tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-357957242024-02-28T00:38:54.583-08:00Just the Right SizeJust the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.comBlogger533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-78445554302321546642019-07-26T08:59:00.003-07:002019-07-26T08:59:48.960-07:00Opening August 1st!Golly, where have I been all summer? I've been around for sure, but more importantly Ravish Soap Company is officially opening August 1st, 2019!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumTPPGS5gx9XVY_Hoy7ZHTBZyn4sxRVq8I7KWWcqYvej7eeSXNb7vrr3CYMxJb_myf3EL90d75HyOS7fEMvZ4SbHxkMu7v48rxpjJGaebIKaRiWaK6vxtw2MMyFyZln4PuB-w/s1600/Logo_password+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="779" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumTPPGS5gx9XVY_Hoy7ZHTBZyn4sxRVq8I7KWWcqYvej7eeSXNb7vrr3CYMxJb_myf3EL90d75HyOS7fEMvZ4SbHxkMu7v48rxpjJGaebIKaRiWaK6vxtw2MMyFyZln4PuB-w/s320/Logo_password+page.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ravish Soap Company...we're trademarked ya'll!</td></tr>
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That's next friggin' week ya'll and I'm "bit" stressed out about it to say the least. But I know it will all work out in the end and there will be bumps I'm sure...probably mostly with shipping. That's been the most stressful thing of all!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKau1dd-jFUy1WRfcUEz3tCUp4vN_NdHbVryMvzUzmaVioMnkv1ACZVgRVMFQbH0Y0NVlFRuKU2M-65ne4218lihIrhXPT_99M0lbkaWiOElA9JuFh37rfW4SdnK4TxrhnPl6/s1600/My+BFF+Rosie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKau1dd-jFUy1WRfcUEz3tCUp4vN_NdHbVryMvzUzmaVioMnkv1ACZVgRVMFQbH0Y0NVlFRuKU2M-65ne4218lihIrhXPT_99M0lbkaWiOElA9JuFh37rfW4SdnK4TxrhnPl6/s400/My+BFF+Rosie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"My BFF Rosie" has come a LONG WAY BABY!</td></tr>
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If I could go back in time and tell my future self this, I'd say making soap, body butter, sugar scrubs, shampoo bars, etc. are going to be the easy part. Not only am I the formulator and manufacturer, but I'm also the IT person, web-designer, graphic artist, business manager, shipping & receiving, social media marketing specialist, photographer, tax specialist, permits, insurance, supplies...and-on-and-on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBchgf7mikpV-WDoRQa45RhJiKmyF07deVoPpu0URnkjRRsnpmk8BEOueZkYmgWh-3XEkllHy5ez081bHGwKGoE40s1BV-V_EpqSdaQPxN0VXDvBuruWEeJrnK-6wkkZ-kPJG/s1600/Dirty+Girl_stacked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBchgf7mikpV-WDoRQa45RhJiKmyF07deVoPpu0URnkjRRsnpmk8BEOueZkYmgWh-3XEkllHy5ez081bHGwKGoE40s1BV-V_EpqSdaQPxN0VXDvBuruWEeJrnK-6wkkZ-kPJG/s320/Dirty+Girl_stacked.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dirty Girl" let's you get dirty as much as you want!</td></tr>
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We are launching with 9 baseline, cold-processed soaps, 8 matching body butters and foaming sugar scrubs. Solid shampoo bars will be launched this fall along with 4 seasonal soaps, body butters, and sugar scrubs. WOOT!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDLaQFubZVIm-YqHWCdnTlgDRGSGBXiHqpSueeJa_sFRjWkIMiGuIpeRjYe6oLMIXiBFsNJxN1xnnkkueoRjpKt6lcM7_n1QYxLPWUcbYHpu2ImPpNwNG3dWOtX7EVoMnZq5p/s1600/My+Happy+Place+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDLaQFubZVIm-YqHWCdnTlgDRGSGBXiHqpSueeJa_sFRjWkIMiGuIpeRjYe6oLMIXiBFsNJxN1xnnkkueoRjpKt6lcM7_n1QYxLPWUcbYHpu2ImPpNwNG3dWOtX7EVoMnZq5p/s320/My+Happy+Place+box.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"My Happy Place" makes me so happy!</td></tr>
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There's still a ton of small ends to clean-up, but I'm ready to get this party started. Check us out at our website to purchase (note, the website will be live after August 1st):<br />
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<a href="https://ravishsoap.com/">https://ravishsoap.com/</a><br />
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Or follow us on Instagram:<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ravishsoap/">https://www.instagram.com/ravishsoap/</a><br />
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Or Facebook:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ravishsoap/?modal=admin_todo_tour">https://www.facebook.com/ravishsoap</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeDnwszkZr0HQtmHQ5Myzkf0VgYzaXdaE4jBaYLrDzoG7cDAW7Li22b-m7xxw81xcSSEkjOjr7NgQEXQai8lkfd6mvzAC5eOkmRICbqdENLcOQQ0hBCnGX6onmVav3PAj0VgT/s1600/facebook+banner_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="783" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeDnwszkZr0HQtmHQ5Myzkf0VgYzaXdaE4jBaYLrDzoG7cDAW7Li22b-m7xxw81xcSSEkjOjr7NgQEXQai8lkfd6mvzAC5eOkmRICbqdENLcOQQ0hBCnGX6onmVav3PAj0VgT/s640/facebook+banner_2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Right now I'm learning all the ins-and-outs about having a business on social media. But I have a good feeling about it all.<br />
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Have a good weekend!Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-78011739053139930212019-03-15T05:54:00.001-07:002019-03-15T05:54:51.640-07:00Soapy Friday - CelebrationsThere's much to celebrate this week! First, my trademark approval finally came in and Ravish Soap Company is legally legit from copyright infringement...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXSR-pmCMST0rk6samqVi3ogZB9wWLW0uLFBS2phZinJQS1Flsh27S8HhRjxOV6bVQhqSAG3CxosZ_qdUikPKXa32mAPrUXQh8EPL89lbkd6_Ezz4eh8hBDwkwCukHrcM3Zfn/s1600/RavishLogo_blackbox_tm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="404" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXSR-pmCMST0rk6samqVi3ogZB9wWLW0uLFBS2phZinJQS1Flsh27S8HhRjxOV6bVQhqSAG3CxosZ_qdUikPKXa32mAPrUXQh8EPL89lbkd6_Ezz4eh8hBDwkwCukHrcM3Zfn/s320/RavishLogo_blackbox_tm.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This alone has been a journey that has taken well over a year to finalize. I won't bore you with the legal details, but I'm very proud that I did this all on my own and have learned A LOT from it.<br />
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Secondly, all of my box designs are finalized and are ready to go to the printers. THIS I am very, very excited about and a bit nervous....it wasn't cheap to do what I did, but go big or go home, right? Some people have kids and spend the money to put them through college at my age...me?...I start a business. LOL! This is my child and I'm investing in its future. :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbrsJM6aBVvuV7zu08f4Fu_y1E-vEFpPSdN9PKaURG2AUbvOEytgIosEvLlCOcxpnN6f__Kdm1E87YQQ3rgIJFlJlNK7_A6PSk5wGPTLiW6vv4Gv36f5Xtmh-n_PXPUc0opff/s1600/soap+boxes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbrsJM6aBVvuV7zu08f4Fu_y1E-vEFpPSdN9PKaURG2AUbvOEytgIosEvLlCOcxpnN6f__Kdm1E87YQQ3rgIJFlJlNK7_A6PSk5wGPTLiW6vv4Gv36f5Xtmh-n_PXPUc0opff/s640/soap+boxes+2.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the single ladies...almost ready for showtime! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVZRdl-k6Bw1XQWq9wBdIAbRI_TqoYwHXqccAKksHrTgcvvTceW8mnzkROUodbUi985BHYwQaO366m78M120u4tg6hszyrEzf2b6Vi5RAH0UKvVe12zD_aaxHISZT6dts_vw5/s1600/soap+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVZRdl-k6Bw1XQWq9wBdIAbRI_TqoYwHXqccAKksHrTgcvvTceW8mnzkROUodbUi985BHYwQaO366m78M120u4tg6hszyrEzf2b6Vi5RAH0UKvVe12zD_aaxHISZT6dts_vw5/s640/soap+boxes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a few more tweaks yet...</td></tr>
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Thirdly, I've started official production! I've made 50 lbs. of soap this week and put in my first "big soap" supply order. The UPS guy/girl is gonna hate me! Since I wan't to give my soap "at least" 6-8 weeks to cure, I need to start now. Each 25 lb. slab gives me about 80 bars of soap.<br />
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2 batches down, 7 more to go!<br />
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My "Taste of Honey" soap overheated, but I think it makes it look more authentic, yes?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lH6k5GdtF-Upvut1OrY9CanVZ5VAnE00dISxS8OMY68D1bfE9sawEpwsX2WeFDDyTnq8n2lvO8qVGRux3i6qHvZv4BSeqDNs6e-bFWYypjkYAdSeP744RoDvRkHTEjleAITc/s1600/honey+fail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lH6k5GdtF-Upvut1OrY9CanVZ5VAnE00dISxS8OMY68D1bfE9sawEpwsX2WeFDDyTnq8n2lvO8qVGRux3i6qHvZv4BSeqDNs6e-bFWYypjkYAdSeP744RoDvRkHTEjleAITc/s640/honey+fail+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it a real honey comb or soap?</td></tr>
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My "original" goal was to launch by May 31st, but I don't see that happening. There's just too much to do graphic-wise yet and my graphic artist is taking sooooooo slooooooow to finish. I'm thinking of hiring a second one to help out in the meantime, but we'll see.<br />
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Lastly, I was recertified this week for a professional certification that I worked really hard to get 3 years ago. Something sparkling and alcoholic will be enjoyed tonight!Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-49100719002291800882019-03-13T08:24:00.001-07:002019-03-14T08:36:41.550-07:00One Year Ago - What's Next?It's hard to imagine it's been a year since we sold our house and began this odyssey of "What's Next?".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaDkuyPZJHG5SF4hNDJ4nyJhUThy4H1c5edBP3HNjcvMVw4Z7X6wD5YENMHZm1mvc1-A_M2WNbj6oTIPIe1RX2U3gq_uFZSFtERc-B4A-QmsqYd4W3-7gG1EHjWVynTykZ61m/s1600/house+sold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaDkuyPZJHG5SF4hNDJ4nyJhUThy4H1c5edBP3HNjcvMVw4Z7X6wD5YENMHZm1mvc1-A_M2WNbj6oTIPIe1RX2U3gq_uFZSFtERc-B4A-QmsqYd4W3-7gG1EHjWVynTykZ61m/s640/house+sold.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bittersweet...we miss the old place!</td></tr>
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We are still very happy that we sold and moved. Still, it's hard for me not to think of all the things I would be preparing in the old gardens, what would be sprouting, getting excited for the upcoming season. Spring is the hardest because you're anxious to start moving and start warming-up. It's the season of renewal and growth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGalaUeQMGm77YLGVYmWiWeNUGEg_dxaWHUqIveHMZrz8Gu-GdBf9umiQmlyrPCxiwFlCI-UePu9SAh5ND2Vmb4SLBzeKEAj6ir_LHydVHi0OTJp9JZYcVXscK5NcmVRBwnrr/s1600/maters+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGalaUeQMGm77YLGVYmWiWeNUGEg_dxaWHUqIveHMZrz8Gu-GdBf9umiQmlyrPCxiwFlCI-UePu9SAh5ND2Vmb4SLBzeKEAj6ir_LHydVHi0OTJp9JZYcVXscK5NcmVRBwnrr/s640/maters+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glory days in the old veggie garden</td></tr>
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So, what's next? We are pretty sure that we do not want to stay in the D.C. area. No one moves to D.C. to kick back and relax or to retire. It's too hectic and expensive. And the traffic...don't get me started!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5LRJ-2BaZSyGeiYzVsAQbrVs7PFPB7n63O-UuhIIgpdecOTyQ1Kc893nQxF_ebtifKJIqHxOvZrq3wxwRw-MVFi5vetR5sNwh1A6rGtIJvX0E8FGN0g-_kCDrpAO9tv4RqVX/s1600/stay+goth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="445" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5LRJ-2BaZSyGeiYzVsAQbrVs7PFPB7n63O-UuhIIgpdecOTyQ1Kc893nQxF_ebtifKJIqHxOvZrq3wxwRw-MVFi5vetR5sNwh1A6rGtIJvX0E8FGN0g-_kCDrpAO9tv4RqVX/s400/stay+goth.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retirement priorities!</td></tr>
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We have our eyes set on Ohio - preferably the Columbus area. The area has a job market that will support us into retirement and it's pretty cheap to live there compared to here. Taxes are decent...not the best, but better than many. Retirement is decent there as well. We knew that we did NOT want to go back south (too hot) or even much further north where we would experience much of the same lifestyle - hectic and expensive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2nFdatogE4dPs4_LgIitjB1huv9MJW-TwXp-in59xWPbVff0W002xh3hoPfhyDb2bLpf4ZZ_7mste70RBkb-v4fNo-4NTnfpIinEZobPbAt5kprGqvWYUmHRWv4DnAScyngQ/s1600/ohio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1003" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2nFdatogE4dPs4_LgIitjB1huv9MJW-TwXp-in59xWPbVff0W002xh3hoPfhyDb2bLpf4ZZ_7mste70RBkb-v4fNo-4NTnfpIinEZobPbAt5kprGqvWYUmHRWv4DnAScyngQ/s320/ohio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Buckeye State is lookin' pretty good to us!</td></tr>
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Plus, when we went there last August, we really liked the "small town community" feel that many towns/neighborhoods had. We like the thought that our next house will be "our forever home" and we'll get to retire eventually...but more importantly, we'll be able to afford to do what we WANT to do versus what we HAVE to do as far as work. I want to make my soap company a legitimate business that would support us, and we couldn't do that if we stayed in the D.C. area.<br />
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We're going out to Ohio in May to do some scouting...if everything goes according to plans, we'll be looking into buying a home there later this year!Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-81684534678078056312019-02-15T09:41:00.000-08:002019-02-15T09:41:54.829-08:00Soapy Friday: Almost Ready to Party!After many, many, many tweaks and edits, my graphic designer and I have finalized a baseline template for my soap boxes. I am now shopping printing companies for production. Ultimately, these boxes will have a soft, matte finish with spot glossing...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqpXciPdfgWpZd792Ablbxci5uwQAVBIfxgWhSs4-cbWBm782nCUCK-ZmwZUroEtrfl7Ho9BDxZMP76YEt5I87fHsVyNLsgP7wazuGHsDHvNYxQoJARwWH2gAMdfMZO4zQPxZ/s1600/ravish+box+final_cutout_pse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqpXciPdfgWpZd792Ablbxci5uwQAVBIfxgWhSs4-cbWBm782nCUCK-ZmwZUroEtrfl7Ho9BDxZMP76YEt5I87fHsVyNLsgP7wazuGHsDHvNYxQoJARwWH2gAMdfMZO4zQPxZ/s640/ravish+box+final_cutout_pse.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My BFF Rosie...ready to get printed</td></tr>
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This soap, "<b>My BFF Rosie</b>" is just one of <b>NINE </b>baseline soaps that I will launch with Ravish Soap Company later this year. This will also include matching body butters and sugar scrubs. I'm hoping to have shampoo bars too, but you know....test, test, and test.<br />
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I'm aiming for a May 31st launch, but it takes SO MUCH TIME to put all these pieces in place....including trademarks, licensing, insurance, A WEBSITE. Ugh...but I just try to think about the old saying that goes, "How do you eat an elephant?"Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-1555130246512280752019-02-01T12:57:00.000-08:002019-02-01T12:57:16.684-08:00Soapy Friday: Sealed for FreshnessIt seems like little has been going on this month, but there has been a lot. I've been tweaking formulas, buying equipment, and finalizing packaging labels.<br />
<br />
I bought an induction heat sealer to give me lovely sealed jars like this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiokUeNes68IapMt_QnCnl8Lh6qfyq_L1pvCSIFmr06wvrKrLAYY-yJM2Tk87VEhgolHoXSzMmIvud5ASC8aPLmCr-CJ8B3H2lZwY3qBCY5g7SHs5o6RSV0D29VcT0UjNUxdi/s1600/sealer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiokUeNes68IapMt_QnCnl8Lh6qfyq_L1pvCSIFmr06wvrKrLAYY-yJM2Tk87VEhgolHoXSzMmIvud5ASC8aPLmCr-CJ8B3H2lZwY3qBCY5g7SHs5o6RSV0D29VcT0UjNUxdi/s640/sealer+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sealed for Freshness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI09jRnUDnZugWLjsHd9YsFzCTAI-r8fFhyphenhyphenEw2cr-l3zCp35JvZqbac23eO7YnxBK2vkUxs755haRDSHAH2nVbYVJ1pgpmlg4o8k5gr4wDjkJyWYAj2dg3-b4C2z-OY9dOKkTu/s1600/sealer+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI09jRnUDnZugWLjsHd9YsFzCTAI-r8fFhyphenhyphenEw2cr-l3zCp35JvZqbac23eO7YnxBK2vkUxs755haRDSHAH2nVbYVJ1pgpmlg4o8k5gr4wDjkJyWYAj2dg3-b4C2z-OY9dOKkTu/s400/sealer+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got anything you want me to seal?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's an interesting machine. Hubby thinks it looks like one of those defibrillator paddles and keeps yelling, "CLEAR!" when I use it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3nvScb6X4L-VcU3s1xKgCKiRqZKEHDmsTOiUL_7sibHcMCncW1HVHrGkMVT6mXOUNsr6zIZ3UJy56EcZ9FhtsbEX7i3zSevTATMHpcMk5gMsVMlsOpRYQdgh5DoNBb_szbkF/s1600/sealer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3nvScb6X4L-VcU3s1xKgCKiRqZKEHDmsTOiUL_7sibHcMCncW1HVHrGkMVT6mXOUNsr6zIZ3UJy56EcZ9FhtsbEX7i3zSevTATMHpcMk5gMsVMlsOpRYQdgh5DoNBb_szbkF/s640/sealer+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"CLEAR!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm on a deadline of getting my business up-and-going by May 31st...god willing. I still have to have an e-commerce website built, get all the boring business stuff in place, and actually have a product line to launch other than one bar of soap. If I keep on top of things...and keep on top of the people helping me...it will happen.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I keep experimenting to formulate a solid shampoo bar that will give all the good things healthy hair wants and needs, but also remain hard enough in the shower. I think I stopped counting past batch #7...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87J6S9s6e1y7PEs4GORwsgpXLuG9WoUUs5QXLQjXJ4u6XO8DHwoK3JfhVyq0BuXP2UY2VK9TnfQUepECSzr2jjUr0LwPjznEghOf_uVCvzAik21hb_gGTBOfMS2D1no_Yjl1P/s1600/poo+bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87J6S9s6e1y7PEs4GORwsgpXLuG9WoUUs5QXLQjXJ4u6XO8DHwoK3JfhVyq0BuXP2UY2VK9TnfQUepECSzr2jjUr0LwPjznEghOf_uVCvzAik21hb_gGTBOfMS2D1no_Yjl1P/s640/poo+bars.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What batch # is this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-47288298949320779192019-01-04T12:12:00.000-08:002019-01-04T12:12:17.709-08:00Soapy Friday: Goals for 2019Happy New Year everyone! I'm SOOOO glad the holidays are over, although I always get the "post holiday blues"...I'm glad to be rid of the mess, but I do miss all the fun and cheer. Now it's on to 2019!<br />
<br />
This year will be very, very interesting. I'm not going to set any uber lofty goals other than officially launching an online and vendor-based business, which to be honest is a lot! We are on the fence on what to do with our current renting/living situation and may be moving again by April...and it might be out-of-state!<br />
<br />
We shall see...<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I am on revision cycle #3 for my soap box templates with my graphic artist. This does take a while, but it's worth it and we're close to finalizing something.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSsRDcSLxzd5rZNPYWM_Yt_oy2MVCkQe5dZxQYGofHJwC0Uh6eyHcRWum95Z2n67Le2XK3uO5PohWwCnKnqfXNjyvqwBHXLvRp7lmae9veVsBLdhfkfuxD5mvHHWJc7OJq4hi/s1600/sample+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSsRDcSLxzd5rZNPYWM_Yt_oy2MVCkQe5dZxQYGofHJwC0Uh6eyHcRWum95Z2n67Le2XK3uO5PohWwCnKnqfXNjyvqwBHXLvRp7lmae9veVsBLdhfkfuxD5mvHHWJc7OJq4hi/s640/sample+box.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So close and yet so far</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I haven't made any soap lately, as I don't want to waste ingredients if I'm producing and not selling, AND those ingredients are expensive to purchase and have expiration dates. Also, I don't want to make a lot of soap that may or may not fit in my future soap boxes.<br />
<br />
So...I experiment with formulas. Here I've made 3 different shampoo bar samples using 3 different formulas, I'm close to getting what I want, but need to order more ingredients.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QujMBKDXbmxhRVNwNzLrEcscQ21BMY_Lmt2KEwkvwHIK3USDNd1uZEY8_yiKUkNX4aMu0FRA9LTG90kJZydXMpgWRD8yF4CWSEk11zTh1UnwZ3qlHpkUdXCe-GVhDJhTdSFF/s1600/sample+soaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QujMBKDXbmxhRVNwNzLrEcscQ21BMY_Lmt2KEwkvwHIK3USDNd1uZEY8_yiKUkNX4aMu0FRA9LTG90kJZydXMpgWRD8yF4CWSEk11zTh1UnwZ3qlHpkUdXCe-GVhDJhTdSFF/s640/sample+soaps.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shampoo Bar Formula Experiments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've FINALLY found the holy grail of rock hard bath bombs that float and fizz...except now they are FLAT! Grrrr....back to the mixing bowl.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7C7WwjZpPIV9lpiQFTxTXftdH0JwbdNZktt7_hwpvkezpZLPulqXruup9W3a2utmviVAgw4umN6jRZogAHlPfB0BvGrAc4Ouzhv6Q4k4vQoL4viWd5YIU2NZYTDcHPpWy-4Z/s1600/flat+butt+bomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7C7WwjZpPIV9lpiQFTxTXftdH0JwbdNZktt7_hwpvkezpZLPulqXruup9W3a2utmviVAgw4umN6jRZogAHlPfB0BvGrAc4Ouzhv6Q4k4vQoL4viWd5YIU2NZYTDcHPpWy-4Z/s640/flat+butt+bomb.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like flat butts...said no one EVER!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although the funny thing is I don't think I will sell them as part of my product line...they're too mainstream now and you can buy bath bombs at the Dollar General Store. I just prefer to solve the mystery and move on....I don't like to leave problems unsolved.Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-7846579637962265302018-12-19T05:55:00.001-08:002018-12-19T05:57:22.192-08:00Favorite Christmas Cookies 2018This year marked another one for my annual "Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off".<br />
<br />
I figured that between all the packages of cookies that I send to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, I bake between 300-500 cookies over a 2-3 week period. I prep all of my cookie dough in November, by saving each batch of dough in a gallon Ziplock bag and freezing it. When I'm ready to bake, I just pull whatever bag(s) I want out of the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator at least overnight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIZxCYvSp5xnDr5vKl6ZhFrTJs8xBc_KwN3BoiuSrJjt-_eWjw1nxVTDDAgZhm-j5an5_7jVKsPWnvxxnrR6V8cxFKICbbf4Ot54lzsaktAO1SclB1SVlRChsowAxKmDgQ5Qj/s1600/christmas+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIZxCYvSp5xnDr5vKl6ZhFrTJs8xBc_KwN3BoiuSrJjt-_eWjw1nxVTDDAgZhm-j5an5_7jVKsPWnvxxnrR6V8cxFKICbbf4Ot54lzsaktAO1SclB1SVlRChsowAxKmDgQ5Qj/s640/christmas+cookies.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For shipping, I bake all the cookies I want to send on a Sunday and ship them 2-day UPS on Monday. That way, recipients will get their cookies as fresh as possible without it making me broke. :-) I usually bake and ship-out over a 2-week period, as it's a lot of work, but I do enjoy it.<br />
<br />
Over the years, I've learned to become selective of who I ship cookies to. I used to send out a lot more, but for some people Christmas cookies are not something they want or need, so I take the hint and focus on sending them to people who do.<br />
<br />
Anywho, I have two keeper recipes to share this year! I usually try at least one new recipe and it either "makes the list" or not.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Santa's Helpers</u></b></span><br />
<i>Recipe Source: <a href="https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/cooking">Sherry from the Cooking Forum</a></i><br />
<br />
*These cookies are to die for! I've had this recipe for years and years, but never got around to trying them...OMG!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cookie: <br />1/2 cup butter <br />
1 cup brown sugar <br />
Add 1 egg <br />
1 tsp. vanilla Beat until smooth <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Add: <br />
2 cup flour <br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda <br />
1/4 tsp salt Beat until smooth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Topping: <br />
1/2 cup brown sugar <br />
1/4 cup sour cream <br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon <br />
Stir until smooth and then add: <br />
1 cup chopped walnuts (I used pecans)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Divide dough into quarters. Form
each quarter into 6 balls. Place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. With
finger, make a wide deep depression in each cookie, clear to the edge. Fill
with topping. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, (or in a convection oven, about 9
minutes) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you undercook these, the filling is so heavy that it will break
through when you pick them up, so I make them crunchy. You could also not make
the depression in them as deep and there would be more dough to suport the
filling so that it did not break through. Also, if I make a huge depression in them, I sometimes make half again
as much filling so I don't run out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Makes 24 cookies <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8GoNOKIA_3LZZ4YSsjIPU2h9KJJsY4vetUkNP8VXluIqkPhfyGLaFkN_qP2jDoRX8dFMKGGaend4M3Lm8oqW2uk79X4jq-FDvY40gcVTloBCL2MkPakoTuNblLgfBs_nM7xi/s1600/christmas+cookies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8GoNOKIA_3LZZ4YSsjIPU2h9KJJsY4vetUkNP8VXluIqkPhfyGLaFkN_qP2jDoRX8dFMKGGaend4M3Lm8oqW2uk79X4jq-FDvY40gcVTloBCL2MkPakoTuNblLgfBs_nM7xi/s400/christmas+cookies+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's Helpers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Chinese Almond Cookies</u></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Recipe Source: I can't remember</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">*I've been making these for the past 2-3 years and they are probably my #1 favorite cookie!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">1 1/3 cups of almond flour, lightly packed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">1 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">Pinch of kosher salt <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">2 eggs (1 for use in the dough, another for later)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">1 teaspoon of almond extract <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">1 3/4 cups of flour <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">1 cup + 2 tablespoons of sugar <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">1/2 teaspoon of baking soda <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">Slivered almonds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-transform: uppercase;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Place the almond flour, salt, and butter into an
electric beater with a paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for three
minutes. The mixture will become course and chunky looking. A</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">dd one of the eggs, reserving the other for later, and
the almond extract. Mix on low speed until just incorporated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">Sift together the flour, sugar, and baking soda then
add to the butter mixture at low speed. Mix until just combined. T</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">ake the dough and flatten it into a disc and wrap in
plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for two hours to chill.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">Preheat the oven to 325F. Line a baking sheet with
parchment paper. Place the other egg into a bowl and beat it. T</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">ake pieces of dough and roll them into balls about a
half-inch wide. Place them on the sheet about and inch apart and then press
them down slightly with your palm to make a coin shape.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">Place a slivered almond onto each cookie and lightly
press it into place, then paint the surface of the cookie with some of the
beaten egg using a pastry brush or your finger (this will give the cookie a
lacquered appearance once it bakes). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges just being to
tan. Cool on the sheet on a wire rack.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">Makes 5 dozen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi-aq1leXiF6uuAddbS2yWSwdLiDRfhN0Nc15Qg9p7LEmGYBqaXZoEbJR7vk4wiC2EwBxRjuPX4USNr1sifLzh6OcIbxcMmN9DrSZTcE0Wl9wsLycTmgvrBWPjACguQKTGy6g/s1600/christmas+cookies+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi-aq1leXiF6uuAddbS2yWSwdLiDRfhN0Nc15Qg9p7LEmGYBqaXZoEbJR7vk4wiC2EwBxRjuPX4USNr1sifLzh6OcIbxcMmN9DrSZTcE0Wl9wsLycTmgvrBWPjACguQKTGy6g/s400/christmas+cookies+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Almond Cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-89821780962943575582018-12-17T11:36:00.002-08:002018-12-17T11:36:42.960-08:00Gratuitous Kitteh MondayI spy with my my little eye....a furry guy with my Christmas bows to untie.<br />
<br />
Le sigh...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFN_3DJwHtKDytcxC4BXPp2GJPFrdQZ9mA5oAbL0zvT0QYUF1bI2pHVdX3YKCYMvl5BnoW7Yx-038BPUJ6qRJ-s9V9kMFL3_4ggPBF1ajMWZxL-5A7IrOj7eIUeqERyuG0apP/s1600/Christmas+Chaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="816" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFN_3DJwHtKDytcxC4BXPp2GJPFrdQZ9mA5oAbL0zvT0QYUF1bI2pHVdX3YKCYMvl5BnoW7Yx-038BPUJ6qRJ-s9V9kMFL3_4ggPBF1ajMWZxL-5A7IrOj7eIUeqERyuG0apP/s640/Christmas+Chaz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-57645125861154766382018-12-07T12:40:00.000-08:002018-12-07T12:40:21.824-08:00Soapy Friday: Packaging Concepts - First RevisionSo, last Friday night I met with my graphic designer to go over the first packaging concept designs for my soap boxes and other labeling. I could NOT be more thrilled!...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SgGb6-Y2G8g8wYSi7huWXoI_FHQLgBHe2xKoyqJ9TYiNmS3ZCEtlEorZpdv0uU7FMqQ6LLlu-S1t5nqyDQ-CQ4lwRC6ziu9Xzu40upR1nbCsdw4wpN222wjDf6r0lAjryZ6I/s1600/ravish+box+concept+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SgGb6-Y2G8g8wYSi7huWXoI_FHQLgBHe2xKoyqJ9TYiNmS3ZCEtlEorZpdv0uU7FMqQ6LLlu-S1t5nqyDQ-CQ4lwRC6ziu9Xzu40upR1nbCsdw4wpN222wjDf6r0lAjryZ6I/s640/ravish+box+concept+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved something from all of these!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love that she provides 5 mock-up concepts and we go from there. There will be 2-3 more revision cycles from this (I believe) until we narrow it down to the perfect design. I'm liking a little bit of all the boxes, so we'll pull that all in to design the one we want as a final concept.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXS7vFJOm6OmV8WZMZjCJFe8-_IGd3aPQAvqIas51kT3t0iY7kgW2TvCUUOJ8RPUtExGZ05njPkdFdcDWgaFq6XqNWPfn9wlwHYsZUGly3S0-JLB0mdO2TdqYDYbuHrbSYZNm/s1600/ravish+box+concept+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXS7vFJOm6OmV8WZMZjCJFe8-_IGd3aPQAvqIas51kT3t0iY7kgW2TvCUUOJ8RPUtExGZ05njPkdFdcDWgaFq6XqNWPfn9wlwHYsZUGly3S0-JLB0mdO2TdqYDYbuHrbSYZNm/s640/ravish+box+concept+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once that is done, then we decide how we want these to be printed. Glossy? Flat? Embossed? Foil?<br />
<br />I can't wait!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3ZP7F9rCDbawDU1GgYKuIdNzj5JVwuwuU179hUV1MifRLTZzBz7172whuYomcJnG_r_IqmrqY0cK9T0Sb0x4ZUM0VpX2qrN3NSIklip8WxenFdKzAxvnxM4mPid2lTZbyw0K/s1600/ravish+box+concept+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3ZP7F9rCDbawDU1GgYKuIdNzj5JVwuwuU179hUV1MifRLTZzBz7172whuYomcJnG_r_IqmrqY0cK9T0Sb0x4ZUM0VpX2qrN3NSIklip8WxenFdKzAxvnxM4mPid2lTZbyw0K/s640/ravish+box+concept+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-32799890804887412842018-12-03T06:07:00.001-08:002018-12-03T06:07:52.044-08:00Gratuitous Kitteh MondayMiss Thang looks adorable snuggling up to her <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yeowww-Catnip-Toy-Yellow-Banana/dp/B000AUJFHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543845714&sr=8-1&keywords=kitty+banana">Yeowww! Banana</a>...I've had these things for a few years and they love them. They're filled with catnip and the two I originally purchased have been used and abused intensely. Mostly, they just sit there and lick them over-and-over-and-over. There's a few bunny kicks thrown in for enthusiasm.<br />
<br />
They have thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon, and they're worth it! I'm going to order 2 more for Christmas. :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wOdbMtgdt2kprRMaGroMQvBRDc1qdLVJ-NlVNZrZQgCgwQf5XG0t9J2UILzEinW2C9wMfhqzYDn_sK2wvWnsvmzJhzFzRbJ_T9IP3EfIB9vnH0PwQoZp7-yKxCNBodvjhfMJ/s1600/miss+thang+banana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wOdbMtgdt2kprRMaGroMQvBRDc1qdLVJ-NlVNZrZQgCgwQf5XG0t9J2UILzEinW2C9wMfhqzYDn_sK2wvWnsvmzJhzFzRbJ_T9IP3EfIB9vnH0PwQoZp7-yKxCNBodvjhfMJ/s640/miss+thang+banana.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Thang and Her Banana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-65720830236134252322018-11-30T07:45:00.000-08:002018-11-30T07:45:56.770-08:00Soapy Friday: Building a Brand<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where have I been?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, you know, the usual…but mostly I’ve been in a holding
pattern, and I’ve only made ONE BATCH OF SOAP SINCE OCTOBER 19<sup>TH</sup>!!!!
It’s the longest I’ve gone not making soap since we moved and since I started
on this journey.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been slowly, oh so slowly, working on building a brand.
For the past year, I’ve applied and gone through the trademark publishing process.
I’ve hired two graphic artists and fired one. The second one is a true soulmate
and can visualize where I want to go. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So far, we have developed my logo and my brand-style, which
has a modern, inclusive, pop-art sassiness…</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NMOOiIKGkrL7EFiYPi9MeGmXS-x4ZmAlmmaa7glrwVPEnmChoZGnI232G0CeBvIIBI1mO0bkUivEf2dIqIfVA2_pIBKJwEztBH3Csi33sWsWuqyNVDNOWCRPrkTsu66mCTIS/s1600/pop+are+example+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="1345" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NMOOiIKGkrL7EFiYPi9MeGmXS-x4ZmAlmmaa7glrwVPEnmChoZGnI232G0CeBvIIBI1mO0bkUivEf2dIqIfVA2_pIBKJwEztBH3Csi33sWsWuqyNVDNOWCRPrkTsu66mCTIS/s640/pop+are+example+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIADhIO1ow5qHLdGBW5fKyfbXxWXshSwZ8Pz1y5pqm5-MWWKcedbzrRNZeFEnfOoxA056PW0CPg27Y9knWdItHz3C-tQ7AzXiR7aRii2Tw8Yw3cxrTmzzh5dCSLdxdSc0EH8ag/s1600/pop+art+example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="1359" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIADhIO1ow5qHLdGBW5fKyfbXxWXshSwZ8Pz1y5pqm5-MWWKcedbzrRNZeFEnfOoxA056PW0CPg27Y9knWdItHz3C-tQ7AzXiR7aRii2Tw8Yw3cxrTmzzh5dCSLdxdSc0EH8ag/s640/pop+art+example.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Sassy Pop-Art!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />And we came up with this...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDZbhRf_DlSWEluhQrZ7ILCj4Fln4s8syJPEl96rJPLh4r4QzZP-oJ4BEv7CNm5ZqvrcJOxQjRskJC5Vy5Mehej4v0glmAftSKAG0ifw-FXv1R_7ZWw71Dv8x3HZm4QIbsC40/s1600/ravish+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDZbhRf_DlSWEluhQrZ7ILCj4Fln4s8syJPEl96rJPLh4r4QzZP-oJ4BEv7CNm5ZqvrcJOxQjRskJC5Vy5Mehej4v0glmAftSKAG0ifw-FXv1R_7ZWw71Dv8x3HZm4QIbsC40/s640/ravish+cards.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuFEtr0-xhiZGvHepJismN-dlnTlKDToVIS0pP1JlARicr7xeNB4gjNyDwpSb7sMqLRUrK2QfVhE79ampGUERzOwZRiq2CyYZ1SSN3PlrlUgu_PnUgB4HtgoiJZslS_xrVIPS/s1600/ravish+cards+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuFEtr0-xhiZGvHepJismN-dlnTlKDToVIS0pP1JlARicr7xeNB4gjNyDwpSb7sMqLRUrK2QfVhE79ampGUERzOwZRiq2CyYZ1SSN3PlrlUgu_PnUgB4HtgoiJZslS_xrVIPS/s640/ravish+cards+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Next, we are now working on packaging design. I’m in a “chicken-or-the-egg”
situation, where I don’t know if I should design the soap to fit a box or
design a box to fit my soap. I DO know I want some sort of open pane on my soap
boxes for smelling, but I don’t think I want it where it is in this sample. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmkhWVSukii2mya2cJGcOorOe5UjkM4ROHljo9TnCPHQ69HTIDVuPDWJw_g_uG80vLFNwRnpO0iH9EF9kdKx6cJ-EP93jTlXG08vq43lGGjQs25rTZwdt0zRnYMYCODADlDOi/s1600/soap+box+example+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmkhWVSukii2mya2cJGcOorOe5UjkM4ROHljo9TnCPHQ69HTIDVuPDWJw_g_uG80vLFNwRnpO0iH9EF9kdKx6cJ-EP93jTlXG08vq43lGGjQs25rTZwdt0zRnYMYCODADlDOi/s640/soap+box+example+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soap Box Template #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3NIasCAzwQVyq03aR50TYQGYTgxuuIaCYqngURvXap2h510-aPk6cmgZo4Xk-PXXBqwydkMccMYqDFG_hwhbXXryEPB_tCqcWXYXl9oXndGqPHP86g7nIfRHMn9-4AplQz2Q/s1600/soap+box+example+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3NIasCAzwQVyq03aR50TYQGYTgxuuIaCYqngURvXap2h510-aPk6cmgZo4Xk-PXXBqwydkMccMYqDFG_hwhbXXryEPB_tCqcWXYXl9oXndGqPHP86g7nIfRHMn9-4AplQz2Q/s640/soap+box+example+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't this window pane will work...stuff will fall out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqeiqyqzQI09tvny2Y489OF7O2mxhpyrTXpfLNxXFH2pseSArUCZCOcVTYXmX4dUOQZZMvGbckmYJiMnkmUjBgCBRVZ_DNGlwJuLeacVnnReZytueR0E1qIfd8g9ktfp7gaMZ/s1600/soap+box+example+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqeiqyqzQI09tvny2Y489OF7O2mxhpyrTXpfLNxXFH2pseSArUCZCOcVTYXmX4dUOQZZMvGbckmYJiMnkmUjBgCBRVZ_DNGlwJuLeacVnnReZytueR0E1qIfd8g9ktfp7gaMZ/s640/soap+box+example+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like it on this soap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m meeting with my graphic artist this afternoon to look at
her first batch of packaging concepts and we will go from there…I'm so excited to see what she has come-up with!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, I’m working on formulating solid shampoo bars.
This is my first one and IT WORKS and IT’S pH BALANCED! I have a loooooong way
to go though….down the rabbit hole I go. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2SQADg789ikeExCf4X6KAFOLkC3adxhwxh2Il6PHN2zU5IiKN4_Jo_wSml_l_vKwLW6SrFjHCdvRLyHfmjZ7uFVXQz1XzX8Dob_A8sKSS1-f9H0yy4ESAuQ6bftRBnVtnIAg/s1600/shampoo+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2SQADg789ikeExCf4X6KAFOLkC3adxhwxh2Il6PHN2zU5IiKN4_Jo_wSml_l_vKwLW6SrFjHCdvRLyHfmjZ7uFVXQz1XzX8Dob_A8sKSS1-f9H0yy4ESAuQ6bftRBnVtnIAg/s640/shampoo+bar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First solid shampoo bar...it works, but needs tweaking!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-47283977290750493212018-10-22T10:36:00.000-07:002018-10-22T10:41:43.337-07:00Gratuitous Kitteh MondayWe officially went from summer to winter seemingly overnight. The temps last week were in the 80's and 70's and now we are in the 30's at night with 50's and 40's in the daytime. The leaves are barely starting to change and normally they are at their peak by the week of October.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLt99vwwKJMDr3DHwXwpfddTRLle05v3NKzRQz0U5BzQa7ljMylC6kqDafgTvEfyUwbV0xVZgrluKucF1MqHd07eLAl3Qnh3ip5_P65C4y7qMMehsxUNA6LjXSeEwkOXmjIZ8/s1600/winter+snuggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLt99vwwKJMDr3DHwXwpfddTRLle05v3NKzRQz0U5BzQa7ljMylC6kqDafgTvEfyUwbV0xVZgrluKucF1MqHd07eLAl3Qnh3ip5_P65C4y7qMMehsxUNA6LjXSeEwkOXmjIZ8/s640/winter+snuggle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stinkeye!</td></tr>
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The kittehs OTOH are taking advantage of the shift in sunlight and a knitted blanket I have on my office chair. Miss Thang is giving me the stinkeye and Chaz will probably start annoying her any minute in order to get her to jump out of the chair. That way, he can have it all to himself. They both "fight" over it...it's been funny to watch.<br />
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This year has been so strange weather wise in Virginia. I'm sort of glad I did not have a vegetable garden, as I've heard that all the rain made local gardening a bear. Split tomatoes, blight, fungus, and weeds, weeds, weeds. It would have been a hot, muddy, mess for sure. Although I miss having a garden, it HAS been nice to have the extra time and energy to do fun things again. We're going to have trick-or-treaters...big difference from living in the country for 6 years!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYC-Wk3_jC4IqsEQR3ZZ4PjUeq9ylob1BnJZtuwVvpMop3YIMB8esRh_b8rNWS4HvrQ_gAABV8Nglrx_2JkeUKE9EpicXrRc1SSN56gkvd6h23Es9PygW3wl7JZ0pe_82sdpN/s1600/veggie+garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYC-Wk3_jC4IqsEQR3ZZ4PjUeq9ylob1BnJZtuwVvpMop3YIMB8esRh_b8rNWS4HvrQ_gAABV8Nglrx_2JkeUKE9EpicXrRc1SSN56gkvd6h23Es9PygW3wl7JZ0pe_82sdpN/s640/veggie+garden+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing, but NOT missing my old veggie garden!</td></tr>
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<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-50415731879552547122018-10-19T07:20:00.001-07:002018-10-19T07:21:12.952-07:00Soapy Friday - "Coco Loco"Happy soapy Friday everyone! This bar of soap looks pretty ordinary, doesn't it? But NAY...it is not!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjN4_Roeij8mHuz1mqs7NjOGkEjDIHoAwwhwAQasLU5Fzk70fcD10zocXM4JdOecE4KIw9odmAeZ0wMW172ccGPPT9ZRapiRb-coI-2A0YRwdPHn2wlBN27AwWXNilZUBX9I3h/s1600/coco+loco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjN4_Roeij8mHuz1mqs7NjOGkEjDIHoAwwhwAQasLU5Fzk70fcD10zocXM4JdOecE4KIw9odmAeZ0wMW172ccGPPT9ZRapiRb-coI-2A0YRwdPHn2wlBN27AwWXNilZUBX9I3h/s640/coco+loco.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Coco Loco" - Crazy Luxury Soap!</td></tr>
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I present to you "Coco Loco" - made with coconut oil, cocoa butter, and coconut milk, it will make your skin feel loco soft and smooth! It's scented with an exotic, coconut-fruit fragrance blend that will make you think that you are gently swinging in a hammock between two palm trees on the beach.<br />
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It has only 6 ingredients TOTAL...no colorants, nothing extra, just crazy, creamy good stuff for your skin!<br />
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I made this soap 3 weeks ago and I can't wait to try it; it even FEELS creamy in my hand. Hope this is what I've been hoping...a super creamy, luxury bar of soap.Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-82582375577600400542018-10-12T09:12:00.001-07:002018-10-12T09:12:44.985-07:00Soapy Friday: Rethinking Laundry SoapWhooo...I've been busier than a one-legged paper hanger lately! <a href="http://www.justtherightsize.net/2018/08/soapy-friday-cream-laundry-detergent.html">My laundry cream </a>got me thinking...although it worked fine and it was wonderful, it WAS a cream that required distilled water to make. And water means you need to use a preservative, which I wanted to avoid.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCuNL5BK6mpxvr79lhom0_2G4Df1aBQZOp0qj0lvSZmPQuYrhAfliLpMOZxjuGePpSwaJ361_zfIUq568plO8sZhSfOxi6V7pnHd44cf0LiWYtlAKu2nF3E2XRWTVUrFkUmEd/s1600/laundry+powder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCuNL5BK6mpxvr79lhom0_2G4Df1aBQZOp0qj0lvSZmPQuYrhAfliLpMOZxjuGePpSwaJ361_zfIUq568plO8sZhSfOxi6V7pnHd44cf0LiWYtlAKu2nF3E2XRWTVUrFkUmEd/s400/laundry+powder.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry Soap Powder</td></tr>
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So, I reformulated it back into a good-ol'-fashioned soap powder. It works just a well, it requires less ingredients (which equals less $$ to make) AND it's cheaper to package. I'm thinking ahead here, and I think there is a want and need for a more natural laundry product.<br />
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So, there's that. Also, I've been testing fragrance oils like cray around here. I'm having a love affair with <a href="https://nurturesoap.com/">Nuture Soaps</a> and this might very well be my numero uno fragrance oil company for the future.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0JPfegndxSME6binggRB3Pos4elVcbxPDqxqEL-1ROmNP7wQtECH49rDd8mu-wbCOPE42YFr4QM1_WS4e7bYwdyXZzudroebqtbKAh0xgsYI8QV3xQR80czv-zQZEsw_9ZlE/s1600/soap+testing_nurture+soaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0JPfegndxSME6binggRB3Pos4elVcbxPDqxqEL-1ROmNP7wQtECH49rDd8mu-wbCOPE42YFr4QM1_WS4e7bYwdyXZzudroebqtbKAh0xgsYI8QV3xQR80czv-zQZEsw_9ZlE/s640/soap+testing_nurture+soaps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing Fragrance Oils in Cold Processed Soap</td></tr>
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PLUS, they sent me the most awesome Ryan...I mean LOOK AT IT! They even friggin' laminated it!<br /><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsBMP6Uvi2r8PwvdQ9DPrYiiGST6ncriqTTZ7KkBJVjVDXe7cN95rmzuLvdOBvyJpPW0CISrY3pOb68nPjBW4k3CaUYT_4-kvo6c9Y0e77lC8nJryefGZq93kHAzb3w3f3VvO/s1600/Hey+girl_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsBMP6Uvi2r8PwvdQ9DPrYiiGST6ncriqTTZ7KkBJVjVDXe7cN95rmzuLvdOBvyJpPW0CISrY3pOb68nPjBW4k3CaUYT_4-kvo6c9Y0e77lC8nJryefGZq93kHAzb3w3f3VvO/s640/Hey+girl_2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey Girl..."</td></tr>
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Lastly, I sold some of my very first bars of soap last weekend! Hubby and I finally got around to having a garage sale and I decided to put out a display for my soap, body butter, and laundry soap. I friggin' sold $150 worth of my stuff ALONE! I so wish I had gotten a pic of my setup...but I was too busy and distracted. Sigh.<br />
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Anywho, things are really looking up...I'm hoping to debut my logo & business cards soon! Have a great weekend everyone!Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-9328762742116671502018-09-21T06:22:00.000-07:002018-09-21T06:22:27.312-07:00Soapy Friday: Halloween SoapsI've been having such a blast over the past couple of weeks making my Classic Monsters Halloween soaps...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUszFYApPFRtTP0EijEi7j7tY3sUwh1J9JzGtBFGn5P8mgWy89bpTopotJuoU50H-K7noGd5KLv3-DyD1p4NhzlpqvHHuL7eeMy3jojcdWFSiiK5U7QJruBWRdIJX4iCn6Vx7D/s1600/dracula+soap_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1077" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUszFYApPFRtTP0EijEi7j7tY3sUwh1J9JzGtBFGn5P8mgWy89bpTopotJuoU50H-K7noGd5KLv3-DyD1p4NhzlpqvHHuL7eeMy3jojcdWFSiiK5U7QJruBWRdIJX4iCn6Vx7D/s400/dracula+soap_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-60349878638133574562018-09-07T07:15:00.000-07:002018-09-07T07:16:55.312-07:00Soapy Friday: The Vanilla VillainHappy Friday everyone! Why is it that short, holiday weeks always feel the longest? I swear...this week went on FOR-EVER! But first, some beautiful "Toasted Vanilla" soap:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EfYF9vYQEB54nDy46-DI4wod1KoVlgOcGu1NeeJxPyLgfQgWm1ZVpdhXjNQihYmEH9magSqlxyKctxcD-SqrI-JcUnYkTYWfIOqnwrBlWLa1IFvhZAPZXDIbRE5jfSQ6yoRC/s1600/toasted+vanilla_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EfYF9vYQEB54nDy46-DI4wod1KoVlgOcGu1NeeJxPyLgfQgWm1ZVpdhXjNQihYmEH9magSqlxyKctxcD-SqrI-JcUnYkTYWfIOqnwrBlWLa1IFvhZAPZXDIbRE5jfSQ6yoRC/s640/toasted+vanilla_2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Toasted Vanilla" </td></tr>
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I was out-of-town last week for work, but I did manage to make a loaf of vanilla-only scented soap when I got back. I usually blend vanilla with other fragrances, but I just bought a big bottle of "Vanilla Bean" fragrance oil (FO) and wanted to see how it stood on it's very own.<br />
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Most people have been taught to believe that vanilla - whether scent or flavor - is white or off-white. But it is NOT; it really is a dark brown in its natural state. The fragrance compound "vanillin" within vanilla scents or flavors oxidizes and eventually turns brown when it is exposed to air. Vanilla scents or flavors are typically blended with what is called "vanillin stabilizers" to keep a product from turning brown. The problem is, at least in the skin-care world, this only lasts for a few months, maybe up to a year.<br />
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When I initially made this soap, it was a creamy, off-white color - exactly what you would THINK a vanilla color should look like - but as the vanillian oxidizes with the air, my soap is slowly turning a dark brown. Eventually, each bar will turn completely dark brown throughout.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNH3c-C_nWN5Wc0lNRWsP97AKg0ytLF80hCT7bhr61lcdvNgrWqWEXKd2ckUmPGgqAN4rN2K3tuSAobO8c6jf7XRwEWV6vzmu16CIewFY9Wnzddc4rNWTtG5_wCfMVPVbC4Cks/s1600/toasted+vanilla_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNH3c-C_nWN5Wc0lNRWsP97AKg0ytLF80hCT7bhr61lcdvNgrWqWEXKd2ckUmPGgqAN4rN2K3tuSAobO8c6jf7XRwEWV6vzmu16CIewFY9Wnzddc4rNWTtG5_wCfMVPVbC4Cks/s640/toasted+vanilla_1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vanillin villain going to town!</td></tr>
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My philosophy is: Don't fight it. I think it looks like gilded chocolate cake, and IT SMELLS SO FRIGGIN' GOOD!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAIEzNdw0_ZPO-AOuLSQILZfPjSSi-sUuaaQU5lETfFFWWUh88kNN0ufEIPLl9iAJCUM29wT-mLBr8NhkcbRFlwB6svrsUCViKykfyYj2wZMmvY_y93dJdZUmfKoMVEjuOOe0/s1600/toasted+vanilla_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAIEzNdw0_ZPO-AOuLSQILZfPjSSi-sUuaaQU5lETfFFWWUh88kNN0ufEIPLl9iAJCUM29wT-mLBr8NhkcbRFlwB6svrsUCViKykfyYj2wZMmvY_y93dJdZUmfKoMVEjuOOe0/s640/toasted+vanilla_3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good enough to eat!</td></tr>
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<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-58605854321418212682018-08-23T12:56:00.000-07:002018-08-23T12:56:13.371-07:00Soapy Friday: 2018 Fall SoapsThe thing about making high-quality, artisan, cold-processed soap is that it needs a minimum of 4-6 weeks of curing time before it's ready to be used. So, you have to plan ahead, which means you are making fall and winter stuff in the summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7Y4cBdkVxNbuwLGLb_wy9G22-j8wC2doE11modjV6v0DEfoJTyCKOELIX4Tl5TXPd_I46USckjXJ0fAWjGLsUpOWAI2NT_fjtJ3NyMnhtor2THPcz8qzLfViw3Ze3962Vwtw/s1600/fall+soaps+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="706" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7Y4cBdkVxNbuwLGLb_wy9G22-j8wC2doE11modjV6v0DEfoJTyCKOELIX4Tl5TXPd_I46USckjXJ0fAWjGLsUpOWAI2NT_fjtJ3NyMnhtor2THPcz8qzLfViw3Ze3962Vwtw/s640/fall+soaps+2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Soaps for 2018</td></tr>
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I don't mind it. I'm sick of the hot weather and making fall and winter soap puts me in the mood for cooler times ahead.<br />
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I've made 3 different fall soaps this week, which will all be ready by early-to-mid October. I'm feeling chilly already!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>"Falling Leaves"</u></b></span><br />
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This soap turned out EXACTLY like I was hoping it would. In fact even better. I used my triple-butter luxury recipe for this soap, and it is scented with a citrus-spiced-berry fragrance that makes me want to go pick pumpkins and Christmas trees at the same time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9dmBqXG63_RKt6AvooLjaJlRMSPXLsWV_lhxVW_P4SeshauFy5fr6zLw7oEgjKFaGRYW8Ts_50vcCep2Xc_g7G8u41YuzPVN9efH-F-ap4yMWFc728iA3K6W2RgAbfNlf1ZU/s1600/fall+leaves+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9dmBqXG63_RKt6AvooLjaJlRMSPXLsWV_lhxVW_P4SeshauFy5fr6zLw7oEgjKFaGRYW8Ts_50vcCep2Xc_g7G8u41YuzPVN9efH-F-ap4yMWFc728iA3K6W2RgAbfNlf1ZU/s640/fall+leaves+bar.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falling leaves and autumn glory</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>"Eucalyptus Spearmint Sea-Salt"</u></b></span><br />
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This is another one of my triple-butter luxury bars made with activated charcoal and white and pink Himalayan sea-salt. It has a very invigorating eucalyptus and spearmint fragrance, with hints of ozone and sea spray. This soap makes me think of taking a long walk along a winter sea shore with a wool sweater wrapped around my shoulders.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_YO2jUIbBHlRgwwikxsA_VxZiSvSQqNt9Kk3A51hkeSmk5whWPIcBJ7Jqg1wkqsvOKBZTEe71dPgW3cPWyjOoSMrcvoB_Z9Qgn-r0SJ8GyU9eu8ryVBGuQrnfYfs9VFm1nOJ/s1600/ecalyptus+spearmint+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_YO2jUIbBHlRgwwikxsA_VxZiSvSQqNt9Kk3A51hkeSmk5whWPIcBJ7Jqg1wkqsvOKBZTEe71dPgW3cPWyjOoSMrcvoB_Z9Qgn-r0SJ8GyU9eu8ryVBGuQrnfYfs9VFm1nOJ/s640/ecalyptus+spearmint+bar.jpg" width="626" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eucalyptus Spearmint Sea Salt Soap </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>"Country Bumpkin"</b></u></span><br />
<br />
Not only is this soap gorgeous, it's made with real pumpkin! Pumpkin contains Vitamin A and C to help soften and sooth the skin, while boosting collagen production to prevent aging. Better than pumpkin spice, this soap smells like fresh-baked pumpkin pie with an extra dash of cinnamon!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-rvfvBgMR62OdaSH8Ypw4pAcw2VAN_zXcM9hUKW3lBp24NyNPsONRl42fUVYOg6PPABXkCv44lSEVuFYB3g_93YV4NACY89Gin17IvF9agijt25rVerfH5ZOpujRDKKdZVPa/s1600/pumpkin+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-rvfvBgMR62OdaSH8Ypw4pAcw2VAN_zXcM9hUKW3lBp24NyNPsONRl42fUVYOg6PPABXkCv44lSEVuFYB3g_93YV4NACY89Gin17IvF9agijt25rVerfH5ZOpujRDKKdZVPa/s640/pumpkin+bar.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Pie anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-84012889582219212272018-08-20T06:09:00.000-07:002018-08-20T06:09:31.777-07:00Gratuitous Kitteh MondayUgh...I've been up since 4 a.m. and I'm dragging butt.<br />
<br />
One of the smoke detectors in this house decided to go off and announce "FIRE!" at that glorious hour of the morning. It's one of those newer detectors where it not only belts out that annoying chirping alarm, but it speaks to you as well.<br />
<br />
I was out of bed in a hot second, and then it stopped as soon as it went off. I searched the house from top-to-bottom before going back to bed. Of course I didn't go back to sleep because I kept imagining the worst...what if there's a fire in the attic that I can't see? Do I smell smoke? What is that noise outside?...it was the rain.<br />
<br />
Sigh. This house is cursed. Probably the batteries need to be changed in the detectors, as I'm sure they've never been changed ever.<br />
<br />
Of course hubby slept thru the whole thing...how can they do that? Anywho, Miss Thang has no problems sleeping, especially if there is a beam of sunlight involved.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFJFoHt16hFXKaFfSPoafJ2o6HoxlWX05rRB0zLVr4rthssq842G1X-yD74j6hI9ro_Oh9369z7URKOQ0SaM7hIQLKUcB_3mIxWeB1FTozwSIvayhR2U1voexHHGQ_QEzMqN1/s1600/sunny+thang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFJFoHt16hFXKaFfSPoafJ2o6HoxlWX05rRB0zLVr4rthssq842G1X-yD74j6hI9ro_Oh9369z7URKOQ0SaM7hIQLKUcB_3mIxWeB1FTozwSIvayhR2U1voexHHGQ_QEzMqN1/s640/sunny+thang.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny Thang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-15343855500270416742018-08-17T06:17:00.000-07:002018-08-17T07:32:39.716-07:00Soapy Friday: Cream Laundry Soap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ya’ll…YA’LL…I have been super busy this week making this
amazeballs, natural Cream Laundry Soap. Yes. Laundry soap! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0m5wn4PufOfPI7L1n_A54xkGz9b03HEwcxvaUNSvz9Q1ooCad3gEbwol7s9nkajka1VxverUBFZbHc1VAiYwGtSiZsG5nw6MWhxNFYtA5l4K3lKk2vbGFOscH21-mluRRCjo/s1600/detergent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0m5wn4PufOfPI7L1n_A54xkGz9b03HEwcxvaUNSvz9Q1ooCad3gEbwol7s9nkajka1VxverUBFZbHc1VAiYwGtSiZsG5nw6MWhxNFYtA5l4K3lKk2vbGFOscH21-mluRRCjo/s640/detergent.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream Laundry Detergent...and the angels sang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s made
with 100% cold-processed coconut oil soap, washing soda, Borax, essential oils
and fragrance oils, and it totally kicks ass! Or should I say it kicks dirty
laundry’s ass! Blended with lavender and lemon essential oils, and a touch of
an April clean fresh fragrance oil, it smells like heaven had a baby with a
mountain stream and then bottled it up in this here jar.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RDzr6Re6-WkCGuMMT79deaMEj81tdj9aywabEvxq2BeVPbm63fUPpxDUVU2oeRFa2NgEsnz3SWM3REAJ7hzG28wnS96ixPhP7M431RLp7as4klRUwQ_yNn8Xhr7JCS3nZmuD/s1600/detergent+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RDzr6Re6-WkCGuMMT79deaMEj81tdj9aywabEvxq2BeVPbm63fUPpxDUVU2oeRFa2NgEsnz3SWM3REAJ7hzG28wnS96ixPhP7M431RLp7as4klRUwQ_yNn8Xhr7JCS3nZmuD/s400/detergent+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooo lusciously creamy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you use it? Why I’m glad you asked dear friend! You
simply put 1-2 tablespoons of this luscious cream detergent in your washing
machine drum BEFORE you throw in your clothes. Turn on your machine, and VIOLA! If you have a stain, just rub some of this amazing stuff into the stain (scrub with a toothbrush if extra bad) before washing, and step back to watch the magic.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>No more gunky liquid detergent dispensers.<br /></li>
<li>No more stepping on spilled powder detergent on the floor
that SOMEONE didn’t clean-up. AHEM!<br /></li>
<li>No more enshrouding yourself with synthetic detergent
residue every time you get dressed…OH AND YOU’RE A TOTAL BALLER FOR NOT
POLLUTING THE PLANET!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-XFRgWlEM8WXFlME4p9vEqf_K9SJ6Mx6NERAF8Br35LdBiUuSRASodAjYftBno93QsTV0V4JqlpZroidhjn3uLMvJzR0-kNQk2xVt6R_XCrtE_THcjl8Sc_C3q9JhDNA6W13/s1600/detergent+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-XFRgWlEM8WXFlME4p9vEqf_K9SJ6Mx6NERAF8Br35LdBiUuSRASodAjYftBno93QsTV0V4JqlpZroidhjn3uLMvJzR0-kNQk2xVt6R_XCrtE_THcjl8Sc_C3q9JhDNA6W13/s400/detergent+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All natural super hero</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does it work? Ya’ll…YA’LL…I’ve been a laundry nerd waaaay
before I was making soap. My nemesis is grease stains. It works ya’ll. It
friggin’ works like a dream. And dare I say my clothes actually FEEL softer
too?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I don’t have a stitch of dirty laundry in my house, as I’ve
been testing this baby all week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drops mic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-53986714985113699882018-08-10T12:30:00.000-07:002018-08-10T12:31:27.916-07:00Soapy Friday: Back to Life...Back to RealitySorry to have so much silence on the soap-front, but hubby and I just got back from a desperately-needed vacay to Louisville/Ohio last night. The week before this, I was in Boston for work.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had ourselves an old-fashioned summer road trip and drove instead of flying. Partly because we wanted to have a slower pace, and partly because I wanted to stop-and-shop at some soap supplies stores in Ohio.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Louisville, KY</u></span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We love it here and will return again-and-again. We stayed at the brand new Omni Resort in downtown Louisville. They DID NOT disappoint! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I mean they even FRAMED a Ryan for me!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70d0cqGuucfWQ-I40TWcVvehmusNgDSmJ-MhkwrkP9nF86uO_6KZG13Cqw1Uv6Q4OdWz-4WhnUishCoQjVClIHgUkP1iJaXf-u9jGO2ZDpvpfY0nYPrksgI44vWGl6RLRpOvT/s1600/ryan+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70d0cqGuucfWQ-I40TWcVvehmusNgDSmJ-MhkwrkP9nF86uO_6KZG13Cqw1Uv6Q4OdWz-4WhnUishCoQjVClIHgUkP1iJaXf-u9jGO2ZDpvpfY0nYPrksgI44vWGl6RLRpOvT/s640/ryan+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey girl...sweet dreams before you go to sleep."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Hubby went to a classic car show; I stayed by the pool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz0QynTBA_PtXvHepKfLFGuI-DEr0Zle-EY3t7PNgrk-52L90czZlcuWL-4ISxbQ6ZmhCP6OlUS5oBw4UPDW2qkvDc6Dq-2of32dJ8QGvsEL3tZ7lDDL_Oposrb4XQx8qX2nu/s1600/omni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz0QynTBA_PtXvHepKfLFGuI-DEr0Zle-EY3t7PNgrk-52L90czZlcuWL-4ISxbQ6ZmhCP6OlUS5oBw4UPDW2qkvDc6Dq-2of32dJ8QGvsEL3tZ7lDDL_Oposrb4XQx8qX2nu/s640/omni.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poolside...drink in hand...not a care in the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Of course there was bourbon to be had at one of the many distilleries nearby (this one is Jim Beam).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e_1HXWVeNmk0wEe266xIFxuOt577EonuNU9lkxBZ9_fRUKKJCKkuD46414lHGJE69UST5h4eVQu1l2jy-BG7OrkNk2JCty7QLexD4qy-qvn1-4Vjb2jDRqc3mry2E93rKbBQ/s1600/bourbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e_1HXWVeNmk0wEe266xIFxuOt577EonuNU9lkxBZ9_fRUKKJCKkuD46414lHGJE69UST5h4eVQu1l2jy-BG7OrkNk2JCty7QLexD4qy-qvn1-4Vjb2jDRqc3mry2E93rKbBQ/s640/bourbon.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decisions, decisions...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Ohio</u></span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had a lot of fun in Ohio. I was in seventh-heaven and did some major damage shopping for soap supplies at Wholesale Supplies Plus and Nature's Garden. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd-bIPPX0i_V9RORn7o2zc_bbCR1fz_FSWD3XOqO3SabsO4IthqAmoR3TAChT-S9nZDpgW83MyFw12PJVsj3QLFc_Ae-W-muR40n9MsUGx7BtOsxQhdrnnazm6yeZ_87VQDA3/s1600/nuture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd-bIPPX0i_V9RORn7o2zc_bbCR1fz_FSWD3XOqO3SabsO4IthqAmoR3TAChT-S9nZDpgW83MyFw12PJVsj3QLFc_Ae-W-muR40n9MsUGx7BtOsxQhdrnnazm6yeZ_87VQDA3/s640/nuture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature's Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF86Nr442E01aKSl8sn2AayU1kiw8tL7zrjn9QZC5iNMzZfyvFdAaG0mKRtB3Op7hYkBPmFK5nWtyyU6M2rG9KKKI3KLuVcqEviSo82dtThA0sEPN8R7lOWBDScz09zG5GDw4X/s1600/fos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF86Nr442E01aKSl8sn2AayU1kiw8tL7zrjn9QZC5iNMzZfyvFdAaG0mKRtB3Op7hYkBPmFK5nWtyyU6M2rG9KKKI3KLuVcqEviSo82dtThA0sEPN8R7lOWBDScz09zG5GDw4X/s640/fos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fragrance Oils from Nurture's Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQPyDaggN4d1kDZHwDnA-7gL-bI2CEG53rhxNeXck1m9j7WLxMenImltSEAf0XvHKaGEVQQ7rIANU3qzCgpKSoh1nrsrd3tiCFdGogkxgDjGvLgfIwwnafdUPLUXXkW7dXbQP/s1600/wsp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQPyDaggN4d1kDZHwDnA-7gL-bI2CEG53rhxNeXck1m9j7WLxMenImltSEAf0XvHKaGEVQQ7rIANU3qzCgpKSoh1nrsrd3tiCFdGogkxgDjGvLgfIwwnafdUPLUXXkW7dXbQP/s640/wsp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wholesale Supplies Plus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The Hilton where we stayed in Ohio did put a Ryan in the room, but it's funny they actually put his name on the printout....as if THEY didn't know who he was. LOL!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi9jTl3lskOilToWKV2qs3ywUD4LfHXmiQgvpFCzol0BCK5dCUXK-tP07RN1IcwPQ-aL-Dm9H9iB_vKQIvUO6teYkrW5t3rzstD5ffzVwinbnyVbM-xPrZX1kpHV-PybRYvFF/s1600/ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi9jTl3lskOilToWKV2qs3ywUD4LfHXmiQgvpFCzol0BCK5dCUXK-tP07RN1IcwPQ-aL-Dm9H9iB_vKQIvUO6teYkrW5t3rzstD5ffzVwinbnyVbM-xPrZX1kpHV-PybRYvFF/s640/ryan.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan who?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
We did some other sight-seeing at The Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. Hubby also went to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxOmEXGvs-gBhhagWZMI_NJ-1vy0KbB6dMTDEoXcANk6s76DCs52UpFqLXRL2sPOyyEguIeVWcbVhtAueZTXWmNMU7BAqc5W8QloqpIaAMtO4on_qxI00bbz2pz9E7MzLmrtn/s1600/rock+n+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxOmEXGvs-gBhhagWZMI_NJ-1vy0KbB6dMTDEoXcANk6s76DCs52UpFqLXRL2sPOyyEguIeVWcbVhtAueZTXWmNMU7BAqc5W8QloqpIaAMtO4on_qxI00bbz2pz9E7MzLmrtn/s640/rock+n+roll.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's rock!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCJtKDkpj2ffqMJeQwfN9tVucmHnmLvwOG-IishKGrYM06oiwVDSSMHj5eOJ3_9ngxybcQKDRYZ3n1CkaaDT38V8Pvbd8cSU4abbitnpqNy7JiAITVKJgkIZcXEoR2X5nC-tx/s1600/hof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCJtKDkpj2ffqMJeQwfN9tVucmHnmLvwOG-IishKGrYM06oiwVDSSMHj5eOJ3_9ngxybcQKDRYZ3n1CkaaDT38V8Pvbd8cSU4abbitnpqNy7JiAITVKJgkIZcXEoR2X5nC-tx/s640/hof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were here for almost 6 hours...worth it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Aaaaand now we're back to reality. The kittehs missed us terribly and were very high maintenance for our very patient pet-sitter. Now they won't leave my side.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They are both with me in my office...snoring away on the floor and this stool. Kitteh snores are the best!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From here on out, it's soap, soap, soap!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu8WaQShBN87fTBNC0FgqzJrrMKtJ6snkfCL02-qcETTC3NyZT_p9H7QNlFuQSInqeotllb9muMNFeqqh0xsk91CZtjdlnfJoPMDi_dGQlOGk4p0paR7_Xw7aT31OQJ9iwTcy/s1600/welcome+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu8WaQShBN87fTBNC0FgqzJrrMKtJ6snkfCL02-qcETTC3NyZT_p9H7QNlFuQSInqeotllb9muMNFeqqh0xsk91CZtjdlnfJoPMDi_dGQlOGk4p0paR7_Xw7aT31OQJ9iwTcy/s640/welcome+home.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're staying right here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-56102804750983298412018-07-20T11:06:00.001-07:002018-07-20T11:06:42.723-07:00Soapy Friday: Planning AheadHappy Friday everyone! There wasn't much going on this week soap-wise...I've been playing and prepping for the upcoming holidays.<br />
<br />
I know, I know. But when you make a product that takes 6-8 weeks to cure, you have to plan ahead.<br />
<br />
But first...RYAN!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBqvUNWGxM6tZP4RnMLcb9mTHAq19j-m3p7VYBmlnbWlui1tevhtlNfqPSSZu_MXZQx89tTfTXK_-megt1QYG9Tp9oOMAkLBjicc-DcOjdRDJDmPD_vw1PSmNlcoYLd9IYol2/s1600/ryan+with+eazy+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBqvUNWGxM6tZP4RnMLcb9mTHAq19j-m3p7VYBmlnbWlui1tevhtlNfqPSSZu_MXZQx89tTfTXK_-megt1QYG9Tp9oOMAkLBjicc-DcOjdRDJDmPD_vw1PSmNlcoYLd9IYol2/s640/ryan+with+eazy+colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey girl...I brought you some soaping supplies"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ordered some highly-concentrated, cosmetic bath-and-body-safe dyes this week to play with in bath bombs. Look what I got...LOL! I love asking for pictures of Ryan Gosling whenever there is a "special request" option for online orders. LOL!<br />
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Next, onto what I'm planning to make for a Halloween-themed soap. Aren't these friggin' adorable? I made these teeny skulls out of SOAP ya'll!<br />
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3 down...1,000 to go!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxiEtEbrBROi2XiROT5hRSHHgv03sW6wGm0DbuEYrhHXSsd2fI2PFX9yRhzzvVw2JPrM0mLrV9L8sV4ItYfegOQWnpyRZdFiT5JHBWq2oqsesp0cqN9aLnd-BZaGfNzcc3Go-/s1600/skull+embeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxiEtEbrBROi2XiROT5hRSHHgv03sW6wGm0DbuEYrhHXSsd2fI2PFX9yRhzzvVw2JPrM0mLrV9L8sV4ItYfegOQWnpyRZdFiT5JHBWq2oqsesp0cqN9aLnd-BZaGfNzcc3Go-/s640/skull+embeds.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, little soapy skulls for me-ny!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-36830767433835589002018-07-13T06:59:00.000-07:002018-07-13T06:59:02.563-07:00Soapy Friday: "Taste of Honey"Happy Friday the 13th everyone! This week has been busy soap-wise; I've been trying a few new things and making some old-standbys.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOY-Dh_cE1mS7Pv4EIxYRLjJUJfS1g_j903A6UL3aGJFAruTMFFOoYa_zMgegn2yDC1zUwT67e6SNt-eq1byNYxAOquVu2Lwwpjm4RkeBXciT5PNByabBAVzpvpM5ZiD_3SrW/s1600/honey+soap_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOY-Dh_cE1mS7Pv4EIxYRLjJUJfS1g_j903A6UL3aGJFAruTMFFOoYa_zMgegn2yDC1zUwT67e6SNt-eq1byNYxAOquVu2Lwwpjm4RkeBXciT5PNByabBAVzpvpM5ZiD_3SrW/s400/honey+soap_final.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Taste of Honey"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My "Taste of Honey" soap, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGmQXuySF28">an homage to Herb Alpert</a>, is pretty much good-to-go recipe wise. I FINALLY got all the things I wanted out of that bar of soap and it's only taken me a year-and-a-half to get there.<br />
<br />
Loaded with skin-loving sunflower oil, cocoa butter, local Virginia honey, beeswax and an intoxicating honey-almond scent, this soap is "a-buzz" with all the good things your body wants and needs. I believed in it from the very start, and that's why I kept trying.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Rz_h55SDBaFX8H1gohPb3aW23_pVwrNV_12FR8YGKEgPRWdBuNOGyJlyH8K_jg4LZzgwnUy3uAVDYGOmj50saEAXDf8hngawX9s3HagRZo1SugxM0hZqaE_655JHALr23kf4/s1600/honey+soap_final+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Rz_h55SDBaFX8H1gohPb3aW23_pVwrNV_12FR8YGKEgPRWdBuNOGyJlyH8K_jg4LZzgwnUy3uAVDYGOmj50saEAXDf8hngawX9s3HagRZo1SugxM0hZqaE_655JHALr23kf4/s400/honey+soap_final+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That gel ring tho...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other things...<br />
<br />
I've been back at bath bombs trying new things. My Rainbow Heart bomb is loaded with a rainbow of colors and makes very pretty bath art, although I still have a way to go with getting that right too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk9HlNDLhq3K4wmk1NrU_nf6VWgFJd0gjkt6WCLpMFq0WO2wXYV4SOK0R0Hl-XRpJe0oZwWGiZWoTf-FHtvdKzWRc8yJ2YeleQXyVPEtWR4-vUhLdNBe51E38eBM2kE_Lgbvr/s1600/rainbow+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk9HlNDLhq3K4wmk1NrU_nf6VWgFJd0gjkt6WCLpMFq0WO2wXYV4SOK0R0Hl-XRpJe0oZwWGiZWoTf-FHtvdKzWRc8yJ2YeleQXyVPEtWR4-vUhLdNBe51E38eBM2kE_Lgbvr/s400/rainbow+heart.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out Rainbow Heart in the bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I made some Unicorn Horn bath bombs and was trying out a new theory on one of my ingredients and again, discovered something new. I won't bore you with the details, but it's pretty exciting IMO.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IhPAajGFOUE5KlSbGtcPXBel_qhG-W0TkIJkp4lPxn_GGSpQmyZx5ojFcC_-KjErwvCun9YTWT0ahM7xEcNKMNRrbKinT0YW4hE-kCtC7xFEg1_SNKwyAzNU2OealMTDmXna/s1600/unihorns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IhPAajGFOUE5KlSbGtcPXBel_qhG-W0TkIJkp4lPxn_GGSpQmyZx5ojFcC_-KjErwvCun9YTWT0ahM7xEcNKMNRrbKinT0YW4hE-kCtC7xFEg1_SNKwyAzNU2OealMTDmXna/s640/unihorns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love how these turned out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Have a happy & safe 13th...stay cool out there everyone!Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-89362789779959974522018-06-29T05:14:00.001-07:002018-06-29T05:16:19.785-07:00Soapy Friday: "Beach, Please!"Happy Friday everyone! This week I made another batch of my triple butter, cold-processed soap and have decided to name it "Beach, Please!" because, seriously...hot CUTE are these bars?!!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT714xymILCpic8vdnnnwfTnJDiWPucMStaPAnkKXcMxfZvX1kgy_KtsgI4zYwa8vnEWpGHC2mVDYO3yaD-7Fgi7dwMCG_MXeWOg72Wwc7XV1jnRxySCwyGg24Mi5QPtwWRvy/s1600/beach+please+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT714xymILCpic8vdnnnwfTnJDiWPucMStaPAnkKXcMxfZvX1kgy_KtsgI4zYwa8vnEWpGHC2mVDYO3yaD-7Fgi7dwMCG_MXeWOg72Wwc7XV1jnRxySCwyGg24Mi5QPtwWRvy/s400/beach+please+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Beach, Please!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Scented with "<a href="http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/products/coco-cabana-fragrance-oil.aspx">Coco Cabana</a>" fragrance oil from Wholesale Supplies Plus and made with cocoa butter, mango butter, and shea butter...it's heaven at the beach! Even the "sea shells" are little, custom made soaps. Plus, some sprinkling of pink, white, and black sea salt on top gives it that extra beachy touch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RcPULlTcgLXm7nLtdytCnq4_WP1OWaMry84-FsQXghHWBuPjEJUg2If-4HLTvesFKoL-TaojxnT2tfaGzAikS6qDoIy42JUIkHCpQVzSYCu1nHQ5-_uX1tY8kcAx_xfiEUeE/s1600/beach+please+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RcPULlTcgLXm7nLtdytCnq4_WP1OWaMry84-FsQXghHWBuPjEJUg2If-4HLTvesFKoL-TaojxnT2tfaGzAikS6qDoIy42JUIkHCpQVzSYCu1nHQ5-_uX1tY8kcAx_xfiEUeE/s640/beach+please+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She sells sea shell soap by the seashore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.justtherightsize.net/2018/02/soapy-friday-messing-up-and-oddities.html">I've made this before </a>and thought my design would be better for the "water portion" but not really. Guess I'll have to try again. I LOVE the way they smell...like coconuts and Coppertone suntan lotion.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfEnJ3AR-4zE5YD95aGfNdjCdbpk6SuFXXpicMpZVXgpmZ1B2_Y-OR8Dm_wIqCmJbIQdVazyjdHMQR0_Z6YjVdHmp-ZURWs3J5Pm-obVf7Kjl8j8iMVzH60oVjzBctk7HZeU6/s1600/beach+please.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfEnJ3AR-4zE5YD95aGfNdjCdbpk6SuFXXpicMpZVXgpmZ1B2_Y-OR8Dm_wIqCmJbIQdVazyjdHMQR0_Z6YjVdHmp-ZURWs3J5Pm-obVf7Kjl8j8iMVzH60oVjzBctk7HZeU6/s640/beach+please.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm pretty "solid" on my cold-process recipe, so I most likely will stick to making my larger loaves unless I'm trying a new design or fragrance. Gotta order some more supplies!Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-87639119484018958622018-06-25T05:22:00.000-07:002018-06-25T05:22:56.500-07:00Gratuitous Kitteh MondayWe're still settling in. Chaz has gotten over his spookiness of seeing cars and people pass by outside the front of the house. Now it's a constant source of entertainment. I guess moving from the country to the suburbs has been a big change for all of us.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0CfMMZinGV2XM-MgmqAFMmTSa7tAKagPHoD5X68CnlMin6sO2IU67IhbxWWzj2XnjXG4fXUSr4bkDIfUyfrVfGFHvwbURPH1pGAqguZPhK7_f5npCvuZ1Ikt6PspVrAVDL3N/s1600/Chazzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0CfMMZinGV2XM-MgmqAFMmTSa7tAKagPHoD5X68CnlMin6sO2IU67IhbxWWzj2XnjXG4fXUSr4bkDIfUyfrVfGFHvwbURPH1pGAqguZPhK7_f5npCvuZ1Ikt6PspVrAVDL3N/s640/Chazzy.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the world go by</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are really loving having more free time in suburbia. Although, all last week I was in Oklahoma City for work. I had the most AMAZING steak at Cattleman's Steakhouse. This steak will haunt me...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM_uEPxpxpcGbooYAUabQuWUqf1tAm-CnnER89RHJT1DY-XOzIyK6qDMHtQ44ZeZMBZfJ2Biky9_18LmpDt5VVUt3YwAQH_rJefBQCHl0yOhMAp5AbdF1apNURp8t-DFnakd5/s1600/Cattlemans+steak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="605" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM_uEPxpxpcGbooYAUabQuWUqf1tAm-CnnER89RHJT1DY-XOzIyK6qDMHtQ44ZeZMBZfJ2Biky9_18LmpDt5VVUt3YwAQH_rJefBQCHl0yOhMAp5AbdF1apNURp8t-DFnakd5/s400/Cattlemans+steak.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best steak I've ever had</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I told hubby, "As god as my witness, I WILL take you there someday." I might be back around that area again next year, so maybe that will happen. Next month is Burlington, MA.<br />
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It's amazing the things you find when you are unpacking. :-) These glasses are an endless source of entertainment.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs22CsgSb0n6NYnd3BKmMUHDqulIwGcMevVlk1sgp0FueMSujuk58PD1SjEdHk0wPRwXKaERUwGr-0eMlYOCuR4-0SkDlnk5ezD_Zzo1JbWZge5nNWVqGxDEkocPaHJTyuWla/s1600/who+dat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="389" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs22CsgSb0n6NYnd3BKmMUHDqulIwGcMevVlk1sgp0FueMSujuk58PD1SjEdHk0wPRwXKaERUwGr-0eMlYOCuR4-0SkDlnk5ezD_Zzo1JbWZge5nNWVqGxDEkocPaHJTyuWla/s400/who+dat.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who dat?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35795724.post-84075661561873229352018-06-15T06:43:00.001-07:002018-06-15T06:44:43.131-07:00Soapy Friday: New Soap StudioWe still have about 1/2 dozen random boxes to unpack and we're finally at the point where we can start hanging some art on the wall. But more importantly, I MADE SOAP!<br />
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Oh, you have NO idea how I've missed this. The last time I made soap was in March...maybe late April. Anyway, here's my new soaping studio!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoERS0-2-HuRWbQ-octxNXM1KIXkjW_z-XEe2jNYe46N7X8llwv2Wpo9-ln2iUxXO3MAKQm2ryhKE8o2b1QohTH1lB7VAUkdUmkqlkFluauEeXuLh-xBy-jtBoCtHCslmGAoT/s1600/new+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoERS0-2-HuRWbQ-octxNXM1KIXkjW_z-XEe2jNYe46N7X8llwv2Wpo9-ln2iUxXO3MAKQm2ryhKE8o2b1QohTH1lB7VAUkdUmkqlkFluauEeXuLh-xBy-jtBoCtHCslmGAoT/s640/new+studio.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New "Soap Lounge" ...LOL!</td></tr>
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It looks more like a "soap lounge" though, doesn't it? It's all cool... I can hang out there while I'm waiting for my oils to cool or heat up. But I love that it's finished, clean and bright!<br />
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I even have company! Bucky looks like he's ready to party, but he's in a rocking chair, so maybe not?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y5rZ9_adBPpMuOn_aexQ0HOXEFK_RGPssYar4xannj2aH5qIMnJlhO3TQMBNJnDVi4v4jTamtEcP12Kn1crLqZtFQZ0R5bO0jytV4QJb2kJLwaOPgT5iLX1RFyvDeGsj1lf_/s1600/soap+buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y5rZ9_adBPpMuOn_aexQ0HOXEFK_RGPssYar4xannj2aH5qIMnJlhO3TQMBNJnDVi4v4jTamtEcP12Kn1crLqZtFQZ0R5bO0jytV4QJb2kJLwaOPgT5iLX1RFyvDeGsj1lf_/s400/soap+buddy.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' like a villain </td></tr>
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It's a little messy now, as I'm still trying to find my rhythm down here, plus I made soap! I made a big log of my "<a href="http://www.justtherightsize.net/2017/06/soapy-friday.html">Super Scrub</a>" as I've really, really, really liked how the last batch turned out. It's funny...the first time I made this soap, I also made pickles that week. I made this soap and pickles this week too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYO8PZdmE3f9JvfkWXpjDSYejRUY5AqueK65fOHwCVdWZULqvEJ0pp2X51L9bszusIFfqUCzbxAcT-pveshhu2Qh3ItQZPBtq2DvPsyU-KCJKERPF6WeWHDJe5zK5omfGmrDNY/s1600/super+scrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="605" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYO8PZdmE3f9JvfkWXpjDSYejRUY5AqueK65fOHwCVdWZULqvEJ0pp2X51L9bszusIFfqUCzbxAcT-pveshhu2Qh3ItQZPBtq2DvPsyU-KCJKERPF6WeWHDJe5zK5omfGmrDNY/s400/super+scrub.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Super Scrub" Soap</td></tr>
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I thought I had enough of my fragrance oil blend to make such a large batch, but I didn't so it smells just a bit different. Kinda bummed about that, but it turned out gorgeous and it works wonders on dirty hands or bodies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5UMjdLsOsWlrIiUiJDjsAiItOdSRMeCjbPtbeRueTCUC5nfMp0CpFdD7XGkFZgEccE_r4O-EHSBG3nY-XpvCfv5MPmkZzgNU_iOFMIsFU9mypy1s_ik6GFOhvm7V4C69zjYC/s1600/super+scrub+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="807" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5UMjdLsOsWlrIiUiJDjsAiItOdSRMeCjbPtbeRueTCUC5nfMp0CpFdD7XGkFZgEccE_r4O-EHSBG3nY-XpvCfv5MPmkZzgNU_iOFMIsFU9mypy1s_ik6GFOhvm7V4C69zjYC/s640/super+scrub+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Super Scrub" topped with Dried Calendula Petals</td></tr>
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<br />Just the Right Sizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13681615664221289872noreply@blogger.com4