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coco amide propyl betaine - are you meaning cocoamidopropylbetaine? The only sufactant that I am familar with that has a "mide" instead of "mido" in it is cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), which has been around for a while and I would not use. And cocamidopropyl betine, what Lori uses - CAPB is a amphoteric surf, been around a long time - use it as co-surf in almost every sythetic surf recipe I have. The problems with formulating multiple purpose synthetic bubble products is that what is good for one application is not always good for another. When I formulate my SkinTress bars which are multiple purpose skin and hair solid cleaners, the fomula must be good for hair first as it has the more picky PH. This results in a higher cost to wash the skin because the nice gentle surf, especially the solid ones are the more expensive and while most customers will invest more for shampoo they are not going to spend shampoo dollars for soap. Then there is the bubble bath issue, and most big bubbling flash foamers are not so good at cleaning and too high in pH for the hair. Just my thoughts and I have been formulating with surfs for over 6 years.

If it fits...in my hand that is always a good thing. I don't like to chase soap bars around the bath tub!

Yeah, hands down you are the Kokum Queen, next year I better see some swap items made with Kokum, you will be an expert in it's application by then! If not before. I am so glad you had a fun time - it's nice to get away and have some fun with work related stuff! Lori is already making shopping lists. Next year we do an oil coop I will make sure I bring a bucket opener and someone with strong arms! Lori did a great job!

Kelly it was fantastic seeing you and your daughter again and meeting your family! I am so glad you made it, and I had a chance to talk to you while pouring oils!

Teri worked with me on my insurance and she was/is WONDERFUL to work with. Saved me a great deal over the HSMG policy and as a bonus I have had her to contact with any questions. She has been extremely helpful, prompt and uber professional. I am saving over $180 a year on insurance and best of all I have someone to call if I have questions or need help! I sell bath/body, soap and candles.

The SFIC minimum vary depending on what you buy - buckets, cut-ups or 1 lb. wrapped blocks. I do case co-ops on SFIC at least 4 times a year and right now along with the 15% price increase by SFIC coupled with the high cost of fuel - you really have to shop around to get the best deal. As far at adding oatmeal to soap - I use instant oatmeal, because the chafe (sp?) or stems are removed for the oats. If rolled oats are not finely ground - it's really scratchy.

Yes, Lori we are still doing Columbus, Judy is onboard and I told her you would coordinate the "order" as we are not "in the know soapers". I need to confirm some stuff with Mike, but so far so good. I know I need shea butter, coconut butter, castor & 76 CO (that's off the top of my head). Nancy has her stuff to post from the Amish grocer and I am looking for someone to do Nature's Garden. I have not heard back from Connie at Backwoods? Gotta love a guy that likes attention! But seriously, if you are willing to share him - I will tell him who is who and if he is up for it I would appreciate having someone to do that part. Especially someone charming and witty!

Rockin...initiation...I am thinking we could use a Master of Ceremony. You know someone that introduces everyone? Maybe too much for the first year, huh? And I will have all you late bloomers know my Christmas in July Yankee swap item is wrapped and ready to go. My gathering swap item is still in the "thinking stage" I want to do something totally unique - hm...

I picked something up at Tyson's this weekend! Nancy says this year the Yankee swap has a "Christmas in July" wrapping theme, with a prize for the most purty. I need to pull some wrapping paper out of the closet, glad I saved some. It will be here before you know it - as evidenced by growing number of boxes in my office! LOL

No, we still have two seats left!

sf - I am thinking superfat - 40% Lard, 30% CO, 20% RBO (or Olive) & 10% Castor makes a really hard and very white bubbly bar (depending on FO you add).

I gave up coloring soy three years ago and have never looked back! I struggled for YEARS (7+) trying to make those suckers look good and finally I gave in to colorless - I just can't justify all the time the color opion brings into my equation and bottom line. If I were making a candle here and there, fine... but when you are are making cases at a time it all adds up profit wise. When you have to start paying someone else to pour, you will really feel it when they are tinkering and waiting for the right "cool temp". My customers embraced it and new customers dig it - so dump the dye! LOL Or you can choose to blend - or use tins and ditch the glass!

Best Dressed and Most Original Product. Then we have the Yankee Swap on Friday night at the Meet & Greet. The gathering swap on Saturday, bring an item to swap, recieve an item - bring two, get two. Items to be judged for the contests must be swap items, but you may bring a swap item and choose not to enter the contests. There is more details on the site (I think). LOL BTW there is one seat left!

I must correct myself, we have three spots open. So technically we did sell out at 40, but Dawn called the hotel and found out that if we rearranged the tables, we could fit more - She confirmed it for me yesterday. I have had calls and emails asking how many spots are left, so I am thinking those three won't be around for long!

There is only one spot left, of 45. I increased the count to accomodate as many as the room could hold! I was holding off making the announcement until all 45 seats were filled. FUN, FUN - I can't wait to see everyone :-)

I think they have some workshops at Candles & Supplies in PA - for candle makers.

Yes, SYR - Jenniejr is registered (welcome) and we had another registration today. I believe there are 5 spots left!

I think there are 6 or 7 seats left! I will post it when we are sold out. Registration is $45. Thank so bringing that to my attention - when I updated it from early registration information - I omitted the price, I apologize. From what I have seen, many share rooms - it's most likely 50/50. This year the hotel is a suites hotel, so it's more roomie friendly. Normally we have about 50% register in the last couple of weeks, but with all the early registrations - I don't think that will be an option this year!

Try Lebermuth's - it's identical!

When I private label I disclose on warning labels that my company manufactures the candles. If my private lable customers want to charge more than my retail it's their choice, and if questioned about the difference in prices by someone that looks me up - I would tell them those products were made especially for that retailer and it's their product to price. What I find is that my private label customers sell jars and scents that I don't - so there is very little if any duplication - I don't compete with them, if they want something made for them, they have to buy it from them! LOL

Vickey at Ky used to carry a pine that was a dead ringer for Heartfelt's pine and the Apple Danish can easily be replaced by Natures Garden's Apple Crisp.

Hm... "just" a follower, that is not the story I heard! LOL Envy Candles - we have other guests that drive at least that far, make it a mini vacay! I think we only have a couple of local guests - the rest are from all over.