Summer and Science
Since its finally my long-awaited summer vacation, I've been preparing to work on my summer projects:
Gardening
Our new place has a lovely deck off the kitchen, as well as a cement patio between the house and the garage. Since the cats don't have access to these areas, it means I can once again have plants! So I'm trying my hand at some container gardening. I picked up some things at the Farmers Market and Home Depot, but now realize I need a few more large pots. Things I'm trying to grow this year include black raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, cat mint, lavender, hydrangea, and a bunch of perennials the Weather Channel assures me can withstand even the "roughest" weather conditions. We'll see. Any gardening wisdom appreciated. I even have some hanging planters!
Bath and Body
I'm continuing my efforts to perfect my own line of bath and body products. I've already started with bath bomb fizzies and solid bubble bath, but what I'm really eager to begin is making my own all-vegetarian, environmentally friendly cold-process soap. I've been reading a lot about the history and science behind this, and its very interesting. I'm also excited to try a variety of recipes (using various essential oils, spices, teas, etc.), let me know if there are any requests). I've been spending more time on this than anything else lately, even creating a spreadsheet to compare prices of oils and other materials from various suppliers. And I couldn't help but grin as I faxed over my hazmat waiver when ordering my caustic soda (lye) for the soap.
Sewing
Lastly, I can't wait to unpack the sewing machine again. My first project is to make curtains for the new place.
Gardening
Our new place has a lovely deck off the kitchen, as well as a cement patio between the house and the garage. Since the cats don't have access to these areas, it means I can once again have plants! So I'm trying my hand at some container gardening. I picked up some things at the Farmers Market and Home Depot, but now realize I need a few more large pots. Things I'm trying to grow this year include black raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, cat mint, lavender, hydrangea, and a bunch of perennials the Weather Channel assures me can withstand even the "roughest" weather conditions. We'll see. Any gardening wisdom appreciated. I even have some hanging planters!
Bath and Body
I'm continuing my efforts to perfect my own line of bath and body products. I've already started with bath bomb fizzies and solid bubble bath, but what I'm really eager to begin is making my own all-vegetarian, environmentally friendly cold-process soap. I've been reading a lot about the history and science behind this, and its very interesting. I'm also excited to try a variety of recipes (using various essential oils, spices, teas, etc.), let me know if there are any requests). I've been spending more time on this than anything else lately, even creating a spreadsheet to compare prices of oils and other materials from various suppliers. And I couldn't help but grin as I faxed over my hazmat waiver when ordering my caustic soda (lye) for the soap.
Sewing
Lastly, I can't wait to unpack the sewing machine again. My first project is to make curtains for the new place.