The Long Weekend

It's the last day of the month and we've got a busy weekend ahead. I've spent today wrapping soaps and I'll be wrapping more tomorrow and Sunday. Of course, the soaps can't be wrapped until they've been wiped and checked for dings.

It's the first of the new month tomorrow. That means it's the web site changeover, and this month's a special one because it's our Semi Annual Sale month. Most of the products on the web site will be marked down in price, some up to 50% off. The newsletter goes out Monday night and if you're not signed up, then sign up here.

Soaps back in stock as of tonight include Calendula, Calm and Co., Honey Rose Complexion, Ooh La Lavender & Oatmeal and Lavenders Wild.

Bring on the Rain

I love the sound of the rain. It has always created a tranquility for me. It falls in a steady rhythm, and can be very lulling to a busy mind.

I've always loved the smell that it brings too. Whether town or country, the rain accentuates the scent of outdoors. Rain also brings negative ions into the air, helping you to breathe in more oxygen. This is great for added concentration, and lifting your mood.

I prefer to walk in the rain, no matter how hard it's falling. But you can still get the benefits that the rain brings by being under an umbrella out on your deck, or even just standing at the back porch. Be sure to catch some in a bucket though. Rainwater is absolutely fantastic for your hair.

Berry Boosting Burst

Keep yourself refreshed and energized during the summer with the natural berry boost of anti oxidants and amino acids. This simple summer drink uses yogurt, which is also helpful to your digestive system.

Berry Boosting Burst

You will need:
1 cup or more of fresh summer berries
1 pot of yogurt (plain or flavored)
A few ice cubes
Drops of vanilla essence (optional)

How to:
Wash berries, and place in blender with remaining ingredients. Whizz until smooth, pour into a nice cool glass and slowly sip while relaxing in your deck chair.

Camelinahhhhh...

I love making the Camelina and Aloe soap bar. It sits on the curing shelves with its scent seductively beckoning me while I'm trying to concentrate on cutting the next batch of soap bars.

It's a haunting but gentle scent, with the frankincense and red mandarin shamelessly harmonizing the warmth of the geranium rose. It's like one of those serene and intoxicating movie themes that makes you want to sit through the liason d'amour all over again.

Yes, that's what it is. A sweet love song to your face. Now who wouldn't want to be serenaded like that!

Ahhhhhhh...

We're back from Summer vacation, and what a vacation it was. I had time to make lots of soap and catch up on a few things, and even a day or two in there to relax.

If you ordered while we were gone, your order is processing now and will ship this week. It's good to be back!

Something Completely Tropical

One of the things this little break has given me is some time to catch up on some of the best Around the World photographs I've received in the last few months.

Above is a gorgeous one of an Ooh La Lavender & Oatmeal taken in St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies. Also featured now on the Around the World page are some beautiful photos of lucky Manor Hall soaps cavorting south of the border in such far away locales as the Grand Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Haiti and Colombia. Take a look, and congratulations to those of you whose pics have been featured!

Add it all up and Manor Hall Around the World now spans four continents, 12 countries, ten states and Puerto Rico. Cool!

Independence Day 2009

Music To Soap By - Tenpole Tudor

It's my staycation and I'm on a soapfest. Having the office closed affords me the time to spend as many hours as I like to get lost in my soapmaking. Making soap needs clothes that you'd never be caught out of doors in. Like... goggles, mask and rubber gloves. There's no way I can answer the phone, or tap away at the keyboard. The workshop door remains closed, and I love to have the music on loud.

I like all kinds of music, but when I'm soaping I lean more towards the anthem type of song. Chanting, rather than sweet voiced. And drums. I've gotta have drums. I think drums are absolutely fantastic when you want to gear up ready to come out of the gate running. A bit like going into battle, I suppose. You've a long day ahead of you, and there's nothing like the drums of battle to stir things up a bit.

It's the shower power bars being made today. A few batches of each. Make sure to check your volume if you're at the office desk. And get ready for the chorus. I warn you... the chant will be in your head all day.

Tenpole Tudor, 1981 - Swords of a Thousand Men.

Music To Soap By - Slade

Got a mountain to climb today? For all those of you feeling sluggish or lacking motivation, try a bit of my workshop music to soap by. I defy anyone to stay on the sofa after an earful of this.

Honey Me Smooth is being made now. Feel free to shout along with the chorus.

And if you're at the office desk, better check your volume before clicking the play button.

Slade, 1975 - Far Far Away.