Spring Fling Extravaganza!

This morning at 7 AM our thermometer read a whopping 5 degrees F. No zero behind the 5! Can you say BRRRRRisk!?! Oh, but the day recovered quickly enough and we just HAD to dig out the last hidden package of bratwurst from the freezer and put them on the Grill. Yes, even though I still don't see much of anything but snow in my yard, and lots of it, the grill was cooking today.


I made this gorgeous gift bag about a year ago. It is made with a unique Italian Wool Blend yarn. The colors are stunning and I've had a lot of compliments. What to do with it? Well, it was actually the color inspiration for my Spring Fling Soap so it seemed appropriate to combine the two together and make a OOAK Gift.

Today was kind of a catch up day around the house, and time to take photos for my Etsy Store. I have a great digital camera, but I have discovered it is more camera than I know what to do with, at times. I take great close ups of my outdoor flowers (when they are blooming), and I *think* I've got the inside close ups about covered now. I've gotten quite a few pictures switched out on my Etsy Store and a list of the rest that need to be retaken.

It's Maple Syrup Time!

This weekend marks the 7th Annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend. Since we are not lacking in the snow department, particularly in Central Vermont, Sugar on Snow is likely to be enjoyed by many. Be sure to stop by the Vermont Sugar Makers' Association and the Vermont Maple Foundation website to learn more about Vermont Maple Syrup.

We have successfully captured the Vermont Maple Sugaring experience in one single bar of luxury soap. Get one before they are all gone!

Spring Fling Take 2

It certainly didn't look like spring today when we were "blessed" with yet another snow storm. Since I'm not seeing any evidence of grass or flowers outside, it was time to create some spring flowers and sunshine inside.

The essence of spring wrapped in elegance and pure glycerin soap heaven. Lily and Jasmine are brought together with lemon and ozone for a truly unique blend. Real pressed flowers are suspended within the glycerin soap for added charm and beauty.

You can read more about these gorgeous glycerin soaps in the Spotted Cow Soaps Etsy Store. Hint - Mother's Day is May 11!

Now that I've created spring and sunshine INSIDE my house, I'm waiting for winter to relinquish its clutches so we can experience spring and sunshine on the OUTSIDE of the house.

Spring Fling

This is by far the COOLEST soap I have ever made! It evokes vibrant spring colors that our current landscape is seriously lacking. This soap 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. I have several men that enjoy this fragrance. I have called this SPRING FLING. The girl I am mentoring for soap making was really psyched out and digging the cool soap when we got together this afternoon for another soap making session.

22nd Anniversary

It is a busy weekend with Easter and all...throw in our 22nd Wedding Anniversary and you have the makings for a very busy weekend. We have aged gracefully, have two teenagers almost ready to make the jump into adulthood, and one child that has already crossed out of the teen years. With 22 years of experiences (some good, some bad) to reflect upon, our love still rings true and is the driving force of our marriage.

For the occasion, we took a little ride to Hanover, New Hampshire to check out this fabulous restaurant, Jesse's. The rustic appearance of the place was so cozy and inviting, the staff equally pleasant. They have the most incredible salad bar loaded with fresh baby greens, vegetables, and salads. Much of what they stock on the salad bar is locally grown or handmade in house. Awesome, awesome!!! We were in pursuit of a good steak, and Jesse's delivered along with their signature steak sauce that is outstanding...and this chick is a die hard A-1 Steak Sauce kinda girl! The Turtle Cheesecake was so tempting, so we caved in on a rare occasion to indulge ourselves with dessert. Curiosity got the better of me...Green Tulip Martini? Not bad, catchy name, lured me right in! LOL I would suggest if you are ever in Hanover, NH and want to check out Jesse's, to call ahead to make reservations. The place is happening and busy.

Soaping Funness Part 2

Soaping Success from yesterday. I got home this afternoon and couldn't wait to cut the soap from yesterday. Batch #1 turned out beautifully. Creamy, nice lather, a little soft but it will firm up more as it dries out a bit more.

Batch #2 is dark on the outside and much lighter on the inside. It will continue to darken up as it finishes drying out. This is a much harder soap formula, but it offered a nice lather. I left the house for a while and when I came back the first thing that hit my nose was the scent of this soap! It is simply divine!!!

Soaping Funness...

I was anxious to get home from work today because it was day one of mentor soaping with a student from RTCC. I kinda got a little tied up at work and was running a tad late. As soon as I walked in the door, the shoes came off, and the soaping goodies were quickly spread out all over the counters.

The first batch was In the Oven Hot Processed soap so she could see the volcano effect. Wouldn't you believe it...this is only the second time that the volcano never happened. After talking soap for a while, it was time to do the zap test, add the fragrance and colorant, then put the soap in the mold.

With the first batch under our belts, we tackled a second batch. This time my student was put to work doing all of the measuring and mixing while I took photos to document the process. The soap was put in the mold and immediately covered with the lid to show proper insulation to make cold processed soap. After a short while the mold was uncovered and put in the oven so my student could see the gel phase take place, and to experience In the Mold Hot Oven Processed soap. This batch cooperated and showed us exactly what it was supposed to as you will see below.