Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Oct 28, 2015 9:34:01 GMT -5
I've been using the oil cleansing method on my face for a couple of years now. My oily spots don't grease up like they used to so the avocado oil probably won't hurt anything to try. If you're curious, here's the link: oil cleansing methodThanks for sharing the link! I am definitively going to give it a whirl this weekend. I hope you like it! Full disclosure: I don't do makeup so I don't have to remove it every day, which means I don't wash my face every day. Maybe every other or every third.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Oct 30, 2015 17:30:25 GMT -5
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2015 20:43:25 GMT -5
I'm still fumbling around with my body butters. I use twice as much mango butter as Shea and I think I'll try a a little more shea and a little less mango next time, just to see if it will stay softer. I'm still a newbie, but I've been reading, reading, reading, and I'm pretty sure the mango butter is making it a little harder than I want it. I just don't want it greasy. I guess I'm trying to find the sweet spot where it stays soft but isn't too greasy. Ideas are welcome.
Daisy, I ordered some stuff from Camden grey. It should be here Monday. For some reason I expected them to be more expensive than they were, so I got excited when I realized they weren't very expensive lol.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Oct 30, 2015 22:05:17 GMT -5
I'm still fumbling around with my body butters. I use twice as much mango butter as Shea and I think I'll try a a little more shea and a little less mango next time, just to see if it will stay softer. I'm still a newbie, but I've been reading, reading, reading, and I'm pretty sure the mango butter is making it a little harder than I want it. I just don't want it greasy. I guess I'm trying to find the sweet spot where it stays soft but isn't too greasy. Ideas are welcome. Daisy, I ordered some stuff from Camden grey. It should be here Monday. For some reason I expected them to be more expensive than they were, so I got excited when I realized they weren't very expensive lol. I'm excited for you!! There's a meme on one of the soap FB pages about the arrival of the FedEx truck being better than Christmas . I'm guilty of that myself. Their prices really aren't that bad at all, and I'm very happy with the quality. What did you order? This is a free recipe on the soap FB pages so I'm not sharing without permission. Apparently this is THE body butter recipe to use. I haven't made any in quite a while and don't need any so I haven't used it myself, but everyone who makes it loves it. I'm not sure how it relates to your recipe but maybe try this. It does have a few different oils in it - I myself have never used safflower but there is probably a substitutions list for oils somewhere on the internet. www.dropbox.com/s/blpkb0jvi861kf3/Whipped%20Body%20Butter.docx?dl=0 This one is also a shared recipe - same author but not all the same oils. www.dropbox.com/s/z4mlswmopz3j9lv/Body%20Butter%20II.docx?dl=0I don't know if you are on FB, but the group is called Simply Free Bath and Body Recipes. It is a closed group but I think they are pretty liberal as to who they add. You could even post your recipe and see if anyone wanted to troubleshoot it for you. This is my recipe, which I found on Pinterest. I don't find it terribly oily, it's not a 'put it on and put on your silk shirt right away' kind of recipe; it does take time to absorb, but not a lot of time: Whipped Body Butter Recipe: 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup raw shea butter 2 oz sweet almond oil (you could sub jojoba oil) Essential oils for scent Directions: Using a saucepan over low heat, melt all those oils together completely until they are liquified. Pour into a stainless steel bowl (I used my Kitchenaid mixing bowl) then sit it in fridge. Once it starts to harden back up so that you can see your fingerprint in it (this could take anywhere from a few hours to overnight), whip it up for a few minutes with the mixer until it is light and fluffy like cake icing. Yields one to two cups.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2015 16:38:18 GMT -5
daisy, I don't have any of the oils for the shared recipe. I could figure out acceptable substitutions, but then it wouldn't be the same recipe lol. I printed it to save for possible future use. I do have the butter and oils for the one you make. Thanks for sharing. My order came today and I can't play with any of it right now because my grandbabies are visiting. Since you asked , I ordered a jasmine fragrance oil (not the absolute) and my goodness it smells good, I can't wait to try a blend with it. I also ordered the vanilla lace fragrance oil, I like it, but forgot all about it until now.... I was so caught up over the jasmine lol. Sandalwood EO, which I'm half afraid to play with because I got a very small amount since it's so expensive. I think I'll save that for when I have a better grasp on working with scents and a better idea of what I'm doing overall. I also got camelia oil, I can't remember exactly what made me want to try it, I'll have to look at my notes. Knowing me, I'm sure at least one reason was to try to cut down on "greasiness". I just sniffed and put everything away, I'm looking forward to playing. I'm really glad you mentioned camden grey because I was was kind of bummed about this fragrance thing with what I've been able to find locally. I've been looking around my house with an eye to what I could possibly use for soap molds lol, so the idea of making soap is still marinating in my head. Gotta go play with the kiddies now.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 2, 2015 19:39:47 GMT -5
daisy, I don't have any of the oils for the shared recipe. I could figure out acceptable substitutions, but then it wouldn't be the same recipe lol. I printed it to save for possible future use. I do have the butter and oils for the one you make. Thanks for sharing. You are very welcome! I'm happy to share my limited knowledge. My order came today and I can't play with any of it right now because my grandbabies are visiting. Since you asked , I ordered a jasmine fragrance oil (not the absolute) and my goodness it smells good, I can't wait to try a blend with it. I also ordered the vanilla lace fragrance oil, I like it, but forgot all about it until now.... I was so caught up over the jasmine lol. Sandalwood EO, which I'm half afraid to play with because I got a very small amount since it's so expensive. I think I'll save that for when I have a better grasp on working with scents and a better idea of what I'm doing overall. I also got camelia oil, I can't remember exactly what made me want to try it, I'll have to look at my notes. Knowing me, I'm sure at least one reason was to try to cut down on "greasiness". I just sniffed and put everything away, I'm looking forward to playing. I'm really glad you mentioned camden grey because I was was kind of bummed about this fragrance thing with what I've been able to find locally. Glad you like Camden Gray, I think they are going to be my go-to for everything. Except they don't have wintergreen and I really NEEEEED it to make an EO blend that I love for pain. I LOVE jasmine...mmmm, makes a great-smelling soap or body butter. Sandalwood, love that too and I understand about being judicious about it! Camelia oil sounds neat, let me know how you end up using it! Be careful with the Vanilla; it discolors dramatically depending upon how much vanilla is in the FO and how much you use in your product. I made a very cool candy corn soap with orange and yellow and white....um, it's totally brown because of the vanilla in the FO. It's smells just like candy corn, but it looks like burnt candy corn. I've been looking around my house with an eye to what I could possibly use for soap molds lol, so the idea of making soap is still marinating in my head. I don't know if you have an Aldi locally but they have silicone molds (bread, brownie sized) on sale for 2.99. That sure beats the 10-12 + shipping from Amazon. I need to get the brownie sized one because I want to make some flat soap like that; with swirls and decorations on the top that I can't do with a loaf mold. OR you can use old Tupperware, or if you buy milk in a wax cardboard carton you can use that, a Pringles can works great for round soaps...just DON"T use anything aluminum. I'm just making a general warning, not sure how much your research has told you - aluminum and lye react horribly. Marinating is a good thing! I know Sweetdreams and I would love to help out when you figure what you are going to do. Gotta go play with the kiddies now.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 3, 2015 17:05:05 GMT -5
Just dropped off my wholesale order this am - 25 soaps! Hopefully they sell quickly and the shop will want more. I'm making bath truffles this afternoon; chocolate now and later I will make peppermint. They will go in a container together with some melted cocoa butter with cocoa mixed in so they end up looking like scoops of ice cream with chocolate syrup on top. Can't wait to pull it all together. www.dropbox.com/s/pzpd8kyyaomlamt/2015-11-03%2015.51.12.jpg?dl=0
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 3, 2015 17:46:03 GMT -5
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 3, 2015 18:13:07 GMT -5
Daisy your soaps are gorgeous!
We went to Jordan a few years ago, they claim that they do Aleppo soaps. We bought a few but they are white, not the traditional colour. I wanted to go to a workshop but it was summer and they were on a reduced schedule so it didn't happen.
We are currently using the nicest store-bought soap we have ever had ... from Aesop, an Australian chain. It was a gift from an Australian friend that stayed with us. It was a HUGE slab, I cut it into thirds, we are on the second third. That stuff absolutely lasts FOREVER!
This is something I have always been interested in but never tried. I'm a teacher so I have 2 long periods during the year when I'm off, Dec and summer.
Could you post a tutorial for absolute beginners?
My other concern is that I'm VERY impatient, and I worry that I won't be able to just let the soap sit and mature for months.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 3, 2015 20:56:19 GMT -5
Daisy your soaps are gorgeous! Thank you! We went to Jordan a few years ago, they claim that they do Aleppo soaps. We bought a few but they are white, not the traditional colour. I wanted to go to a workshop but it was summer and they were on a reduced schedule so it didn't happen. My guess would be that they used a minimal amount of Laurel Berry Oil OR they used Coconut Oil instead of Olive. My soap is at 30% LBO, I believe, and that amount gives it a khaki green color. I know that some online sellers make cheaper soap with less LBO, calling it Aleppo, which I suppose it IS, just not with the properties that more LBO gives it. How did you like the soap you purchased? And that's too bad about the workshop - I bet that would be FASCINATING just from what I've seen in videos.We are currently using the nicest store-bought soap we have ever had ... from Aesop, an Australian chain. It was a gift from an Australian friend that stayed with us. It was a HUGE slab, I cut it into thirds, we are on the second third. That stuff absolutely lasts FOREVER! I have heard of that company before; I am off to take a look-see.This is something I have always been interested in but never tried. I'm a teacher so I have 2 long periods during the year when I'm off, Dec and summer. Could you post a tutorial for absolute beginners? My go-to tutorial is the Soap Queen. She has tutorials that list the recipe and the video showing how to make soap from the very beginning. I watched hours and hours of her videos before I even started - and that was AFTER going to a class. Making a basic bar of soap isn't difficult; it's assembling the ingredients in the right order (lye is always poured into water, never ever the other way as it will volcano on you and wreak havoc on you and your workspace), making sure the temp of your lye is within 10 degrees of your oils, etc. There are lots of simple, practice soaps you can make - if you YouTube "The Dollar Store Soap Recipe" there is a video where she lists all that you need to make a simple bar of soap for about $13. You do already have to have a stickblender, lye and a scale (Amazon $40ish). The learning curve is quick; once you master the initial process you can easily segue into swirls and multiple colors etc. Alas, at that point it becomes $$$ www.soapqueen.com/My other concern is that I'm VERY impatient, and I worry that I won't be able to just let the soap sit and mature for months. Soap can be used 24-48 hours after it's made (I've tested bubbles on mine after about 24 hours with no problem, although I always do a 'zap test' whereby you lick the bubbles to see if they 'zap' which means the soap is not quite done) but it doesn't last very long. The newer the soap, the more quickly it melts in the shower or bath. Conversely, the longer it cures, the longer it lasts. So you could use your soap right away (after it passes zap testing or if you wait a couple of days) but be prepared for it to go fast. The longer it cures, the more the properties of the oils you used come out. If you make a Coconut Oil soap, it might be more harsh on your skin if you use it right away; but if you wait 4 weeks, it will be milder and softer on your skin. Olive oil is another one; used right away it's slimy...wait 6-8 weeks and it's soft and moisturizing. The Aleppo soap is supposed to be SUPER SLIMY if used right away, but wait 6 months and supposedly it will be the best thing ever on your skin. So, I'm waiting, not patiently, but waiting. So as far as being impatient, you can make some NOW, and then by the time the last of your Aesop soap is gone, yours should be ready!
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 4, 2015 1:48:23 GMT -5
Thank you Daisy!
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 4, 2015 9:02:50 GMT -5
Thank you Daisy! You are most welcome. As I said, I'm happy to share my limited knowledge. I'm glad that Sweetdreams is on this thread too, she makes amazingly beautiful soaps as well and it sounds like she is moving in the direction of selling too! The more people we can convert to our soaping philosophy, the better.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2015 13:18:17 GMT -5
Thank you Daisy! You are most welcome. As I said, I'm happy to share my limited knowledge. I'm glad that Sweetdreams is on this thread too, she makes amazingly beautiful soaps as well and it sounds like she is moving in the direction of selling too! The more people we can convert to our soaping philosophy, the better. Thanks Daisy. Your truffles look delicious! You have been so helpful on the insurance info and all the business related stuff. I so appreciate it and am still on the fence about selling. So much to think about. I agree with all you said about the age of home made soap. I always try a little pc. right away but definitely prefer an older soap in the shower. Longer lasting, less soap scum and it seems to me at least, more gentle. The only drawback to older soap is the fragrance often fades some though usually comes back pretty good once wet. I agree we need more converts! It's so much fun, so many surprises, (not all comes out like you had planned, sometimes better, sometimes worse) so many fragrances to choose from,( that's what gets me in trouble lol), endless attempts at finding the perfect combo of oils to make the perfect soap! Mostly though just so happy not to have to deal with prescriptions for keeping eczema under control anymore. I never really thought that would happen and it is awesome.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2015 16:11:24 GMT -5
You are most welcome. As I said, I'm happy to share my limited knowledge. I'm glad that Sweetdreams is on this thread too, she makes amazingly beautiful soaps as well and it sounds like she is moving in the direction of selling too! The more people we can convert to our soaping philosophy, the better. Thanks Daisy. Your truffles look delicious! You have been so helpful on the insurance info and all the business related stuff. I so appreciate it and am still on the fence about selling. So much to think about. I agree with all you said about the age of home made soap. I always try a little pc. right away but definitely prefer an older soap in the shower. Longer lasting, less soap scum and it seems to me at least, more gentle. The only drawback to older soap is the fragrance often fades some though usually comes back pretty good once wet. I agree we need more converts! It's so much fun, so many surprises, (not all comes out like you had planned, sometimes better, sometimes worse) so many fragrances to choose from,( that's what gets me in trouble lol), endless attempts at finding the perfect combo of oils to make the perfect soap! Mostly though just so happy not to have to deal with prescriptions for keeping eczema under control anymore. I never really thought that would happen and it is awesome.
I think the fragrances might get me in a bit of trouble too. As I've said before, I LOVE "smell good". I blended some oils yesterday (again! lol) and I came up with something I really like. I whipped up a little body butter to put it in, then took another shower in the middle of the day just so I could put the scented body butter on. I was sniffing my arm for the rest of the day lol. I can't remember if you've said already, but what do you use that works for your eczema? I don't have eczema, I'm just curious. DD tried 2 of the body butters I'd made and she was so funny. She said she'd never seen anything like that and the way it looked and the way it felt didn't match lol. She was intrigued by how it instantly melted on her skin, even the one that was a bit harder than I wanted it to be. I don't know how she thinks I make body butter, but she keeps telling me not to blow my house up trying to make stuff. Daisy, I haven't used the camellia oil yet. I did rub a little on my skin just to see what it feels like. I was surprised at how quickly it absorbed, much faster than my avocado oil. Would that be good or bad in soap? Have you ever used it for anything? I don't know how to make anything but body butter (and I only kinda know how to make that!), so that's what it'll have to go in. I'll let you know if I can tell whether it makes any kind of difference in the body butter.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 4, 2015 19:40:30 GMT -5
You are most welcome. As I said, I'm happy to share my limited knowledge. I'm glad that Sweetdreams is on this thread too, she makes amazingly beautiful soaps as well and it sounds like she is moving in the direction of selling too! The more people we can convert to our soaping philosophy, the better. Thanks Daisy. Your truffles look delicious! You have been so helpful on the insurance info and all the business related stuff. I so appreciate it and am still on the fence about selling. So much to think about.
Come over to the dark side.......
I agree with all you said about the age of home made soap. I always try a little pc. right away but definitely prefer an older soap in the shower. Longer lasting, less soap scum and it seems to me at least, more gentle. The only drawback to older soap is the fragrance often fades some though usually comes back pretty good once wet.
If you are using EOs it does fade - do you use a clay to help hold it? Kaolin clay or green clay etc can help cement an EO fragrance in soap. I used Kaolin clay when I made my orange lavender EO soap and it still held the scent 6 months later. You're right, the scent does seem to come back with water - not sure why.
I agree we need more converts! It's so much fun, so many surprises, (not all comes out like you had planned, sometimes better, sometimes worse) so many fragrances to choose from,( that's what gets me in trouble lol), endless attempts at finding the perfect combo of oils to make the perfect soap! Mostly though just so happy not to have to deal with prescriptions for keeping eczema under control anymore. I never really thought that would happen and it is awesome.
That is awesome! Definitely the best advantage of homemade soap; for me it's the 'not dry all of the time skin' that is the benefit. I have dumped all of my moisturizers because I simply don't need them. My skin is soft and feels moisturized all of the time.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2015 19:51:39 GMT -5
Did I mention I ordered mango butter from Camden Grey also? I had a feeling that the first one I had might be causing some of my texture problems because it was crumbly, like maybe it had dried out or something. I wasn't sure what exactly it was suppose to look like though, since I'd never seen mango butter before. The one from CG looked a lot different, even to a novice like me. It's smoother, creamer looking, and as I discovered this evening, a lot harder.
I switched the mango butters today and used Camellia oil instead of the jojoba and ooh la la! Between changing the butter and getting a better idea of when to stop whipping, I think I might be getting somewhere now. No more experiments for a few days while I use this up. Unless it gets grainy, I do NOT like how that feels even though it still melts the same on my skin.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 4, 2015 20:15:15 GMT -5
I think the fragrances might get me in a bit of trouble too. As I've said before, I LOVE "smell good". I blended some oils yesterday (again! lol) and I came up with something I really like. I whipped up a little body butter to put it in, then took another shower in the middle of the day just so I could put the scented body butter on. I was sniffing my arm for the rest of the day lol. Uh oh...another addict in the making!! How exciting for you that you found a blend you like! I just love that feeling of "I made this myself and it smells fantastic"!I can't remember if you've said already, but what do you use that works for your eczema? I don't have eczema, I'm just curious. DD tried 2 of the body butters I'd made and she was so funny. She said she'd never seen anything like that and the way it looked and the way it felt didn't match lol. She was intrigued by how it instantly melted on her skin, even the one that was a bit harder than I wanted it to be. I don't know how she thinks I make body butter, but she keeps telling me not to blow my house up trying to make stuff. Reassure her no blowing up will happen! If you get into soap making, the worst is the lye will eat your kitchen countertops if it spills out of the bowl. I mix my lye in the nasty, old stainless steel kitchen sink I have. That way if it spills, it just goes straight down the drain and it won't damage the SS sink at all. If you have super nice countertops and sink you can put down a wooden cutting board to protect them or even a plastic cutting board. The big thing is protecting your skin from the lye. Long sleeves, pants, shoes and eye covering. I still managed to splash my cheek one time with too-vigorous stirring....lesson learned!Daisy, I haven't used the camellia oil yet. I did rub a little on my skin just to see what it feels like. I was surprised at how quickly it absorbed, much faster than my avocado oil. Would that be good or bad in soap? Have you ever used it for anything? I don't know how to make anything but body butter (and I only kinda know how to make that!), so that's what it'll have to go in. I'll let you know if I can tell whether it makes any kind of difference in the body butter. I have never used camellia oil but it sounds wonderful for skin. I googled it and it seems like it's mostly used in skin moisturizing products and for hair. It looks really expensive which generally precludes it from soap making - unless you plan say, a face wash bar. I bet it would be spectacular there. If you were making it for yourself you wouldn't have to use much and then the cost wouldn't be much of a factor.
Generally the oils that absorb quickly on skin are used for rollers or salves - I use Jojoba oil for those (made only for family usage right now, not selling them until next year after much testing). After looking it up in my absorption rate list - Camellia oil ranks as a 2: Fast absorption rate; feels light and absorbs into the skin readily. Leaves a silky, smooth finish. Jojoba is a 3: Average absorption rate; leaves a satiny finish on the skin. Rose Hip oil is the only #1 on the list and I know that is horrifically expensive ie. 4 oz is $15 vs 4 oz Jojoba is $12. That makes it way more expensive than my Laurel Berry Oil which was 16oz for $25......which in itself is too much for every day soap. Most of my oils, bought in bulk, break down to around $1 or less/pound
Went on a hunt and found this information, sounds like a great oil: wawaza.com/pages/How-to-Use-Japanese-Camellia-(Tsubaki)-Oil.htmlKeep us updated as to how it works out for you!
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 4, 2015 20:18:14 GMT -5
Did I mention I ordered mango butter from Camden Grey also? I had a feeling that the first one I had might be causing some of my texture problems because it was crumbly, like maybe it had dried out or something. I wasn't sure what exactly it was suppose to look like though, since I'd never seen mango butter before. The one from CG looked a lot different, even to a novice like me. It's smoother, creamer looking, and as I discovered this evening, a lot harder. I switched the mango butters today and used Camellia oil instead of the jojoba and ooh la la! Between changing the butter and getting a better idea of when to stop whipping, I think I might be getting somewhere now. No more experiments for a few days while I use this up. Unless it gets grainy, I do NOT like how that feels even though it still melts the same on my skin. Awesome! sounds like you did get a dried out batch - boo . I've never used Mango Butter - does it have a scent? I made a shaving cream one time and the Shea Butter got grainy on me (cooked it too long, my bad) and yes, it's a super icky feeling. Hopefully this batch will be perfect!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2015 20:37:54 GMT -5
Apparently there are 3 kinds (species?) of camellia oil. The camellia japonica (tsubaki) is suppose to be the best for hair and skin, but that's not the one i have. I think it's harder to find or more expensive. Or something lol. told u I've been reading a lot. I'm learning about oils if not much else right now lol. I guess that's good, since some knowledge about oils is important for any of the natural products I might use or learn to make for myself. I'm going to have to read this whole thread all over again when I think I'm ready to move on to soap, to make sure I don't miss anything you all have learned from experience.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2015 20:47:12 GMT -5
No, mango butter doesn't have a scent. At least, it's not suppose to. Neither of mine have a scent.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 13:48:45 GMT -5
Thanks Daisy. Your truffles look delicious! You have been so helpful on the insurance info and all the business related stuff. I so appreciate it and am still on the fence about selling. So much to think about. I agree with all you said about the age of home made soap. I always try a little pc. right away but definitely prefer an older soap in the shower. Longer lasting, less soap scum and it seems to me at least, more gentle. The only drawback to older soap is the fragrance often fades some though usually comes back pretty good once wet. I agree we need more converts! It's so much fun, so many surprises, (not all comes out like you had planned, sometimes better, sometimes worse) so many fragrances to choose from,( that's what gets me in trouble lol), endless attempts at finding the perfect combo of oils to make the perfect soap! Mostly though just so happy not to have to deal with prescriptions for keeping eczema under control anymore. I never really thought that would happen and it is awesome.
I think the fragrances might get me in a bit of trouble too. As I've said before, I LOVE "smell good". I blended some oils yesterday (again! lol) and I came up with something I really like. I whipped up a little body butter to put it in, then took another shower in the middle of the day just so I could put the scented body butter on. I was sniffing my arm for the rest of the day lol. I can't remember if you've said already, but what do you use that works for your eczema? I don't have eczema, I'm just curious.
DD tried 2 of the body butters I'd made and she was so funny. She said she'd never seen anything like that and the way it looked and the way it felt didn't match lol. She was intrigued by how it instantly melted on her skin, even the one that was a bit harder than I wanted it to be. I don't know how she thinks I make body butter, but she keeps telling me not to blow my house up trying to make stuff. Daisy, I haven't used the camellia oil yet. I did rub a little on my skin just to see what it feels like. I was surprised at how quickly it absorbed, much faster than my avocado oil. Would that be good or bad in soap? Have you ever used it for anything? I don't know how to make anything but body butter (and I only kinda know how to make that!), so that's what it'll have to go in. I'll let you know if I can tell whether it makes any kind of difference in the body butter. Just my soap. I don't know what it was in my store bought soap but I tried every type and kind and could not get rid of the eczema on my legs in the winter time. I was going through tubs of Aquaphor( good stuff but really greasy) and tons of steroid creams on top of that and it just would not go away until spring. This went on for years until a couple years ago I made my own soap. It cleared up within a month of using it and for the last two winters has not come back at all. My first couple soaps I used no fragrance because I wanted to just keep ingredients limited as I wasn't sure what my skin was reacting to. Eventually I started adding fragrance and had no issues at all with them and I have tried probably hundreds of them by now. I do still have to use lotion but not the greasy Aquaphor anymore. I would never say my soap cures eczema , only that it cured mine. Going into winter number 3 now and I'm pretty confident my legs will not be itchy and rashy anymore. Aquaphor $ and prescription $ can be spent on oils or fragrance now instead-yey! They were making a ton of money on me. If you are a fragrance lover you can really go nuts with this hobby! There are just too many to choose from. If I'm out of something and have to order one I always find 20 more I need to try ! I'm going to try one of Daisy's body butter recipes this weekend and maybe I can stop buying lotion also. Glad you are enjoying playing with the oils.
daisy, make a killing at your show this weekend!
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 5, 2015 16:07:16 GMT -5
Fragrance.....oh dear. There are SO MANY to try and no $$$ to do it. Alas, hopefully next summer when I'm making bank I can afford to buy lots and lots. It's so cool that hear that your soap took care of your eczema. The change in my skin really is amazing too, so much softer and less dry. There was one winter that I was using Aquaphor on my hands too - greasy is an understatement! Thanks for the good wishes - it's only the 2nd annual of this show so I'm not sure about attendance but we'll give it a try! Better than cleaning house anyway!
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 6, 2015 11:22:49 GMT -5
Packing everything for my show tomorrow! My butt is dragging so hard from this stinking cold I've had all week...hopefully I will be all better tomorrow and not sound like someone who smokes 27 packs of cigarettes every day. I called and left a message yesterday about another show and the coordinator hasn't called me back yet...My voice - or lack thereof probably scared him into thinking that I was deathly ill with Ebola or something. These are the cute little 'trucks in mud' that everyone loves: www.dropbox.com/s/xi5vlz0mkhovtvb/2015-11-06%2009.05.20.jpg?dl=0This is how I ended up packaging my coal soap: www.dropbox.com/s/trgtbeu6xiwhho9/2015-11-06%2009.06.49.jpg?dl=0I picked up inexpensive washcloths the other day and will sell them in a package with choice of soap: PS Sweetdreams, this is the Christmas Tree soap I made, I just realized that I got a bit carried away with red glitter on this bar. www.dropbox.com/s/2n10fbgutkxekvw/2015-11-06%2009.09.05.jpg?dl=0These are chocolate bath truffles - there are also peppermint, will sell these 2 in a wrapper in the sparkly boxes behind the truffles: www.dropbox.com/s/n5ck0uje88ga8c0/2015-11-06%2009.09.57.jpg?dl=0Now I have about 12,000 bars of soap to label...blech. Just realized that I have to package my melting snowmen truffles too. And label lip balm. And pack the car. All this for $15/hour. Yikes, I need a better job!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2015 18:42:11 GMT -5
"Come over to the dark side....... " lol
"Now I have about 12,000 bars of soap to label...blech" There. You just cured me. Yuk. There has to be a better way. Bare naked bars? Something? I hate making labels and I'm not nuts about wrapping either after about 5 bars. I can't imagine having to wrap even 100 . daisy,I love your Christmas Tree soap! It is adorable . I don't see to much glitter either. It all looks great and I know it will be snatched right up!
I made the body butter recipe you shared with the Shea, Almond. I think I will like it. I'm not sure what the texture should be and if I fluffed it up enough and have only tried it on my hands so far. These are the salt bars you motivated me to make. Thank you! I love them, now when can I use them? I'm anxious but I think you said a long cure time. Hope you got all labeled and packed up!
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 6, 2015 20:38:53 GMT -5
"Come over to the dark side....... " lol
"Now I have about 12,000 bars of soap to label...blech"
It ended up only being 250...I started at 0730 this morning and jut finished about 30 minutes ago with short breaks for lunch and snacks. Plus the bath fizzies and coal soap etc. I LOVE the idea of no labels - in fact that is probably where I will go next year. Little signs at the end of a row of soaps and ingredients in bags after purchase. It's so awful.
There. You just cured me. Yuk. There has to be a better way. Bare naked bars? Something? I hate making labels and I'm not nuts about wrapping either after about 5 bars. I can't imagine having to wrap even 100 . daisy,I love your Christmas Tree soap! It is adorable . I don't see to much glitter either. It all looks great and I know it will be snatched right up!
Thank you - I sure hope so - it's not what I anticipated it being and next time I will have to be a bit more aware of where I am placing stars but I do like it.
I made the body butter recipe you shared with the Shea, Almond. I think I will like it. I'm not sure what the texture should be and if I fluffed it up enough and have only tried it on my hands so far.
YAY! It should pretty much melt on your skin - like I said, it's not good to throw on a silk shirt right away, but it does absorb quickly.
These are the salt bars you motivated me to make. Thank you! I love them, now when can I use them? I'm anxious but I think you said a long cure time. Hope you got all labeled and packed up!
I use my salt bars right away - they are so freaking hard within such a short time that they last forever in the shower. Bunni - whose recipe I follow, did a test and she has a salt bar that has been sitting out on her deck since May/June? and it's still there albeit a bit melted. Jump in and use them! I have the same mold and my soap is just like that! This is my stack of stuff - most of it I think, we haven't started to load my car yet...ignore the unfinished floor please. It's on our list of things to do...eventually. www.dropbox.com/s/81gkknlcpuga9aq/2015-11-06%2019.28.19.jpg?dl=0
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2015 12:16:05 GMT -5
"LOVE the idea of no labels - in fact that is probably where I will go next year. Little signs at the end of a row of soaps and ingredients in bags after purchase. It's so awful. "
I like that idea. Ingredients on a little card or something? Good thinking!
"It ended up only being 250..."
"I use my salt bars right away " Ok, I'm going to "I have the same mold and my soap is just like that! " Great minds...
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Nov 7, 2015 17:37:54 GMT -5
Had a great sale today! Small market, lots of MLMs (Thrive right across from us, Pink Zebra, Origami Owl etc) but we sold quite a bit. Made over 6 times our entrance fee and the threshold is 3 times for a success so we did pretty well!. None of my Christmas stuff went at all - apparently I was jumping the gun (thought there would be folks looking for stocking stuffers etc) but nope....soap and more soap. So my frantic wrapping of 250 bars paid off - I haven't done an inventory yet, stuff is still in my car, so I don't know exactly how many sold but I'm happy.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2015 17:50:27 GMT -5
Woo hoo daisy! Congrats on a successful day.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2015 19:17:24 GMT -5
Congrats on the soap sales! What does MLM mean?
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taz157
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 20:50:06 GMT -5
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Post by taz157 on Nov 7, 2015 19:26:08 GMT -5
Multi Level Marketing would be my guess
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