Christmas Soaps

Vacation is over after today, sadly, but I did get a lot of rest and relaxation in — in the form of soap-making (which for me is R&R).

I had mixed success because I was trying new recipes, incorporating lard.  I didn’t have any “total” failures, but I did have a batch stick to the mold, and a couple others that thickened quickly, so the swirls weren’t as nice as I would have hoped.   Still, I think the soaps turned out “interesting” enough, and will likely be very good, solid bars.  They are going to be Christmas gifts for my family and friends.

Besides the soap, I also got a couple refill batches of lotion made (my Biotone Massage Lotion clone and my nighttime lavender & benzoin lotion).   And, I also made herb infused oils, Melissa lip balm and Lemongrass Pain Relief Balm.    So even though I started out without any plans, I managed to fill my days productively.

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Wednesday Vacation Power!

It’s the mid-way through vacation already, but I feel like I have already begun to amass a week’s worth of crafting (so that is a sign of a well-spent vacation!).

Today  I was quite busy as I made two soaps and a lotion.  I also managed to get a couple of the malas I made for my husband photographed as well.

Glorious Lard!

Finally, I found LARD!   The much beloved, blogged, and admired soap making fatty acid!

For the longest time I have been looking for it, but have not been able to find lard or tallow locally.  HOWEVER, I was looking by the meats and in the refrigerated section of the store.  Turns out, it is not stored there.  They store it by the Mexican food on one of the international food aisles.

Regardless, I was able to score a couple of containers of it, so right away, I wanted to try to make some soap with it to see what all the fuss was about!

Darkness and Light

This week has been so busy.  Next week is going to be even worse!

Our project at work is getting ready to execute one of the major phases, so, although I am scheduled to be on vacation next week, that may not get to happen.  It’s still up in the air until a few key meetings occur this week so I can find out.

IF I do get to take vacation, I have had little time to prepare for any fun-time.  It is still far to hot here to order any soap or lotion making supplies, so it doesn’t look like much of that will be happening this maybe-vacation.    Next time I need to plan far ahead and stock up in April (before it gets too hot out).   I thought I had more time, but it got hot this year in May and stayed that way all summer.

Bracelets & Anklets & Bath Bombs, Oh my!

I had a long week at work this week, so at night, I worked my stress off by making SO many small projects.   I made a bunch of bracelets and ankle bracelets to bring to my sister, her daughters & grand-daughters.

These are not expensive to make, and they go very quickly.  Perfect weeknight projects!

Bamboo Grove Mala

I had lots and lots of beads and supplies left over from my Peaceful Forest Mala, so this time, I mixed them up with some different beads and made another one — this one is the Bamboo Grove Half-Mala.

Analytical Recipe -Soothing Touch Jojoba Massage Lotion

For my final post tonight, I wanted to share my analytical recipe for another popular massage product – Soothing Touch Jojoba Massage Lotion.