Morning all.

My friends told me about the fun to be had on this site so here I am!

I'm a soapmaker and I make my own skin care products.  I also try to live healthy by making my own butter/bread and cooking meals from scratch.

Thank you for letting me join

Shirley

Hello Shirley, welcome.

How long have you been making soap? There are all levels of experience here.

AK mentioned your blog yesterday and I was intrigued by your butter making; until I moved to Wales I hadn't come across the habit of leaving the cream until it was "on the turn". Mum generally made butter every other day and never left the cream longer than the third day.

Hi Shirley & welcome!  I read your blog the other day courtesy of Afrokelt.  Glad you've joined us & I hope you have fun - we're a bit batty to say the least.
Jo

Hello and welcome Shirley
I enjoy cooking good food and bake my own bread too (when I'm not making soap).  I haven't tried making my own butter but I'd like to give it a go.
I hope you enjoy it here, everyone here is so helpful and nice!

Hi Shirley  It is lovely to see you here. Your blog is very interesting. Do you know when you will be on tele? 

Hi Elaine

I didnt know it was a tradional Welsh way of buttermaking until I read your message.

I got the idea of waiting until the cream was turning from rivercottage I think.  I loved this because I would often see cream on the reduced section but never really know what to do with it.  I would buy it and freeze it for cooking but wanted new ideas so this worked perfectly for me.

I cant remember how long I've been soapmaking.  Probably about seven years or more.  I'm more into soaps that cleanse and moisturise my skin though rather than adding colourings/fragrance etc.  Although I once made a soap from one of my aloe vera plants and it went pink!

I tend to stick with a few ingredients as a base.  I always use coconut, shea and coco butters.   Then its in with the luxury oils such as jojoba.  I enjoy moneysaving but soap is a bit of a luxury and I dont mind spending more on ingredients to get a really good soap.

JoJo My husband has always called me weird so I think i'll fit in!  He says i'm like a mrs wicker basket.  Mind you he stopped laughing when Channel 5 called about the interview.  

Paloma it seems like we have a lot in common.  You must try the buttermaking, I really think its one item thats dead easy and tastes so much better than shop bought.  Its got a real creamyness to it.

Errrrr I think its tonight gulp!!!

When I last spoke to the editor she said they were getting my clips ready and they would be shown tonight if all goes well. 

Its on Channel 5 at 7.30pm.  Its called 'it pays to watch'  Its a show about Martin Lewis, the moneysaving guru.  They show you ways to cut costs and claim back fees etc.  I feel really flattered that he thought I was interesting enough to be on his show.  Let me know what you think wont you?

PS where do you know me from? I'm intrigued!

Hi Shirley and welcome to the mad house will have to look out for you on tv tonight,

see this forum has lots of soon to be famous people.

and if any one wants to send me some fresh homemade bread you are more than welcome to

Hi Shirley and welcome. I am new to soap making and have come on in leaps and bounds since discovering this forum. Everyone is so helpful and willing to share their knowledge.
I also make my own bread tho it's in the breadmaker, I don't suppose it counts but I prefer it any day to the supermarket stuff.
Mai you are welcome to a loaf anytime! Just give me the nod. Postmen are not squirrels are they so it should get there in one piece.

Shirley I will look out for you tonight. My there are some up and coming women on here. I am raising my glass (well cup of tea then) to the power of the female mind.  

Take care

Hi Shirley

Welcome!

I know you from another forum too   I've sent you a PM.

Suzette

Hello Shirley  ,

I'm just popping on to say a big HELLO from me.  I think you are fairly local to me in L, is that right? (I read on your blog  ).  I will be back again later but didn't want you to think I was being rude.

Indeed, we do have a lot of fun on here (Non-Cosmeholic) but there is such a wonderful fusion of different experiences here regarding hand crafted products, I for one have learned so very much. 

Doh!  I wanted to see that programe tonight but I have a client at 7pm, so I think I will miss it    No doubt I'll get the lowdown though from those that do see it (please  ). 

Thanks for joining us and helping to further enrich this lovely community of lovely people 

Thanks for all the lovely comments peeps, I'm having a great time reading up what everyone does!

Jane I often make my bread in the machine.  Its a good way of getting up to delicious warm bread for breakfast.  Otherwise I'd be up at 4am getting it ready.  I make it by hand on the weekend because I like the shape of hand baked and also I make a lot of bread cakes (balms to you non yorkshire folk)

Helen I live in Ashby de la Zouch.  Its a nice place as we have a golf course and nature reserve behind us and the national forest starts across the road!

Thanks again guys

Hey, you are just up the road from me Shirley 

No, really?  brilliant, I shall pm you!

How exciting! I'll try and watch it, funnily enough I only found out today that the MSE (Money saving expert)  had a television program!

I know you from another forum a while ago, different username. (i've pm'ed you)