End of the year

I can't believe Christmas is next week.  I'm not sure where the year has gone.  I shipped the last order yesterday and now going to work on my goals for next year.  I also am thinking of adding a new product to my 2014 line.  I'll keep you posted if it meets my requirements to be included. 

Haven Scent Soaps is very grateful for your support in 2013 to help us grow and look forward to 2014.  For this reason I want to wish every one a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

Back on track..

Okay I was sick off and on for pretty much the entire month of October but I'm finally starting to feel human again.  Unfortunately because of that I'm way behind on my inventory.  I've been making soap, soap, soap and did I say soap?  I'm trying to get my inventory back up to normal for this time of year. 

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away and then Christmas will be here before we know it.  I hope everyone is ready.  I have 3 dinners with different families so I'm sure I'll be stuffed when it's over and not want to look at turkey for awhile. 

Well I'm off to go to my studio and make some lotion bars.  Hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Studio table

I'm so excited cause I had this wooden table in my studio and found this product called liquid stainless steel.  It was so easy to use.  We just sanded the table, put a primer on it and let it dry for a couple of hours.  Then we put this product on it and after 2 hours put the sealer on it.  We put 3 coats of the sealer on it.  It'll be so much nicer to use and looks great.  I was very pleased with how it turned out. 

I decided to use this cause after looking for stainless steel tables it was out of my budget at the moment.  This table is 6 ft x 3 ft so you can imagine how expensive it would be to buy one. 

This product is used on stainless steel refrigerators and dishwashers if you are in need of sprucing up your appliances. 

And here is the finished project. 

In remembrance

Today is the saddest day in the history of the USA and even though it has been 12 years I still remember where I was and what I was doing when I first saw it on tv. 

It's still so sad to remember all the people that were lost that day and the firemen that gave their lives to help others.  I still feel for the families that were left behind. 

The USA is a strong country and even though it has been 12 years we will never bow down to those that continue to try and destroy us. 

This video is a nice tribute to those who were lost. 

Santa Fe Raptors Center

Saturday at the market was so much fun because the Santa Fe Raptors Center was there with quite a few different birds.

I took pictures of each one of them cause other than the New Mexico Owl I had never seen any of the others in person. 

All of the people walking through our market and park were so enjoying these birds as I was also.  Plus it was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect. 

Enjoy the pictures and they were all so cute. 

Working on my cooking...

Okay I've never been a good cook unless I had a recipe.  Never been one that could look in the pantry, find something and think hmmmm this would be good.  That's not me.

While I'm working in my studio I've been watching The Chew on the tv and it really inspired me to work at being a better cook.  They make it look so easy and I thought hey I could do that and started experimenting.  I do print out the recipes so I have them for reference but I no longer use measuring spoons but just kind of make a guess and do it by taste.  You know what it works....

So upon the suggestion of my daughter I started a dinner blog and post as I make different meals.  I have to say cooking is a lot more fun than I ever thought it would be.  I know scour Pinterest for great recipes and of course other sites. 

So I guess I can learn new stuff no matter how old I am...lol...

Here's the link to my dinner blog if you're looking for any new dinner recipes.

http://diningwithelaine.blogspot.com/

Busy day....

I'm working on packaging soaps for my market this weekend.  Here's a couple of pictures of what I've been working on today.  Of course I've got more to do but this way you can see what I've done so far. 

This is 4oz Sherbet Loofahs which are loofahs that have had soap poured over them.  They're great for your dry areas like elbows and feet but can be used on your body depending on your skin sensitivity.

 

These are 4oz Sea Kelp Soap.  They have a wonderful blend of Clove Essential Oil and Bergamot Fragrance Oil.  These are very popular with men but women like it also. 

Great Way to Start the Day.

Last week I woke up to a nice rainstorm which is not normal here in Santa Fe.  I looked outside and this is what I saw.

It was so peaceful and a great way to start the day and motived me to start work early.  We get a lot of double and full rainbows here which is always nice. 

Packing Soap

Just finished packaging 350 1oz soaps for 2 B&B's that use my soap in their guest rooms.   I'll deliver both of them tomorrow cause this is Indian Market weekend here in Santa Fe which is always very busy.  It's a good time to not go into the downtown area.  There will be over 100,000 people in town for the 2 day show. 

Busy day in the Studio

I made some Lavender Massage/Body Oil and Rose Massage/Body Oil today. These are great to use as a massage oil but also can be used instead of lotion after you get out of the shower.  It seals in the moisture especially in dry climates.  You don't  have to wear perfume if you choose as there will be slight scent of the Lavender or Rose. 

Made in New Mexico video

This was done several years ago but was on our local ABC channel 7.  They selected Made in New Mexico artists and I was fortunate enough to be picked.  Enjoy.

Twitter

I just created a Twitter account for Haven Scent Soaps so here's the link and would love for you to follow me.  If you have a Twitter account let me know and I'll follow you. 

https://twitter.com/havenscentsoaps

Moore, Oklahoma

I was born and raised in Oklahoma and have driven through Moore quite a few times when going from Oklahoma City to Ardmore my home town.  The tragic tornado that went through on Monday afternoon is just devastating and everyone is in my thoughts and prayers.  Growing up in Oklahoma we were taught what to do in case of one including gathering in the hallway of our elementary school with our hands over our heads.  I have experienced a tornado personally but nothing of this magnitude.  I've heard several people question why there weren't more shelters but in Oklahoma we have a very high water table and red clay and basements just end up with cracked walls and thus they leak which is not good.  A tornado is just a way of life for Okies. My heart aches for those who lost love ones but I know that the people of Moore will recover from this and be as strong as ever because they're Okies. 

Artists Market

I think I'm all ready for my first Saturday at the Santa Fe Artists Market tomorrow.  My truck is all loaded and I'm pretty sure I've got everything I need.  Now to just finish up a few things and it will be an early night since I have to get up at 4am to be there at 6am.  Looking forward to seeing all my vendor friends and since it's Mothers Day weekend we should have a good crowd.  If you're in the area come by the Railyard Yard would love to see you.  We'll be there from 8-1.

http://santafeartistsmarket.com/

New account

Seven Colonial is an online store that is now carrying Haven Scent Soaps products.  Take a look at their website cause not only do they carry my products they have some beautiful decor items.  I'm sure you'll find something you can't live without. 

sevencolonial.com

I also had a busy day in my studio today.  I made lavender room spray, juniper sage room spray, lavender sachets, rose sachets and honey oatmeal soap is in their molds and will cut them tomorrow.  Getting ready for the Santa Fe Artists Market where I'll be this month on Saturdays. 

santafeartistsmarket.com

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is approaching quickly and I'm sure everyone's mom would love to receive some lovely scented soaps or bath products for their special day.  Check out my website and make your selections and order to make sure you receive it in time. 

Gift Sets

These are the finished gift sets for the elementary school fundraiser.  I delivered them on Wednesday and the kids will be distributing them next week to the people who ordered them.  It's amazing what great little sales people these kids turned out to be. 

 

Lavender Loofah & Lip Balm Gift Set

 

Aloe Vera Moisturizer, Lavender Lotion Bar & Honey Lip Balm Travel Set

 

4oz Lavender Soap, 4oz Lavender Room Spray & Honey Lip Balm Gift Set

 

4oz Juniper Sage Soap, 4oz Juniper Sage Room Spray & Honey Lip Balm Gift Set

Lavender Gift Basket

This is the Lavender Gift Basket for the elementary school fundraiser.  It contains an 8oz Lavender Massage/Body Oil, 4oz Lavender Room Spray, 4oz Lavender Chamomile Soap and a  2oz Lavender Sachet.  A very relaxing combination with the Lavender. 

Honey Oatmeal Soap

I got all these packaged yesterday and today.  They are from the left 1oz, 2oz & 4oz oval bars of soap.

Donation

This is the donation that I am giving to the Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue in Albuquerque, New Mexico for their fundraiser.  It is a 4oz Juniper Sage Soap, 4oz Juniper Sage Room Spray and a Honey Lip Balm.  I'm a strong believer of rescue organizations since my Else - doxie/min pin - came from the New Mexico Dachshund Rescue and Katrina - tuxedo cat - came from Felines and Friends.  I don't want to leave out Sophie - chihuahua -  as she was an owner surrender.  They make the best furbabies. 

Honey Oatmeal Soap

This is a sample of the Honey Oatmeal Soap cut and curing.  The 2oz is on the left and the 4oz is on the right.  Once they're ready they'll be packaged and ready to be used.

Busy Wednesday

I've had a busy Wednesday.  I made Honey Oatmeal Soap this afternoon and have been working on my Etsy store.  Tomorrow when I unmold the soap I'll post a picture so you can see how beautiful it is.  It is my vegetarian soap and unscented, I just let the honey and oatmeal combination create the scent. 

Lavender Loofah Soap

I made lavender loofah soap yesterday and unmolded it today and cut.  It's now curing and will be ready in 2-3 weeks.  These are great for your heels, elbows and depending on your skin sensitivity they can be used on your body.  They also smell wonderful.

Okay it's Monday and going to work on the gift sets for Wood Gormley School fundraisers.  These are what they're going to be selling. 

This is the 2oz Aloe Vera Moisturizer, Lavender Lotion Bar and Honey Lip Balm Gift Set

This is the Juniper Sage Gift Set with a 4oz Juniper Sage Soap, 4oz Juniper Sage Room Spray and a Honey Lip Balm.

This is a 4oz Lavender Chamomile Soap, 4oz Lavender Room Spray and Honey Lip Balm. 

 

Here is a 4oz Lavender Loofah and Honey Lip Balm in a lavender organza bag. 

 

And this is the bigger gift set with 8oz Lavender Massage/Body Oil, 4oz Lavender Chamomile Soap, 4oz Lavender Room Spray and 2oz Lavender Sachet in a basket. 

 

So I'm off to get to work and hope everyone has a great week. 

 

 

 

 

Thought I'd post a picture of my license plate on the front of my truck.  It's an easy way to brand my business. 

Okay got the sea kelp soap all cut and curing and today I made rosewater soap.  People love this scent and say it reminds them of their grandmothers.  I guess grandmothers wore a lot of rose perfume.  This weekend I need to do some things but not sure yet what that's going to be.  I'll make that decision in the morning.  Hope everyone has a great weekend.  It's suppose to be nice here so maybe I'll start cleaning up the back yard. 

Okay I made lavender chamomile soap yesterday, got it cut this morning and now it's curing.  It'll be ready in about 2 weeks and these are 4oz oval bars. 

 

Today I made juniper sage soap and I'll be able to cut them tomorrow morning.  I also made honey lip balms and got them all labeled and ready for your lips.  Tomorrow I'm thinking of making sea kelp soaps but will keep you posted. 

 

Yea it's Friday

I can't believe it's Friday already.  Where did the week go?  I don't feel like I got as much done as I wanted to but will get some stuff done tomorrow.  Next week will be a soaping marathon and I'll be sure and post some pictures of what I make.  Hope everyone has a great weekend, our weather is suppose to be ugly but it is still winter after all. 

First Blog

I'm new to blogging and still learning how to do everything so come along for the adventure. 

I'm Elaine and am the owner and soapmaker for Haven Scent Soaps.  People call me the Soap Lady.  

I started creating my products in 2002 and Haven Scent Soaps is 11 years old this month.  It's amazing how time has flown by but have loved every minute of it. 


This is a picture of my studio where all the creativity happens.  I love having the southern windows and being able to look outside and see all the rabbits and birds. 

Well that's all for my first entry but will be posting more in the days ahead with pictures of my soaps and bath products.