The Pampered Goddess

Colonial women were responsible for making the family’s soap. They made soap from leftover animal fat and lye, saving grease and wood ashes throughout the year. One barrel of soap usually required about six bushels of ashes and twenty-four pounds of grease. The wood ashes were packed into a barrel with layers of straw between them, and a little water was poured in from time to time. A seep hole at the bottom allowed the lye to slowly drip out, while the straw kept the larger pieces of ash from clogging the opening.

The grease and lye were then boiled together in a large iron kettle over an outdoor fire because the smell was strong and unpleasant. The mixture had to be stirred constantly in one direction. Soap-making was a difficult and sometimes unsuccessful process, so it was not unusual for neighbors to wish a woman good luck on her soap.

This process created a soft, jelly-like soap that showed no trace of the grease it came from. This soft soap was used for monthly washings, as laundry often accumulated for a month or sometimes even three months in certain households.

Women also made a hard soap using bayberry tallow and salt. This soap was especially desirable for toilet use, but it was rarely made in order to preserve the salt for cooking. The most challenging part of soap-making was judging the strength of the lye. The strength was tested with an egg or a potato. If the lye could perforate it, the mixture was strong enough. It was common to hear people say, “We had good luck with our soap,” or “We had bad luck with our soap.”

Tonight in the lab, we're getting our bath bomb shooters frosted, and we all know what's coming up. May the 4th be with you. Where are all my fellow croc wearing enthusiasts?

We are excited to be able to offer bath bomb wands this year. The unicorn one even changes colors once its in the water. $20 for a wand and a package of mini bath bombs.

As we approach year-end, a thorough evaluation of our 2025 product lineup is underway. Considering the prevailing economic climate, we strive to offer freshly produced items at discounted rates, utilizing excess packaging and ingredients in excellent condition to support customers with their holiday shopping needs. These products serve as excellent gifts or stocking fillers. In the coming week, we will organize an online event; please indicate your interest and we will send a formal invitation.

I have some product left from my last few craft shows and from some accounts- I am going to create an event let me know if you would like an invite to this event

We are replenishing some of our items. Love making these fun bath bombs.

We have been restocking our body butters. Sale price $10 each or 3 for $25

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What an incredible video that was captured of mushrooms releasing spores into the wind! Nature is spectacular. Video credit: Villareal C. Jojo