(Olive Scrub Soap)
My mum arrived on Wednesday for a two week visit and I am cherishing every moment with her. She has come to two markets with me and seen me in action, selling my soap. She has also been able to see the soap studio right at the moment when the workmen are doing the major works… My fantasies of having a huge open work space won’t happen for now as Spanish Health and Safety require very clearly defined and separated work spaces for Raw Materials, Production, Packaging, Quarantine (Curing) and Finished Products. So it is all being divided up now. Then after the production space is tiled, and fitted out, my husband and I will get in and paint.
(Packaging room)
(One of the storerooms – I think this is the Quarantine Storeroom.)
As an early birthday gift, Mum has brought me a new camera … such a wonderful camera, it makes me teary eyed, thinking about her support and generosity… a Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. She has also been here for my daughter, Aurora’s 14th birthday yesterday.
(The very first photo with my new camera - my sweet mum.)
(Second shot - a hand-made cat that my friend made for me with an old sweater of mine.)
Tomorrow morning bright and early Mum, Aurora and I are getting on a train to Barcelona! I have travelled quite a bit around Spain but I have never been to Barcelona and have always wanted to go. We are going for 5 days and I am so excited! Then we are taking my daughter to a theme park called Portaventura, near Tarragona.
I am running dangerously low on products right now as I am letting them run out as they sell… and will be starting production in the studio, where I will build up stock again.
I just feel so wonderfully fortunate right now. My life feels so full of positive things. I don’t use the word luck because I don’t really believe much in luck… I believe a lot more in hard work.
So I hope you all have a wonderful Easter week.
Happy Soaping!
24 comments:
Your mum is so beautiful, like her daughter. How is it even as adults we so love our parents apporval and involvement in waht we do? And I am sure she is excited about all you are doing as well. You are indeed so fortunate to have her in your life still
Oh what a fun time you will all have in Barcelona. Your mom looks great and I love your new photos. The colour of your new olive oil soap looks great too.
Hoping your daughter has a wonderful 14th birthday. Think of all the fun you will have whipping up new soaps in your new studio. Maybe you can host a giant international soap party and we all fly out and make soap. Wouldn't that be fun?
Your outlook on life is wonderful and perks up my day.
Michelle
Your mom is just beautiful.Have a great time with her. Nothing like 3 generations having time together.
What a lovely time in your life! Have a wonderful time!
Oh Jenn, what a great picture of Jsane. I am envious. Have a great time with her. Barcelona is one of my favoutrite cities.
Have a lovely trip! The new shop project is so exciting.
What ever you are creating, it´s looking great! Have a very nice time with your mum.
Hey Jen, a whole 5 days with all 3 generations of women - Barcelona better watch out!! Enjoy every moment, I know you work very hard and its good to take time off X
What a wonderful adventure you will have!! Many blessings to you, my friend. :)
Lovely post, Jen! Thanks for sharing with us those nice moments of yours and for letting us see -via the foto- your sweet mum. I am really glad that she came see you and your family! Happy birthday to your daugther and enjoy your trip to Barcelona!
Natalia
Jen, have a nice days with your mum and your daughter.. it´s great!!!
Me alegro mucho por ti, que pases unos días maravillosos en Barcelona.
Tu mamá tiene una cara muy dulce.
Besos.
Blanca.
I just found your blog . . . through finding your past blog first. What drew me here was more your guitar playing than your soap making, because this is a common interest we share. Your soap looks yummy and you must be doing quite well with in. Congratulations! Your new studio looks like a wonderful adventure into a dream. I also do not believe in luck . . . "work hard and dream big" . . . that is my motto. It has always worked for me and my husband. I just want to encourage you to keep playing your guitar, music is such an international language. So, make a joyful noise! Your new follower, Connie :) If and when you have a bit of spare time come visit; I would love to have you as a follower as well.
Jen how wonderful, your mom daughter and you all going on a trip!
Congrats on the studio it is coming along nicely. I love open space studios but if the regulations said separate quarters for each function, well then I'd sure to be using double glass doors between rooms where possible.
The olive scrub soap looks dreamy!
Jennifer, I am so happy for you!!!
Hope you are having a great time in Barcelona! Your Mum looks lovely!
Good luck with the studio. I'd love to see it when it's finished.
Happy Birthday to Aurora!
Happy days,sweet girls!
Have fun how much you can,this is a gift from life.
I'm glad you will see Barcelona,is such a wonderful city.
Wish you too a wonderful Easter week.
love&bless,
Claudia.
Happy Birthday to your daughter! What a wonderful feeling it is to have family who loves and supports you, isn't it?
I love your pictures, especially the ones of the soaps!! So beautiful!
Donna, Thanks for your lovely comment. So precious these moments with mum. I often wish we lived closer but then maybe I wouldn't appreciate the times we see each other just as much. Try to stay positive about being so far away from family because I chose this. LOVING Barcelona. xo Jen
Michelle (Two Blooms), Thanks for your comment. The olive scrub soap was very nice but possibly too scratchy. Really like the scent and it is the scent I use in my silk soap now. Having the time of our lives. But also can't wait to get back, put the finishind touches on the studio and start making soap! International soap party sounds AWESOME!! xo Jen
Michele (Tierra Verde), Thank you for commenting. I think mum is beautiful as well. It is from her that I got my "natural" streak. She has always been very healthy.. and natural... as much natural as possible... she doesn't even like to use plastic or teflon... so I think she passed that along to me. xo Jen
Holly, Thank you for your comment! xo Jen
Karen, Thank you for your sweet comment. I love this photo of mum too! So real. And wow, I am completely love-struck with Barcelona, like I have never been before with any city... I usually prefer smaller towns but WOW - I am coming back to Barcelona. xo Jen
Coco, Thank you! Every day I keep thinking the shop is ALMOST done ... but it may still be a while yet... arrgg. Barcelona was wonderful. Have you been? xo Jen
Mopsfidel, Thank you! I will continue to post updates on my blog and hope it all gets done soon!!! We had a wonderful trip. Mums are the best!!! xo Jen
Soapchick, Thank you so much for your lovely comment. We did have a fabulous time together... unforgettable... and for your comment about me being hard-working? I think any soap-maker must know how hard other soap-makers work... and just how rewarding it all is. Happy Easter xoxo Jen
wonderful photos on your blog...and love your joy of life..blessings to you and your family!!!
Amy, thank you so much. It was a wonderful adventure... and Happy Easter to you. xo Jen
Natalia, Thank you so much for your sweet comment. It is a wonderful time in our lives right now. Happy Easter. xoxo Jen
Silvia, Muchisimas gracias por tu comentario. Felices Pascuas. xo Jen
Blanca, Muchas gracias! Si... para mi, mi madre tiene la cara más dulce del mundo... Felices Pascuas! xo Jen
Connie, Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and for reminding me to pick up my guitar. It has been a while but it is such a part of me. Love you motto - Work Hard and Dream Big. I may just adopt this motto. And yes, the whole studio thing is a big adventure into a big and wonderufl dream. You are poetic. Thanks for following! Happy Easter. xo Jen
Pam, Thanks for your comment. Olive Scub is pretty nice... with ground olive pits in it. I agree about big open space studios and at least one of the doors will be sliding glass as you suggest... for the natural light. xoxo Jen
Alexandra, Thank you!!!! xo Jen
Tina, Thanks for your comment. I will let you know when the studio is ready so you can come visit!! Hope we will see you soon? xo Jen
Claudia, Thank you so much for your comment. We have had a very special Easter week and I hope you have too!! xo Jen
Anne-Marie, Thanks for your comment. So glad you enjoy my soap photos. One of my photos that you recently posted on Pinterest has brought a LOT of people to my blog! Thank you!!!! Happy Easter to you and your gorgeous family. xo Jen
M Renee, Thanks for your comment and blessings to you too! I reveal a secret to you... my middle name is Renee as well, and spelt the same as your name! Is yours Maria Renee? xoxo Jen
oh!!..very close...my name is Misty Renee!!!
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