on around here... 

My first batch I made was the basic recipe, the second batch I added essential lavender oil, the third I added a good handful of ground oats and drizzle of honey. 

My final batch was made with grated fresh kaffir lime rind, which I have been told is particularly good for your skin...a bit more research needed into this one though, might need to dry the rind first as it cooked when it hit the soap mixture...

I also forgot to grease the tin on this one so I'll wait until it cures, chunk it out and use it in a soap bag.  Looks a bit like Cake doesn't it, well it was just as rewarding to make that's for sure.

Now waiting with much anticipation until it cures, approx 4 - 6 weeks.  I can't wait to try it!  

On My Mind...

I can't stop thinking about Christmas presents, Yes already!!! 

For many years I have struggled to get to the shops at that time of the year and when I do, I often come home empty handed after hours of roaming around mindlessly looking for affordable and suitable toys, trinkets and keepsakes, just for the sake of having to give a present! Aghhh! It makes me frustrated just thinking about it!

My mum always told me to start buying presents through out the year, "When the sales are on" she says, "then it's never so overwhelming when Christmas comes around"  This has never worked for me . . . I think I just dislike shopping!

I am a practical person and I like to give a gift to somebody that has a bit of meaning or purpose to it and I do like the added element of surprise!!   On certain occasions I will give a gift card as a present, as impersonal as they are they do allow the recipient to purchase something that they do desire opposed to receiving something that is not to their required taste, colour or style! 

How many presents have you ever received that have ended up hidden in the cupboard for years then eventually passed onto a charity store.  Can you imagine how much money gets wasted on unwanted gifts at Christmas time? 

 I much prefer to give somebody just a Big Warm HUG! 

This year, I will not be purchasing presents for Christmas, for anybody! It will be A Handmade Christmas. 

I guess it still doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will like what they get, but it will be made and given with LOVE!

It worked for EASTER!

I have given myself plenty of time and have many a project 

On my mind  . . .

 With Hubby at work, the big kids at school and the little ones off on a play date today, I am hoping for a productive morning in my laboratory, happily mixing and molding.

Can you guess what I'll be making? 
Here's a little hint . . .