PeachyClean

you can get Dr. Bronners online or at any good natural/health food type store. It is VERY concentrated and will last a long time. They also make bar soap that is very good.

They also sell Dr. Bronner's at my local Target in the skincare section...

Here's the link to the sample ordering page:

http://www.essentialsbycatalina.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=165

Thanks, Candybee - I went to that page as well as the general sample ordering page and I was still unable to find anyplace that mentioned how big the sample sizes were for MP.

I know Regina just received some samples so I'm hoping maybe she can give me an idea as to the size of each?

Thanks!

I searched on EBC's website but couldn't find what size their base samples are for MP. I see most of the liquid stuff comes in 4 oz sample sizes. Can someone who has received samples of their MP bases tell me what size they are and also do you know if you can order more than one sample of the same base? Not sure I'm ready to invest in 20 lbs until I've had time to play with the various bases.

Thanks!

Thank you all so much! Now I'll be more comfortable experimenting.

My DH and DDs have no idea what they're in for once I start using them as testers...

OK, here goes my first official dumb newbie question...I've read that you are always supposed to do everything by weight but then see posts such as "the rule of thumb is to not add more than 2T additive to M&P base" or "try adding 1 tsp CO" - so, does that not mean whipping out the measuring spoons, pouring a teaspoon (or half teaspoon or whatever) and dropping it in the bowl? I would think these individuals are speaking in terms of volume when they talk about adding a teaspoon of this or half teaspoon of that.

I plan on starting out with small (1 lb) batches and other than weighing out the base and butters, I had planned to use a teaspoon here, half teaspoon there when adding various liquid oils and the FO.

Should I be experimenting a different way and doing everything by weight? I'm so confused!

TIA!

It's easy to get addicted to this and go over-board. But its best to take your time, perfect your recipes, and learn everything you can about making B&B. Remember too that some stuff will have a shelf life so if you over-buy, you could be wasting your money if stuff goes bad. But no matter what, be prepared to spend some money. This stuff ain't cheap to do. But have fun and enjoy it. That's the easy part.

Wow. I didn't even think about the idea of shelf life. Excellent point. Guess maybe I should pick one or two things and work on perfecting those. Although, I think it's the FOs and EOs that are gonna get me! Way too many to choose from...

My very first post after lurking here for weeks! I was just curious as to how most of you started into B&B (or soap). I tried making bath bombs a few weeks ago and since then I have been researching like mad and now have a HUGE list of things I want to try making - lip balm, bath salts, scenting & coloring bases, body spray, m&p, lotion bars - the list seems endless. At this point I'd need to wait for the tax refund check to be able to afford everything. :embarasse Oh, and all of this would just be for personal use or for gifts (right now). And of course DH insists that I'd be spending hundreds for supplies to make this stuff when I could probably by it cheaper in the store. Sigh.

So, how did you guys start - small or with several products - and which products did you start with?

Just hoping I'm not the only person obsessing before they even start!

Lisa