Sweet Scarlett Soap Co.

http://soworthloving.tumblr.com/ Hey all!  It's been awhile, huh?   Here's one of those cute little quotes we see everywhere, but this one hits home with me today.  As of now, my website is not finished as planned and I feel so disappointed in myself.  Truth is extra time is a real luxury at the moment, and it's simply not a priority.  For a little business hoping to grow, a webpage should  clearly be a priority, but I've put it on the back burner - way, way back.   Surely, I'm not the only soaper who struggles tith this type of thing, am I  ???????????? Today it's time to stop focusing on all the "shoulds" in my head and just do my thing on my own terms. I happily accept the fact that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be right now. We've been doing some home improvement projects, and I've loved painting and redecorating our living space.  I have one of the BIG birthdays coming up next week, and I'm getting some time off...

So life is kinda kicking me in the butt right now...the unexpected emotional  things that are tough for a family to deal with. (I'm doing a little venting here cause I know you my friends have all been there)   But real life keeps on flowing...demands of the necessary job and family responsibilities all on a collision coarse rocketing toward chaos!  That's what it feels like - so how does one work the additional demands of our soap busines successfully into the mix and stay on course?  I think I just need a little pep talk to get me closer to this:                                                             Other than massive sleep deprivation, can anyone offer some advice? 

Saturday was the first day of the farmer's market this year.  Of course here in Kansas City the weather is unpredictable, and it was pouring rain when I left home.  That's usually a bad sign, but it cleared up nicely within about an hour, and I had a great morning.  The first person to stop by my table said he's been reading my blog - so if you're seeing this post, please leave me a comment.  I'm planning a batch of Dragon's Blood soap especially for you.  :) The Parkville market is really like a little family, and they've welcomed me into the fold with enthusiasm - I'm so glad to be there.  I know many of my soaping friends and colleagues are working at various venues, and I wish them all great success this season. AND YES - I got all that soap wrapped with alot of help of my Mom, Jeannie Kreighbaum. Does anyone else out there have some helping hands when you bet bogged down, or are you mainly a one person operation?  I feel very lucky my Mom ...

My farmers market opens this Saturday in Parkville, Mo.  As you can see, I have a few bars still to wrap! (This is why Christmas stresses me out, too!) I guess it's time for me to come to terms and make peace with my procrastination issues.  The best way seems to be embracing it, and seeing it in a more positive light.  Is this possible?  I'm going with "works well under pressure" and "performs best with a deadline"! I don't think I'll ever change!  Lucky for me my Mom is coming to my rescue.  We're spending the day packaging on Friday. I'm looking forward to spending time together and just talking - and shrink wrapping!  Wish me luck, folks!

JUST SCENTS :  I broke down (again) and purchased "just a few" new scents from Just Scents.  This is my first order from this company.  They have a bunch of unusual fragrances, which is usually what catches my interest.  I have several more to experiment with in the future.   I was really excited about "Tattoo Parlor" and gave it a try in a one pound batch.  It accelerated right away, even though I added the fo to my warmed oils before the lye water.  I had to layer it in, but instead of the cool swirl I had planned, ended up with an even cooler "flag" design!  The scent is supposed to represent green soap that's used in - you guessed - tattoo parlors.  I don't know how it should smell, but this is clean, fresh and somewhat earthy and herbal.  It sort of reminds me of catnip and licorice, but in a good way!  It has not discolored at all, but the scent has faded a bit one week into the cure.  Overall, the scent is pleasant...

Yep, that's me with our Soap Queen - Anne Marie of Bramble Berry! She was our first guest speaker on Saturday and demonstrated making  beer soap and a brined salt bars.  And guess who walked away with those very same soap bars plus an extra special gift from Bramble Berry?? Me!!!   I have more photos to share but alot going on this week- so keep an eye out for additional posts coming soon.  It was the best workshop so far, so I want to give major thanks to all those who made it happen these last few years.   Bye for now - visit again soon!   Angie

I'm gearing up for the  Central Soapers Workshop  here in Kansas City this weekend - It's a two day geek fest for soapmakers hosted by the hardworking and ultra dedicated  Kenna Cote  of Modern Soapmaking.   It's just the BEST face to face time and hands on instruction from some of my personal soaping heros.  I'll be learning some new techniques from the awesome and inspiring  Amy Warden  of Great Cakes Soapworks and the SOAP QUEEN herself   Anne Marie  Faiola, founder of Bramble Berry!!  And that's just day one -Oh my Goodness..... People -  you know these are A List soaping Celebrities , right?! Can't wait!!  I promise to report back on all the festivities and hopefully have some great photos!