Checking In, 2010

Hello Everyone! 

  A new entry at long last. I'm sure you've all just been on pins and needles in anticipation........

First, thanks to all of you who hung in through the new site upgrade. It was brutal, and I appreciate all your invaluable feed back. I am much better with a soap kettle than I am a website! And happier too.

Bullit, my little red dachshund, and I managed a winter road trip to visit our best bud Patti in Arizona. Had a long drive across miles and miles of soothing sagebrush. What a panacea for my soul!  After the excitement of the soap shop during the holidays, I welcome the nothingness of northern Nevada. A new cd, fresh jug of water, tank of gas and we're off.( Favorite new cd: Asian Lounge...marvelous!) 

My boy Bullit is a great travel companion. He rolls up like a bagel on the floor of my van and doesn't stir till we slow down for a town or rest area. He's very savvy about Motel 6's (humble digs to be sure, but they always take dogs) .  Many times we simply find a farm road out on the desert, pull off and camp for the night alone with the stars. Remind me to write sometime soon about how much I love Dark Skies! If no safe looking road can be found then a friendly rest stop will do. Pull the curtains, lock the doors and get some sleep.

Spring shows are on the agenda soon and some of you will be happy to hear that Grapefruit Mango soap is back. The price of pure grapefruit essential oil has finally moderated a bit. Now if patchouli would go down as well there'd be many happy soapmakers everywhere. Patchouli is supposedly one of those love it or hate it fragrances. I've noticed, however, that many times, people who think they hate patchouli are surprised by how much they like a patchouli blend. We put patchouli and some good rose oil together recently and it's been a huge hit. Our very popular Vintage 69 soap and cream is a patchouli-heavy blend with wide appeal to both men and women.

Soap classes continue to roar along. I am humbled by those of you who have driven from distant places to take our class!  It's such a rush to see what everyone makes and how pleased or skeptical they are about the results. Our first lotion class was well attended and we'll be doing that again soon. Stay tuned.

At the end of March we're offering our first-ever Herbal Salve and Lip Balm class. Salves were the first medicines of course, and knowing how to concoct a healing balm is a useful skill.  It's not rocket science but it's sure nice to have someone show you the basics. Call the shop if you're interested or check it out on the website. March 31st, one night only.

Happy Spring Everyone....I hope you're out of the snow. I am planting fruit trees soon and going to be a grandma...does that sound like a plan or what!

In Gratitude...

~sandy