3.10.14
soap shop update
the soap shop has been updated. hope you find the soaps useful in the upcoming dryer and cooler seasons...
5.12.13
christmas soap sampler and discount
christmas soap sampler packs now available at the soap shop...
also, 5% discount off any purchase until end of the year by quoting "christmas2013" at check out.
i think they would make good presents to family and friends.
also, 5% discount off any purchase until end of the year by quoting "christmas2013" at check out.
i think they would make good presents to family and friends.
26.9.13
soap shop updated
finally got around to have the soap shop updated.
it was always fun to go through the entire process though it takes a lot of time and commitment, from designing each soap formula with particular skin types and needs in mind, gathering materials and finding the time to make each batch of soap at night after the children went to bed, de-moulding, cutting and stamping each soap, incubating them for weeks in the ma-ma's corner (which became a mess then), packaging and labeling each bar of soap, waiting for a sunny day on a weekend (while i would be undisturbed by the children - which was often the most difficult thing) to take good photographs of the soaps, to updating the online shop with photos and descriptions, followed by composing and sending out the newsletter and updating on social network. i was happy with myself that i did it.
if you have not used bar soaps for a long time or never tried handmade soaps, do give it a try. you would not like commercial cream/gel soaps anymore.
it was always fun to go through the entire process though it takes a lot of time and commitment, from designing each soap formula with particular skin types and needs in mind, gathering materials and finding the time to make each batch of soap at night after the children went to bed, de-moulding, cutting and stamping each soap, incubating them for weeks in the ma-ma's corner (which became a mess then), packaging and labeling each bar of soap, waiting for a sunny day on a weekend (while i would be undisturbed by the children - which was often the most difficult thing) to take good photographs of the soaps, to updating the online shop with photos and descriptions, followed by composing and sending out the newsletter and updating on social network. i was happy with myself that i did it.
if you have not used bar soaps for a long time or never tried handmade soaps, do give it a try. you would not like commercial cream/gel soaps anymore.
14.3.13
handmade packaging book
i never got round to post this, but i got a copy of the book in which images from come home handmade soap were published.
the book is handmade packaging workshop. that was indeed one of my favorite images of come home handmade soap.
i should start to make new soaps for the summer, shouldn't i? my daughter was asking me when i will teach soapmaking again. she said she likes me to teach and she could help me at the class. that is the reason i may be teaching in april at the lovely daydream nation at art centre, besides the fact that i truly adore their latest collection. it would be a class to make cold processed floral soap. hope to share more details soon.
the book is handmade packaging workshop. that was indeed one of my favorite images of come home handmade soap.
i should start to make new soaps for the summer, shouldn't i? my daughter was asking me when i will teach soapmaking again. she said she likes me to teach and she could help me at the class. that is the reason i may be teaching in april at the lovely daydream nation at art centre, besides the fact that i truly adore their latest collection. it would be a class to make cold processed floral soap. hope to share more details soon.
27.9.12
soap shop update
it has been such a long time since i have updated the soap shop. it has certainly been difficult, juggling among work, the children and the hobbies. there has been times i was thinking of giving up soapmaking entirely, but i owe it to myself to keep this up. and i was glad i made this batch because i really enjoyed the process.
this batch of soap was made during the summer. with sweet treats and patisserie as inspirations, there were ingredients of fresh lemon juice and peel, apple puree, black sesame spread, ground apricot seeds and chocolate. i have had fancy designs in mind, but as i went into production, i thought functionality was more important. as always, there are soaps which are more refreshing, there are some which are more moisturising. i hope to have taken care of a variety of skin types.
i also really enjoyed the packaging of course. it has been a lot of work battling with my printer to get it to print right, but i like the outcome after many trials.
i certainly hope you like the soaps too.
this batch of soap was made during the summer. with sweet treats and patisserie as inspirations, there were ingredients of fresh lemon juice and peel, apple puree, black sesame spread, ground apricot seeds and chocolate. i have had fancy designs in mind, but as i went into production, i thought functionality was more important. as always, there are soaps which are more refreshing, there are some which are more moisturising. i hope to have taken care of a variety of skin types.
i also really enjoyed the packaging of course. it has been a lot of work battling with my printer to get it to print right, but i like the outcome after many trials.
i certainly hope you like the soaps too.
20.12.11
ming pao
this was an interview by ming pao and a lipbalm making demo back in the beginning of the year, but only published on sunday, 11 december. i was so busy that weekend i totally forgot about it until i was in the shower near midnight that day. luckily one of my colleagues spotted me in the newspaper and saved me this copy...
i have done a few press interviews now but this was the first time focusing on mother's milk soaps. i am happy about this and hope more people know about the goodness of the soap.
i remember that day i had to rush to daydream nation during lunch time to meet up with the reporter and the photographer to demonstrate the lipbalm making. i wish i had more time to prepare and one day could demonstrate something more complicated than this.
~~~~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~~~~
i am having lots of new ideas about the new soap collection, but not sure if i have the time to put in action. i will try my best, and thank you for your support.
i have done a few press interviews now but this was the first time focusing on mother's milk soaps. i am happy about this and hope more people know about the goodness of the soap.
i remember that day i had to rush to daydream nation during lunch time to meet up with the reporter and the photographer to demonstrate the lipbalm making. i wish i had more time to prepare and one day could demonstrate something more complicated than this.
~~~~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~~~~
i am having lots of new ideas about the new soap collection, but not sure if i have the time to put in action. i will try my best, and thank you for your support.
12.12.11
Christmas Mini Shop Update
it has taken me longer than it should have, due to the breakdown of our imac. i lost access to my precious photoshop and had to resort to flickr in order to edit the pictures. finally the shop has been updated.
Christmas Cupcake - i had wanted to make these for ages but never got around to put in action. i guess x'mas is a good excuse to lean slightly towards the cute and colorful side of things. of course i enjoyed myself so much while making these especially the part of applying the "cream". for the first time, cupcakes are here to stay for more than a couple days.
i thought lipbalms are nothing new to come home handmade soap, so i tried to think of some flavors which are more festive and food-related in order to match the cupcakes. the honey nut latte is a combination of my honey, milk and coffee fragrances and the fruit tea is green tea and apple. i tested these combinations with qtips waving in front of my nose. as always these are really very mild and the aim is to heal those dry lips while giving a hint of scent and fun. also a word about the new labels. these took me ages, i mean, as in days whenever i had time in the office (a-hem) but i am quite happy about how they turned out.
there is also a new orange rosewood fragrant lotion bar which i am enjoying on myself these days after bath.
hope you like the new items.
Christmas Cupcake - i had wanted to make these for ages but never got around to put in action. i guess x'mas is a good excuse to lean slightly towards the cute and colorful side of things. of course i enjoyed myself so much while making these especially the part of applying the "cream". for the first time, cupcakes are here to stay for more than a couple days.
i thought lipbalms are nothing new to come home handmade soap, so i tried to think of some flavors which are more festive and food-related in order to match the cupcakes. the honey nut latte is a combination of my honey, milk and coffee fragrances and the fruit tea is green tea and apple. i tested these combinations with qtips waving in front of my nose. as always these are really very mild and the aim is to heal those dry lips while giving a hint of scent and fun. also a word about the new labels. these took me ages, i mean, as in days whenever i had time in the office (a-hem) but i am quite happy about how they turned out.
there is also a new orange rosewood fragrant lotion bar which i am enjoying on myself these days after bath.
hope you like the new items.
26.8.11
duckie soaps
i could hardly find the time to make soaps these days, given that the children sleep late during the summer holidays. nevertheless i made this set of duckie soaps for goo ma's birthday. i used red palm oil to achieve the naturally yellow color. they were made of fresh milk and unscented. i hope goo ma likes them when she gets them in the mail.
18.7.11
helpful hands
i was trying to make something new for the soap shop for the next seasons...
the children were very much intrigued by the whipped-cream like soapbits and offered to help me put them into glass jars for storing...
it is always good to have helpful little hands around the house. it especially gives me pleasure when the children are curious about what i make of course!
the children were very much intrigued by the whipped-cream like soapbits and offered to help me put them into glass jars for storing...
it is always good to have helpful little hands around the house. it especially gives me pleasure when the children are curious about what i make of course!
20.6.11
mini shop update
finally received the tube containers in the mail and was able to update the soap shop over the weekend.
here are the insect repellent spray and the soothing balm suitable for relieving insect bites and minor skin allergies...
nothing magical, just herbal ingredients such as essential oils and plant oils. i use them without worry about applying harmful chemicals on the kids, and on myself who has always been a top target for the mosquitos. i often imagine families of mosquitos jumping with joy when they spot me, ready for a big feast!
i hope you like the new items and find them useful for your family.
here are the insect repellent spray and the soothing balm suitable for relieving insect bites and minor skin allergies...
nothing magical, just herbal ingredients such as essential oils and plant oils. i use them without worry about applying harmful chemicals on the kids, and on myself who has always been a top target for the mosquitos. i often imagine families of mosquitos jumping with joy when they spot me, ready for a big feast!
i hope you like the new items and find them useful for your family.
15.6.11
homemade household cleaner
here is another recipe to share - a multipurpose household cleaner which is gentle enough for the little helpers to practise doing household chores.
i have been using some of my lunch hours to check out ingredients of most "organic" or, if you would put it, the more costly household cleaners on the shelves of the supermarkets, and found that the main differences between these and the "regular" ones lie in in the active foaming agent or more otherwise known as "surfactant". for this cleaner, i used cocamide betaine (or cocamidopropyl betaine), a coconut oil derived surfactant which can be found in some soapmaking suppliers. it is mild to the skin and is said to reduce irritation that purely ionic surfactant may cause. it is also biodegradable which means it is environmentally friendly when it goes down the drain into the ocean.
to make about 500ml of this cleaner:
- distilled water 50ml
- baking soda 1tbsp
- distilled water 360ml
- cocamide betaine 90ml
- essential oils (peppermint, bergamot, lemon)
- vitamin E oil
warm up slightly the 50ml of distilled water in the microwave or on stovetop, enough to get the baking soda dissolved. the baking soda is meant to enhance cleaning properties as well as to deodorise. cool down the mixture and mix it with the rest of the distilled water and surfactant. put in a few drops each of the essential oils and the viatmin E oil and shake well. the essential oils have disinfection properties and the vitamin E benefits the skin.
when use, shake slightly and spray onto surfaces you wish to clean. scrub with sponge and rinse clean with water.
thank you, my boy, for helping me out with cleaning the sink!
i have been using some of my lunch hours to check out ingredients of most "organic" or, if you would put it, the more costly household cleaners on the shelves of the supermarkets, and found that the main differences between these and the "regular" ones lie in in the active foaming agent or more otherwise known as "surfactant". for this cleaner, i used cocamide betaine (or cocamidopropyl betaine), a coconut oil derived surfactant which can be found in some soapmaking suppliers. it is mild to the skin and is said to reduce irritation that purely ionic surfactant may cause. it is also biodegradable which means it is environmentally friendly when it goes down the drain into the ocean.
to make about 500ml of this cleaner:
- distilled water 50ml
- baking soda 1tbsp
- distilled water 360ml
- cocamide betaine 90ml
- essential oils (peppermint, bergamot, lemon)
- vitamin E oil
warm up slightly the 50ml of distilled water in the microwave or on stovetop, enough to get the baking soda dissolved. the baking soda is meant to enhance cleaning properties as well as to deodorise. cool down the mixture and mix it with the rest of the distilled water and surfactant. put in a few drops each of the essential oils and the viatmin E oil and shake well. the essential oils have disinfection properties and the vitamin E benefits the skin.
when use, shake slightly and spray onto surfaces you wish to clean. scrub with sponge and rinse clean with water.
thank you, my boy, for helping me out with cleaning the sink!
31.5.11
homemade carpet cleaner
this was something i did with the help of the kids - a homemade carpet cleaner!
to prepare the cleaner : weigh out about 200g of baking soda in a bowl or wide mouth glass jar, which is just good for the size of our carpet. put about 10 drops of essential oils on the soda powder and mix lightly with a small rod or spoon. the idea is to avoid clumps of powder from forming when you sprinkle in the oils. a good combination of essential oils for this purpose is teatree, eucalyptus and sweet orange, for disinfection and a mild fruity scent.
to use : sprinkle the baking soda sparingly over the carpet.
let the powder stay on the carpet for 15 minutes to as long as an hour.
vaccuum the carpet as usual.
fresh, clean and disinfected carpet ready for the little people to jump and dance on!!
give it a try and let me know if you like it as much as we do!!
to prepare the cleaner : weigh out about 200g of baking soda in a bowl or wide mouth glass jar, which is just good for the size of our carpet. put about 10 drops of essential oils on the soda powder and mix lightly with a small rod or spoon. the idea is to avoid clumps of powder from forming when you sprinkle in the oils. a good combination of essential oils for this purpose is teatree, eucalyptus and sweet orange, for disinfection and a mild fruity scent.
to use : sprinkle the baking soda sparingly over the carpet.
let the powder stay on the carpet for 15 minutes to as long as an hour.
vaccuum the carpet as usual.
fresh, clean and disinfected carpet ready for the little people to jump and dance on!!
give it a try and let me know if you like it as much as we do!!
16.5.11
for the lips
i have made some strawberry candy liptints which are now available for sale at daydream nation. these give a tad bit of pink color and shine on the lips while keeping them soft and moisturised with my mango butter recipe.
i stopped wearing lipstick a long time ago. it just stands in the way when i kiss my babies, which i like to do, a lot. i think as with other makeup, you cannot stand it anymore once you stop putting it on for a while. i am glad to use this liptint this summer, which is perfect and inspired by my daughter's favorite strawberry candy.
also took the opportunity to make these green apple lipbalm for a custom order. they smell fresh and fruity.
i stopped wearing lipstick a long time ago. it just stands in the way when i kiss my babies, which i like to do, a lot. i think as with other makeup, you cannot stand it anymore once you stop putting it on for a while. i am glad to use this liptint this summer, which is perfect and inspired by my daughter's favorite strawberry candy.
also took the opportunity to make these green apple lipbalm for a custom order. they smell fresh and fruity.
12.4.11
newspaper
come home handmade soap was on the hong kong economic times newspaper yesterday...
the interview took place a few weeks ago when i was exceptionally busy with work in the office. the theme of the article was the connection between handmade and home, which i thought was perfect for me and come home handmade soap.
i rushed home that day during lunch time for the interview and the photographer to take pictures. my son was such a good boy that day, posing for photos with so much patience, holding up a piece of my soap up in the air (see the little picture of him on the bottom left corner). i was also happy that my little work station was featured. it is truly a tiny little place which i can call my own and for me to enjoy only.
the interview took place a few weeks ago when i was exceptionally busy with work in the office. the theme of the article was the connection between handmade and home, which i thought was perfect for me and come home handmade soap.
i rushed home that day during lunch time for the interview and the photographer to take pictures. my son was such a good boy that day, posing for photos with so much patience, holding up a piece of my soap up in the air (see the little picture of him on the bottom left corner). i was also happy that my little work station was featured. it is truly a tiny little place which i can call my own and for me to enjoy only.
6.4.11
spring/summer shop update I
i feel like winter has been exceptionally long this year...where has spring gone? maybe that is why i have been delaying the process of updating the soap shop. anyways, here is the official shop update...
new soaps for the spring/summer seasons include (i) these moisturising Olive Splendour made with olive oil and olive butter - i totally like the color it turns out; (2) my first face soap with cream added - Oriental Beauty Cream - enriched with Chinese medicine powders including pearl and ginseng...
(3) Sea Herbs - a more bubbly and "ocean-scented" soaps with exfoliation from seasalts from the dead sea; (4) Camellia Girl - a floral indulgence with camellia oil which is rich in protein and tea polyphenol...
from now until stock lasts, receive a free bar of mother's milk castile upon any purchase at the shop. the milk castile contains mugwort herbs which are said to treat skin allergies such as eczema.
new soaps for the spring/summer seasons include (i) these moisturising Olive Splendour made with olive oil and olive butter - i totally like the color it turns out; (2) my first face soap with cream added - Oriental Beauty Cream - enriched with Chinese medicine powders including pearl and ginseng...
(3) Sea Herbs - a more bubbly and "ocean-scented" soaps with exfoliation from seasalts from the dead sea; (4) Camellia Girl - a floral indulgence with camellia oil which is rich in protein and tea polyphenol...
from now until stock lasts, receive a free bar of mother's milk castile upon any purchase at the shop. the milk castile contains mugwort herbs which are said to treat skin allergies such as eczema.
22.2.11
soaps in production
some of the soaps for the upcoming new seasons...
have decided to go for major updates of the soap shop twice a year only instead of every season (besides special occasions and festivals, that is), as otherwise it would be too much pressure and, as my husband puts it, would have defeated the whole purpose of the hobby. so it would be spring/summer coming in march, and fall/winter some time in september maybe. i think that sounds good. i have a lot of new ideas...hope to share with you later soon.
also had fun filling up custom orders. many thanks for all your support. this is chamomile & rose floral toner made for my colleague...
i adore this 150ml olive green pet bottle which i was originally going to use for my homemade shampoo.
have decided to go for major updates of the soap shop twice a year only instead of every season (besides special occasions and festivals, that is), as otherwise it would be too much pressure and, as my husband puts it, would have defeated the whole purpose of the hobby. so it would be spring/summer coming in march, and fall/winter some time in september maybe. i think that sounds good. i have a lot of new ideas...hope to share with you later soon.
also had fun filling up custom orders. many thanks for all your support. this is chamomile & rose floral toner made for my colleague...
i adore this 150ml olive green pet bottle which i was originally going to use for my homemade shampoo.
16.2.11
valentine's workshop
the class on sunday was great. it was by far the class with the most number of male students - there were 2 sweet couples and 2 other male students making the soap set and the chocolate lipbalm as valentine's gifts to girlfriends...
they were very creative and the assorted "chocolates" look all lovely and colorful!
as always, i had a good time sharing the experience and little knowledge. thank you very much for coming.
i am sure the girlfriends are very happy to receive the gifts no matter what!
they were very creative and the assorted "chocolates" look all lovely and colorful!
as always, i had a good time sharing the experience and little knowledge. thank you very much for coming.
i am sure the girlfriends are very happy to receive the gifts no matter what!
8.2.11
valetine's sweet chocolate workshop
i am conducting a class at daydream nation this sunday at 2 - 4 pm - to make these "delicious" chocolate soaps as well as chocolate lipbalm - especially for the valentine's day...
if you are interested to register, please go to here. hope to see you there.
if you are interested to register, please go to here. hope to see you there.
20.1.11
small shop update
2 new soaps for chinese new year and valentine's day respectively have been listed in the soap shop...
for the bergamot tangerine soaps, nutritiuos red palm oil is used to create a naturally golden yellow color. red palm oil is good for healing skin and scars. an uplifting and refreshing scent is achieved by bergamot and sweet orange essential oils. the texture of the soap is also enhanced by an organic lemon peel powder.
i was happy to get this wonderful bear soap mould and immediately thought it would be nice for valentine's day soaps. i made a sample and my daughter loved it so much she was holding it by the linen cord and smelling it (and asking me to make a "monkey" soap!!). these glycerin soaps are enhanced by addition of moisturising shea butter and scented with a rosy floral fragrance.
i enjoyed designing the packaging very much too, as always!
besides the soaps, i have listed a custom order chamomile baby moisture cream which i have been making for my children, as well as a few customers. it is handwhipped upon order using all natural ingredients, and helps to soothe baby's delicate skin.
it is a mini shop update really, as i was too busy during the past months to make a complete new soap collection. hope you like the new items and i hope they are able to deliver the concept of "a season of celebration & love".
for the bergamot tangerine soaps, nutritiuos red palm oil is used to create a naturally golden yellow color. red palm oil is good for healing skin and scars. an uplifting and refreshing scent is achieved by bergamot and sweet orange essential oils. the texture of the soap is also enhanced by an organic lemon peel powder.
i was happy to get this wonderful bear soap mould and immediately thought it would be nice for valentine's day soaps. i made a sample and my daughter loved it so much she was holding it by the linen cord and smelling it (and asking me to make a "monkey" soap!!). these glycerin soaps are enhanced by addition of moisturising shea butter and scented with a rosy floral fragrance.
i enjoyed designing the packaging very much too, as always!
besides the soaps, i have listed a custom order chamomile baby moisture cream which i have been making for my children, as well as a few customers. it is handwhipped upon order using all natural ingredients, and helps to soothe baby's delicate skin.
it is a mini shop update really, as i was too busy during the past months to make a complete new soap collection. hope you like the new items and i hope they are able to deliver the concept of "a season of celebration & love".
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