Yogurt Soap Half and Half experiment

We've wanted to make another batch of yogurt soap for a while, and when we read MMS' blog posts about making milk soaps using the Half and Half method, we were really excited! We had made yogurt soaps before, but with a lot of hassle- mixing and freezing the dairy and water, stinking up our kitchen with a horrible ammonia scent when we tried to add lye to it, watching it get darker and darker, not knowing if we did something wrong... We liked the feel of yogurt soaps but not the hassle!

Tonight we actually got the chance to try the half and half method for the first time, and we all loved it! Below is the recipe we used- this is what I call a "desperation" batch, in other words, we make it because of wanting to use up older remnants of oils. (I've found that sometimes desperation batches make the best soaps because you are more daring with your ingredients, thinking "well, if I ruin it, who cares? I was just using up some leftover oils anyway!")

25% Palm Kernel oil (approx. 12.6 oz)
27% Olive Oil (approx. 13.6 oz)
17.16% Shea Butter (approx. 8.65 oz)
10% Apricot Kernel oil (approx. 5.04 oz)
10% Wheat Germ oil (approx. 5.04 oz)
5.84% Cocoa Butter (approx. 2.95 oz)
5% Sweet Almond oil (approx. 2.52 oz)

9.576 oz water
9.576 oz yogurt

(optional) 1.575 oz Sodium Lactate
(optional) .8 oz Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
(optional) .9 oz fragrance (We used Jasmine)

Site update

I double-checked everything on the site today, including the shipping weights for the soaps. Check it out, and remember- for the time being, all orders over $25 receive free shipping! (Just remember to choose the "Free shipping" option when you pay using PayPal. :D )

Trial, Error, and the Sweet Smell of Sucess (aka, What We've Learned in Two Years of Soapmaking)

We stumbled onto the path of soapmaking like many others did- we wanted to start a home based business that wouldn't cost too much to start and that we would really enjoy for a long time, not just while we were feeling the initial fun of getting everything going.

I was browsing the internet looking for ways to start a jewelry-making business inexpensively, and somehow ended up on a page that had all kinds of craft ideas- the one that caught my eye was "Soapmaking". I thought "seriously, you can make soap on your own? Isn't that dangerous?" but I read through the page and decided to investigate. Now, many fun batches later, I'm very glad I did! I've had the chance to make soap with my Mom for a few years now, and we wanted to write about some of the things we've learned!

Product Update - Spiced Lime and Vanilla Hazelnut

Spiced Lime and Vanilla Hazelnut soaps have finished their cure and will be available soon for purchase! Check back here or at our website for pricing information.

Product update - Spiced Lime soap

A batch of 10% shea butter/10% avocado oil/10% wheat germ oil soap scented with Spiced Lime started the month-long cure today!

Soap will be available for purchase on November 14. :-)

Product update - Vanilla Hazelnut soap

A batch of 10% shea butter/10% almond oil/10% apricot kernel oil soap scented with Vanilla Hazelnut started the month-long cure today!

Soap will be available for purchase on November 14. :-)

Site update

Finished with the main website, now all I have to do is add products and descriptions!

I also double checked to see if the links work. Have fun browsing!

Product update - unscented Cocoa Butter soap

100% Natural Cocoa Butter soap finished month-long cure- read description and place order here!

Product update - Green Tea Zinger soap

Green Tea Zinger soap finished month-long cure- read description and place order here!