Music To Soap By - T-Rex

The first of the "back to work" orders are headed out of the door today. I'm aiming to have all orders shipped by the end of the week. It feels good to be back in the saddle.

On loop and blaring out of the workshop today is this one. Originally a seventies hit in the UK, but enjoyed a second life with the gritty working class film "Billy Elliot". I couldn't embed the dance scene video, but it can be seen here.

Whatever you're doing today, boogie on.

T-Rex, 1976 - I Love To Boogie

Music to Soap By - Slade

I was there for this one. I remember it being released. Course, I was waiting for its release cos this was my fave band during my teenage years. OMG... I played this one so loud my bedroom windows vibrated. I made myself hoarse screaming out the chorus.... and my poor dad made himself hoarse yelling at me from the bottom of the stairs to turn it down!

That Christmas was memorable for me. 1973, the year that saw gifts such as Chopper bicycles and the game of Mastermind on most childrens list in England - including my brother. For me, it was serious wow time, as I took the wrapping off a desperately longed for new record player.

OMG... it played three different speeds. 33, 45, and 78s. It was stereo, and even had two speakers that I could position around the room. And the piece de resistance I discovered by accident... that if I pulled the record stacking arm back, it played the one song on repeat F-O-R-E-V-E-R! One record of my choice, over and over again? It was hook, line and sinker for me right there and then, and I have never lost the love for playing songs like that.

The workshop door is open. Order boxes are being packed, and the music is on repeat. The office may be closed for Christmas break, but behind the scenes is never still. Sing it loud, now.... "Merry Christmas Everybody!!!"

Slade, 1973 - Merry Christmas Everybody

Music To Soap By - Guster

It's taken me all week long to track down this one. I first heard it last weekend on a telly commercial and was hooked. Needless to say it's already on loop in the workshop, and I just can't get enough of it!

It's feeling so good standing at the workbench right now that the soap bars are almost wrapping themselves!

Guster, (unsure of year) - Tiny Tree Chrstmas

Music To Soap By - Darlene Love

Okay... we're into December! On loop in the workshop today is this one from Darlene Love. I actually heard her sing this live on Letterman earlier in the year... and despite the years having gone by since her original was recorded, the woman can still belt this out - and then some!

To the families of all those who serve our country... I know you know the lyrics to this one only too well. I thank you for lending us your loved ones in keeping us safe.

Darlene Love, 1963 - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

Music To Soap By - Rod Stewart

On loop in the workshop since yesterday is this one. I just can't get enough of the drum beat right now.

I'm working on four batches of soap, master batching sugar scrubs, logging up, slicing and shelving yesterday's bounty... then lining up the Holiday gift selection for tonight's photo shoot. And while I'm working I am so feeling myself cantering on horseback with the wind in my hair as Rod belts it out!

Wherever you are in your day today and whatever you may be doing, stay... forever young!

Rod Stewart, 1988 - Forever Young

Music To Soap By - Bay City Rollers

Summer is well and truly going gone, and the HAD2WAIT orders are following suit.

On loop today with plenty neat footwork from yours truly is this one. Crank up the volume, get ready for the drum beat and enjoy the Columbus Day workshop bye bye party that's taking place here all day long.

Bay City Rollers, 1975 - Bye Bye Baby

Music To Soap By - Lenka

It's a creative day ahead for me and I'm in aqua and grey for it. It's been a crazy weekend... full of surprises, set backs and sagas.

On loop and blaring outta the workshop today, is this one by Lenka. I just can't stop shouting out the chorus as I'm finalizing the master batches for the new seasonal line. Cooler mornings, and cooler evenings. Guess fall is knocking at the door.

Wherever you are, and whatever you're doing... take a leaf out of Lenka's book and just roll with it. I know I am!

Lenka, 2011 - Roll With The Punches.

Music To Soap By - Showaddywaddy

Workshop door is open and the olive oil is in in the pans. Today is gonna be a great soaping day, I can feel it in my bones. On loop and blaring out right now is this one.

Showaddywaddy was a great English band of the seventies. All their songs are hard to stay quiet to. And rather like the soap I make... so addictively pleasing. Get ready for the chorus!

Showaddywaddy, 1978 - A Little Bit Of Soap

Music To Soap By - The Supremes

It's happening. It's been gathering speed all week long, and it's happening. What's happening? The Happening, that's what's happening.

William and Kate!!! The happening couple. And I am so happening with it.

Okay, hands up... full admission here from yours truly. I am a soft mush at heart. I am so feeding into this wedding it's unreal. I'm having one long snackie party come Thursday night that's gonna stretch right through till late Friday night at least!

I did invite The Barbara, but she isn't getting here til Saturday. 'Course, I know she really loves her sleep too much. She's not fooling me with her "Oh, I can't make it I have commitments on Thursday and Friday." It's not washing with me. Lemme tell you... she ain't no 5.00am in the morning person that one isn't. Yah boo!

So, with Jason being cut from the same cloth as his mom, I'm gonna camp out in front of the telly alone with an assortment of English triangle butties filled with ham, eggs, tuna, roast beef and much much more. English scones with strawberry jam and Kerrygold butter, too many Cadbury chocolate bars to count, and an absolute mound of cream cakes. That's "fresh cream" cakes, and not the adulterated variety with sugar, or confectioners powder, or any other kind of whipped cream. Nope... fresh cream, whipped stiff the way we have it in England. And it's gonna feel great with a non stop supply of my fave staple drink... Tetley tea, milk, with no sugar please!

So, raise your glasses to the royal couple with me. On loop all through this evening while I'm packing the order boxes is this one, and I dedicate it to William and Kate. May they both enjoy many happening years together. And although the lyrics may make it seem a strange song to dedicate to the Royal couple, you know what? They split... and they just couldn't say goodbye to what they had found together. It happened... get over it media. What they've got is working for them. Roll on 4.00am Friday morning. Roll on The Happening!

I'm fancy footworking it all across the packing room floor to the loop. Wherever you are, whatever your happening is... let your hair loose some and yell out the whole nine yards with me.

The Supremes, 1967 - The Happening

Music To Soap By - Dexys Midnight Runners

And the soapfest continues!

Today's "on loop" is another great shout along. I love making soap, and I love a good beat while I'm on my feet. The workshop is alive. Even The Barbara is hopping about to this one.

Wherever you are in your day, let loose a little. "Come on... Eileen taloo rah hey, come on... "

Dexys Midnight Runners, 1982 - Come On Eileen.

Music To Soap By - Sugarland

Well, seems like last month's good fortune has spilled over into the new year. I got some news yesterday about something pretty big. Let me say first that it's not the same kind of something big that I experienced last month with the WholeFoods excitement. This is more of a personal pretty big. A longing I've had for five years. Something that I've actively worked towards for the last two. It's a something for my Manor Hall, and as I sat here facing Jason's major surgery a year ago, it was something that wasn't planned to be happening just yet.

Sometimes, life puts you in the right place at the right time. You're not sure whether to take the opportunity that's just come your way or not. And as is often, you just don't get too long to make your decision because of the expiry date life has put on it.

Hmm... yesterday I had to make a decision. Even great opportunities aren't without their dilemmas. First it was like... OMG... you're kidding me... that's brilliant! Then came the time sensitive qualifier. Oh, thank you very much for that.... you gotta be joking, right? Then it's onto the proverbial headache as you realise that the time and place makes it darned near impossible, yet you also see what turning down such an opportunity would mean.

I've been up most of the night. I'm like that when there's stuff on my mind. More so with big decisions. I don't fuss and fret or anything like that. It's more a case of needing to make use of every minute available for the focus required. I have to double the certainty that I'm complete in my resolve. I don't cry over spilt milk, you see. I invariably spend an absolute age when making decisions that might be life challenging, or life altering. This decision is both.

I'm never in a rush to rock my life's little boat. And I won't be pushed to hurry either. In fact, when I'm pushed my alarm bells ring like crazy and I distance myself even further from the situation on deck to gain a proper view from the crow's nest. But once I've decided which ocean I'm sailing, I wait for the right tide and set sail on it. It's always a full steam ahead, with never any room for watching the shoreline disappear. I'm neither impatient, nor blinkered. Eyes wide open for the challenge, I embrace the waters ahead whatever weather I may encounter.

So... I've had all night long to go over the decision I made late yesterday. It's now 8.10am. Far from being tired, I am wide awake and feel like I could go out for a morning run. I'm not doing though. The opportunity I've decided to take begins on January 10th, and I've a phone call to make at 9.30am. I'm making the call to give the go-ahead on something I've dreamed of for five years. A few days ago, it never entered my head that such a dream would be in my lap this next coming week. I'll be making the announcement soon, so stay tuned. To say I'm pretty up for this, is an understatement.

And with that comes today's Music To Soap By. It's already blaring outta the workshop on loop. Sing it loud with me, won't you?

Sugarland, 2004 - Baby Girl

Music To Soap By - Slade

I was there for this one. I remember it being released. Course, I was waiting for its release cos this was my fave band during my teenage years. OMG... I played this one so loud my bedroom windows vibrated. I made myself hoarse screaming out the chorus.... and my poor dad made himself hoarse yelling at me from the bottom of the stairs to turn it down!

That Christmas was memorable for me. 1973, the year that saw gifts such as Chopper bicycles and the game of Mastermind on most childrens list in England - including my brother. For me, it was serious wow time, as I took the wrapping off a desperately longed for new record player.

OMG... it played three different speeds. 33, 45, and 78s. It was stereo, and even had two speakers that I could position around the room. And the piece de resistance I discovered by accident... that if I pulled the record stacking arm back, it played the one song on repeat F-O-R-E-V-E-R! One record of my choice, over and over again? It was hook, line and sinker for me right there and then, and I have never lost the love for playing songs like that.

The workshop door is open. The olive oil is in the pans. The music on repeat. Working or no, I am in the festive mood. Sing it loud, now.... "Merry Christmas Everybody!!!"

Slade, 1973 - Merry Christmas Everybody

Music To Soap By - Miranda Lambert

It's the soap pans this morning, and I have Barbara here again to do the wash-up. Silly dancing ahoy. I love it!

I don't usually soap so late in the year. Normally I close the office from around December 14th until the second week in January. This year may be different though. I think the natural chain store supermarket order might be arriving this week. The wait is absolutely killing me.

I'm blaring out this one today. It's got a great beat, and a pretty good hook. I love Miranda. Remember those good old school days? The ones with the "Pink Ladies" there to make you feel small? Yeah well... sing along with me, and enjoy having those days behind you...

Miranda Lambert, 2010 - Only Prettier

Music To Soap By - Cyndi Lauper

Ohhh... where has this last ten days gone? The Barbara leaves tomorrow, and I still feel like there's loads to get through. On the plus side, the workshop is organized like it's never known before.

I opened up this morning at 5.30am, and it was like... wow! Every shelf in there has something that belongs on it. There are drawers, tubs, plastic buckets, trays, little boxes, and even my shipping station has a place for everything.

It's been a great time. I've caught up on an awful lot of things. Two pairs of hands really do make light work. Even better when the extra hands belong to a real friend. I shall miss the Barbara when she goes home. I will be back to silly dancing alone. Today though, she's all mine. The music we're blaring out this morning lends itself nicely to some nifty footwork and head bopping. I must get myself some over the knee striped socks.

Whatever you're doing today, stay in the moment. Make the most of your surroundings and have a few laughs. Altogether now.... oh, girls just wanna have fun.

Cyndi Lauper, 1983 - Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Music To Soap By - Dobie Gray

I'm never happier than when I'm soaping. It's an absolutely incredible feeling. It's like... freedom. It's like... I've made a break for it and I'm outta the door. It's like... it doesn't matter what's going on in the real world, I'm here in my own little world, and... I'm free.

I was feeling so great when I broke out the soaping clothes today, that in wondering what music I wanted to be spurring me on, I was taken right back to my teenage years. Yeah... we all had those. Least said soonest mended and all that. I think the one thing about growing up is that you can look back and be aware of what you put your parents through... with a full blown cringe. My poor mother. That's all I can say. You know... I still apologize to her regularly in our phone calls whenever the subject of children comes up. I don't think you can be sorry enough when you've put loved ones through hell. So, here's another apology while I'm on the subject... "OMG, Mum... I was a nightmare for you. I'm so sorry!"

So... in choosing my music this morning I remembered one particular song that used to cause me to feel so... hmm... what's the word to describe it... to feel so... resolved. Yes... that's the word I'm looking for. Resolved. But not just any common or garden feeling of resolve. No, this kind of being resolved brings with it an incredible feeling of, "I am running so free, nothing can catch me."

And that's how I was feeling this morning. Not a care in the world. Maybe. Sometimes, things get on top of you and you don't even know it. So I'm looking at that. For some reason this morning, I chose to soap with my old friend, Dobie. Maybe deep inside I just wanted to feel like nothing out there matters, and it brought to mind that old teenage resolve. You know the one I mean. Where you get the last word in and slam the back door behind you leaving your poor mother in tears. And what's more, you know you've left her in tears and you just don't care. You're gonna live your life how you want. After all... you're right. What do they know anyway?

Course... you can stamp your feet, and cover your ears saying to yourself, "Neh, neh... I can't hear you." You can do that all you want. But somewhere in your head you have heard, and you're really screaming out for it all to be sorted. You just don't want to be the one to back down, because... well, as a teenager, you're just too proud to admit you're an insensitive jerk.

You know what... I'm glad I'm grown up. I'd hate to be the age I am now, and still feel the same way that I did when I was a rebellious teen. And I'm glad I had the where-with-all to tell my mum years later that I was sorry for what I'd put her through. Moreover, I'm glad I could actually feel some real pain, embarrassment, and true discomfort for the way I'd been with her.

That's the backdrop to today's music. It was always an anthem that stopped common sense from taking over. Course, I'm all grown up now. I'm older. I'm wiser. I've had my kids. They're out in the wide world with their own life's events to grow from. It feels so great to hear the music, and be at a point in my life where its effect of drowning out the real world isn't needed. A point in my life where those days and my unforgivable insensitive behaviour are long long behind me. And you know what I've realized in dusting off this old song? I've realized that with no angst to feel while it's playing, the song is an absolute cracker of a song. I never fully appreciated that when I was young. I was too busy rebelling. OMG... what blinkers (blinders) I was wearing back then.

To rebels everywhere. To all those who are still on the journey of growing up. Whatever your age, may you hear this song without angst and feel true appreciation for the music. To everyone else... enjoy. It really is a get-up-and-go song.

Dobie Gray, 1966 - Out On The Floor

Music To Soap By - The Proclaimers

I'm in a waiting game right now here at the Manor. I've been at the Big-Break bus stop since last November. Yes, almost one whole year. And if there's anything worse than being in such a place, it's being there alone. So in the face if it all getting a bit too much, I'm sharing with you. If it should fall through... then I can at least weep among friends.

The hoops I've jumped through have been many. It's all part of growing a business though, and so I embraced what was required of me. It's been frightening, and it's also been exciting. It's been a roller coaster of a thrill ride, that's for sure. Product submission, forms, e-files, forms, ingredient compliance, more e-files, bar code registration, label redesigns, new bottles, and ohh... bless my techy guy husband.

Yesterday morning, Manor Hall products were loaded into the database of a big household name supermarket chain store. I think the "Can't Be Happening" excursion stops today for me. I think it is happening. I think the Big-Break bus is finally pulling into the station, and it's time to believe.

Fear. Excitement. Doubt. Hope. Elation. Ohhh... what I'm feeling this morning is just a giddiness of so many emotions that my knees won't stop wobbling. I've been up most of the night, and I've lost count of the amount of times I have sat with my hands cupping my mouth and nose, lost in a tremendous feeling of "You gotta be kidding me, right?".

I'm just Susan Mann. I have a little soap company called Manor Hall Soap that has grown slowly since 2004. This year started with Jason having major bowel surgery. I've had a frozen soaping shoulder for most of it. And through it all, someone who didn't know anything about me has had faith in my Manor Hall. I am seriously over-whelmed.

So... I broke out the big percussion when I walked into the workshop this morning, and put the music on. As always, it's on reapeat, and it's loud. If I'm jinxing things, then that's the way it will be. I've kept my emotions in check for almost twelve long months while I did what was required for each phase. Personal life creating demands often, and spreading myself thin on the ground. I'm sorry... but after being up half the night in tears of total disbelief, it's time to start believing in myself. The year will soon be over. Jason is well. So am I. And I believe I am holding a ticket for the Big Break Bus.

This might be the only chance I get to sing this song with such belief. Enjoy it. Play it loud. And if you have kids, you'll love the video. I don't know Maisie and Jenny, but they are awesome! So, please sing with me as I wait for the bus to pull up. It won't be long now. "A-hah, a-hah, a-hah..."

The Proclaimers, 1988/89 - I'm On My Way

Music to Soap By - Bay City Rollers

Okay... 6.15 this morning and the WrapFest began. I wish it was only a case of wrapping the soap bars, but it starts with carrying them, tray by tray from the curing shelves onto the workbench. Then the quality control starts. I don't like blemishes and dings, so I put those soaps onto the Mischief Makers shelf. They're perfectly good soaps, and many of you love the bargain.

From there, I then begin the wiping. It's like each bar is my own little pride and joy, and I want it to look its best when it goes out into the world. So, I wipe and polish every single one of them, setting them up as I go along like soldiers waiting for their uniforms.

They're now ready for wrapping. Yes, I do it all myself, and it's done by hand. I'd love a machine... but I don't have machine money. I also cut the wax wrap by hand too.

I use a guillotine for that. Don't let that task fool you, though. It's a slippery affair cutting the paper because, well... because wax wrap is slippery. I manage to do eight sheets at a time. I've tried more, but eight sheets is the tipping point. I dream of having my paper cut for me. Buying it in made to order. Maybe one day.

And so the fingers set to work. After six years of wrapping I've got it down to a fine art, and I wonder sometimes if I don't have six fingers on each hand. Pick up a wax wrap... lay it shiny side down... set the soap bar square... pick up the sides... gather the corners... crease, crease and crease... and voila! One down, 55 to go.

After the batch has been wrapped, I then lay them all face up in rows on the labeling station. That's a fancy name for another workbench. I have a few for different purposes, and I call them "stations". I swear, it's like doing a tango. Grab your partner now, one step sideways... one step forward... one step over and... slide, 2, 3, 4.

All the way through the wrapping stage I so look forward to making the final move over to the labels. The thought keeps me going all the time my little fingers are in overdrive with the wrapping. But you know what? It's so short lived, because once I've transferred the little army of dressed bars, I'm then peeling, lining up, and sticking... turning them all over, and doing the same again for the backs. Seriously... I long to get on to the next batch with every label I put on.

And there you have it. I suppose it's a treadmill really. It's like factory work. But it's my own little factory, and I am my own taskmaster. But don't be fooled by that, either. I'm so hard on myself, it's unreal. I seriously have to learn to delegate. But for now, it's 6.00am starts, and 8.30 pm finishes. Long days, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

The music is on loud. It's my 1970's tango - UK style, of course. Grab your partner now, one step sideways... one step forward... one step over and... slide, 2, 3, 4.

Bay City Rollers, 1974 - Shang-a-Lang

Music To Soap By - Eliza Doolittle

Yes, I know I only posted a song yesterday, but... I am bursting with this one.

One of the great things about having grown up children is that they love keeping mum up to date with their music. I've just received this from my youngest daughter back in England. She knows I love a good anthem. Like... OMG. I'd almost forgotten how good our music back home is. This one is on repeat already. It's also gonna be in the car with me on my summer days out, that's for sure.

This one is so hot, it deserves to be heard from the source. So here's the link to the official video on youtube (in) HD. Lyrics can be found on google if you have trouble with Eliza's accent.

Turn it up... and enjoy!

Eliza Doolittle, 2010 - Pack Up

Music To Soap By - P.P. Arnold

Workshop door wide open, oils cooling in the pans, and ahhhh... my soaping music! I love P.P. Arnold. Yes, there goes that all too familiar percussion of mine. I am such a sucker for a half decent drum beat. And I don't mean the heavy rock stuff either. I love drums that build into something. The anthem type song that you just can't help yelling along to when it gets to the good bit.

This is the only video I could find of P.P. Arnold singing this. Have a guess of her age as she shimmies about in this knockout dress. Like... are you kidding me?

P.P. Arnold, late 1960's - Everything's Gonna Be Alright

Music To Soap By - Jason Mraz

It's a beautiful day here in Springfield. I'm busy packing boxes from the birthday celebration week. This wonderful song is filling the workshop, and it is so summer. I dream of being far away on white sandy beaches with plenty sea and sun. How about you?

The plane's engines stop after the first six seconds. Enjoy... while trying to keep your shoulders still. I dare you!

Jason Mraz, 2008 - I'm Yours