I used the apostrophe on each side of the word castile because this is not a true castile in the strictest sense of the name. True castile is made solely with olive oil and no other oil. This batch is actually made with coconut oil in addition to the olive for the cleeansing attributes it brings to the formulation as well as a nice foaming action. It also has no superfat because this is intended solely for the purpose of being a part of household cleansers, not skin care. If it was intended for personal use as a bath wash or hand wash, it would have included a lye discount of about 6% to b ..read more

A simple enough word, right? Two easy syllables, offers direction, inspiration, information, whatever purpose you’re placing on it, yet…well, it’s harder to fulfill than you might think. Obstacles crop up constantly obstructing the view, preventing your progress from continuing forward, challenging you in ways you can’t even dream of while makng your journey. Such is the case right now. My life is now a very different life from what it once was. One of uncertainty, doubt, fear, and pain. I’ve discovered there is a genetic mutation in my DNA. One that prevents my cancer from ever going ..read more

As all soap makers know, you just never know what’s going to happen when you’re dealing with a finicky beast like cold-processed soap.  It can be nice and well-behaved one time and be Vesuvius the next.  The recipe can be one you’ve made a hundred times before but with cp, it’s all fair game for the gremlins. The recent batch, a favorite of mine for its gloriously spot-on beachy scent of windswept waves, ozone & aquatic notes plus a hint of a light floral, is an example.  I’ve made this recipe numerous times, always using the same ingredients.  No alteration or deviation from the standard ..read more