Potato Salad and a Pond

We've been busy around here as of late, though J has definitely been doing the lion's share of actual work. He's been doing things like carving out a pond, and setting up a solar hot water system for us, while I've been making potato salad (for my Dad's birthday celebration), new labels for the 930 Pint soap, and transplanting flowers. I think I got the better end of the deal, don't you?

930 Pint

J & I headed to Winston-Salem last night, meeting up with friends to see NC singer-songwriter Chuck Brodsky play. Chuck is an extraordinary storyteller and wonderful musician. He's been doing the Fiddle & Bow concerts for 20 years, and I've been to see him play many, if not all of them. The latest soap I've been creating is a beer soap, and I've been trying to come up with a creative name for it. The folks at STARworks, who so graciously share their brew with me, have no name for it. Chuck has a song, 930 Pint, that I'm fond of, and I'd been pondering that name. I mustered up my nerve and asked him last night, and he gave his blessings. How cool is that! Give him a listen to on the above link. And while you're there, check out the video, The Man Who Blew Kisses. It's priceless. Have a lovely weekend, friends!

Poppy Love

Last night, I received the questionnaires I had left at STARworks with samples of my first batch of beer soap. The feedback was thoughtful and helpful, by far the best information I've ever received on my soap. Those folks are awesome!

I was surprised to find this poppy last week, a few days before it bloomed. It was in the bed in front of the trailer I lived in while building the house. I don't remember when I planted the seeds, and in fact, think I may have pulled up a plant or two before, as I'd never had luck with poppies before (or so I thought), and didn't know what the leaves looked like. Oops! I'm loving the color. Seeing those leaves, I think I've got a bunch of them coming up that I planted over the winter. These would be red ones. I think poppies are such cheerful things, and look forward to seeing their happy faces.

Good Folks All Around

I'm convinced bloggers are some of the best people. There is so much beauty, encouragement, and wisdom shared in the blogging world. I'm humbled to be a part of it. Today I'm wrapping soaps and packaging bath melts and bombs. J and I are planning on heading to STARworks tonight to see Beer Wars. In addition to all the wonderful things happening there, STARworks also has microcinema nights, complete with munchies and good beer. These are the same fine folks who shared their handcrafted India Pale Ale with me recently, for my beer soap. We're lucky to have such creative folks in our midst. Happy Friday, friends!

STARworks Suds

I was asked to create some beer soap by one of my accounts. They're wanting to have more things that have a broader appeal to men. Of course, there are men that love my other soaps-- patchouli, cedar lemongrass, lavender, but this one was created especially for them. I didn't scent this one, to let the hops shine. It smells light and pleasant, almost a licorice scent. I ground some flax seed, and added that in, both for the omega 3's and visual appeal. Some folks at STARworks are learning the art of brewcraft, and graciously shared some IPA for this batch. So far, this recipe looks like a keeper.