My favorite things

As the year draws to a close, we're finally getting a breather. Today we're off for a week. Up to Rochester to see my family. A cousins get together that occurs each year on New Year's Day. Then on to Parry Sound, Ontario to see Pentti's 94 year old mom. It's a family time and a respite from the soapmaking world.

I've been making soap, lots of it for the past 2 weeks, stocking up for the new year ahead. As I worked, I was thinking about some of my favorite soapmaking things!

My soapmaking bucket (the white one...with no handle) Every time I pour soap from the orange bucket, the handle flips over and I end up pouring soap all over the handle!


My extra long rubber scraper/mixer, a gift from my friends at Chivas Goat Milk Skin Care
Just like my other heat resistant red handled scraper...but longer! No more getting lost in the bucket!

My nitrile, chemical-resistant gloves from a company called Certified Lye. (the blue ones) I love these and they last forever.

Unlike the grocery store gloves (ie. the yellow ones) that get holes or slits in them. ( I've been through so many pairs) or the disposable gloves (not a fan of anything disposable)


Just a reminder that sometimes its the little things that make us the happiest!

So, Happy New Year! Hoping for the best for all of you in the year ahead.

Happy New Year!

We made it to Rochester by leaving yesterday at 6:30 AM...and got to the cousins @ 1PM for the party.

My family upstate are mostly farmers....we meet at Scott's house for the gathering and dinner.
(He's on the farm with the cows) In addition the family also does Christmas Trees and Pumpkins. Lots of talk about the family tree ensues. Sometimes old photos are reviewed and we try to figure out who they are...it's always fun to see everyone and catch up.

And to celebrate the new year: some of the best PROTEST SIGNS from 2009!
My personal favorite: Youth in Asia.....

Happy 2010!

A new year begins

I've been counting the last few days...how much soap in inventory, etc....and today I counted how much soap I made last year....I think it was about 34,000 bars. Whew!!

One small batch at a time....

I made this peppermint pumice yesterday. My last batch of 2008. It's one of our longtime favorites...and I still do 30lb. batches like this.

Sometimes we use the 'big kettle' and d0 a 120 lbs. all at once....but I still love stirring the small batch and watching it 'turn into' soap!

Here's to another year of soap, gardening and food with friends and family!


Happy New Year!