Posts
Thursday, December 3, 2009
New Winter Patterns from Dellamano Glassware at our shop
New glassware at Summit Soapworks by Dellamano Glassware, handpainted in Bellows Falls, TV
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Make it yourself Birthday Parties at Summit Soapworks
NEW!! Make it yourself Birthday Parties at Summit Soapworks!
Your choice to make Glycerin Soaps, Fizzy Bath Bombs or colored bath salts!
Great for girls & boys!!
Min. number of party goer's - 4
Max number of party goer's - 12
Minimum age 5 please
Cost $12.00 each or $15.00 each for party with goody bags provided by Summit Soapworks
Cost $12.00 each or $15.00 each for party with goody bags provided by Summit Soapworks
Older age groups may have more options for products to make, ie lip balms, solid perfumes, etc. - please contact Christine for specifics
You're welcome to bring cake/treats, balloons. We'll provide colored tableclothes.
Call Summit Soapworks to reserve your party or inquire about more details!! 802.228.4900
Monday, October 19, 2009
New Reed Diffusers
New Reed Diffusers by Sense of Home available at Summit Soapworks.
Calming Lavender, Jazzy Jasmine, Sandalwood, Lilac, Vermont Woods, Cinnamon Stick, and more.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Just finished a successful and fun day at the Peru Fair. Ate delicious quail kabobs from the Cavendish Gamebird crew, pumpkin ice cream and apple pie ice cream (I had to try both, what's a girl to do)! The parade was super with a great fiddler and the Peru Fair pig being royally pulled down the road in his own cart. The new Black Raspberry Vanilla scent was a huge hit in its first test market so it's here to stay!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Peru Fair
Come chow down at the pig roast at the Peru Fair with us this Saturday in lil' ol' Peru VT. Great food, music, super craftspeople, a real little Vermont Fair! 9/26 9am-4pm. Parking at Bromley Mtn and shuttle bus over.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September Monthly Special
September Monthly Special at Summit Soapworks
10% off Olive Oil Soap Slabs
We're busy prepping for the big Vermont Garlic Festival this weekend in Bennington, Vermont. A great time, fab food, awesome music and of course, well, us. Come out and enjoy all the Garlic Festival has to offer! Camelot Village, Route 9, Bennington, VT
Thursday, August 13, 2009
My new tilt kettle!!!
YEAH!!!! We are so excited about our newest baby step at Summit Soapworks - a stainless steel tilt kettle to make larger batches of, well everything, and speed up/increase efficiency. This pic's a bit blurry (most of my pics usually are....). Hoping to hook it up this weekend and start soapin' with it!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
NEW - Nightlights by Kimberly Woods
NEW - Beautiful, handpainted nightlights by Kimberly Woods, Putney, VT.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Deadliest Crafter
Fletcher Farm fields. Shaker Village Site, Albany, NY. Home to many talented artisans and the deadliest crafter. Gusting winds, pouring rains, crashing glass & displays, broken pottery, upside down and torn tents, artists chasing their wind blown work (& tents) across fields, many shaken nerves, nothing that Mother Nature delivered could keep down these crafters and artisans from the selling of their wares. And all of that after staying up all night before a show to produce just a little more product......
Ok, so maybe I'm taking my obsession with the "Deadliest Catch" TV show a bit far but after the last two Saturday shows, where I saw some of the worst winds I've seen in 8 years of peddling soap, some of my fellow craftspeople & myself contemplated calling the Discovery Channel and pitching our own reality TV show to be entitled "The Deadliest Crafter". Maybe it would pay better than slinging soap.......hmmmm.....
Ok, so maybe I'm taking my obsession with the "Deadliest Catch" TV show a bit far but after the last two Saturday shows, where I saw some of the worst winds I've seen in 8 years of peddling soap, some of my fellow craftspeople & myself contemplated calling the Discovery Channel and pitching our own reality TV show to be entitled "The Deadliest Crafter". Maybe it would pay better than slinging soap.......hmmmm.....
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Brass Butterfly
New into the store - Brass Butterfly products. These beautiful plant rooters, handmade in Poultney, VT, are glass rooters with style!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Restrooms & small children
My mother-in-law just forwarded this story to me in an email and I was roaring and crying with laughter, esp since this just happened to me with Lucy!!!
It was written by Shannon Popkin, a freelance writer and mother of three. She lives with her family in Grand Rapids , Michigan , where she no longer uses public restrooms. (I hope that I'm not breaking any copyright rules or whatever by reprinting it but it was so damn funny I'll take the penalty!), I had to share the story:
My little guy, Cade, is quite a talker. He loves to communicate and does it quite well. He talks to people constantly, whether we are in the library, the grocery store or at a drive-thru window. People often comment on how clearly he speaks for a just-turned-3-year-old. And you never have to ask him to turn up the volume. It's always fully cranked. There have been several embarrassing times that I've wished the meaning of his words would have been masked by a not-so-audible voice, but never have I wished this more than last week at Costco.
Halfway, through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took Cade with me into the restroom. If you'd been one of the ladies in the restroom that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second to the last stall: ''Mommy, are you gonna go potty? Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy? Oh! You gonna sit down on da toiwet paper now? Mommy, what
are you doing? Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?''
At this point I started mentally counting how many women had been in the bathroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full ... 4? 5? Maybe we could wait
until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this stall and reveal my identity. Cade continued: ''Mommy, you ARE going stinkies aren't you?
Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy! Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty? Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh .... Mommy! I'm trying to see In dere. Oh! I see dem. Dat is a very good girl, Mommy. You are gonna get some candy!''
I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of me. Where is a screaming new born when you need her? Good grief. This was really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, ''Why don't you look in Mommy's purse and see if you can find some candy. We'll both have some!'' ''No, I'm trying to see doze more stinkies....Oh! Mommy!''
He started to gag at this point. ''Uh - oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up.
Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!! Dat is so gross!!''
As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall.. I quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the subject. I began to reason with myself: OK. There are four other toilets. If I count four flushes, I can be
reasonably assured that those who overheard this embarrassing monologue will be long gone.
''Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done going stinkies! Get up! Get up!'' He grunted as he tried to pu ll me off Now I could
hear full-blown laughter. I bent down to count the feet outside my door.
''Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy? You wooking under da door? What were you wooking at? Mommy? You wooking at the wady's feet?'' More laughter. I stood inside the locked door and tried to
assess the situation.
''Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now, Mommy.'' He started pounding on the door. ''Mommy, don't you want to wash your hands? I want to go out!!''
I saw that my wait 'em out' plan was unraveling. I sheepishly opened the door, and found standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud.
My first thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, where's the fine print on the 'motherhood contract' where I signed away every bit of my dignity and privacy? But as my little boy gave me a big, cheeky grin while he rubbed bubbly soap between his chubby little hands, I thought, I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as Mommy to this little fellow.
It was written by Shannon Popkin, a freelance writer and mother of three. She lives with her family in Grand Rapids , Michigan , where she no longer uses public restrooms. (I hope that I'm not breaking any copyright rules or whatever by reprinting it but it was so damn funny I'll take the penalty!), I had to share the story:
My little guy, Cade, is quite a talker. He loves to communicate and does it quite well. He talks to people constantly, whether we are in the library, the grocery store or at a drive-thru window. People often comment on how clearly he speaks for a just-turned-3-year-old. And you never have to ask him to turn up the volume. It's always fully cranked. There have been several embarrassing times that I've wished the meaning of his words would have been masked by a not-so-audible voice, but never have I wished this more than last week at Costco.
Halfway, through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took Cade with me into the restroom. If you'd been one of the ladies in the restroom that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second to the last stall: ''Mommy, are you gonna go potty? Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy? Oh! You gonna sit down on da toiwet paper now? Mommy, what
are you doing? Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?''
At this point I started mentally counting how many women had been in the bathroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full ... 4? 5? Maybe we could wait
until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this stall and reveal my identity. Cade continued: ''Mommy, you ARE going stinkies aren't you?
Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy! Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty? Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh .... Mommy! I'm trying to see In dere. Oh! I see dem. Dat is a very good girl, Mommy. You are gonna get some candy!''
I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of me. Where is a screaming new born when you need her? Good grief. This was really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, ''Why don't you look in Mommy's purse and see if you can find some candy. We'll both have some!'' ''No, I'm trying to see doze more stinkies....Oh! Mommy!''
He started to gag at this point. ''Uh - oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up.
Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!! Dat is so gross!!''
As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall.. I quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the subject. I began to reason with myself: OK. There are four other toilets. If I count four flushes, I can be
reasonably assured that those who overheard this embarrassing monologue will be long gone.
''Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done going stinkies! Get up! Get up!'' He grunted as he tried to pu ll me off Now I could
hear full-blown laughter. I bent down to count the feet outside my door.
''Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy? You wooking under da door? What were you wooking at? Mommy? You wooking at the wady's feet?'' More laughter. I stood inside the locked door and tried to
assess the situation.
''Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now, Mommy.'' He started pounding on the door. ''Mommy, don't you want to wash your hands? I want to go out!!''
I saw that my wait 'em out' plan was unraveling. I sheepishly opened the door, and found standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud.
My first thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, where's the fine print on the 'motherhood contract' where I signed away every bit of my dignity and privacy? But as my little boy gave me a big, cheeky grin while he rubbed bubbly soap between his chubby little hands, I thought, I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as Mommy to this little fellow.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Ballerinas & New Artwork at Summit Soapworks!
Inspired by my little ballerina, Claire, I've created these pretty little soaps with a ballerina toy embedded inside. Just wash, wash, wash to get to the bendable toy inside! Sprinkled with a little glitter, these are a perfect treat for your little ballerina!
New artwork at Summit Soapworks - but not for sale! This is the "thank you" note that Claire's very creative preschool made for me after visiting our store while they were learning about retail stores. Each bubble has a quote about what each student's favorite thing was at the shop! This entirely made my day!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
New Fairy Wand Soap!
I am so excited about our new fairy wand soaps! Star shaped soaps, lightly scented with a touch of summer scent, and a sprinkle of glitter make these soaps magical. Wrapped with a pretty little tag and a pink curly ribbon, great for little fairies and secret inner little fairies!
These will be available on our website in a day or two!
Monday, May 25, 2009
New Artist at Summit Soapworks!
Happy Memorial Day!
We're enjoying this beautiful day and welcoming
new artist Robin LaHue from Northfield Falls, VT to our shop!
Robin is a fantastic oil painting artist - check out her etsy shop at
Monday, May 18, 2009
Time zone, climate shock & me
Well, I wouldn't think that a 3 hour time zone change & temps that were at least 50 degrees more everyday would kick my butt but it sure did! I'm still recovering from my trip, I hope to be back on EST tomorrow and I've been a little chilly with the temps in the 60's. In Vermont those temps usually call for shorts and sandals, I once tubed down our local river in a bathing suit before Memorial Day weekend (not one of my brighter days but since it involved one of my best friends, Megan, then it surely involved alcohol!). But after spending 10 days in Palm Springs, CA where it was over 100 degrees (YACK!) everyday, I found it necessary to bundle up all day at home in Vermont. Oh, and I now know that palm trees don't grow coconuts, all of my new west coast friends are still laughing about that one!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Here in Sunny CA!
I've been spending the week in sunny Palm Springs, CA at the annual Handcrafted Soapmaker's Guild with over 200 other soap junkies! I'll post pics when I return. It's been a fantastic conference, talking soap from dawn to dusk and Erin Brokovich was our keynote speaker providing a great message about "stick-to-it" which was appropriate in these economic times.
My first day I listened to Erin Brokovich (and by the way, ONLY Julia Roberts could have played her), Donna Maria who of course was just awesome in "The Media and You", a melt -n- pour class about delicious desserts which was inspirational and lotionmaking with Annemarie from Brambleberry who is just awesome!
My first day I listened to Erin Brokovich (and by the way, ONLY Julia Roberts could have played her), Donna Maria who of course was just awesome in "The Media and You", a melt -n- pour class about delicious desserts which was inspirational and lotionmaking with Annemarie from Brambleberry who is just awesome!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
My latest readings
I've just finished up the first book in the "Twilight" series, a series of young adult books that involves a family of vampires. I wouldn't normally have chosen this book, I don't keep up with pop culture very well, we don't have cable TV, I've never watched American Idol or Dancing with the Stars and had to quiz our neighbor's daughter about who the heck Hannah Montana was when Claire came home from school singing about her. But a dear friend of mine, an avid reader and movie watcher, recommended it and knowing that someday my daughters would probably read it I sat down with it. Plus, I thought I might watch the movie and thought I'd rather read the book first.
The first part of the book I was honestly thinking "what's the big deal?", but as the story unfolded I did find that I enjoyed it. If I was a teenage girl I would have entirely fallen in love with Edward and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I also just finished Janet Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum novel, "Fearless Fourteen". I've absolutely loved these books, I think the characters, especially Grandma and Lula are laugh out loud hysterical and this book brought in some extra characters that just added to the craziness. This series is light hearted and just plain old entertaining.
The first part of the book I was honestly thinking "what's the big deal?", but as the story unfolded I did find that I enjoyed it. If I was a teenage girl I would have entirely fallen in love with Edward and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I also just finished Janet Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum novel, "Fearless Fourteen". I've absolutely loved these books, I think the characters, especially Grandma and Lula are laugh out loud hysterical and this book brought in some extra characters that just added to the craziness. This series is light hearted and just plain old entertaining.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Sunny California, here I come!
Next week I'm leaving for the annual Handcrafted Soapmaker's Guild conference in Palm Springs, CA. This is three days packed full of eating, sleeping and talking about soap with almost 300 other soapmakers from around the US and Canada. I'll be gone for 10 days, travel time and arriving a few days before the conference as I'm an assistant to the coordinator and will be working at the conference.
If you're a soaper and would love to join us it's not too late! This year's keynote speaker is Erin Brokovich and the conference will be jammed pack with speakers covering topics from soapmaking to small business management. We'll be staying at the Miramonte Spa and Resort, very fancy, with "chilled" pools.
Our store will be closed on Monday, May 11th, Tuesday May 12th and Wednesday May 13th but open the other days in my absence. Internet and mail orders will be accepted while I'm away but will not ship until my return.
If you're a soaper and would love to join us it's not too late! This year's keynote speaker is Erin Brokovich and the conference will be jammed pack with speakers covering topics from soapmaking to small business management. We'll be staying at the Miramonte Spa and Resort, very fancy, with "chilled" pools.
Our store will be closed on Monday, May 11th, Tuesday May 12th and Wednesday May 13th but open the other days in my absence. Internet and mail orders will be accepted while I'm away but will not ship until my return.
My bravest little girl
Thank you to everyone who sent their prayers and well wishes for Lucy this week. Last weekend Lucy suffered her first blown asthma attack and was taken to the ER not once, but twice, and then admitted to the ICU. The doctor told me that she was admitted to the ICU because of her age rather than her situation, however, I think he only told me that to help me keep a grip on my sanity. She did fabulous and was very brave and only really cried when the IV was put in her arm (who wouldn't). After a two night stay we returned home and she is back to terrorizing her sister so I know that she is feeling better. Again, thank you to everyone.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Goin' Nuts at Summit Soapworks!
People have said that I was nuts for years and so now I've gone really nuts! Maple nuts have arrived at Summit Soapworks Gift Shop. Almond, walnuts, cashews all covered in yummy Vermont Maple Sugar! Soon they'll be available online at my webstore - not a soap but what better treat to enjoy in the tub with your favorite Summit Soapworks fizzy bath bomb!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Mother's Day Giveaway!
Stop by our gift shop at 106 Main St., Ludlow and enter your mother to win a Melt -n- Pour Soapmaking party.
Mom and three of her closests girls (daughters, friends, etc.) will be treated to a special evening of making their own soaps. This can get a little messy but is a lot of fun and everyone takes home two soaps and a little treat from Summit Soapworks.
We also have lots of great gifts for mom, soaps, jewelry, painted glassware, quilted aprons, artwork and my dream is to someday offer pottery, I seem to struggle with finding the elusive potter for my shop.
Entries must be submitted in person at our gift shop and by 3pm Mother's Day.
Mom and three of her closests girls (daughters, friends, etc.) will be treated to a special evening of making their own soaps. This can get a little messy but is a lot of fun and everyone takes home two soaps and a little treat from Summit Soapworks.
We also have lots of great gifts for mom, soaps, jewelry, painted glassware, quilted aprons, artwork and my dream is to someday offer pottery, I seem to struggle with finding the elusive potter for my shop.
Entries must be submitted in person at our gift shop and by 3pm Mother's Day.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
My first ever class
I have had the most fabulous day! Today was the day that I finally taught my first class to folks I didn't know. I was visited by 10 gracious ladies staying at the Green Mountain at Fox Run www.fitwoman.com and 3 staff members. We made bath bombs, salt scrubs and body sprays for them to take home as souvenirs from their trip to Vermont. They handled my "organized clutter" (that's what us slobs call our mess to make ourselves feel better, LOL!) of a workshop and tight quarters wonderfully and I think that a fun time was had by all. It just reinforced my idea to talk to my landlord about expanding the back work area so that I can offer spa parties/classes. My poor landlord runs now whenever he sees me coming because he knows that I'm going to spring some new, wild idea on him. Oh, and my new penny candy is arriving tomorrow for the shop, well, it's not a penny anymore but many kinds from when we all were kids, Hot Balls, Jawbreakers, candy necklaces, Big League Chewing Gum, Fun Dips (remember those, dipping the candy stick in the powdered sugar) and the list goes on. Very fun!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Women Business Owners & Girl Power Soaps
I was just interviewed this morning by the largest newspaper in Vermont, the Rutland Herald, who are (is? - good thing I'm not writing the article) writing an article about Women Business Owners in our Okemo Valley. They were talking to over 40 women today and when I first heard that number I went "Wow", we have come a long way baby! Yah, Girl Power!
This started my brain rolling, and thinking about how much I love having my girls at the shop with me (well most of the time) and how fortunate I am that they can come to work with me. And this led to my latest brainstorm about bath & body products for little girls and at first I thought "Little Diva's" and then went, wait, no, it needs to be something with more kick so it'll be "Girl Power" soaps! So I'll be rolling out a line of fun girlie soaps this summer.
This started my brain rolling, and thinking about how much I love having my girls at the shop with me (well most of the time) and how fortunate I am that they can come to work with me. And this led to my latest brainstorm about bath & body products for little girls and at first I thought "Little Diva's" and then went, wait, no, it needs to be something with more kick so it'll be "Girl Power" soaps! So I'll be rolling out a line of fun girlie soaps this summer.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me (and a big sale at Summit Soapworks!)
Today I woke up, turning 37 and went "Wow, how'd I get here?" That was of course after both of knees creaked getting out of bed while I stumbled bleary-eyed to the coffee pot silently praying to my higher power that my husband had already made coffee for me (which he did because he's seen me without coffee, not pretty!) I remember the days when I thought 37 was an age nearly elderliness......now I think 70 is young.....
Anyway, so I said "Hey, let's have a sale to celebrate my birthday!" and so there's big savings at Summit Soapworks today and tomorrow in celebration of my big day! 37% off liquid soap, shea butter lotions, body sprays and salt scrubs! Enjoy and have a great day!
Anyway, so I said "Hey, let's have a sale to celebrate my birthday!" and so there's big savings at Summit Soapworks today and tomorrow in celebration of my big day! 37% off liquid soap, shea butter lotions, body sprays and salt scrubs! Enjoy and have a great day!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Upcoming Earth Week Celebrations in Cavendish
I had the good fortune to meet up with an acquaintance of mine today, Dallas, who owns the Solar Store located in Cavendish, VT on Route 131. Dallas is heading up/working on many of the upcoming Earth Week celebrations in Cavendish listed below.
Cavendish Earth Week-April 20 (Monday): Depression Era sustainable housekeeping tips (clean green for cheap) Sponsor Cavendish Historical Society 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7807
Cavendish Earth Week-April 21 (Tuesday): Patrick Parenteau, Professor of Law and Senior Counsel in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic of the Vermont Law School, will speak on the impact of climate change in Vermont. Sponsor Cavendish Community & Conservation Association (CCCA) 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week- April 22 (Wednesday): Earth Day -Windy Wednesday Celebrate all things related to wind power. Kite flying and demonstration of various wind devices, including a Skystream. 1-3 pm at Fletcher Field off of Route 103 in Proctorsville/Ludlow.
• Sustainable Energy Panel Sponsor Cavendish Solar Store. 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week -April 23 (Thursday): Gardening, composting, recycling and local foods. Sponsor Cavendish Community & Conservation Association (CCCA) 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week-April 24 (Friday): Movie Night-The 11th Hour Sponsor Cavendish Fletcher Community Library 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week-April 25 (Saturday): Sustainable living in Cavendish Workshops on sustainable building, landscaping and energy. There will also be presentations on Tax Incentives and Group Net Metering. Vendors will be on site. Sponsored by Cavendish Solar Store, USA Solar Store, Cavendish Community & Conservation Association, Cavendish Historical Society, Calabrese Architects 10-2 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School. Food by WAWWE. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week-April 26 (Sunday): Sustainable Living House Tour. Meet at the Cavendish Solar Store in Cavendish. At 1 pm. Please carpool where possible. 802-226-7093
For more information information about solar products please visit their website at www.usasolarstore.com
Cavendish Earth Week-April 20 (Monday): Depression Era sustainable housekeeping tips (clean green for cheap) Sponsor Cavendish Historical Society 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7807
Cavendish Earth Week-April 21 (Tuesday): Patrick Parenteau, Professor of Law and Senior Counsel in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic of the Vermont Law School, will speak on the impact of climate change in Vermont. Sponsor Cavendish Community & Conservation Association (CCCA) 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week- April 22 (Wednesday): Earth Day -Windy Wednesday Celebrate all things related to wind power. Kite flying and demonstration of various wind devices, including a Skystream. 1-3 pm at Fletcher Field off of Route 103 in Proctorsville/Ludlow.
• Sustainable Energy Panel Sponsor Cavendish Solar Store. 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week -April 23 (Thursday): Gardening, composting, recycling and local foods. Sponsor Cavendish Community & Conservation Association (CCCA) 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week-April 24 (Friday): Movie Night-The 11th Hour Sponsor Cavendish Fletcher Community Library 6:30-8 PM at the Cavendish Elementary School. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week-April 25 (Saturday): Sustainable living in Cavendish Workshops on sustainable building, landscaping and energy. There will also be presentations on Tax Incentives and Group Net Metering. Vendors will be on site. Sponsored by Cavendish Solar Store, USA Solar Store, Cavendish Community & Conservation Association, Cavendish Historical Society, Calabrese Architects 10-2 pm at the Cavendish Elementary School. Food by WAWWE. FMI: 802-226-7093
Cavendish Earth Week-April 26 (Sunday): Sustainable Living House Tour. Meet at the Cavendish Solar Store in Cavendish. At 1 pm. Please carpool where possible. 802-226-7093
For more information information about solar products please visit their website at www.usasolarstore.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
My Calm Moment Today
I took a calm moment today. Those of you who know me are laughing because you think that I drink too much coffee to ever be calm. In fact, I have a friend who is by trade an herbalist and special educator who describes me to her friends and colleagues as "random access". I'm pretty sure that was her way of nicely telling me that she would say that I was ADHD or ADD....see, I already went off on my first tangent.
Anyway, I was treated by my new friend Laura Tuttle, moved here recently from Maine, to a wonderful facial and eyelash tinting at her newly opened day spa called Calm Moments. Now, the eyelash tinting fascinated me from the minute that she mentioned it because mascara is the only makeup that I wear and I liked the idea of replacing it so that I didn't have to deal with clumps and not blinking my eyes to let my mascara dry (which never works for me because it always seems to be my time to sneeze!)
The eyelash tinting is a vegetable dye that is applied directly to the eyelashes and looks great! And my facial was wonderful and it included a foot massage while my facial mask was drying. I was completely relaxed and calm, I almost fell asleep right on the table. She said "don't worry, it happens all the time". My face is completely hydrated and smooth as little Lucy's bottom.
Laura also offers several different types of massages, facials, tinting, waxing peels and wraps in her day spa located in downtown Ludlow right behind DJ's Restaurant at 144-1/2 Main Street. Check out her website at www.calmmoments.vpweb.com or give her a call at 802-738-5556 to treat yourself to a calm moment.
Anyway, I was treated by my new friend Laura Tuttle, moved here recently from Maine, to a wonderful facial and eyelash tinting at her newly opened day spa called Calm Moments. Now, the eyelash tinting fascinated me from the minute that she mentioned it because mascara is the only makeup that I wear and I liked the idea of replacing it so that I didn't have to deal with clumps and not blinking my eyes to let my mascara dry (which never works for me because it always seems to be my time to sneeze!)
The eyelash tinting is a vegetable dye that is applied directly to the eyelashes and looks great! And my facial was wonderful and it included a foot massage while my facial mask was drying. I was completely relaxed and calm, I almost fell asleep right on the table. She said "don't worry, it happens all the time". My face is completely hydrated and smooth as little Lucy's bottom.
Laura also offers several different types of massages, facials, tinting, waxing peels and wraps in her day spa located in downtown Ludlow right behind DJ's Restaurant at 144-1/2 Main Street. Check out her website at www.calmmoments.vpweb.com or give her a call at 802-738-5556 to treat yourself to a calm moment.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
New artists at Summit Soapworks Gift Shop
I've been busy cranking out soap, making bath bombs and playing around with some new scents for the spring. Today, two new Vermont craftspeople joined the store, Vermont Balsam (vtbalsam.com) with their oh so wonderful smelling balsam products and Mountaine Meadows Pottery (mountainemeadows.com) with their many funny sayings.
Vermont Balsam sent incredible smelling sachets, "mug rugs", hot mats, computer wrist rests, all smelling like balsam as well as afghans, pillows and cat mats made from recycled sweaters. At first I was a little unsure about the recycled sweater line but when they arrived I was like "wow". And my kitty is getting a new cat mat for her special place by the fire.
Mountain Meadows has many plaques with different sayings, some inspirational, some folksy and many that are hysterical. I of course ordered the hysterical/humorous ones for the shop like "Put on your Big Girl panties and get over it" and "We don't skinny dip we chunky dunk". My favorite is "Everyone brings joy to this office (or in my case the shop), some when they enter and some when they leave".
Vermont Balsam sent incredible smelling sachets, "mug rugs", hot mats, computer wrist rests, all smelling like balsam as well as afghans, pillows and cat mats made from recycled sweaters. At first I was a little unsure about the recycled sweater line but when they arrived I was like "wow". And my kitty is getting a new cat mat for her special place by the fire.
Mountain Meadows has many plaques with different sayings, some inspirational, some folksy and many that are hysterical. I of course ordered the hysterical/humorous ones for the shop like "Put on your Big Girl panties and get over it" and "We don't skinny dip we chunky dunk". My favorite is "Everyone brings joy to this office (or in my case the shop), some when they enter and some when they leave".
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Passing the last winter days
The ski season is winding down, so the shop is a little slower pace and we've had more time to pass the last of the winter days. One of our favorite activities is shoveling some of the larger snow banks and "spreading the snow" around our paved driveway and doing the snow melt dance, don't laugh, many Vermonters do this, well, not the snow melt dance part but definitely the spreading of the snow around. I know that it's working because I have to reach higher and higher lately to put food in the bird feeders. The other day Jaycob heard geese and while everyone says that robins are the first sign of spring, I'm a firm believer that it's really the geese that know what they're doing.
We don't have cable or a satellite dish, a personal decision to be unplugged for our kids sake, but we do belong to Netflix and recently finished the first season of "Everest Beyond the Limit" from the Discovery Channel. I'm not a fan of most reality tv shows, although "The Deadliest Catch" is one of my absolute favorite shows but I think it has more to do with my love affair with Alaska than anything else. So when I ordered this show for Jaycob I expected it to be dry and boring, like how interesting could watching some men climb a large snow covered mountain be right? I was completely fascinated and stuck to the TV, in fact, I've suffered two nights of shortened sleep because of this show. It was fascinating to watch men with their dream of summitting go to the extreme point, dancing with death, to reach the highest point of the world. I don't at all understand it, see, I get the risky behavior on the "Deadliest Catch" because it's a means to the end of a large pot of cash and being someone who always worked too much, I get that. I don't get paying $40,000+ to risk a life and if one happens to survive they might not still have all of their digits and or in one man's case both of his feet. But I suppose it's as they say "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and so I rooted them all on and won't sleep again later this week when the second season comes in the mail...
We don't have cable or a satellite dish, a personal decision to be unplugged for our kids sake, but we do belong to Netflix and recently finished the first season of "Everest Beyond the Limit" from the Discovery Channel. I'm not a fan of most reality tv shows, although "The Deadliest Catch" is one of my absolute favorite shows but I think it has more to do with my love affair with Alaska than anything else. So when I ordered this show for Jaycob I expected it to be dry and boring, like how interesting could watching some men climb a large snow covered mountain be right? I was completely fascinated and stuck to the TV, in fact, I've suffered two nights of shortened sleep because of this show. It was fascinating to watch men with their dream of summitting go to the extreme point, dancing with death, to reach the highest point of the world. I don't at all understand it, see, I get the risky behavior on the "Deadliest Catch" because it's a means to the end of a large pot of cash and being someone who always worked too much, I get that. I don't get paying $40,000+ to risk a life and if one happens to survive they might not still have all of their digits and or in one man's case both of his feet. But I suppose it's as they say "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and so I rooted them all on and won't sleep again later this week when the second season comes in the mail...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Upcoming classes at Summit Soapworks
Saturday Feb 14th - 1-3pm - Art of Fragrance Class at Summit Soapworks, 106 Main Street, Ludlow, VT 05149 - 228-4900 - In this class we'll cover the basics of aromatherapy and the use of essential oils. We'll discuss what essential oils are, and why and how they are used. We'll make a massage or air spray for you to take home. $12.00. Class size limit 10. Taught by Julie Manchester, Woodsong Herbals
Wednesday Feb 18, 2-4 pm.
Parents and children, come explore the art of felt making! This 2 hour workshop will teach you how to transforming loose wool into strong handmade felt. Choose several simple projects, which would make lovely handmade gifts – bookmarks, coasters, beads, balls, flowers, magnets – the possibilities for creativity are endless! Feltmaking is fun, fast and easy – no sewing or knitting involved, no experience required! Geared toward children 5-10 years old, with an adult. Costs: $12 per child. All materials included
Saturday, February 21st - 1-3pm - Herbs for Winter Health Class - Summit Soapworks, 106 Main Street, Ludlow - 228-4900. In this class, we'll discuss herbs to use to maintain winter health, incl when & when not to use echinacea. We'll learn to make winter teas for sore throats & colds. Cost: $12.00. Class size limited to 10.
Wednesday Feb 18, 2-4 pm.
Parents and children, come explore the art of felt making! This 2 hour workshop will teach you how to transforming loose wool into strong handmade felt. Choose several simple projects, which would make lovely handmade gifts – bookmarks, coasters, beads, balls, flowers, magnets – the possibilities for creativity are endless! Feltmaking is fun, fast and easy – no sewing or knitting involved, no experience required! Geared toward children 5-10 years old, with an adult. Costs: $12 per child. All materials included
Saturday, February 21st - 1-3pm - Herbs for Winter Health Class - Summit Soapworks, 106 Main Street, Ludlow - 228-4900. In this class, we'll discuss herbs to use to maintain winter health, incl when & when not to use echinacea. We'll learn to make winter teas for sore throats & colds. Cost: $12.00. Class size limited to 10.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Story of Summit Soapworks
I had an opportunity this week to participate in a marketing event at the Vermont Welcome Center in Fair Haven. It was asked that I send some background about me and my "story" and in writing it up I realized that many of my regular customers, those I've known for years, probably aren't aware of my story either so I thought I'd share it here:
The Story of Summit Soapworks
My search for simple, natural products led to the creation of Summit Soapworks Herbal Soaps in my Mt. Holly, Vermont kitchen, in the spring of 2000. Finding myself allergic to commercial soap products that caused me to break out I began making soap. Armed with an old soapmaking book, pot, wooden spoon and my very first soap mold - a recycled milk carton, I was on my way to making the first of thousands of beautiful, creamy, moisturizing soaps! Thank goodness that my father took pity on me and built some real wooden molds, which are still used today. I then traveled around to craft shows in the Northeast, peddling soaps and very often sleeping in the back of my pickup truck, cooking over fires, at many different campgrounds.
In the summer of 2001 Summit Soapworks moved to Ludlow, in a trailer I rented on Pond Street, divided between the soap business and my living quarters. A little cramped and you can guess that I sat in the living room surrounded by bars of drying soap. In the fall of 2002, running out of room again, I moved the soap business into my friend’s basement (the Goodman family of Goodman’s American Pie - next door) and existed there until my husband and I purchased our home in Cavendish, off of 20 mile stream Road. Again I moved into a basement and again ran out of space so Summit Soapworks has come back to Ludlow on Main Street.
Thousands and thousands of Summit Soapworks soaps and other bath products have been made by hand. And hundreds of craft shows in the Northeast have been participated in, with two new members of our family added along the way. And still, today and everyday, I am honored and thrilled that other folks have enjoyed my soaps and found relief for their own sensitive skin. I always welcome suggestions for new scents - some of my favorites were suggestions from clients and friends. And, if you ask my husband he'll tell you, I love to visit with folks so please feel free to stop by at the shop or craft shows and say “hey“. Our soaps are very special to us because they connect and bridge us to nature and a more simple lifestyle, before chemicals and preservatives were used to alter products and shelf-life. I hope that you feel this same connection and enjoy our soaps!
Thanks for visiting!
The Story of Summit Soapworks
My search for simple, natural products led to the creation of Summit Soapworks Herbal Soaps in my Mt. Holly, Vermont kitchen, in the spring of 2000. Finding myself allergic to commercial soap products that caused me to break out I began making soap. Armed with an old soapmaking book, pot, wooden spoon and my very first soap mold - a recycled milk carton, I was on my way to making the first of thousands of beautiful, creamy, moisturizing soaps! Thank goodness that my father took pity on me and built some real wooden molds, which are still used today. I then traveled around to craft shows in the Northeast, peddling soaps and very often sleeping in the back of my pickup truck, cooking over fires, at many different campgrounds.
In the summer of 2001 Summit Soapworks moved to Ludlow, in a trailer I rented on Pond Street, divided between the soap business and my living quarters. A little cramped and you can guess that I sat in the living room surrounded by bars of drying soap. In the fall of 2002, running out of room again, I moved the soap business into my friend’s basement (the Goodman family of Goodman’s American Pie - next door) and existed there until my husband and I purchased our home in Cavendish, off of 20 mile stream Road. Again I moved into a basement and again ran out of space so Summit Soapworks has come back to Ludlow on Main Street.
Thousands and thousands of Summit Soapworks soaps and other bath products have been made by hand. And hundreds of craft shows in the Northeast have been participated in, with two new members of our family added along the way. And still, today and everyday, I am honored and thrilled that other folks have enjoyed my soaps and found relief for their own sensitive skin. I always welcome suggestions for new scents - some of my favorites were suggestions from clients and friends. And, if you ask my husband he'll tell you, I love to visit with folks so please feel free to stop by at the shop or craft shows and say “hey“. Our soaps are very special to us because they connect and bridge us to nature and a more simple lifestyle, before chemicals and preservatives were used to alter products and shelf-life. I hope that you feel this same connection and enjoy our soaps!
Thanks for visiting!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Ludlow's Big Buddy Program and Summit Soapworks
My store shares a building with Ludlow's Big Buddy Program, a local program similar to the Big Brother, Big Sister program. Before the holidays about 12 teenager came by the shop & we did a class on salt scrubs so that they could make presents for the holidays.
Admittedly, I was scared to death of these children before they came to the shop. I am usually a relatively calm, confident woman, I have spoken publicly many times (even in front of angry taxpayers) but suddenly was transformed into this person who was thinking "well what if they don't want to do this", "what if they don't think this is fun or cool", yikes!
I was pleasantly surprised by this great group of kids. We had a fun (and messy) class and I think in the end they thought I was "cool" and they each went home with their own unique salt scrub. The following will be posted in our local paper this week:
The Ludlow Teen Center would like to thank Christine Balch at Summit Soapworks for her generosity and welcoming our Big Buddy group into her store. Christine took the time to show us some hands-on activities, making salt scrubs, that the group took home and gave to their families over the holiday's. Christine supplied materials, advisement, creativity, and her expertise inside the store located on 106 main st in Ludlow. The Big Buddy Program is through the Ludlow Teen Center, and organized by Gretchen and Jerry Tucker. The program matches elementary age youth with teenage mentors. The group actively engages in fund-raising to help support the adventures and activities in which the Big Buddy program participates with. Such activities have included:collecting and donating goods to the Springfield Humane Society- and a tour and visiting time with the animals. As well as a visit to the Eastwood animal Vet clinic in Rutland, Outdoor activities all season long (including, but not limited to,: hikes, sledding, snowboarding, swimming), visit to VINS, and local animal farms, baking for our future bake sale. At the end of our day we always retire with pizza from an area pizza shop, our Big Buddy tradition. The weekly outings keep everyone busy and engaged, and allows the big buddy group to participate in healthy activities. We are continuing to fund-raise to keep theprogram running, and we are always interested in volunteers to host an activities, as well as donations, made to the non-profit organization.
Next weekend, during Ludlow's Winter Carnival, Summit Soapworks will be hosting a fundraiser for the Big Buddy Program. 10% of store sales on January 30, 31st and Feb. 1st will be donated to the program. There will be Winter Carnival specials. Please stop by and support this great program.
Admittedly, I was scared to death of these children before they came to the shop. I am usually a relatively calm, confident woman, I have spoken publicly many times (even in front of angry taxpayers) but suddenly was transformed into this person who was thinking "well what if they don't want to do this", "what if they don't think this is fun or cool", yikes!
I was pleasantly surprised by this great group of kids. We had a fun (and messy) class and I think in the end they thought I was "cool" and they each went home with their own unique salt scrub. The following will be posted in our local paper this week:
The Ludlow Teen Center would like to thank Christine Balch at Summit Soapworks for her generosity and welcoming our Big Buddy group into her store. Christine took the time to show us some hands-on activities, making salt scrubs, that the group took home and gave to their families over the holiday's. Christine supplied materials, advisement, creativity, and her expertise inside the store located on 106 main st in Ludlow. The Big Buddy Program is through the Ludlow Teen Center, and organized by Gretchen and Jerry Tucker. The program matches elementary age youth with teenage mentors. The group actively engages in fund-raising to help support the adventures and activities in which the Big Buddy program participates with. Such activities have included:collecting and donating goods to the Springfield Humane Society- and a tour and visiting time with the animals. As well as a visit to the Eastwood animal Vet clinic in Rutland, Outdoor activities all season long (including, but not limited to,: hikes, sledding, snowboarding, swimming), visit to VINS, and local animal farms, baking for our future bake sale. At the end of our day we always retire with pizza from an area pizza shop, our Big Buddy tradition. The weekly outings keep everyone busy and engaged, and allows the big buddy group to participate in healthy activities. We are continuing to fund-raise to keep theprogram running, and we are always interested in volunteers to host an activities, as well as donations, made to the non-profit organization.
Next weekend, during Ludlow's Winter Carnival, Summit Soapworks will be hosting a fundraiser for the Big Buddy Program. 10% of store sales on January 30, 31st and Feb. 1st will be donated to the program. There will be Winter Carnival specials. Please stop by and support this great program.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
My New Year's Resolutions
So in thinking about my New Year's resolution I've decided that I should keep my blog more up to date. Actually, I had narrowed my resolutions list down to lose 70 lbs, keep my checkbook up to date or write in my blog regularly and decided that the blog was by far the easiest and the one I might actually stick to, LOL! Seriously though in the craziness of the holiday season and with the new store and the maintaining of my part-time job and caring for my family my blog most definitely fell by the wayside.
I'll be finishing out my part-time accouting job in the next month or so and will be able to focus solely on my family and soap business. This was a very bittersweet decision for me as the folks that I have worked for are lovely and amazingly kind and generous people and have taught me a great deal about charity and giving. I went to work for them for one summer, when Claire was very little, and have stayed for three years.
The store has grown from my working studio with a few other friends selling their wares to
a full blown crafts shop currently representing over 25 crafters/artisans and with more coming in the next few weeks. Here's one picture of the store, there are a few more on my website, www.summitsoapworks.com. We now have so many beautiful things including handpainted glassware, soy candles, jewelry, knitted items, handpainted wooden ornaments, children & baby gifts, photographs, needlefelted sculptures and wall hangings, quilted houseware items & wall hangings, quilted aprons & pot holders, floral watercolors by a very talented & lovely local woman and of course my best friend's fancy girl's tutus, they make me want to wear one! Over the February vacation I'm thinking of hosting a Fancy Nancy tea party so I may be found in one of those tutus!
a full blown crafts shop currently representing over 25 crafters/artisans and with more coming in the next few weeks. Here's one picture of the store, there are a few more on my website, www.summitsoapworks.com. We now have so many beautiful things including handpainted glassware, soy candles, jewelry, knitted items, handpainted wooden ornaments, children & baby gifts, photographs, needlefelted sculptures and wall hangings, quilted houseware items & wall hangings, quilted aprons & pot holders, floral watercolors by a very talented & lovely local woman and of course my best friend's fancy girl's tutus, they make me want to wear one! Over the February vacation I'm thinking of hosting a Fancy Nancy tea party so I may be found in one of those tutus!Happy New Year to everyone and best wishes for a healthy & prosperous New Year!
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