Everyone! Thanks so much for all of your help on this, my first batch. I *finally* used some today and I love it! It's lathery, and creamy and now I'm hooked! I'm onto my 5th batch now, specifically for the hubby, since he's been so supportive of me on this venture, but I bought some coconut milk to try out (eventually) and well - there is so many fun things in my future! Thanks and thanks and thanks for all of your advice! Charging bravely ahead!
(my fourth batch didn't turn out so well - lots of soda ash, but I'm sure it's because I used cocoa butter and didn't cover when I put it on my magic heating pad and then had used and individual soap mold that was rather difficult at this point for me. But - no zap and I'm sure it will be lovely soap!)