Clay Soaps Coming Soon

I have so many clays already, but I just got some new clays in, and I thought I would do an unscented line of soaps colored with just clays. They have so many wonderful natural skin loving qualities...first up is the new clays I just got...Cambrian Blue Clay and Dead Sea Black Clay...

How awesome are these boxes?

Cambrian blue clay is said to be a rare clay from Russia with the most powerful detoxifying properties of all clays. It comes from the Siberian lakes and is known for its clarifying and blemish fighting properties, and is also thought to be good for anti-aging and anti wrinkle. It has a rich source of trace minerals, and although it is very good for oily skin, it may be to drying for sensitive dry skin.

Dead sea black clay works great to cleanse and is known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and can refresh and regenerate the skin.

So now on to the soap making....we added olive and avocado oils to make the bar even more conditioning.

I used my new favorite molds. I LOVE these square molds, they make the perfect bar size, here is the blue...

...and the dead sea clay....

...and both beauties next to each other.

These will be ready in about 3-4 weeks. Also added to the clay lineup will be Rhassoul, French Green, Morrocan Red, Pink Kaolin, White Kaolin and Bentonite.

The Rock House

Here is the view of the rock house from the garage.

We call it the "rock house" ...well because it is made of rocks.

This used to house tools and junk...and when I was little I found it very scary! Now all grown up and all cleaned out...its a pretty cool place.

It's main purpose though is to house the pump for the well but it still makes a great tool shed and just needs a new tin roof put on.

Unplanned Absence

Sorry to have just disappeared, but we had a crazy twist to our life as we end 2011. Wouldnt even begin to know where to start to explain, but short and sweet story is we have taken custody of a disabled family member, and as a bonus we "inherited" grandmas house.

I grew up in this house...my daughter grew up in this house. We were VERY close to grandma, my daughter called her Grandma Mommy all growing up... so this house is beyond special to us.

Unfortunately it wasnt cared for properly in the 4 years since grandmas passing, and so The Hubs and I have basically been gifted a project house....lets hope it isnt a money pit lol.

Here she is in all her green splendor! Cant tell you how many evenings we spent on that porch...we didnt get but 2 channels on the TV so back in the "good ol' days" we hung out on the porch rocking chairs until bed time.

The house was moved here waaaaay back when, that sure had to have been a sight to see an entire house moving down the road. Of course as a kid I never paid attention to the story, now as an adult I want to learn more, so I hope to find that out later on.

The house and garage sits on about an acre and a quarter, so plenty of space. The Hubs wants to make the 2 car garage you see there on the left...my soaping room...totally not going to fight him on that one!! LOL

Side view of the house...we will re-side with concrete siding in a couple years.

Not sure what was planned with these posts...but they are soon to be.... outta here!!

Back of the house, this door leads to Jenny's room which was added on at some point.

So...here is the house, we hope to restore it while keeping its old country charm...you wont believe what the inside looks like, I was shocked and saddened...but saving that for future posts...

Soap Mold Update

Slid out like a dream........

I am one happy camper!!! Thank you Al for ending a huge frustration for a fraction of the cost.

So in about 3 weeks these gorgeous creamy white fresh linen bars will be ready for sale. :)

New Mold

The Hubs has a special cousin that is fabulous in making things...like seriously fabulous...he should be selling some of his gorgeous items. He made my soap cutter which we use A LOT!

Lately we have been looking into molds. We currently use the molds The Hubs made me over 4 years ago...absolutely nothing wrong with them...except we have to line them. Coming up on 5 years with a larger production than our hobby stage...well its getting a little old. BUT...for the amount we need we are talking $1,000 buckeroos or so...well we are still too small for that cost just yet.

So dear sweet Cousin Al and his handy hands stepped in for a possible solution...look at the gorgeous mold he has fashioned for us to try out....


So here we fill in our first batch for a test drive...


No leaks...huge plus here....

He made these tops for bowing...but it didnt bow a bit...

So our first lil baby is in the oven...the true test will be at unmolding...if it doesnt stick...well Cousin Al best get to cranking more of these babies out for us...so cross your fingers and stay tuned.
(oh and the scent is Fresh Linen...we wanted a no frills scent to try out out, and this scent needs no colors)

Etsy Seller Spotlight - Jennie's Home Made Goods

I purchased a cat nip filled cat toy from Jennies. My cats are pretty picky about EVERYTHING, but I thought I would take a chance here since the lil pup always seems to get surprises and toys all the time. So I threw it on their bed.....

Hmmm...what is this?????

Charlie is the first to claim it....

Yum!

Simon says "my turn!"

Smells soooo good!!

Tastes good too....

Awww, I think Simon is in love!!

Charlie....

Hogging the water dish again. Mr Bills patiently waiting...again. :)