Simple

Ah, it's that time of year!  The time when things start rolling in around here, and it feels like it's all starting to hum like a finely tuned machine, and I get to sit back and look at it all and think about where it's all going and how else I'd like to manage it.  There's a lot of managing in this job.  Those of you who also homestead know that as well as I do.  And there are plenty of things I have decided about future management that I'll share at some time. 

But not today.

Today is a day for simple.  You know what's simple?  Soap.  Soap is oil and lye and water, and this and that, and BAM!  Pretty and usable things come out of it.  I love making soap.  It is relaxing and fun and kinda frustrating too.  It's a good mix that keeps me on my toes.

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but I make soap to sell at a local shop.  I did a spring "line", and now I'm up to summer, and it's been going like hotcakes.  I just finished up the summer soaps, and I thought I'd share them with you before they go out the door and are never seen again.  (Don't mind the little edges and such--I'm still cleaning up the bars.)

First up, Blueberry Verbena.  It's pretty straightforward, I just love the colors of it.  So pretty!

Then, Hibiscus.  I just really wanted to do PINK.

 

Golden Honeysuckle.

White Ginger and Amber.  I tried to make it look like beach glass and a beachball.  It worked pretty well.

I also did a few batches for my brother and his fiancée.  They are:

Citrus Basil

Sparkling Mojito (and I think I found a new way to make pretty inside swirls)

Stormy Seas

 

Pink Pepperberry.  Again with the whole pink thing. I think it must be this room. 

 

And for my husband?  Bay Rum.  And no pink.

 

 

Yep, that was pretty fun.  It was a whole flurry of soapmaking craziness for a few days.  Now the nicest part is that my sewing office smells nice, and there's quite a bit of beautiful soap floating around.

However, while I was working on this, I realized "Hey, I have goat milk", so yep, I'm going to do some goat milk soaps.  But I have decided to do it with essential oils and natural herbs and colorings.  Colored soap is beautiful, but there's a lot of beauty in the simple, herbal soaps too.  I might even say that I like them more (but don't tell the other soap--I wouldn't want it to feel bad). 

Today is the last day of school, and the day before Lilly's due date.  It will be a busy one, I think.  Enjoy your summer solstice, everyone.  Remember to keep it simple!