Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Not Too Bad

My Chocolate Pumpkin Soap is cured and ready to go.You can read about my lessons when I made it and see pictures of it fresh out of the mold here. It hardened quite nicely despite the early "sponginess." I do think I added a little too much TDO to the top layer because it had a slight cracked appearance and the lather was a little slimy on the side. However, the soap smells divine, has a nice overall lather, and leaves my skin nice and soft despite the cold weather.




As you can see, there is a nice contrast between the layers. I love the warm chocolate color of the bottom layer. You can kind of see what I mean about a cracked appearance on the top layer, but it doesn't affect the texture of the soap itself.

One thing I did notice is that the lather is a little brown (doesn't stain the skin) and when you rinse it honestly looks like when you shower after a weekend of camping. I know it is from the cocoa powder layer in between the layers. Does anyone know if that's normal? It doesn't change the fact that it is a wonderful bar of soap, but I'm a little curious.

Do you have any tips on using titanium dioxide or making a powder layer in between two layers?

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Sad Craft Show

I went to a craft show yesterday that was just awful. The turn out was terrible, from 12:30 to 1:30 there was nobody but vendors in the place. Plus, the a/c was on, so we were really cold. I mean sweaters and shivering cold. They also did not have any concessions, which is usually a good fundraiser, and the drink machines were out of service. Overall, I have to say one of the worst shows I've done.

I think the organizers had a good idea. They had an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast that included pictures with Santa, and this was REALLY well attended, nobody was shopping and some didn't even know there was a craft fair too. They also organized a small concert by one of the middle schools. So, they had activities to draw people, but these were aimed at parents, not craft fair shoppers.

I was also disappointed by the lack of organization. I never received a confirmation that I was in, so I had to call the lady about set up times. When I arrived, the organizer had gotten me confused with someone else and given my booth to someone else. There were some other problems and it just didn't go well.

It was lesson learned for me. If they don't even have a method to communicate with you, such as an application, don't do the show. All she had was my name, no phone number and no email. I hope they learned a few things, but we were not asked for feedback, so I doubt it.

There were a few vendors that this was their very first show and I truly hope that they do not decide not to do any more shows. Many are well organized, widely advertised, and well attended. Hopefully, next weekend will be a more enjoyable experience.

Friday, December 3, 2010

New Job!

I'm so excited, I started a new job this week. I am teaching 7th and 8th grade science. I've never taught middle school before, but so far, I really like it. I have some pretty awesome kids. I have more than a couple over-achievers, which I haven't had many of before. I've had kids who thought they should get all A's from me, but not many that were willing to go that extra step to actually earn it. I also enjoy the fact that they are (for the most part) kind to each other and are willing to help each other out.

I know I will run into some issues and that there will be days when I just do not enjoy my job, but for now, all seems well.

Plus...I'm no longer unemployed, which is a big load off my back :) I truly hope to keep this job for next year. I don't like changing jobs and after the way I lost my last job, I have a pretty bruised ego. I know I would get by, but I'd like to know that someone else thinks I'm as good of a teacher as I think I am.