Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, more commonly known as lye, is a key ingredient in soapmaking. The reaction between sodium hydroxide and the fats, or oils, in the soap raises the temperature and causes the oils and milk to saponify. Saponification is the process by which the oils harden and a lather is created. Before sale we test each batch with pH strips. We also use the soap ourselves to ensure our soaps are of the highest quality.

Snow Comes Out of Retirement

As some of you may know from reading the "Meet the Goats" page, our matriach of the goat herd, Snow, has been living a life of leisure in her golden years. She has not been having kids for several years since she became very ill after her last kidding. Well, I mistakenly left the young male kids in with the herd a little too long last summer, and now Snow is the proud mother of twins! This morning we discovered the big black and white male kid who looks similar to a koala bear, and his petite gray and white sister. They are both healthy and strong and have nursed well. Since they were born on my brother Henry's birthday, we have named the male Henry in his honor. The female is Fiona because she looks like a Celtic maiden, white and fair. -January 8, 2011