Thanks, Edith! You're sweet :0)
Okay, I know there's an acronym dictionary on here somewhere but I can't find it now - what's buttfr? Sorry, I promise to get up to speed soon!

Added a profile pic - just thought I should mention that that isn't Birdie, that's Maisy, my oldest. She's six, my baby bird just turned one...

buttrf isn't an acronym - it looks as though Edith clicked on a smiley button but then didn't leave a space between it and the next word.

Well, that makes a whole lot more sense! Thanks, Elaine.

Your soaps are lovely, is that Midwest in US?

Hi HBOP, welcome...love the soaps  :buttrf:

Hi, Loretta and Avril - thank you! Yes, I'm in the US, just outside of Chicago. Which, btw, we (everyone around here) just refer to as "the city" and expect everyone we talk with to know what we're talking about then, too!  :0)  Sorry about that!

Wow! I love the creamy look of those soaps in the top pic and the colours in the second remind me of a berry dessert (mmmmm......).  I love the topping, those gentle swirles are so lovely and look really effective as it enhances that lovely creamy look. 

Aw....  Maisy is just lovely, such a pretty girl  :buttrf: 

You are close to Chicago....  that is a place I feel really at home in.  The first time kes took me there, I said from the get go 'I could live here' (well, when you get used to navigating the Dan Ryan highway that is  )

Wow, you are all so very nice.  I have to admit, Helen, (only among friends  ) that the top of the creamy soap was a last attempt at "something" after several failed attempts at peaks. I guess I never thought of it the way you described it but I think I'll keep the "gentle swirls" for the next batch. Thanks! Maisy says thanks, too - at least I'm pretty sure that's what her blushing cheeks were saying after she read what you wrote. Also, I lived in the city (see) for about 8 years and I love, love, loved it! I really miss it so much. We (the husband who got a job out here - about an hour away - and I) moved 5 days after the honeymoon. (tear.)  When were you here? You'll have to let me know when you're back! I'd be happy to take you around. :0)

back to soap - inspired by everyone's kindness I soaped a batch of rooibos sandalwood this afternoon. we'll see how it goes. had another go at the black line...

We were last there a few years ago.  I can see why you just love, love, love it    :buttrf:  For me, Chicago is very familiar.  There is just something about it that makes me feel at home and comfortable, despite it being busy.  Those buildings are breath taking and when you see it from the sky (as in looking down from Sears Tower - well , you just gotta aintcha), it looks alive, yet peaceful at the same time, especially with the backdrop of Lake Michigan  :buttrf:

Hi Mari, sorry I was a bit tardy in welcoming you. Your soaps look loverly

Helen, I've heard so many people, including myself, express the same sentiment about Chicago - but no so well as you! I know exactly what you mean and completely agree. Sigh.

Michelle, thank you for the compliment. I'd like to sell my soaps at our local farmer's market this summer and you all have been giving me confidence! Thank you!

Can't wait to see what everyone else is doing. I'll try to have more pictures up soon, too - I would love any feedback. Where do people usually post their pics?  I've been experimenting and have had some surprising results - well, surprising to me. Those of you who have been doing this longer than my two months can go ahead and laugh at the newbie! It'll probably be old news to you. Can't wait   

I'm an idiot - just found "show and tell" 

Hi Mari nice to meet you.

 :mwaha: hello halfa, welcome to fresho, i'm sure you will enjoy being here.