Recent content by mattiesmom

I use fresh goat milk measured into baggies and frozen. Whatever liquid the formula calls for is replaced with the goat milk. Never gave fat content a thought and never had a problem. Making sure the milk stays very cold is absolutely critical. I mix milk/lye solution when oils are about 90...

I am a book junkie so have a collection books. The only one I consistently use is the old Soapmakets Companion ny Susan Miller Cavitch. It will answer just about any question for me. Most info is right here on the forum. Thete is a very slick expensive magazine that is beautiful to look at but...

Anyone know status of this business? Have ordered in oast with fairly good results. Needed to place recent order and they are out if stock on many items. No response to inquiry and am seeing many current complaints on their facebook page.

I was recently given a few vials of very nice very high end perfume oils that smell fabulous. Would they work to scent lotions, body butter, etc.? I know they couldn't be used for cp soap but thought they might work for other products. Has anyone tried this? Thanks

I read that Saponifier Magazine has been revamped with a new name--Making Soap--or something like that. It's now available in print format delivered right to your door for an annual subscription fee of $60.00 for 8 issues I think. What about this magazine would make it worth that much? I am...

Does anyone know of a source for good quality balsamic vinegar in at least gallon sizes that sells to the public without a high minimum order? Haven't been able to locate one so far. Will be making several jars of the balsamic glaze for gifts this year and am trying to avoid the verrry...

Have been a fan of this show until the most recent season when I noticed subtle style changes creeping in, seemed they were trying to branch away from the very charming decorating style that propelled them to fame and fortune in the first place, not entirely successful in my opinion. Recently...

Thanks for the wonderful insight - very much appreciated and very clarifying to my tendency to overthink this. I generally prefer a product as natural as possible but am certainly not a purist and have no objections to fragrance,colors, etc. that might not be natural. And, as we all know the...

Is there a sandalwood fragrance oil that would work for customers who insist on 100% natural ingredients for their soap but continually request sandalwood because they love it in their candles and want it in their soaps too? Have explained all the reasons sandalwood eo is out of the question...

Fresh goat milk frozen in plastic bags in the appropriate amount needed for the batch works great in cp soap. I buy the milk frozen in gallon jugs from a neighbor with the same problem you have. I thaw a gallon at a time and measure into the baggies and back into the freezer. There is some...

That person who always visits your booth at the farmer's market and loudly says (for everyone to hear), "I make soap too, but I don't use lye in mine, I would NEVER use soap that had LYE in it." There always seems to be at least one of these lurking around.

Thanks for the suggestions. Upon closer inspection of my setup--a wooden loaf-type box that came with the crinkle cutter and a dough scraper from a soap supply vendor--I noticed there were hairline cracks around the slot where the cutter goes allowing slight flexing there also. The cutter is...

I have been using a crinkle cutter for my soap logs without problem. I am noticing now that the soaps are bowed to the point they appear to be slightly curved. I thought it was the cutter box (wood) but have discovered it's the crinkle cutter itself which is now slightly bending in the center...

Re: Dr. Oz - Apparently medical professionals are now beginning to call him to task as reported on national news a few days ago. I agree he's nothing more than a salesman for anyone/anything promising a fantastic cure for one thing or another--none of which he offers any real proof of.

Thanks so much for the quick response. One awful thought lurking in the back of my questionable mind is that it's not the oils, it's me! My sense of smell may be faulty or disappearing altogether. Although I thought not being able to smell made food less appealing - not the case.