Enjoying The Process

An example of soap dough creations by Bee, the soap dough master. Isn't it lovely and inspiring?

Yesterday was a rarity, dear reader. I was in the studio alone, which never happens, and I worked on a little side project that has been on the back burner for quite some time. My bib overall wearing wonder buns is a work-a-holic. He works tirelessly on the farm, with the goats, and in the studio to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. However, this allows very little time for me to work independently in a quiet space, doing what I love: creating.

There was a time when making soap was relaxing and therapeutic for me. When this journey began, I was home alone, The Bean was in school, and The Bibbed Wonder was working away most of the week. With my empty nest, I had the time to create, research, experiment, and grow as a soap maker. This time was one of the most enjoyable periods of my soap-making journey. I listened to music that I enjoy and find relaxing and inspiring. I could work at my own pace and didn't feel rushed, pressured, or like I was on a hamster wheel to get things done. It was inspiring and rewarding to figure out a recipe, master a new technique, and push myself creatively. It also gave me something positive to focus on during a difficult time.

Those days are long gone. Working with my husband is delightful, mostly. We are a good team and bring out the best in each other. However, with his logical, math-based approach to life and my creativity, there are no boundaries to what we can do attitude, we don't always see eye to eye. My ideas, impulsivity, and creativity often make my husband twitch and squirm. His rigidity, methodical approach, and inflexibility to change frustrate me to no end. Regardless, we make this work, and we balance each other. I need him to keep me focused and on point. He needs me to get him out of his comfort zone and allow the creative process to flow.

While he trimmed the goat's hooves, I had the rare opportunity to work alone in the studio, trying my hand at a simple soap dough recipe. I have wanted to master soap dough and hand-sculpt soap dough for soap tops for quite some time. After trying to make my original soap recipe work with lackluster results, I had to put the project aside for the holiday season. I finally have the time and opportunity to work with a recipe formulated explicitly for soap dough. There is a woman in England who is the soap dough goddess. This woman is a true artist and has mastered the technique for creating embeds, three-dimensional creations, and the most gorgeous soaps I have ever seen. I took a play from the master's handbook and tried my hand at making soap dough using her published recipe.

Working alone on a small batch of soap was delightful. I could create something from beginning to end without anyone else's help. I worked through the process on my own time, in my way, without any input. I listened to classical music, enjoyed the process, and felt good about the results. It was like revisiting the soap-making process from the beginning of my journey. I will find out if the recipe is a success later this morning. Fingers crossed, the soap will be soft and pliable. If it is, I have big plans for soap embeds, beautiful soap tops, and limited-edition luxury soaps. The Bibbed Wonder has agreed to my using soap dough in our seasonal soaps in limited quantities on my own time.

I will be sure to keep you posted about the success of the recipe and the soaps I plan to create if the recipe works. Stay safe, be smart, enjoy the process, get creative, and keep washing your hands on this gloomy winter's day.

An Overwhelming Response

Happy Wednesday, dear reader. Our new Miracle Milk Face Balm has been available for almost two weeks, and you all have welcomed it with open arms. We felt we had created an exceptional product, and your overwhelming response confirmed that you agreed. I appreciate your willingness to try our new products and share your thoughts. After selling out of our first batch in less than a week, we finally have inventory restocked and available online. We did not anticipate this great response and feel we should have chosen a better time to release a new moisturizer.

My girls are all but dried off for the upcoming baby season. We won't have replenished milk production until after the babies come in late March. You may notice that our moisturizer inventory is running a bit low. Unfortunately, this will continue for the next two months or so. The Bibbed Wonder is considering looking for a few nannies in milk to add to our herd, but he is still on the fence about it. Bringing in new stock poses a risk. Of course, we would only purchase from a reputable farmer with a clean herd, but there are always risks. This is a decision we will have to weigh before we act.

Our new Miracle Milk Face Balm has been restocked, but our limited inventory is selling fast. I want to take this opportunity to share with you what some of our soap family members have said about this new product. We appreciate your feedback and kind words.

• On my 3rd week of using this little miracle in a pot. I'm noticing a huge difference in my fine lines. My turkey neck, crow, and WTF lines are noticeably better. A little goes a long way. Thank you! -Kay W.

• Let me just say that this stuff is amazing!!! My face feels so smooth and hydrated. I love it! -Wendy B.

  
  

• I just wanted you to know the miracle milk moisturizer is just perfect. My skin gets dry in winter, and since I have used this, the dryness has disappeared. It blends in easily, and I like the scent. It is not an overwhelming scent, and it is quite pleasant. I was very happy to see lavender and frankincense added. I am a proponent of using both those oils. Good job…as always . -Judie S.

  
  

• Best ever! -Martha A.

  
  
  
  

  Those are just a few reviews about our new Miracle Milk Face Balm. Thank you for your kind words and your time. I hope sharing these reviews helps you. Trust your soap family if you are on the fence about trying the new Miracle Milk Face Balm. It is the perfect product for this time of year with winter winds and dry air. On this dreary February day, stay safe, be smart, take good care of your skin, try our new Miracle Milk Face Balm, and keep washing your hands.

  
  
  
  

Tuesday Spotlight: Honey Yogurt Bee Bar

Shop The Honey Yogurt Bee Bar and Milk & Honey Moisturizer

Today, dear reader, our spotlight is on our Honey Yogurt Bee Bar. This bar is my go-to for gifting because it is beautiful, has a gentle scent that is not overwhelming, even for those with scent sensitivities, and is luxuriously moisturizing. I often combine the Honey Yogurt Bee Bar with a Milk and Honey Foaming Hand Soap and a Milk and Honey Moisturizer for a complete, well-rounded, lux gift. This is also my go-to bar when my skin is dry, itchy, and irritated.

The addition of handmade goat's milk yogurt to our traditional soap recipe creates a thick, rich lather, adds moisturizing properties, and is generally good for one's skin. However, the benefits don't end there. When yogurt is added to our goat's milk soap, the percentage of lactic acid increases drastically. Lactic acid is beneficial because it is an alpha hydroxy that helps to break down the bonds of skin cells, removing dead skin and encouraging new skin cell growth, leading to brighter, smoother skin.

Those who suffer from eczema and psoriasis often find relief from symptoms and an improved appearance in their skin when using alpha hydroxy products. Lactic acid also increases collagen, keeping the skin firm and hydrated, and helps prevent clogged pores. Alpha hydroxy is found in many over-the-counter anti-aging products because it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Adding goat's milk yogurt to our goat's milk soap makes for a fantastic, natural, luxurious bar.

Although I make no medical claims, I believe that adding natural products free from chemicals, fillers, and garbage benefits us on many levels. If you suffer from dry, itchy, or irritated skin, using our soaps with added yogurt will help. A bonus is that the Honey Yogurt Bee Bar smells terrific, has local raw honey added to it to increase the lather, and acts as a natural humectant with anti-inflammatory properties. Simply stated, it's just good for you.

This week, our Honey Yogurt Bee Bar is on special exclusively on the website. You can save 25% on this luxurious bar. No promo code is needed to save; the savings will be applied at checkout. On this first Tuesday of February, stay safe, be smart, invest in natural products that are good for your skin, enjoy the savings, and keep washing your hands.