Prepping for the Holiday Season

The thing about soap making is, you can't just decide to make soap a day or two before you need it. You have to plan and prepare for the day or event in which you'll need it because it takes several weeks for soap to fully cure. Therefore, I've been busy lately replenishing my soap stocks for the coming holidays.

Now, I'm not one for pumpkin shaped soap or soap with embedded snowmen, but I do like to try something new this time of year and this year I have several things up my sleeve.

To begin with, I'm implementing new labeling! My previous labels were a little laborious if I had a lot of soap to brand. The new labels will be a little more colorful and although I spent HOURS getting the alignment correct, now that it is, I can easily print out a sheet or two quickly if needed.

It's also this time of year that I review my mainstay soaps; the soaps I carry all the time. It's when I determine what works and what hasn't. My Pepperwood soap will be phased out so if you are a fan of that one, grab a few bars before they're gone for good.

Also being phased out is my Honey Hopped soap. I love the scent of this soap and will use the cassia essential oil in another bar (I'm leaning towards adding it to the Mug-o-Beer Bar) but I really love the fresh goats' milk vs the hops in soap. Again, if you want to try it, grab a few bars before they're gone for good.

Now, let me introduce you to the new lineup: Pine Tar Goats' Milk Soap made with real pine tar and fresh goats' milk!

Pine tar has been used in skincare and hair care products for over a century. It helps relieve the symptoms of  eczema, dry skin, psoriasis, bug bites, and itchy skin in general. It's also great as a shampoo to treat dandruff or inflammation of the scalp.

Yes, pine tar has a very distinctive scent, very much like tar and pine (go figure), which helps fight body odor. To this soap, I've added cedarwood and amyris essential oils to play up the outdoorsy, woodsy scent.  Look for it in the online store in a couple weeks.

Also new, will be my Oatmeal Ginger Goats' Milk Soap. This will be another soothing skin bar and I'm really excited about it! I'm making it tomorrow and the plan is to use finely ground oatmeal, a little turmeric (to provide a pretty orange color), fresh goats' milk, and grated ginger to the top. This bar will be scented with ginger and cassia essential oils. I'll be sure to post pictures when it's complete.

Both new bars will be available in a few weeks and in time for holiday shopping! Remember, orders over $29 ship free! Use your computer or access the new mobile friendly site to place your order!