Soapnuts ~ Summer 2005

happy summer

Most of you know that I live in Yemen, where I have had some difficulty in finding all that I needed to make soap.  At long last, I think I have almost everything at hand, and will be able to make soap for the first time in almost three years.  I am so looking forward to this, it has been waaaaay too long, that's for sure.  

I bought the lye, olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil here.  Sue K sent me some shea butter, and Debby sent me coconut oil.  Sari, Michelle, Sue K, Debby, Cheryl, and others have all sent me little packages with herbs, or fragrance oils, or nice carrier oils…so my first batch of soap on this side of the ocean is being made possible by friends met through Soapnuts.  I have received chocolate, lotions, soaps, cards, chocolate, mushrooms, herbal teas, baking supplies, chocolate….so many little gifts that have made tough times easier, and made happy times happier.  This is what our community of Soapnuts is all about- sharing…whether that be with something tangible like a ten pound chocolate bar, or baby clothes for Maryam, or little socks with handmade trim…or intangible, like congratulations, encouragement, and an shoulder to lean on, we all do what we can to help each other. 

In this spirit, we just had the first ever Share A Smile Gift Exchange, and I think it was a great success all around.  It reflected what the Share A Smile program is all about, which is simply to bring a smile to someone's day, to give them your hand in times of need, or share in a time of joy.  Those of you who are unfamiliar with the program, check out the Soapnuts website for information about signing up with us.

While you are there, check out all the work Becky put into making the site even more beautiful, informational, fun, and user friendly.  She did a wonderful job!!!  You can see what swaps are on, as well as the rules for hosting your own swap or fast buy.  You can peruse the recipes there for everything from peanut butter cookies to Camille's Slice of Summer.  There is a lotion workshop which I have found to be incredibly helpful.  All these, and so much more!!

This issue of In a Nutshell is packed with articles from our columnists (what would we do without them????), as well as the supplier spotlight and meet a member that you find in every issue.   There is information on herbs, as well as Soapnut's favorite spring and summer recipes.  We think you will find it beneficial and a lot of fun to read! 

If you have any suggestions for the Meet a Member, or the Supplier Spotlight, or ideas for articles, please contact me with your ideas and comments.  And, as always, we welcome your articles and contributions.  Send them all on to me at UmmNusaybah@yahoo.com, and hey, maybe we can make you a star, baby!!!

Enjoy this issue of In a Nutshell, and have a great summer, everyone!! 

Khadijah