Winter Disconnect is OVER...Hello Spring!

A sign of spring

The landscape has dramatically changed around here the past couple weeks.  The ski slopes hope to remain open for another couple weeks, but for the most part our snow is gone and the green grass is slowly emerging, the buds are coming out on the lilac tree (YES!) and some trees are starting to bud out, as well.

Easter Sunday I caught a glimpse of the first flowers of spring emerging from one of the flower beds around the house.  These are miniatures, a gift from my hubby for our anniversary about 10 years ago.  I planted them in the ground and moved them two years ago, dividing them so they could "breathe" once again, and they were eagerly coming back to greet me once again.  Their beauty is a welcome sight after the long dreary winter we just endured and inspired me to sit and enjoy the beauty of my yard once again.

Just like I have felt a disconnect with my yard this past winter, the same rings true of doing business online.  Sometimes it is hard to feel a connection with customers when doing business online instead of face to face.  Orders come from near and far, mostly from people I have never met or had a connection with in the past.  It's hard to read body language, find out what the customer is looking for, and guide them to the product/scent that would appeal to them.  If the customer doesn't leave feedback or you never hear from them again it leaves one to wonder if they liked their order, or not?  Some customers return and the relationship grows.

Despite taking a couple years away from the soaping business, I do have customers from the past that are happy to have me back.  Our relationship is rekindled, much like seeing someone you haven't seen in a while. They know they can ask me to send an order on a short time line, and/or wrapping up a gift with personalized messages to send directly to their intended recipient.  The trust we've gained with each other is much like the bond between old friends.  

This week I received an order from someone who lives in the same town as I do and I offered to reverse the shipping charges so to personally deliver the order. The customer was delighted and agreed to the arrangement.  I've seen her around town but had never been formally introduced, so this was a great opportunity.

Gift from a customer

Imagine my surprise when upon arrival, she gifted ME the sweetest (personalized) gift for making the time and effort of delivering the order. She paints on tree mushrooms/fungus and painted this for my business.  This absolutely made my day and I walked away with a big smile on my face.  I hope she can be successful in her endeavors to market her artistic talent.  I know I will enjoy my gift for many years to come, and this will be displayed in a prominent place in my soaping room and on the table when I go to shows.

Moments like this definitely makes one realize it really is a small world after all.

Bath Bomb Fizzies and The Massive Snow Melt

It is hard to believe how fast the snow banks and snow piles are melting around here.  Just last weekend my husband was out enjoying the last weekend ride on the snowmobile trails.  By Tuesday the snow had melted so much that they officially declared the trails closed for the year and each day we've seen more of our yard emerging (yippee) as the snow continues to melt at a rapid pace.  I can see over the snowbanks at the end of the drive without having to scoot up in the seat and do the "hope and pray no one is coming" as I back out (yeah!).

Planning for the summer food service program and the 2014/2015 school year has kept me quite busy the last few weeks (did I mention we have started operating a supper meal program 3 weeks ago?) and I am anxiously counting down the next 5 days until spring break starts on Friday afternoon.

Bath Bomb Fizzies

Earlier this month I made a new batch of Razz Nilla Soap, and a big pile of bath bomb fizzies.  While the soap won't be ready for another couple weeks, the bath bomb fizzies are now available for sale.

After the traditional celebratory launch of vacation I will be tackling some much needed spring cleaning around the house.  After the de-clutter and cleaning is finished, I have compiled a list of soapy projects that I hope to tackle.  OK, the list isn't JUST soapy projects, I have a lot of other ideas (companion products) to go WITH the soapy fun...just in time for Mother's Day!

Hyacinth, Where Are You Hiding?

Hyacinth Goat Milk Soap

I looked out the living room window this morning and discovered yet another coating of snow that we were blessed with overnight (sigh).  I looked down at the massive pile of snow covering my flower beds that has piled up from the many inches of snow we've received in the last month, to which my husband said, "you don't have any flower beds, you have snow beds".  Exactly!

Inside the house I have created one of my favorite early spring soaps scented with Hyacinth.  This soap has the luxurious addition of Goat Milk, making it the perfect pairing to use during these transitional days between winter and spring.  I'm not wishing for much, am I?  ;)

Goat Milk offers emollient properties, leaving your skin feel extremely loved and nourished. The color for this soap was achieved using micas and the fragrance captures the green essence of the plant along with the flowers.

So while I can't see any evidence of my Hyacinth returning outdoors, I've created a soap masterpiece to tied me over for a while longer.

Greening Up Bit by Bit

I see some green!

It doesn't take much to get me excited except when I am anxious for winter to finish melting away and discover a small patch of green slowly making its appearance. 

I have been itching all winter to go sit on the bench under the pergola we built last summer and this afternoon I trudged my way through the snow to enjoy a moment of tranquility when I discovered a small patch of green grass poking its way around the snow melting away. 

The driveway and yard is rapidly turning into a lake and mud bog.  For the first time this winter I had to lug out my boots so I can get in and out of the car without ending up with water logged feet and/or shoes being sucked off my feet by the mud.

Lilac soap cut into bars

I was so thrilled with the results of the soap I made last weekend and wanted to share how the Lilac soap turned out.   The swirls look like whispers of purple in the base of the bar and the piping adds a fancy touch befitting of the delicate lilac fragrance.  I can't wait until it warms up enough for my lilac bush to bloom.  Until then, I will be enjoying the fragrance of this soap as it finishes curing. 

Hailley and Christina saying "cheese and macaroni"

Last Sunday my oldest Grand Girlie turned four.  Seems like just yesterday that she was born, the time has flown by so quickly.  We took a road trip to celebrate the occasion, and went from needing jackets to no jackets back to needing jackets in the time we were there.  We played in the snow and mud, blew bubbles, dumped some bubble water on accident (actually a lot), and took a nice walk on the muddy back roads.  One thing for certain, I was glad I wasn't the one having to wash the multiple jackets, boots, and clothes the girls got covered in mud. 

Fun In The Snow But Looking Forward to Spring

I'm not a huge fan of the cold or the snow that goes with it...give me the sand, beach and hot sun! But here's a face that sure does enjoy the snow! Christina is inching right up on 2 years of age, and it is a constant battle...boots on, coat on and then it is boots off, coat off (by herself, of course) as she tools around the house begging to go outside. She knows exactly what to do when the sled is put on the ground...in she goes and waits to be pulled around. Baby sister is almost 6 months old and hasn't been introduced to snow angels or sleds just yet.

Christina's favorite Aunty taught her how to make snow angels as she tested out the new snow suit that was given to her for Christmas. And not a moment too soon, we finally had enough snow for her to get out and enjoy.

The only snow I enjoy are days when a call comes in the wee hours that we have no school due to inclement weather. This Grammy gets all giddy with excitement and the creative soap making juices flow. Several new batches of spring soap are currently on the curing rack, and will make a debut in our online store later this month.

Butterfly Kisses

On this first day of Spring we've captured some lovely Butterflies and have an ample supply to share with your children! Perfect size set to include in an Easter Basket, or help encourage cleanliness now that spring and mud is here. Our Butterfly Kisses scent will leave your little one smelling like a sweet butterfly.

This Butterfly Kisses Set includes one (1) bar of Butterfly Glycerin Soap weighing in at approximately 1 ounces and one (1) 4 ounce bottle of Butterfly Kisses Body Lotion.

Invaded by Ladybugs!

We've been invaded by Ladybugs and have an ample supply to share with your children! Perfect size set to include in an Easter Basket, or help encourage cleanliness now that spring and mud is on its way. Our Ladybugs scent will leave your child smelling all fruity and clean.

This set includes one (1) bar of Ladybugs Glycerin Soap weighing in at approximately 1.5 ounces and one (1) 4 ounce bottle of Ladybugs Body Lotion.

Feeling Springy

The weather has been absolutely glorious this week! It is rare in Vermont to see so much ground and so little snow this time of year. My lilacs are budding out (YIPPEE), and I see signs of my herb plants in the garden poking their noses through the soil once again. I ditched my trip to the exercise room this afternoon in favor of getting outdoors to enjoy the fresh air. It was delightful, indeed! With the ground warming up, any snowfall that might come our way is sure to melt quickly, which warms my spirits.

The Tulips Are Here!

Vibrant and beautiful tulips...a sign that spring is around the corner. Up here in Vermont the weather has been absolutely splendid. We still have plenty of snow laying around but it is melting, and that is a good sign. I'm anxious to see my flowers blooming once again.

I've created this trio of soaps in anticipation of spring. The purple tulip is scented with Lavender Essential Oil. The pink tulip is scented with Pink Jasmine Musk. The yellow tulip is scented with Honeysuckle. Share the essence of spring with your friends and loved ones. These make great "pick me up" gifts for those who are still burdened under the weight of winter.

Lilacs ~ My favorite flower of Spring

I have always dreamed of having lilacs growing outside my bedroom window. When we moved into our house, the first thing I bought was a lilac bush and I planted it between my bedroom and bathroom window. Each spring I look forward to the smell of lilac wafting through the windows. I also love to take photos of the lilacs when they are starting to bud out and as they come into full bloom.

In anxious anticipation of spring, Lilac products are making their way into our shop.


Lilac Soap


Lilac Shower Gel

Look for more Lilac products to make their way to our shop in the near future.

It's That Time of Year Again

I'm anxious to get my garden planted. This year we had a friend come in with his tractor to expand the garden to 3 times the size it was last year. In 20 minutes time the job was done ~ what would have taken me days/weeks to complete by hand. I resist planting too early up here in Vermont because we still have some frosty mornings.

Even though I use gloves when I garden, there are just some gardening chores I prefer to use my bare hands to take care of. That is where this handy dandy soap comes into play....
I have developed this soap for those who have a love for digging in the dirt. The ground luffa is added for exfoliation. The super-fatted soap is formulated to aid in bringing moisture back into those dry hands after gardening. Delicate lettuce and rain combines with soft spearmint and is presented to you in a luxurious experience for gardener's everywhere. This is sure to be a hit with your hands and your gardening friends. Stop on by my shop to get yours today!

What a Beautiful Sight in My Flower Bed Today

Spring in Vermont

Mud Season on the back roads...


Potholes...


Maple Sugaring Time...

The Eighth Annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend will be held at sugarhouses throughout Vermont, March 27-29, 2009.

Spring Fling 2009

It's ba-ack......

This year our ever popular Spring Fling is returning with more products to chose from. Spring Fling is screaming with the vibrance of spring! The essence of spring is wrapped in the elegance of Lily and Jasmine along with lemon and ozone. Fragrance is light and airy, not overly heavy. Don't be fooled thinking this is a fru fru floral for women, I have several men that enjoy this fragrance, too.

Chose from Spring Fling Soap...


Or Spring Fling Bubble Bath. This formula is versatile and can be used as a shower gel, too!


How about some of our fabulous Spring Fling Bath Fizzies...


We must not leave the feet out, they deserve a treat, too. Pamper those tootsies with one of our Lovin' Your Feet Loofah Soaps in Spring Fling...


AND....Coming soon....Spring Fling Body Lotion Parfait & Spring Fling Whipped Soap. Keep watch, we'll announce their arrival right here!

Sunday Afternoon Check of the Flowers

I'm not going to apologize for a lot of posts about flowers. I am excited because I've not seen any color but white for a very long time.


The Rhododendron's made it through the winter in spite of the tremendous weight of snow and ice that fell off our roof this year. A few branches were casualties, but they sure are getting read to burst with color once again.

The Miniature Daffodil's that were included with the Crocus that I blogged about earlier this week are starting to smile at me.


And the Lilac is so full of blooms this year, a nice treat after NO blooms last year.

I'm amazed at the details I'm able to capture with this camera. With the Super Macro setting I'm seeing details on my flowers that are not visible to the naked eye. Incredibly amazing! I'm using a Canon Power Shot S3 IS, 6.0 mega pixels.

Flowers Showing Their Faces

Friday when I came home from work it was simply gorgeous outside. The snow piles quickly disappearing except for what was at the front of the house. Gazing down at the pile of snow that stood 2 1/2 feet high at the front of the flower bed, and nearly 4 feet high closer to the house, I feared my early spring flowers would die before the snow melted. I quickly took a shovel and started digging out my flowers. They knew it was time to come up, but the snow melt wasn't cooperating. If I hadn't uncovered them I'm afraid they would have withered with rot and we wouldn't have seen them this year. Amazingly, I awakened this morning to find the flowers poking purple at me. Just a glimpse. This afternoon they are in full bloom.

As for the remaining snow piled up closer to the house...we can only hope it melts before too much longer. I'm not shoveling any more! With the warmer air the past couple days it has gone down substantially, so there is hope! The snow closest to the house was just under the brackets for the plant holders that are attached to the house on Friday afternoon...as you can see, this afternoon the pile has been greatly reduced in size.

Infested by Potholes

It's a Statewide epidemic this year. Potholes are everywhere...small, big, and some large enough to lose a village in. No fault of the road crews, the winter weather was no match for asphalt and concrete. All of these potholes brought me back to warmer days last summer when a road nearby encountered a really bad case of potholes. Someone with genius skills and ideas brought attention to the problem which we found to be quite humorous.

It's melting....

Yeah!!! I was so excited when I pulled in my drive this afternoon and (gasp) saw the wooden border for my perennial flower beds! They only stand about 6 inches high, but we haven't seen them since...November, December??? The massive doses of sunshine and warmer air this week has greatly reduced the amount of snow we have in our yard. Admittedly, we still have a great deal of snow in our yard but every day we are seeing more of the yard and less of the snow. YEAH!!!! I didn't have time to snap a photo so you'll just have to trust me on this one..I was too busy taking in every last waking moment of the sun and warm air while it was there to be enjoyed.

Our grill has been working double overtime every day since last weekend. We never tire of grilled food around our house...as Rachael Ray would say it...YUM-O!!! Tonight we had BBQ Ribs that were to die for. OK, they could have been tough as a buzzard and we wouldn't have cared! LOL

GREEN Mountains...

For far too many days/weeks/months we have been seeing an awful lot of white and not very much GREEN in our landscape. Today is such a bright, beautiful day. I was glad my job took me on the road for the day so I could enjoy this wonderful SUNSHINE today! When I returned home, my younger daughter needed me to take photos for her upcoming tech project presentation. We headed up Randolph Center to Neighborly Farms, an organic farmstead cheese operation owned and operated by very dear and close friends of ours. I was walking around looking at all of the new calves that have been born, and stopped in my tracks when I noticed something that got me all excited...

WOO HOOO!!!! Is that, yes, it looks to me like it is.....GREEEEEEEN!!!! I'm afraid in all of my excitement that the photo might not be as clear as it could have been, but I didn't care!

Happy Spring???

More like the never ending winter! Seems when we have a warm day to melt everything down, we end up with a day or two of cold and snow afterwards.

Winter will not relinquish its hold in Central Vermont this year!