Why I Make Soap

I bought a bar of handmade soap at a local specialty shop. I was accustomed to paying four or five
dollars for handmade soap, but when I looked at the receipt for my recent purchase, I discovered I'd
paid over seven dollars for that bar of soap. It wasn't that big of a bar and it didn't last all that long.
So I went on the Internet to see exactly what it is about soap that has made the price go up.

Although it did look a little dangerous, it didn't look all that hard to make soap. I decided that, if I
could find the ingredients easily enough, I'd give it a go. The most difficult thing to buy in Meridian,
Mississippi was essential oil, but I happened to have some on hand so that worked out. I was real
nervous about the lye. All I could find was drain cleaner in the form of sodium hydroxide crystals at
Lowes. That turned out to be the right thing.

Then, I was pretty apprehensive about getting the lye on me. So far, all I've experienced is slight
irritation while stirring the soap. I think if I covered up better, I wouldn't have any trouble at all. The
first time I made soap, I started mixing the water and lye inside the house. I thought it would be OK
because I was making such a small batch. Really bad idea! The fumes were so choking that I took it
all outside immediately. After the lye dissolved, everything was fine and I went back in to finish.

After that first batch, I was hooked! I love making soap! I love using my soap. I know that the
ingredients are all good for me and for my skin. I especially enjoy knowing that it is one more step
toward my personal goal of avoiding petroleum products. Today's soap is made using detergents;
detergent is a petroleum product. Baby oil is primarily mineral oil; mineral oil is a petroleum product.
Baby oil for Pete's sake! I'm going to put essential oil in olive oil or safflower oil and try using that
instead. We use wind and solar power in one room and are working toward expanding to the
kitchen. We have a hybrid car. We can make a difference. We're not young, but we're still trying.
YOU can make a difference! Now let me get down off my, uh, soapbox.

I started making soap, because I'm cheap. I keep making it because it gives me joy. Give it a try!
You may love it, too. Of course, I'm tickled slam to death for you to buy my soap! If you do, you can
know that every bar is made with gladness and joy along with all the other good stuff.