Soap and Lotion Making

Here's a photo of my first two batches of cold process soap. I made the first batch, on the left, early this year. We have already used up that batch. A few bars were given away.

We are now showering with the second batch.

Both soaps used the same recipe but different scents were added. The one on the right was scented with vanilla fragrance oil. The blue/green color was obtained by melting a crayon and I scented it with 'sheer bliss' essential oil mix.

I'm following the excellent instructions and illustrations in the book Smart Soapmaking by Anne Watson.

I have made two more batches, one using all vegetable fats and another using lard. I scented one with lavender and ylang ylang and the other with just lavender.

I purchased a stick blender to make soap so I thought I'd try lotion as well. After choosing recipes and buying some specialized ingredients, I made two lotions. I still have to find the formula I like best. Some research is in order before I make another batch.

Now when I'm out grocery shopping I check out the prices of olive oil and coconut oil. The first soap batches weren't the most economical, but they did make really emollient soap. Essential oils are costly considering you get such a small amount; however, I view fragrance as necessary for soap. I enjoy the aromatherapy!

Round the Bays

On Sunday, 20 February I ran a half marathon. It was 21 kilometres along the Wellington waterfront. The course scenery was beautiful.

I began training in December for the event. I started running a bit longer on weekdays and added a longer run on Saturday. I followed a training schedule I got off Shoe Clinic's web site. I followed it even when we were on our South Island holiday, so I got to see some stunning places while I trained. Would it work? Would I be fit enough?

The race went well. My time was 2 hours 12 minutes and 27 seconds. I was 920 of 1226 finishers and 48 of 85 for my age range. I did slow down for the water hand outs.

I am pleased with the results. Two of my toes got bruised so I used that as my excuse to buy new shoes the following week. Not sure what I'll enter next, but I've heard about an event in Wellington in July which could be cool, rainy weather.

Outward Bound

I'm going on an Outward Bound in November. After hearing about it from four different attendees, I thought, I'd like to do it.

I'll be going to the school at the top of the South Island for 21 days in November. I've passed my physical and paid my money. I still need to gather together gear, book my ferry ticket and do extra jogging and hiking.

My understanding is that we will spend half the time at the base and half time on outings. I'll get to sail, kayak, swim, run, hike, sleep solo under the stars, rock climb and do high ropes. It will be challenging physically, mentally and emotionally. I'm sure the spiritual element will be there too--I will be praying for help with the challenges!

I'm excited about it. It's a great motivator to get some extra exercise.

World of Wearable Art (aka WOW)

Last week and this week the World of Wearable Art show is on in Wellington. I got an inside look into the show last week. I was a volunteer dresser for one of the models. The show ran for 5 nights in a row so it was like having a part-time job.

http://www.worldofwearableart.com/home

People from all over the world design costumes and enter them into the show. Not all designs entered become part of the show. The show has different sections. The children's theme was "At the Bottom of the Garden." The South Pacific section was "Patterns of the Pacific." Open Section has no theme boundaries. The Illumination Section uses UV light to "Float, Fly, Flow." Creative Excellence section had to do with "folding." Other sections are "Magnificent Men" and Avant Garde. Designs are chosen for the show for each of the sections, then music and choreography, lighting, models and lots of cast and crew put together an incredible show. We will be seeing the show on Sunday, 4 October.

For an idea of what the costumes are like, go to the website above and look at the tab of the award winners. The models in the photos are not those in the show, the photos are from the program which was printed up back in June.

As a dresser, I got to see costumes up close. Some other perks were: a ticket to the show, a program, and a T-shirt. Oh, I can't forget the cast and crew party coming up Sunday night.

Certainly costumes entered were wearable. However, my inside look showed that they weren't necessarily comfortable. One dress, Queen Adelaide" required 4 people to get it on the model because it was so heavy.

More to come next week after we see the show.

Another chapter in the mundane life in New Zealand ...

Changes to Wardrobe and Eating

Since we've been here over a year now, I've been thinking about the changes we've made over the last year. Here are some.

My wardrobe has undergone some upgrades. I now own some kiwi made and kiwi designed items. Winter here feels colder than in Chicago due to the high humidity. I am replacing my cotton turtlenecks (polo here) with merino wool tops. I've also bought some warm cardigans and scarves. So my wardrobe is becoming stylish and warm.

I make pumpkin soup. Here pumpkin is the generic term for winter squash. Pumpkin soup is popular and easy to make. I buy a wedge at the supermarket, steam it and mash it. Then I add it to broth and flavor it with fresh ginger and some seasoning. I serve it with a little bit of fresh cream on top. Pumpkin soup has become a new favorite.

Another favorite meal is stir fry with curry sauce. I keep jars of red and green Thai curry sauce in the refrigerator. Some meat, frozen vegetables, some coconut milk, rice and I've got a tasty dinner.

We make pizza at home. The easiest way is to buy ready-made bases at the grocery store. I buy ready-made sauce as well. For Dennis' pizza we grate Tasty cheddar cheese and put that on top. For the grown ups I saute onions, peppers and mushrooms. Sometimes we put on some pepperoni or sausage, sometimes just veges. Some days I plan ahead and make homemade crust. That is the best! We seldom eat pizza out and I don't buy frozen pizzas.

We enjoy eating some new fruits. In late fall, feijoas are in season. They have a green skin and are aromatic with a sweet perfume. I peel them and put them in our fruit salads. Our neighbor has served them to us in a cake and in a pudding dessert with custard and ginger cookies (gingernut biscuits). Dennis ate 3 or more slices of the feijoa cake.

We eat more kiwi fruit and pears. I buy kiwi fruit and pears in a package or bag; the quality is usually high. I try to buy more NZ grown produce. I buy less melons since they're imported and a bit expensive.

We eat silver beet or Swiss chard. I put it in a lentil soup that is hearty and delicious.

Dennis and I eat Weet-Bix cereal. I especially like the mini variety with bits of dried berries in them. Dennis likes the standard large size. He puts milk on them and then adds 3 spoonfuls of sugar.

We drink hot lemon, ginger and honey. It is a treat anytime and especially good when I have a cold. Another great item for colds is active manuka honey in tea.

Those are some changes, some ways our horizons have been broadened.