My Soap Space!

I am so excited! I finally have my own space for my soapmaking supplies. I can spread everything out in an organized manner and SEE what I have! When we bought the house, we knew we'd finish the basement. But we decided one room would be reserved just for me. I have a couple of old dressers in there to store all of my packaging supplies, a wall unit that was from my parents that I use to organize my ingredients and tools. And there are some shelving units in there for the other items. It's coming along nicely.

My in-laws were here last week to celebrate their baby boy's birthday. It has been quite a few years since they were able to do that. While they were here, we worked on my soap space to move everything from the second pantry in the kitchen down to the area I'm going to store it in now that it's ready.

I listen to everyone complain about having to do inventory on their ingredients, supplies and soap for tax time... and usually that would be me as well. But this year, I'm excited! I can actually SEE everything I have down there!

Its not completely organized yet, but it looks sooo much better.

I hear people complain often about their in-laws... I'm lucky I guess. I really like mine. They gave me a wonderful gift... their son! They are really very wonderful people. I am lucky to have them as part of my family :)

This year will see some more changes for my soap biz. I have decided that I will try my hand at craft shows. My first one will be at the Avon Walk for breast cancer next month. And we're discussing going to the local Renaissance Festival this year. There are some other shows as well, but I think I will start with these two for now. I have some ideas for a booth... my SIL, Debbie is offering some suggestions too. So we're all getting very excited about it. My daughter wants to buy a costume so she can be there with me the entire time I am selling my soap. The Fair runs from mid May to mid June on the weekends.

I'm off to get more stuff done in the soap room so I can start making lots of soap for the Walk and the Fair!

Have a wonderful day!

Welcome to The Foxes Den!

I've been reading several blogs from my soapy friends for a while now. It's a great way to keep up with what your busy friends are doing! Since life is getting a little hectic at the Foxes Den, I thought I would start up a blog to keep everyone informed about what we're up to!

I thought it would be best to introduce myself! I've been chatting online for over 10 years now, so I 'know' a lot of people. But here's a little bit about who I am and where I come from...

I'm an Army wife, I'm a mom to teenagers, I'm a soapmaker, I'm a math teacher and I'm owned by hairless cats. As an Army wife, I've been able to travel around Europe and live in places I never expected I would visit, much less live! I never planned to date a soldier and then I met Greg and couldn't resist his charms. We were still kids when we started dating... 22 years ago we met in Calculus 1 in college. That summer we started dating and now look at us! He is my soulmate. I know that sounds corny, but we really are well matched. We like enough of the same things to make us comfortable together, but there are enough differences to keep things interesting! We have two teenagers that keep us on our toes. I can't believe they are already so old! When did that happen? How in the world could I be old enough to have kids THIS old? :)

I am also a math teacher. I work at a learning center where I get one-on-one time with students to help them fill in the gaps in their education from school. I get to enjoy some of the best things about teaching without a lot of late night test grading :) I'm certified to teach middle and high school, but I work with elementary level students sometimes too. I love teaching. I'm also looking at going back to school to get a master's in math so I can teach Junior College remedial math. I think that would be fun to do.

I have two hairless cats and one hairy guy. I'm sure I'll be talking about them a lot here. They are funny cats. I have tons of pictures on my other computer... so I'll post more about them later... let's just say, they keep me busier than my teens :)

I have turned my hobby of 9 years into a business. I started making soap while we were in Arizona. I really enjoy making soap, it's very relaxing and I can get creative. I've never been very artistic, but this craft just comes naturally for me. I've made some amazing friends through this craft as well. I love my soap buddies. They are some of the nicest people!

Ok, I've been writing long enough! Time to finish my coffee and get some more work done! I am getting my soap workshop organized now that I am not using it for storage while our basement is being finished! I'm excited about having a dedicated area for my crafts... it's all MINE!

Have a wonderful day!
Steph