Good Soap or Bad Soap?

What's the big deal about making good soap?  How do you know if a person makes good soap?  

I was asked these questions not too long ago, and they are very good questions!  The first one is quite easy to answer, but the second one I had to ponder.

Generally speaking, the goal of a soapmaker is to create a bar that is well-balanced, meaning it lathers and cleans well, is hard enough, and yet, not drying.  This is accomplished by using various fats and oils.  Some oils make a hard bar, others a conditioning bar, and so on.  Nevertheless, there are times when a soapmaker will want one that is extra-conditioning, such as a facial bar for mature skin, or extra-cleansing for a mechanic's soap.  Non-soapers would be surprised at all of the possible oil combinations a soapmaker could use, but that's part of the fun for most soapmakers, and thus the big deal about making good soap.

The second question, how one determines if a soapmaker makes good soap is much more difficult to answer.  Aside from what is probably obvious-- if the soap looks or smells funky or has rotting matter in it, you'll have to dig a little deeper.  

  1.    If you wash with the soap and it stings or dries out your hands, it may be that the soap is not mild enough.  Personally, I have never used a handcrafted bar of soap like this, but it is conceivable.  Conversely, if the soap is on the soft side and doesn't seem to clean well, it may not be strong enough.

  2.    Question the soapmaker.  How long have you been making soap?  What oils do you prefer?  How do you know you have made a good batch?  If the person doesn't mind sharing the oils used, the process, her experience, and other details, chance are, you are purchasing good soap!  Although it is possible for one to make a perfectly good batch on the first try and to use the same recipe for each subsequent batch, it's research and experience that produces a really good, knowledgeable soapmaker.  That's the person you can buy with confidence from.

If you're really nervous about whether the soap is OK or not, you can do what most good soapers do, the tongue test.  Ready?  Very gently and quickly, touch the tip of your tongue to a bit of the soap.  Don't lick it.  Don't keep your tongue there for 30 seconds!  Just a quick touch will do.  If you feel the "zing" like a 9-volt battery, the soap is not skin-worthy.  If it just tastes like soap, you're OK.  Or, you could ask your soapmaker how she (or he, of course) tests it!

Batch #1, "Dig My Patchouli" Soap

Batch #2, "Dig My Patchouli" Soap

Which one do you like better?

 Please Vote!!!

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This week's ad:  

Clearing out lotions!  All 8 oz. bottles I have in stock are a whopping 25% off. Regularly $12, now only $9  The bottle is metal and features a pump for your convenience. Scents include:

Gingered Orange (tangy orange with a tiny bite of ginger)
Black Raspberries & Vanilla (nice berry scent.  Everybody likes this one)
Spun Sugar  (cotton candy sweet)
Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla (smooth sandalwood with a bit of sweet vanilla.  Very sultry!)


*Note:  I am not discontinuing lotion altogether, I just want to sell these last few before I make another batch.


Get them while you can for gifts and for yourself!

Do These Three Allergens Affect You?

Some are even allergic to the lovely lavender

What about allergies?  Often, customers come to me because they are allergic or sensitive to the commercial products they use, and are hoping that mine will be kinder to their skin.  Often, it's true.  Products crafted with natural oils and other ingredients may be just the ticket for sensitive skin.  Unfortunately, as much as I would like that to be true, it isn't always.


The fact is that people can experience sensitivities or allergies to any number of substances, either natural essential oils or synthetically created ingredients.  What's worse is that they can show up at any time.  A product that you have used for years may suddenly cause a rash.  Your threshold for tolerating a particular ingredient has been crossed, causing a problem for your skin.


(Please note that I will be using sensitivity and allergen interchangeably in the rest of this piece, even though they are not the same.  It just reads better and whether you're sensitive or allergic, both are negative reactions.)


Nevertheless, some substances are more likely to be culprits than others. My first suspect when people speak of reactions is scent, or fragrance oils.  Scents are made up of an unknown number of components, both natural and synthetic, and are proprietary, meaning that only the developer knows exactly what they contain.   The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is constantly working to keep fragrances as safe as possible, but it is unlikely that it will ever be possible to create fragrances that no one reacts to.  Moreover, if it is not synthetic fragrance, then it might be essential oils, which are derived from various parts of vegetation.  Just as we may or may not be allergic to Poison Ivy, we may or may not be allergic to other plant matter.


If the problem is not due to scent, it may be due to color or a preservative.  A small percentage of the population is sensitive to some preservatives, which hold down microbial growth in products.  Some are very allergic to various colorants.  Virtually any other ingredient, with the exception of water, is on the list of possible allergens or irritants, as well.


What's a person to do?  One method of determining sensitivity is to dab the product in the inside of your forearm, just below the elbow.  Cover with a bandage and go to bed.  In the morning (or sooner, if it bothers you), remove the bandage and check the spot.  If it is red and irritated or itchy, something in the product does not agree with your skin.  Wash it off well and take note of the ingredients.  With time and careful notes, you may discover the offender.


It is important to be very careful if you suffer from many sensitivities.  Taking a bath using a soap you're sensitive to is going to be a bigger problem than a dab on your arm, so do the test with any new product. Read product labels carefully if you know your allergens so you can avoid them.  If you purchase handcrafted products, tell your vendor that you have many sensitivities and list those you know.  Your soapmaker extraordinaire might head off troubles at the pass by steering you toward or away from certain products. Keep in mind that the manufacturer is responsible for accurate listing of ingredients and you are responsible for checking before using and using them safely.


Good business owners want to please thier customers and provide safe products.  I strive to do just that.  Realistically, however, I know that it would be impossible to manufacture a product that no one is sensitive to, so I want to make my customers aware of the possibility.  Together we can keep reactions to a minimum so that you can have the most beautiful, healthy skin possible!

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Weekly ad


Clearing out lotions!  All 8 oz. bottles I have in stock are a whopping 25% off. Regularly $12, now only $9  Scents include:

This isn't one of the scents on sale, but  the can looks like this.

Gingered Orange (orange with a bite of ginger)
Black Raspberries & Vanilla (nice berry scent)
Spun Sugar  (cotton candy sweet)
Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla (smooth sandalwood with a bit of sweet vanilla)


Valentine's Soaps:  each bar is $5; package of three conversation hearts is just $10


In addition, orders of $75 and up get free shipping.


Sale good until 2/18/12.  Orders right around Valentine's Day may be delayed.

Thanks and Black Small Cyber Sale!

Cucumber Soap made for a garden club talk 

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday, hopefully with loved ones.  My husband, three of my kids, and my friend, Janet, spent the holiday together, enjoying the delicious feast of turkey and trimmings, as well as good company.  I sincerely thank Jesus for his provision and bountiful blessings.


Thankful is one of those things that is often hard to really be.  If you're like me, and I suspect that you are, you find it easy to fall into complaining and self-pity, especially when things are not going the way we want them to go.  Sometimes, it's just inconvenient or annoying; other times, things really are bad.


It's important to take a step back and think.  Some of the best advice I've ever received was, "Don't sweat the small stuff."  It's actually profound and yet, practical.  If it's not small stuff, face it head-on.  Either way, count the blessings you do have, and find a way to help someone else.  That will help your attitude and eventually, your (our) circumstances.


Surely, you've heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  You may also have heard of Small Business Saturday.  Well, I'm rolling all three into one event.
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Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday Sale! All three days, rolled into one FIVE & FREE SALE! - Buy any 5 products and get one free Note terms and conditions below: *Sale continues until midnight EST, Monday, Nov. 28 *Free product is same or lesser value to products purchased *Possible limitations due to my unlikely limitations in offering product, meaning if I can't get the supplies in a timely manner I may not be able to offer it to you. I don't anticipate it as a problem, but, just in case. *Shipping for heavy objects, such as large terra cotta pots, incur higher shipping costs. I will email you with the exact shipping price. ********************************************************************************** Not on my site, but also available: Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea.  Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00;  8 oz.  $11 -  In any scent listed above. Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz., $7, 8 oz., $12 Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender,  and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Where Does the Time Go?

Where does the time go?  The last time I posted on my blog it was summer, and now here it is, mid-fall!  Apparently, the fall hustle-and-bustle took its toll on me and my blogging.  Now, instead of sitting in shorts and eating a peach, I'm in jeans and a sweater, eating an apple.


It was a weird summer, weather-wise, and autumn no different.  I didn't get any Hydrangea blooms (boo hoo), but I have some flowers blooming now that one would never expect in NY in October.  I'm posting some of those pictures, but I've also noticed Clematis, Centaurea Montana, and even a rose blooming.  Honestly, I don't know if that's good or bad!  Thankfully, my area was not part of that east coast ridiculously early and awful snow storm of last Saturday!


How about you?  Does hustle and bustle describe you?  Has your weather been weird?


About soap:  I've been slowly working at labeling and shrinkwrapping my stockpile of soap.  If you want something, go ahead and ask.  I might have it ready, or I may have it ready in a hurry.

The Begonia is what is showy here

Coryadylis, usually blooms in May

Pixie Lily

Geranium

Another Begonia

Here is the current ad.  Order Today!

It's gotten cold here in NY.  Leaves are falling and we're getting our first hard frost.  We're thinking chili, hot tea, and our favorite autumn scents, pumpkin and apple and spices.

To celebrate, we are featuring our two fall soaps:

Spicy Pumpkin Pie

Cinnamon Apple

They are available for just $5/bar, $1 off of our usual $6.  Don't hesitate, though, they are available only while supply lasts!

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Not on my site, but also available:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. 

Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00;  8 oz.  $11 -  In any scent listed above.

Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz., $7, 8 oz., $12

Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, 

and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Summer Love

You might think this post will be about summer romance, but nope.  It's about loving summer.


I do.  I love summer.  I love the warmth and sunshine, going outside without donning boots and coat.  I really love gardening and watching my gardens growed, dressed in their summer finery of flowers, fruits, and herbs.  I love eating summer fruits and veggies and using fresh herbs in my meals.  


Indeed, every meal can be an adventure for the summer-hungry palate of a northerner!


Take tonight, for instance.  I had a very healthy Lamb's Quarter (Chenopodum album) plant growing in one of my containers.  Crazy?  Maybe, but I'd be hard-pressed to agree.  I cut it down to the soil and removed the leaves.  Then, I steamed the leaves in a little water as you would for spinach.  I sauteed it for just a minute in butter and then added lemon juice.  Yuuummmm.  Better than spinach.

Lamb's Quarters

Lest you think that Lamb's Quarter is a useless weed, consider this:  it's high in fiber, vitamin A and a bunch of other vitamins, calcium, protein, potassium, calcium, and iron.  Certainly worthy of vegetable status!  I've even seen it for sale at the public market.

A closer look at Lamb's Quarters

What about you?  What do you like best about summer?  Do you ever eat weeds?


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A simple summer sale:  Buy 5 products, get the 6th free!  Your free item will be the least expensive one.  We carry soap, lotion, scrubs, lip balm, everything a gardener needs.

Not on my site, but also available:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. 

Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00;  8 oz.  $11 -  In any scent listed above. 

Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12
Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook and Twitter.  We just love gardeners!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soap and Garden - http://www.soapandgarden.com

Let's Talk Soap!

Independence Day Fireworks.  Looks like Globe Thistle!

Misconceptions regarding soap abound in our society.  Gone are the days when all soap was truly, soap.  Nowadays, anything that cleans is called "soap."


You see, real soap is a chemical reaction created when oils meet an alkali.  Yes, modern soapmaking involves an  alkali, a caustic soda, if you will.  Before you recoil in horror, it's important to understand that like a relationship, the two meet, become closer, and finally marry.  We soapmakers call this point, "trace."  They're such a good match that they become a new product--soap; and not just soap, but a mild, yet cleansing product.


How does this differ from the commercial soaps you'll find in the store?  Well, the short story is that commercial cleansing bars and liquids are usually at least partially synthetic detergents.  If you didn't know that's what you were using when you bought soap, you likely are.  


You might be wondering if it matters.  The answer is, not if you only care if you're cleaner after using the product than before.  If you simply want to wash up, then commercial soap might suit you best.  But, if you want something more pure, you want soap.  Since it's made with natural oils and fats, it's not synthetic, the only synthetics being the alkali (which changes on the molecular level once it's soap), some colorants (added at fractional levels), and scent, if it's not an essential oil.  In addition, a by-product of soapmaking is the presence of glycerin, a humectant, in the final bar.  Humectants draw moisture to the skin.


Real soap, in fact, has been used throughout the ages, being spoken of even in Biblical times.  It is biodegradable.  You can purchase beautiful soaps that you will enjoy displaying in your bathroom or kitchen.  You can get soap in literally hundreds of scents, whether from essential oils (gotten from plant material) or fragrance oils (at least mostly synthetic, but used at a very small percentage of the total).   Soap is biodegradable.  Soapmaking is a time-honored skill that has been passed down by men and women throughout the ages, and although some practices change with the times, the basic concept remains.




What's not to like?  


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A simple summer sale:  Buy 5 products, get the 6th free!  Your free item will be the least expensive one.  We carrysoap, lotion, scrubs, lip balm, everything a gardener needs.

Not on my site, but also available:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. 

Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00;  8 oz.  $11 -  In any scent listed above. 

Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12
Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook and Twitter.  We just love gardeners!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soap and Garden - http://www.soapandgarden.com

Three Things I Loved About Portland

Rhodies in Portland

I recently made a combined business/pleasure trip to Portland, OR.  The Board of Directors strategy meeting for the HSMG was held there and involved me, so that was the business part (not to say it didn't include pleasure), and meeting my newest granddaughter was the pleasure part (it didn't include any business, unless one were to call changing diapers, work).

Of course, being the gardener I am, seeing the local flora was also on my to-do-in-Portland list.  I wanted to visit the Portland Rose Garden and see what was growing in the area.

Isabella and Mommy

We came in a little early so we could spend time with our dd, sil, and grandbaby, Isabella.  This is a totally unbiased opinion, of course, but she is nothing less than adorable!  A mostly happy baby, she smiled and cooed and charmed her grandpa and me in a moment.  We loved spending time with her.


She was very nice about taking me to the rose garden, as well.  For those of you who don't know, Oregon is an ideal location in terms of climate for rose growing.  The famous rose company, Jackson & Perkins, began not too far from me in New York, but moved west when somebody saw how well roses grew in Oregon.  After visiting the garden, I could easily see why.  And it isn't just roses that grow well there!  Oh, no, the Rhododendron was absolutely spectacular, with large bushes just bursting with color, from white to pink to purple and red, and every shade thereof!  I even saw one that was blue-violet, which I had never seen before.  Our trip to the garden, with a baby in tow, was short, but not too short to fill my eyes and brain with breathtaking color and beauty!

A gorgeous rose in Portland Rose Garden

The strategy meeting, my first, went very well.  Charting out the course of an organization is never an easy task, but necessary, and I believe that we made some strides and decisions that will benefit the HSMG members for years to come.  I was privileged as a newbie to be in the company of some very smart and dedicated women, working to make the organization the best it could be.


Once we finished the meeting, instead of jumping on a plane for the east coast, we lingered in Portland and visited Multnomah Falls.  It was awesome!  Beautiful, majestic, picturesque, all could be used to describe the waterfall and area.  Again, I enjoyed checking out the flora and took lots of pictures.  Soon, it was time to head to the airport to begin our long trek home, and that's all I'll say about that!  Well, except this note to myself:  "Self, never, ever, book a flight with two stops again!"

Oh, wait.  One more thing about the flight.  It was overcast much of the time during our stay in Portland, so I couldn't see Mt. Hood until the plane went above the clouds after taking off.  Wow!  It was amazing!  We saw not only Mt. Hood, but Mt. Rainier, St. Helen's, and Mt. Adams (I think).


I will say for home, though, it felt good to be back in the warm weather and sunshine!  Photos of Multnomah to follow.


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Reminder:  June is still bustin' out all over here, and so is our sale, but just through the 30th!  

Here's this month's offer:  With any $30 order, get a bar of soap free!

Not on my site, but also available:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. 

Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00;  8 oz.  $11 -  In any scent listed above. 

Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12

Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook and Twitter.  We just love gardeners!

Tell me the three things I loved about Portland, and get an extra gift with your order.  :-)