Clean as a whistle

I made another batch of soap last weekend.

The previous batches I had made were good, but as we were running low, I decided that this time I would be more adventurous with the smelly stuff I added.

Cinnamon and honey were the first two batches, then I used lemon grass essential oil a couple of times, and this time I used pine essential oil.

I can hear some of you thinking, who would want to smell like a pine tree? LOL

My latest batch of soap - with an odour of
pine :)

Well, it all goes back to good memories.  Memories of relaxing in a deep, luxurious bath many, many, many years ago when I was uneducated and wasn't concerned about water usage.  My favourite "special occasion" bubble bath then was something called Badedas.  It is apparently made using "horse chestnut, cedar wood and light patchouli" but to me it smelled of pine trees. And it was wickedly expensive.  Funnily enough I haven't seen it available here for quite a few years, but, even if it was, I wouldn't buy it - we don't have a bath now, and as far as I know Badedas doesn't make a shower gel.  Anyway, who needs a shower gel with all the additives, when I can make our soap requirements? ;)

I can highly recommend silicon molds - the soap
slips out easily when it's time for the soap to
mature before use.  And, they're a breeze to clean!

I absolutely love my silicon soap molds even though I didn't buy enough to cope with the size of the soap batch that I make.  Ah well, the plain old block shape will work as adequately :)

I have to say that my skin is not nearly as dry as it used to be - and that is important as one gets older, as the skin is not as moist and elastic as it is when you're younger.  Using our home made soap is definitely more gentle on the skin than anything commercial on the market.

I wish you could walk into our spare bedroom, and smell the aroma which is pervading that space at the moment.  I can't wait to use the soap at the end of August when it has had time to mature...

Having been thoroughly confused by the recipe specifications on the internet (such and such a % of this, and a % of that) I want to once again send many, many thanks to Rae of African Bliss for providing me with the basic soap recipe which encouraged me to overcome my fear of caustic soda and into my first soap making foray.  Especially given that making soap is her business, and that through sharing her expertise with me, it has meant that I am not a customer of hers.

The generosity of people, especially those I have never met, is absolutely astounding!