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Love the way it turned out!

I use method 3; 50/50 lye solution, fresh milk blended into the oils equal to the amount of extra water I would have added to the 50/50 solution under normal circumstances, then I blend in powdered milk -- the amount it would take to reconstitute the water in my lye solution. I do gel. Got...

Lovely creamy gorgeous batters. Congrats on your first soaps! You have more patience than I would ever have. 30-45 minutes to trace is a long time for 5 lbs of soap (for my attention span!).

Got DOS once with safflower oil several years ago. Don't even know why I bought safflower oil. Must have had a reason at the time. Generally, I avoid canola, soy, and shortenings other than Spectrum organic palm.

Yep, count me in with the mavericks. Normal 7%, but some of my recipes range up to 20%. Never have had a stickiness issue.

I have several Mainstay stainless steel bowls that will hold it, but by far my go-to is a small SS stockpot. I use a hot plate in my soaping room and the heavy bottom combined with a low setting on the hot plate makes it super easy to control the heat when melting fats. It's narrow enough to...

The oils and EOs you used have never created an issue for me, so I'm stumped as well. The point previously made about a possible adulteration of an EO has me wondering. Maybe using water with a high mineral content? Grasping at straws.

It will be interesting to see what the FDA response is. OP is concerned or would have gone ahead and used them without question. I'm sure OP wants to be safe as do we all. Looking forward to hearing FDA response. I'm betting it's a no -- not safe for cosmetic use, but I've been shocked before.

Gorgeous swirl. Agree that the little bubbly surface effect is normally caused by overheating. Other than that, I don't have a clue as to the cause. Can't wait to see it cut!8)

They look great! Would love to have one or two.

Thanks!

I've been off the forum for a year or so, and did not know of Denise's passing. I'm so sorry. Her Chypre Rose was my best seller, and I'm really praying there is some of that in the sale. I submitted a "join" request on the FB page. Is that all I need to do to participate in the sale?

Update: Conservatorie's Bubblegum Pink turned out to be a nice pink, but I had to use more of it than other pinks I have.

I purchased several and have used only 2 so far, but so far so good.

I'm in the camp that has not had a problem with Lavender EO, but since so many have... is it possible that, since there are so many different types of Lavender EOs, that the variety makes a difference? Is Lavender one that is commonly adulterated, so that your source is important? Interesting...

I only add it to the soap batter (mixed into oils) for those few "specialty" recipes I make that don't stay fresh as long as other more balanced recipes.

Wow, you're going to have SO much fun! I'm away from home for a couple of days and you made me positively ITCH to get back and soap. Glad to see you'll be back at it. Nice setup there!!

I have found variations in color on rice bran oil from time to time. I don't think it means much and I've never seen a difference in the results using it.

Now THAT is one yummy soap!

Great ideas!! Thanks loads!