Cranberry Fig

I have not made this for over 2 years but someone requested a custom batch of it. I tried to swirl with red. Described as An excellent compromise between the tart bite of Cranberries and the sweet, mild allure of Fig. Cranberries and Figs are made even more striking by adding a smattering of Blood Orange and Pink Grapefruit notes to the mix.

Approximate due date: 09/16/09

Soundtrack: Friendly Fires, Friendly Fires

Relaxing Blend

I blew through a recent batch of this so I am making a new one. This is Lavender and Palmarosa, with the emphasis on Palmarosa. Made with organic hand-made Colloidal Oatmeal too.

Approximate due date: 09/16/09

Soundtrack: Lykke Li, Youth Novels

Oatmeal Milk and Honey

I made with organic oatmeal both Collidial (which I made by hand!) and rolled oats. A favorite of many



Approximate due date: 08/27/09

Soundtrack: MGMT, Oracular Spectacular

Basil Lime

This is made with Basil, Lime and a hint of Peppermint essential oils, I made this slightly green to distinguish it from the Mint Thyme. Made with Pistachio Butter too. I am switching up some recipes because a lot of soap makers are rebatching and I'd like to make sure hat people know that ours are made from scratch!


Approximate due date: 08/27/09

Soundtrack: Stellastarr*, Civilized

Coffee Scrub

I have had many requests for this in the past few weeks. This is unfragranced by has the natural scent of coffee since it is made with tons of coffee butter and triple-brewed coffee instead of water. I made it with the recipe from 2 batches ago since that turned out better then the last batch. It turned out darker than I remembered though, which is not a bad thing.

Approximate due date: 08/27/09

Soundtrack: Silversun Pickups, Swoon

Oatmeal Castile

Castile by definition is an Olive Oil Soap, it drive me NUTS when I see someone selling a castile with Palm Oil or Coconut oil in it. And yes, Dr. Bronners is wrong too. Usually this soap is Olive Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal, Lye and Water but that lathers really poorly so this time I added some Kaolin Clay to help it lather. This soap takes forever to get trace, like 12+ hours, but the additives make it shorter. I wish I could add wax but that would no longer make it a castile...seriously.

Approximate due date: 08/06/09

Soundtrack: Lykke Li, Youth Novels

Lavender Tea Tree

well, something wierd happended when I went to go make this purple. Instead of red clay I used pink clay thinking it would make a more gentle purple. Instead it made an odd brown shade. I'll have to see what happens when it cures maybe it'll turn lavender-ish?

Made with Wheat Germ oil in the recipe and at trace so healing.


Approximate due date: 07/30/09

Soundtrack: Matt & Kim, Grand

Lavanchouli

This is a blend of Lavender, Vanilla and Patchouli with a special emphasis on the Vanilla. This time I added crushed vanilla beans into it which may not be able to be seen since the vanilla tends to make this soap brownish, but I'll know they are there and as it gets wet an extra whiff of vanilla will be released. This was also made with Horsetail Butter which contains Horsetail Extract, believed to contain the building blocks needed for collagen and elastin synthesis in the skin. Also thought to help rebuild and regenerate damaged skin cells.

Approximate due date: 07/30/09

Soundtrack: Lykke Li, Youth Novels

Nighttime Blend

Made with Natural Vanilla Oil and Lavender Essential oil. Made with Jojoba Beads that crack open on contact. This soap eventually turns a deep brown. I made it extra strong this time, scent-wise.



Approximate due date: 07/20/09

Soundtrack: Friendly Fires, Friendly Fires

Suka Cita

This is a blend of essential oils, Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood. Made with Pink Kaolin clay too. This soap always seizes so there will be seconds of this but I think some pretty bars too.

Approximate due date: 07/20/09

Soundtrack: Tokyo Police Club, Elephant Shell

Lemon Rosemary

I initially created this soap as a kitchen soap. Its made with essential oils, Lemon and Rosemary with Poppy Seeds throughout so great for scrubbing. But this ends up so nice that I think it can be used anywhere. I made a few kid soaps this time in animal shapes so it can but used to de-stinkify kids too.


Approximate due date: 07/17/09

Soundtrack: Silversun Pickups, Swoon

Mint Thyme

Its been a long time since I made this one. Sweet Thyme and Peppermint with herbs scattered throughout. Made with a ton of Mango Butter, so really moisturizing too.




Approximate due date: 07/17/09

Soundtrack: Metric, Fantasies

Yeast Defense in Stock on Etsy

We have 3ounce bars of Yeast Defense on Etsy eight now www.frostfishcovesoaps.etsy.com

Bergamot Grapefruit

This soap is spotted and orange from the Annatto Seed Powder. Bergamot like Earl Grey Tea and bitter Grapefruit. This soap is spicy and gender-neutral. I made it this time with my new Aloe Vera Butter, which is a hard white butter made from the Aloe plant.



Approximate due date: 07/09/09

Soundtrack: Sonic Youth, Goo

Gardener's Soap with Litsea Cubeba

This is a hard scrubbing soap made with Litsea Cubeba essential oil:

Litsea Cubeba: a/k/a May Chang, Litsea citrata and tropical verbena, steam distilled fruit, China. Despite these names, it is not related to lemon verbena but belongs to the same family as the rosewood or cinnamon tree. Sweet, spicy and citrus fragrance with vegetative notes. It is antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, insecticide, calming and sedative. Very uplifting and stimulating. It is a known tonic to the heart and respiratory system. May be helpful in cases of bronchitis and asthma.


I make this will dried kelp pieces and a ton of ground pumice, I love this scent! It could also be called Mechanic's Soap because it scrubs off anything!

Approximate due date: 07/09/09

Soundtrack: Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs

Honey Almond

Its been a surprisingly long time since I made this. It is bright yellow from the natural yellow oxide. Made with Goat's milk, essential oils and a ton of lanolin, this is a very smooth soap that lathers nicely.

I also made a custom batch of Basmati with this, there will be a couple of extra bars so if you love that scent, ask me about it in about 2 months.

Approximate due date: 07/06/09

Soundtrack: Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend

Chamomile Neroli

I love this soap, its sweet and spicy and just really different smelling. I made it this time with my new Chamomile Butter. The oils and butters are also infused with Chamomile and I add a ton of Chamomile Extract at trace.

Approximate due date: 07/06/09

Soundtrack: Rogue Wave, Descended Like Vultures

Apple Mint

This soap is green, a little pea soup green but I am hoping it lightens over time. Made with a green apple fragrance oil and peppermint essential oil, this soap is fun and fresh.



Approximate due date: 06/17/09

Soundtrack: Silversun Pickups, Swoon

Blueberry Lime

It has been a very, very long time since I made this soap but a customer requested it so I decided to make it again. This is made with a blueberry fragrance oil and lime essential oil and tinted very blue with blue oxide (all natural).


Approximate due date: 06/17/09

Soundtrack: Metric, Fantasies

Yeast Defense

This soap was created with a large percentage of Grapefruit Seed Extract, which has properties that combats yeast on and in your body.

In addition, it contains an essential oil blend with oils that also have yeast-fighting assets. Use to defend against reoccurring infections, Candida, Thrush and any other yeast related maladies. The soap contains ingredients indicated for use against yeast, this is not a medicine or a statement of fact but just a statement about what the ingredients are believed to do.


No one was maimed this time around because I did 2 things:

I made this with a ton of Olive Oil which takes forever to saponify so it made the soap seize less.

Then I divided the batch into thirds so that it would seize in pieces.

The result is molded soaps, no severe seizing and I hope a successful soap!


Due Date: Between May 18th and June 8th, 2009 depending on the pH

Soundtrack: Silence: this soap is hard to make!

Rosewood Cedar

I tried to recreate the lovely pink color of the first batch



I won't be sure if I succeeded until later in the curing process. I love the smell of rosewood, not too floral.


Approximate due date: 05/17/09

Soundtrack: Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend

Grapefruit Peppermint

I am making this again because it is popular with many, sort of an old standby. Very green this time around with French Green Clay and a touch of oxide. This soap is made with a ton of Flax Seed Oil, which contains high levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids (linolenic and linoleic) all of which provide numerous health and skin benefits. It is said that these essential fatty acids are vital for various health functions: digestion, brain development, circulation, skin and anti-aging and to combat inflammation.

Approximate due date: 05/17/09

Soundtrack: Ladytron, Velocifero

Bolivian Salt Scrub Soap

I am currently using the last of this in the shower and I love it. Its got this quality that I have to describe as drying but in a really good way. It doesn't make your skin dry but it takes off all of the oil and grime and leaves behind softness. Unscented and made with special pink Bolivian sea salts, its white and pretty.



Approximate due date: 05/17/09

Sountrack: Devendra Banhart, Cripple Crow (its a long album!)

Chamomile Lavender

I've never made this before but its a nice combination. Made with Chamomile Tea instead of water and a ton of Chamomile Extract, this soap is a pretty light yellow and soothing but a tad spicy too.

Approximate due date: 05/17/09

Sountrack: Devendra Banhart, Cripple Crow

Calendula Oatmeal

I decided to mix it up a bit with my unscented Calendula soap. I added Colloidal oatmeal, for the ultimate in gentle healing soap. I think this is going to be a great, great, soap. This soap starts off surprisingly yellow but then cures to a white soap with yellow calendula petals throughout.

Approximate due date: 05/16/09

Sountrack: Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs

Vanilla and Ylang Ylang

Reminiscent of Aveda's Madagascar scent this blends Vanilla Oil with Ylang Ylang which is described as rich and deep with notes of custard, and bright with hints of jasmine and neroli. This is a sensual scent and a rich soap made with coconut milk.

Approximate due date: 04/02/09

Soundtrack: Tokyo Police Club, Elephant Shell

Peppermint Tea Tree

This was a request by an excellent customer, and I love it too. Made with Peppermint and Tea Tree oils and a bit of Kaolin clay to make it lather like crazy.


Approximate due date: 04/02/09

Soundtrack: Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heavens Gate

Giveaway!

Go here to enter to win a jar of Supernatural Lotion from FFCS:

http://www.thespottedbox.com/blog/new-giveaway-vegan-supernatural-lotion-from-frost-fish-cove-soaps/

Relaxing Blend

This is an essential oil blend of Palmarosa (Powdery, floral, herbaceous, perhaps with a hint of rose. It is antifungal and antiviral. Indicated for bronchitis, birthing, regeneration of the skin, and regulating oil production of the skin. Useful in treating skin infections.)

and Lavender (floral, herbaceous, light with woody undertones promotes growth of new skin cells, great healing effect on burns and sunburn, acne, psoriasis, boils, fungal growths, and scarring. Lavender is one of the safest essential oils to use with children and the elderly)


Made also with a ton of Colloidal Oatmeal which has a very long history of use in helping alleviate skin irritation, discomfort, and inflammation. Oatmeal is very soothing to the skin and has strong anti-inflammatory effects, and colloidal oatmeal is classified by the FDA as a "skin protectant." Oatmeal not only can help with sensitivity but may also have a preventive effect on irritation and may too help buffer and repair damage from other skin stressors.


Approximate due date: 02/19/09


Soundtrack: Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend

Valencia

An essential oil blend of Lime, Tangerine, Orange and Thyme. I made this with burnt orange oxide this time and it is a very nice orange.

Approximate due date: 02/19/09


Soundtrack: Tokyo Police Club, Elephant Shell

Apricot Freesia

I could not find my apricot seeds today so this is made with raspberry seeds which are a bit larger. This soap is made with a ton of Kokum Butter. Kokum Butter has been obtained from the fruit of the Indian tree (Garcinia indica). Its triglyceride composition is uniform and consists of up to 80% of stearic-oleic-stearic (SOS) triglycerides.

This is a very popular scent.


Approximate due date: 02/09/09

Soundtrack: Friendly Fires, Friendly Fires

Coriander Peppermint

Wow, I have not made soap for over 7 weeks. Well, I made a new one today Coriander Peppermint, similar to Rainforest blend by Aveda. I made this with bentonite clay which is described as:

Bentonite clay (a combination of montmorillonite and volcanic ash) is a highly absorbent clay best suited for oily skin. It is a fine powder, odorless and tasteless, insoluble in water, swelling to about eight times its weight when water is added. Uses: Suspending and colloidal agent in the manufacture of soap, also used in cosmetics and directly on the body as a mask. Bentonite powder is added to soap at trace to help oily skin or as an additive in shaving soap.


So this should lather a bunch and be great for oily skin.

Approximate due date: 02/09/09

Soundtrack: Ladyhawke, Ladyhawke

Yeah for gloves

So I use special gloves made by a wonderful shop called Busy B Designs, well a few months ago she stopped selling on Etsy to open a brick and mortar wine shop and things looked grim for me. As of last week I had officially ruined my last pair and viola! She is back to selling gloves on Etsy. www.busybaprons.etsy.com



What are so special about these you ask? Well they are extra glamorous which helps make me make elegant soaps but also they have 3-4 inches of fabric sewn on the ends for extra protection. Why her's and no one else's? Mostly because other people make them way too heavy so they don't stay up on your arm. I got a pair in the interim with so oilcloth fabric which I thought might be even better because that is water proof but they just fall down and get in the way. The Busy B gloves hold up for a while and are wonderful. So next time you are using our soap send a mental thank you to Busy B since they have been protecting me and making my soaps easier to make for a while now.

Fresh Blend Soap

An essential oil blend of Orange, Eucalyptus, Patchouli and Ylang Ylang, this soap is fresh but vaguely sensual probably due to the Ylang Ylang and Patchouli. I made it this time with Rose Hips Powder in addition to the Orange Peel Powder to give it a nice speckled texture and look. Very pretty. Made with tons of Cocoa Butter so this will lather like crazy when its done.


Approximate due date: 12/21/08


Soundtrack: Klee, Honeysuckle

Vetiver Lime

This is a blend of Vetiver (The odor of vetiver is described as deep, sweet, woody, smoky, earthy, amber, balsam), Lime and a touch of Bay. This is a similar blend to Aveda's Caribbean therapy, though when I think of the Caribbean I think of coconut but that's what they call it.

I made this with a touch of French Green Clay and it ended up a very nice celery color. No telling what it'll cure to be, its a nice color so i hope it sticks.

Approximate due date: 12/21/08

Soundtrack: Interpol, Our Love to Admire

Yuzu

So I ran out of this but have had many. many requests for it recently. If you belong to the Soap of the Month club you are virtually guaranteed to be receiving this in January. It is made with Yuzu fragrance oil, Yuzu is a Chinese citrus fruit that is part Mandarin and part a citrus fruit similar to grapefruit.

I made this soap with some Red Palm Butter at trace meaning that its properties will remain in the finished soap. It is the highest butter in the Omega Fatty Acids loaded with 2 kinds of Vitamin E and Beta Carotene. This butter hydrates the skin and helps to smooth out wrinkles. It also tints the soap a yellowish-orange color, but the color is very faint.

Since the color was so faint and too similar to the Mandarin Neroli I made recently I kicked up the orange with Annatto Seed Powder, now I hope it does not look too similar to the Bergamot Grapefruit soap.

Approximate due date: 12/14/08

Soundtrack: Sonic Youth, Goo

Cherry Blossom

I made two soaps with fragrance oils this time around. This is the first one, Cherry Blossom a fragrance duplicate similar to the Bath & Body Works Cherry Blossom. Should smell like cherry flowers. This one was an extension of a custom pound a customer ordered, I added Pink Kaolin Clay to ours, but included the Calendula Extract that she wanted. This is a dark pink made with Lanolin, Mowrah Butter and Mango Butter for extra moisturizing power.


Approximate due date: 12/14/08

Soundtrack: Tokyo Police Club, Elephant Shell

Jingle Spice

This is a custom soap that I made a tiny bit of extra that will be for sale. An essential oil blend of Clove, Cinnamon Leaf, Sweet Orange and a touch of Ginger. Made with two sizes of Jojoba Beads and a high concentration of Shea and Coffee Butter.


Approximate due date: 12/11/08

Soundtrack: Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heavens Gate

Coffee Scrub

This is a naturally scented soap with no essential oil of fragrance added, just tons of Coffee Butter, triple-brewed coffee and coffee grounds for the scrub. Great for people who are sensitive to scents but get sick of unscented products. Scrubby too!

Soundtrack: Santogold, Santogold

Bolivian Salt Scrub

Another batch of this by request by a customer who swears it clears up her skin. Must be the purifying properties of the Bolivian Sea Salt.

Approximate due date: 12/07/08

Soundtrack: Sonic Youth, Dirty

Nighttime Blend

This is the one I always make, Vanilla with a hint of Lavender and lots of Jojoba Beads.

Approximate due date: 12/07/08

Soundtrack: Fugazi, Repeater

Mandarin Neroli

This is a favorite of many. Sweet Mandarin blends with the slightly floral aroma of Neroli which is the flower from the bitter orange tree. Neroli has a refreshing and distinctive, spicy aroma with sweet and flowery notes. This soap is a nice yellow-orange color due to the use of Red Palm Butter which contains lots of natural vitamins and antioxidants, its high content of carotenoids gives the oil/butter its beautiful orange/red color seen here:




Approximate due date: 11/24/08

Sountrack: The Shins, Wincing the Night Away

Grapefruit Cornmeal

I love this soap, it really evens out my skin on my face. Its created to reduce oil and also has a fun texture with the cornmeal.


Approximate due date: 11/24/08

Soundtrack: Nick Drake, Pink Moon

Cassia Spice

Another soap I have not made for YEARS. I consider this to be a winter holiday soap, one of my few seasonal creations.

Cassia (Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum, synonym C. cassia) is an evergreen tree native to southern China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam. Like its close relative, cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as "true cinnamon" or "Ceylon cinnamon"), it is used primarily for its aromatic bark, which is used as a spice, often under the culinary name of "cinnamon". The buds are also used as a spice, especially in India, and were once used by the ancient Romans.)

mixed with Ginger and Sweet Orange. All essential oils put together with ground cinnamon for a homey yet slightly exotic treat. A favorite of many but some people are sensitive to cinnamon so if you have skin irritant issues its best to avoid this one.

Soundtrack: Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heavens Gate

Brisk Blend

I have no idea when the last time I made this. This is an essential oil blend of Rosemary, Grapefruit and Peppermint. This is a very pretty soap due to the two kinds of seeds used: Cranberry (pink) and Kiwi (black/brown). Its invigorating and herbal and certainly for all the sexes.

Soundtrack: Blonde Redhead, 23

Tangerine Dream

This is one that is long-overdue to be made. Tangerine essential oil blended with a ton of Vanilla Oil and a touch of Lavender essential oil. Colored with a touch of oxide and made with Mowrah Butter and Wheat Germ oil.


Soundtrack: Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs

Chamomile Neroli

A blend of Chamomile and Neroli essential oils. Neroli is a plant oil similar in scent to bergamot produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree. We also make a Mandarin Neroli soap.

Made with Chamomile tea instead of water, dried Egyptian chamomile blooms and chamomile extract at trace. Chamomile Extract is used as an anti-inflammatory and also as a mild sedative. On the skin, it helps to reduce redness and is soothing on inflamed skin.

I made it chunky-style again with whole blooms.

Soundtrack: Interpol, Our Love to Admire

Honey Almond, again

I'm trying to keep this one in stock as much as possible, I am down to one or two bars so I figured I should replenish, but the soap won't be done for 6 weeks so they'll be a time when I'm out.

Made with an essential oil blend not a fragrance oil in addition to goat's milk and yellow oxide, this is a popular soap that lathers like mad.

Soundtrack: Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, The Swell Season

Lemon Rosemary

I originally created this soap as a kitchen soap, the deodorizing powers of Lemon mixed with the herbal punch of Rosemary, liberally intermixed with Poppy Seeds. This is a great soap to keep by your kitchen sink, but its so much more than that. This time I made it with Neem Oil which is 50% fatty acids, the concentrated essential fatty acids help to restore moisture and elasticity to the skin while it disinfects and heals.

Soundtrack: Ladytron, Velocifero

Rosewood Cedar

This is a new soap a blend of Rosewood Essential Oil (Sweet, woody, floral and slightly spicy aroma. It is antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, deodorant, and insecticide. It is said to stabilize the central nervous system and could therefore have an overall balancing effect. Helpful when feeling low, overwhelmed with problems. May relieve headaches when accompanied by nausea and may also relieve jet lag. Its deodorizing action helps the body cope with excess heat and moisture.) and Cedarwood Essential oil. This soap is aromatic and woody with a gentle hint of rose.

I used a teeny tiny amount of Pink Kaolin Clay to give this the lightest possible pink hue.


Soundtrack: Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs

Orange Ginger, again

I have not made soap in a few weeks so I tried to catch up today by making 4 kinds. I began with Orange Ginger, made with essential oils and speckled with powdered rose hips. This is vegan and made with lots of cocoa butter.

Soundtrack: Coldplay, Viva La Vida

Suka Cita

Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood make up this soap. I usually make this with some Jasmine Petals for looks but I ran out so I made this will some Pink Kaolin Clay instead. This soap is exotic and a bit girly as its emphasis is on the Jasmine.



Soundtrack: The Sounds, Dying to Say This To You

Bitter Orange Patchouli

It's funny -- I hate Patchouli but I really like this soap, its bitter orange essential oil with a touch of Patchouli to cut the sharpness of the orange. Its a complex scent and a nice one too. I made it with Coconut Milk this time which curdled a touch do there are some white milk dots throughout.

Soundtrack: Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs

Grapefruit Peppermint

I was going to make Grapefruit Cornmeal but decided that I needed more green soaps so here is Grapefruit Peppermint made with essential oils and French Green Clay for extra lather and detox abilities.

Soundtrack: Ladytron, Velocifero

Litsea Cubeba

One of my all-time favorite, one of the few essential oils that are sufficiently complex on their own and don't need to be blended. I made this with Pumice so its an adult soap thats sophisticated and scratchy too.

Litsea Cubeba: a/k/a May Chang, Litsea citrata and tropical verbena, steam distilled fruit, China. Despite these names, it is not related to lemon verbena but belongs to the same family as the rosewood or cinnamon tree. Sweet, spicy and citrus fragrance with vegetative notes. It is antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, insecticide, calming and sedative. Very uplifting and stimulating. It is a known tonic to the heart and respiratory system. May be helpful in cases of bronchitis and asthma.

Soundtrack: Santogold, Santogold

Relaxing Blend

An old favorite this time made WITHOUT the lavender buds, because I used this a bunch the last batch and the lavender looked like little bugs after a while, which is so not what I was going for. The only problem is that its going to look a lot like other white soaps.

This is an essential oil blend of Palmarosa (Powdery, floral, herbaceous, perhaps with a hint of rose. It is antifungal and antiviral. Indicated for bronchitis, birthing, regeneration of the skin, and regulating oil production of the skin. Useful in treating skin infections.)

and Lavender (floral, herbaceous, light with woody undertones promotes growth of new skin cells, great healing effect on burns and sunburn, acne, psoriasis, boils, fungal growths, and scarring. Lavender is one of the safest essential oils to use with children and the elderly)


Made also with a ton of Colloidal Oatmeal which has a very long history of use in helping alleviate skin irritation, discomfort, and inflammation. Oatmeal is very soothing to the skin and has strong anti-inflammatory effects, and colloidal oatmeal is classified by the FDA as a "skin protectant." Oatmeal not only can help with sensitivity but may also have a preventive effect on irritation and may too help buffer and repair damage from other skin stressors.

Soundtrack: The Frames, For The Birds

Valencia

I have not made this one in a bit which is strange because its one of my core soaps. An essential oil blend of Lime, Tangerine, Orange and Thyme and colored with Pink Kaolin Clay and a touch of Yellow Oxide (clay). This is a nice fresh soap that has been popular in the past.

Soundtrack: Coldplay, Viva La Vida

Lemon Sage Ginger

Personally, I love this soap, its just so herbal. Its made with essential oils only along with Dried Sage, Lemon Peel Granules and Powdered Ginger. So it looks pretty as well. I made this Vegan this time around.

Soundtrack: Portishead, Third

Oatmeal, MIlk and Honey

This cut in line because a customer ordered a special batch with Jojoba Beads. I made the main batch with Colloidal Oatmeal and Organic Rolled Oats (what we typically think of as oatmeal) This seized slightly so if you are going to be in market for some seconds in about 6 weeks, these may be the soaps for you!


Soundtrack: Ladytron, Velocifero

Vanilla and Ylang Ylang

Reminiscent of Aveda's Madagascar scent this blends Vanilla Oil with Ylang Ylang which is described as rich and deep with notes of custard, and bright with hints of jasmine and neroli. This is a sensual scent and a rich soap made with goat's milk. It tends to discolor to a brownish/orangish but is still a lovely soap. I made the scent stronger this time around.

Soundtrack: Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, The Swell Season

Basil Lime

This is made with essential oils, Basil and Lime with a touch of Peppermint. Basil Leaves throughout and gender-neutral. Someone requested this a while ago but now I can't remember who. This also makes a nice kitchen soap because Lime more than Lemon helps eliminate odors on hands from cooking.


Soundtrack: PJ Harvey, Uh Huh Her

Double Chocolate Madness

This is made with real chocolate melted right into the oils and then when a rich chocolate fragrance oil. I also made a batch of "Natural Chocolate" where I took the soap before I added the fragrance oil and just made it naturally chocolate.

After I added the fragrance oil it seized a bit so there will be seconds to make another popular soap Peppermint Chocolate Ship where I cut up the Double Chocolate Madness soap into chips and put it in Peppermint soap.

Soundtrack: Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heavens Gate

Grapefruit Bergamot

Last time I made this soap the Annatto Seed Powder made it a fabulous orange color. Somehow I screwed this up this time but its still a nice soap. The scent you associate with Earl Grey Tea and the crisp scent of grapefruit, all essential oils.

Soundtrack: Flight of the Conchords, Flight of the Conchords

Peony

The last time I made this was February 2007, once again I swirled in Pink Kaolin Clay and Red Clay for a pretty springy soap. Of course it will come out in the Summer but it will still be fresh and floral then too.


Soundtrack: Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs

Ocean Rain

This was originally created for my mother. It has a ton of Ground Pumice in it, Jojoba Beads and Evening Primorose Oil added at trace.

Trace is the moment in which the soap is thick enough that it is not going to separate but is still loose enough that it can be poured. Ingredients added at trace keep more of their healing properties. Oils added at trace make the soap "superfatted" and luxurious.


My mother swears that Ocean Rain has removed small scars from her body that have been there for years. While I am not going to claim that the soap does this, it does make some sense. The pumice removes dead layers of skin and then the fresh, new skin is treated to both Jojoba which in a dermatological test done, using jojoba oil, by Christensen and Packman, it was shown that jojoba oil increases the skin's suppleness by 45% and after 8 hours the effect was still present. It was also found that jojoba oil softens and smoothes the skin with fine line reduction. In one test 20 women's skin "compliance" increased with 37% after 30 minutes and remained for an hour.

Even more amazing is the Evening Primrose Oil thats healing action results from its high content of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is vital to cell and body functions and not produced by the body itself.

Soundtrack: Tokyo Police Club, Elephant Shell

Nighttime Blend

I have very nice customer who likes to buy this in bulk so this is for her. Vanilla with Lavender and two sizes of Jojoba Beads throughout, a FFCS classic.


Soundtrack: Sleater-Kinney, Hot Rock

Oatmeal Castile

While people throw around the word "castile" to describe soaps, by definition they are made with Olive Oil only. Just lye, water and olive oil. This makes a very white and pure soap but not one that lathers very well. We add Colloidal Oatmeal to ours making it a very healing and simple soap.

Soundtrack: Sleater-Kinney, All Hands on the Bad One

Lavender Tea Tree

This is one I try to keep in stock but tends to run out. It is a great blend of Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils. Both oils have anti-septic properties and are safe for kids. This was tinted with blue oxide and pink kaolin clay to a purple hue.


Soundtrack: Madonna, Hard Candy

Bolivian Sea Salt Scrub

This is a smaller batch of this, made by request, so if this is your favorite grab it up! Made with Bolivian Sea Salt which is hand harvested from the Andes Mountain range in Bolivia. Ancient sea salt deposits were covered with volcanic lava creating this high mineral salt and protecting it from pollution.

Unscented.


Soundtrack: Portishead, Third

Calendula

Well, I'm finally getting to completing the Calendula. I'm making this because it is my "baby" soap. Super-mild but lathers better than a castile. I'll be curious how this turns out color-wise because it turned a taupe color, and usually its fairly white. It may cure to white.

Made with infused oils and a ton of Calendula extract, its a great soap.

Soundtrack: Madonna, Hard Candy

Starting Calendula

This soap takes a while because I need to infuse the Calendula in the oils. First I blend all of the oils together and then melt them with the Calendula buds and petals. You have to use fresh Calendula that is throughly dried or risk getting mold issues, but not so dry that there is nothing left to infuse. Then I let it cool, reheat (slowly) and then filter out the petals. Then I add NEW petals and repeat. I do this cycle slowly over several days to really let it infuse into the oils. So today is day one, perhaps on Monday I will get to make the soap.

Peppermint Tea Tree

I have nostalgia for this scent combination. The second soap I ever made (after my first try of Castile) was Peppermint Tea Tree. I think the blend is so bracing and revitalizing that I try to always have some around. Also its one of my husband's favorites. I have a few sets of lobster molds that I use in emergencies and when I make soap that I know we will want lots of, this soap got made into several lobsters today. I also like to make this one naturally white so this was made with beeswax and while I was making non-vegan soap I used lots of lanolin in the recipe.


Soundtrack: Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, The Swell Season

Orange Cucumber

On my husband's last day of paternity leave I have managed to sneak in a couple batches of soap. The first is Orange Cucumber made with an essential oil blend of Sweet Orange, Lemon and Petitgrain which happens to smell just like Orange and Cucumber. Made with powdered Orange Peel this is a gentle scent that is tangy and fresh.


Sountrack: Galaxie 500, Today

Belated Introduction

I was just reminded that I had not announced the birth of my daughter, Astrid! She was born on March 28th at 8lbs 8oz and 20 inches. She is absolutely lovely and we are all enamored with her.

Lavanchouli

This soap is made with essential oils in a recipe that is essentially, 1 part Lavender, 1 part Patchouli and 2 parts Vanilla Oil. Its is a tangy vanilla with a hint of earthiness. It was made this time with Colloidal Oatmeal so it should be very moisturizing because in addition to the oatmeal it was made with Unrefined Wheat Germ Oil.

Soundtrack: The Frames, Burn the Maps

Yuzu

I have not made this soap in a very, very long time. It is made with Yuzu fragrance oil, Yuzu is a Chinese citrus fruit that is part Mandarin and part a citrus fruit similar to grapefruit.

I made this soap with some Red Palm Butter at trace meaning that its properties will remain in the finished soap. It is the highest butter in the Omega Fatty Acids loaded with 2 kinds of Vitamin E and Beta Carotene. This butter hydrates the skin and helps to smooth out wrinkles. It also tints the soap a yellowish-orange color, but the color is very faint.

Soundtrack: Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heavens Gate

Bitter Orange Orchid

I have not made this one in years, but its a nice fragrance oil-based soap. Its not very floral rather spicy and a touch sweet. Many people think it smells a bit like Orange Pekoe Tea. Its not heavy at all and worth trying. I tried to make it a burnt orange color, unfortunately I think it ended up being more like a melon color.


Soundtrack: Klee, Honeysuckle

Muscle Relief

This is a soap I make pretty often, you could also call it Congestion Relief because it clears you out. Its a blend of Peppermint, Spearmint, Eucalyptus and Camphor. Made with Peppermint leaves throughout, it came out nicely this time. I thought it might seize but it did not.

Soundtrack: Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, The Swell Season

Yeast Defense

Yes! I finally made it, with some help from my husband who I think will never help again as he sustained several lye burns. This soap was created with a large percentage of Grapefruit Seed Extract, which has properties that combats yeast on and in your body.

In addition, it contains an essential oil blend with oils that also have yeast-fighting assets. Use to defend against reoccurring infections, Candida, Thrush and any other yeast related maladies. The soap contains ingredients indicated for use against yeast, this is not a medicine or a statement of fact but just a statement about what the ingredients are believed to do.

Because I had help, 90% of the bars actually got molded before the batch seized up. The essential oils tend to make the batch go kaboom, especially the clove oil. I was able to get most of it done and it is a very large batch.


Soundtrack: The Shins, Wincing the Night Away

Cedarwood Sage

This is a pale soap in a men-friendly scent. It has sage leaves throughout and a nice creamy texture. The scent was maybe not as strong as I had hoped but hopefully it'll settle in. This is the first time making this blend.

Soundtrack: Van Morrison, Acoustic Studio Demos 1968-1971

Vanilla Brown Sugar

Back to soaping! This one is made will all-natural vanilla oil and brown sugar, no fragrance oils. The last time I made this I expected it to be a scrubby soap but the heat of the curing process makes the sugar melt into the soap so it leaves specks, scent but very little texture. The sugar also naturally helps with lathering, so this should be a nice soap again.


Soundtrack: Klee, Honeysuckle

Basmati Rice

This is a batch I made custom for a customer. I made extra because I thought I'd like the fragrance. I know many people like this one but I find it too floral and a tad artificial smelling. I had hoped that it'd smell like freshly steamed rice but its more perfumey than that. My supplier says:

This subtle yet unique and delightful fragrance is based on the wonderfully aromatic smell of cooked Basmati Rice. The term 'Basmati' actually comes from the Hindi word "basmat" which means "fragrant." Our rendition is a captivating mix of fruity florals and cedarwood. Delectable top notes of peach, strawberry and lemon, followed by beguiling rose, lily of the valley, and cedarwood at the heart. Wrapping up this luscious blend is a powder, spice and creamy vanilla base. This fragrance is very subtle in lye-based soaps but does last in a more light rendition than the bottle. Basmati Rice does discolor a dark brown in all types of soaps.

Another one of my suppliers says:

A delightful mix of fruity florals and cedarwood. Top notes of peach, strawberry and lemon. Rose, lily of the valley, and cedarwood at the heart. Powder, spice and creamy vanilla at the base. Note: This scent does not in any way smell like cooked rice.


I'm hoping that it turns out fresher and lighter in the finished soap.


Soundtrack: Madonna, Confessions on the Dance Floor

Honey Almond

This is a soap I try to keep in stock. Its very difficult to get an all-natural Honey Almond, most soaps are made with an artificial fragrance oil. This is a blend of Lemon, Lavender, Bitter Almond and Ginger Essential Oils. A complex blend that your average soapmaker could not get on their own so this is a blend I buy pre-mixed. Its not blended other oils just the EOs.


I over-colored this batch but it came out nicely none the less, I added some unrefined Wheat Germ Oil at trace.



Soundtrack: Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heavens Gate

Those waiting for Yeast Defense....

I am not forgetting you, I am just lower on Grapefruit Seed Extract than I first realized. I just placed an order for a lot of it so expect me to make a large batch late next week. Sorry for the delay!

Vetiver Lime

I could not find my ground Bay Leaves so this ended up more like Vetiver Lime with a touch of Bay as opposed to Vetiver Bay with a touch of Lime. The odor of Vetiver oil is described as deep, sweet, woody, smoky, earthy, amber, balsam.




Soundtrack: Britney Spears, Blackout (which is terrible IMO)

Orange Ginger

This is a nice blend of Sweet Orange with Ginger. Very pretty because its made with Rosehip Powder, so it has flecks throughout. This is one of my personal favorites.


Soundtrack: The Shins, Wincing the Night Away

Back to Soaping!

I hope....because I have very little soap made and here is the list of soaps I need to make:

1. Basil Lime
2. Basmati Rice
3. Bitter Orange Orchid
4. Bitter Orange Patchouli
5. Brisk Blend
6. Calendula
7. Cassia Spice
8. Cedarwood Sage
9. Honey Almond
10. Illuminated Blend
11. Lemon Poppy
12. Lemon Sage Ginger
13. Lemongrass Patchouli
14. Muscle Relief
15. Nighttime Blend
16. Ocean Rain
17. Orange Cucumber
18. Orange Rosemary
19. Peony
20. Peppermint Tea Tree
21. Rosemary Lime
22. Rosemary Tea Tree
23. Sensual
24. Unscented Seaweed
25. Vanilla Brown Sugar
26. Virtuous Blend
27. Yeast Defense
28. Yuzu


Hopefully my recent good health will stick enough to make 4-6 of these....stay tuned.

20% off Code-ALL DONE!

Done!

Apricot Freesia

This has not been made in a long while and I know many people miss it. Fruity and floral with Apricot Seeds throughout, this is a fun soap and also quite feminine.

Soundtrack: Interpol, Our Love to Admire

Grapefruit Cornmeal

This soap cut in line because.....I love it! And I just used my last bar. Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil and Cornmeal make an oil-clearing soap that both scrubs and tones your skin. I feel clean and fresh whenever I use it so I hate to run out...so this soap was made now.

Soundtrack: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Raising Sand

Fresh Blend

Orange, Eucalyptus, Patchouli and Ylang Ylang, an essential oil blend similar to the scent used for Aveda's Shampure shampoo. It is a mix that is both earthy and sensual, and I think the Eucalyptus gives it a bit of a medicinal scent in the best way possible.


Soundtrack: Britney Spears, Blackout

Oatmeal, Milk & Honey

This was actually made about a week ago. It was very popular the last time it was made. Made with both Colloidal Oatmeal and Rolled Oats. The oatmeal that you eat has no actual healing properties but Colloidal Oatmeal has a very long history of use in helping alleviate skin irritation, discomfort, and inflammation. Oatmeal is very soothing to the skin and has strong anti-inflammatory effects, and colloidal oatmeal is classified by the FDA as a "skin protectant." Oatmeal not only can help with sensitivity but may also have a preventive effect on irritation and may too help buffer and repair damage from other skin stressors.

Soundtrack: White Stripes, Icky Thump

Upcoming Soaps...

The next soaps getting made are:

Oatmeal Milk & Honey
Apricot Freesia
Fresh Blend (Orange, Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang)
Unscented Calendula
Vetiver Bay

CinnaMint

A blend of essential oils, Cinnamon Bark and Peppermint. I think this will be our only holidayish soap this season. Cinnamon throughout and a nice tan color. This soap turned out great.


Soundtrack: Nickel Creek, This Side

Bolivian Sea Salt Scrub

This time I made the soap its natural color to try and highlight the lovely coral color of the Bolivian Sea Salt. The particles are small so I'm not sure how its going to show up.

Bolivian Salt is hand harvested from the Andes Mountain range in Bolivia. Ancient sea salt deposits were covered with volcanic lava creating this high mineral salt and protecting it from pollution.



Soundtrack: Van She, EP

Relaxing Blend

This is a favorite of many although the last batch did not sell out as fast as it usually does. Maybe its a winter soap when people have drier skin and need the Colloidal Oatmeal in the soap.

This is an essential oil blend of Palmarosa (Powdery, floral, herbaceous, perhaps with a hint of rose. It is antifungal and antiviral. Indicated for bronchitis, birthing, regeneration of the skin, and regulating oil production of the skin. Useful in treating skin infections.)

and Lavender (floral, herbaceous, light with woody undertones promotes growth of new skin cells, great healing effect on burns and sunburn, acne, psoriasis, boils, fungal growths, and scarring. Lavender is one of the safest essential oils to use with children and the elderly)

Soundtrack: PJ Harvey, White Chalk

Suka Cita

I.Made.Soap!

You may think that this is not a big deal but its been a rough few months in which I thought I would never get out of bed again. This is a dream come true.

Suka Cita is translated to mean a feeling of ultimate happiness and is an essential oil blend of Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood. Much like Aveda's Euphoria. A customer requested this in time for Christmas and I am happy I could oblige.



Soundtrack: None, I had to concentrate!

Back after some illness

As you can see I have not been making new soaps for a while. I have been very ill and bedridden with an especially difficult pregnancy. The good news is that the baby and I are fine and I'm beginning to feel well enough to soap!

Up next....


Suka Cita
Relaxing Blend
CinnaMint
Bolivan Salt Scrub


Thanks for your patience!

Lettuce Spirulina

I did a very small batch of this and it was a big hit so here it is again. Its the fresh smell of newly wased Iceberg and Romaine Lettuces with a ton of Ground Spirulina. I'm beginning to think that I am hooked on Green soaps.


Soundtrack: Silversun Pickups, Canavas

Apple Mint

This is a blend of Green Apple fragrance oil and Peppermint essential oil with Spearmint leaves throughout. A nice tart soap which will be coming out the second week of September, so a good Autumnal soap.

Sountrack: Mark Ronson, Version