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Hi All, I did want to report in that I did receive the package of Lard from Walmart this evening. I was fortunate on two counts, one that today was significantly cooler that the past few days and two, that I was home when it arrived so it didn't spend any time on my doorstep! I've checked the...

I was able to order it online and it should be arriving today. The weather here in Southern California is warmer than usual this week and our door front faces South-west-ish so afternoons (when things are usually delivered) the temps can be quite warm if not outright hot in that spot. I'll be on...

@Vicki C I didn't even check the Walmart near me as I'm pretty sure they'd be out given that it's the season for Tamales. I didn't think about it melting in transit though! I'm a bit concerned about that as we are having an abnormally hot week this week in Southern California! Hope it doesn't...

@AliOop What the heck? That is so weird! 🤷‍♂️ @Relle Wow! And here I thought it was expensive where we are at!

@MelissaG, I ordered online and got Free Shipping!!!! So yes!

Hi All, For anyone who is interested. Walmart is having a sale on Morell Snowcap Lard. The 4lb box (not the bucket) is $5.12. Have a great day and happy soaping everyone!

@Zany_in_CO, thank you for the references!! I will look at @DeeAnna's Soapy stuff , the links for 'Sources for New Soap Makers' and the Lovin'Soap Studio you sent along. Because I have a background in science and am by nature curious, I want to understand as much as I can about the process of...

@Zany_in_CO, You are right! I sure won't make that mistake again!!! I'm going to try and do what you suggested and do the Oven Rebatch when I get a chance. That will be another interesting experience to have as well!!! Thank you @Mobjack Bay and @cmzaha for your insights about false trace...

@AliOop, no powders or clays added. @KiwiMoose, see answer below. I believe you got it! @TheGecko, You are so right! there are many variables and Murphy was definitely in the room that day!!! I believe I figured out the cause, and it was too much colorant. I went back and looked at my setup...

Thank you everyone for your comments. It does look as though I did reach a stable emulsion "Trace" as many of you have pointed out that there was no separation of liquids. I originally had thought that my colorants had not reached trace so that is great intel. I am still left with wondering why...

@AliensrReal thanks for the compliment! I'm a bit concerned about doing a zap test so soon as it's just over 24 hours since I poured it. I'm thinking I may have got the batter to trace (or at least most of it?), but just a very very thin trace as I did not see any separation of liquids. The...

@lenarenee, no excess water or oils noticed actually. Both lye and oils were at just 90 degrees though... What made me think that I might not have been at trace is that the thin trace didn't seem to be going to a medium trace while I was working with the batter. That, and when I SB'd again for...

@Zing, It's definitely a 'still needs more experience' situation. I swore it was a thin trace and getting thick fast. It was sticking to the SB but after doing some pouring I realized I must have been seeing things! I think I got thick trace shy from having a batch turn to potato mash...

Hi All, I made a batch with the following recipe: 40% Lard 35% Olive Oil 20% Coconut Oil 5% Castor Oil 2.25% FO (Temptation by Nurture Soap) 33.3% Lye Concentration 2% SF Both Lye and Oils were about 90 degrees F when I mixed. I think my mistake is that initially I didn't SB long enough. It...

Thanks @TheGecko! I appreciate your advice on how you test for FOs, colorants, and additives. As a newcomer I can see that at this stage it's necessary to test, test, test, to gain the insight and experience needed to make good, consistent soap the way I want it to be. I recently made up some...

Thank you @AliOop and @TheGecko with regards to creating a nice coffee scented soap. My wife is quite fickle when it comes to color, not liking brown colors in general and especially dark browns. She is also exceedingly practical and having whole beans on the soap would likely annoy her as well...

Hi All! Learning Learning Learning here! I realize now that when I first ordered my scents I wasn't paying attention to the very important notes on trace and color morphing effects. I also realize that some manufacturers are much better at these notes than others! Learn learn learn!!! Batches...

Wow! Did not know that! I will have to get some!:nodding:

Wow @dmcgee5034! Looking at everyones soaps here and realize I have a long way to go! I like all 4 designs, although I confess that I'm really drawn to the wispy hanger swirls at the moment! I also like how you displayed them! Nice!

@Zing, I like this one too! What does the Benzoin do actually? I don't remember reading about that on the forum. Color stabilizer?