NEW LOVE ???

After opening my packages the other night, like a seven year old on Christmas morning, I immediately decided to start reading my new book. I just finished the first of what I suspect will be many readings of The Natural Soap Book by Susan Miller Cavitch. What a great resource! This book has inspired in me a greater respect for the soap making process and 100% natural soap. I found the author's passion for the importance of natural soap both intriguing and justified. She also brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the table on the subject and quickly filled in those gaps I had about what to do next on my journey.

The more I learn about making soap...the history, the benefits of natural ingredients, the creative abandon the process allows...the more I love it. I hope I still feel the same way after I finally get through my first attempt! Could this really become the hobby I've been searching for? If not, I'm at least proud of myself for sticking with my New Year's resolution this long (see New Year + New Adventure post.)

So, what do I do next? Most importantly for this stage I learned from my reading that I still need a few more supplies. I could use some of the cookware we already have but I'm sure that would not make the house chef (my husband Ian) very happy. I'm on my out now to get the rest of what I need:

> distilled water
> olive oil
> large glass or stainless steel mixing bowl
> 2 rubber spatulas
> 2 instant read thermometers
> wax paper
> rubber gloves

I'm sorry bank account, things will ease up soon!