I really enjoy making soap. My first batch was about 5 years ago, and I now make a batch every six weeks(which is about how long it takes to cure).The addictive part to me is creating new recipes from the fruits of my outdoor foraging.
The type of soapmaking I do is called cold-process, which uses lye to saponify fats into soap. It's like the kind "Grandma used to make". The only difference is besides using lard(rendered pork fat), I also add other fats like shea butter, oils such as hemp seed, olive, avocado, coconut, the list goes on. Instead of plain water I sometimes use infusions of the flowers and leaves on my property. And many times I add dried powders from the leaves and berries for extra goodness.
The photo below shows three kinds, from left to right: Subtle Summer, Wicked Winter Warmth(color and scent from dried doug fir and juniper berries), and Soothing Autumn(infusion of rose petals,grape leaves,sweet everlasting,witch hazel).
The second photo is a printout from Soapmaker3, an amazing tool for soapmakers.
Vanessa virginiences, or American Lady on Liatrus Spicata, or Button Snakewort.
Both Native
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
Cool! I've never noticed galls on staghorn sumac. Location: SE NH.
Melaphis rhois on Rhus typhina
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1112
Happy garden with all the heat, humidity, and occasional rain.
I made a yummy zucchini chocolate bread for my sister's visit. Going to air fry some of what I just picked.
