The Happiest Vampire

Every year, Miss Johnson wants to be a 'vam power'

Here's the 2009 edition of the Sweetest Kid in the World in her scary "Punk Vampire" get up.

Happy Halloween from all of us at The Soap Barn!!!

Spooky Fun!

"Alas, poor Yorick...

Walker Valley Haunted House

The Walker Valley Fire Department is presenting their 2nd annual Haunted House at the Walker Valley Fire House on Oct 30th & 31st from 7- 10 pm on both nights. Suitable for most children; but parents can use their discretion...This is a Free event for the community, and surrounding areas although any donations will be appreciated. There will be a Ten room haunted house in the pavilion behind the firehouse. Hot dogs & drinks will be available. On Saturday, a Costume Parade has been organized by the Town of Shawangunk . Line up for the Walker Valley Parade starts at 3:30pm at the Cobblestone Quick Mart and will be led by our own Walker Valley Marching Band. Children are encouraged to dress up, and the parade ends at the Walker Valley Fire House (a short walk). Refreshments & costume judging to follow.

This event is organized by our volunteer firemen with help from community volunteers & is a Free Event. One of the many events that make us love living in a small town!

Treasures from the Sea

The natural sea sponges for "Treasures from the Sea" soap are harvested from the Gulf of Mexico near Tarpon Springs Florida.

Our sponges are sustainably harvested by sponge divers who cut only a section of the plant , leaving a large section of sponge to regrow. Careful rotation cutting keeps any area from being over harvested. This results in larger , healthier sponges without destroying a vital part of the ocean environment.

Sea sponges are safer & last longer than synthetic sponges. Synthetic sponges & bath poufs can quickly become a haven for mold, mildew, & bacteria. Sea sponges contain a naturally occurring enzymes that inhibit bacterial growth. Which would you rather wash with?

Our Sea Sponges Soaps are embedded through the whole bar of soap & eliminate the need for a washcloth . Once the soap is gone, rinse the sponge with white vinegar & continue to enjoy. Safe for all skin types, Treasures from the Sea are available in several fragrances and soap types.

Please stop by www.1846housesoaps.etsy.com to choose your own favorite "Treasure from the Sea"

First Snowfall

While my husband raced to get the leaves cleared away, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of new snow on plants not yet touched by frost.

As far as the eye can see...SOAP

Once upon a time there was a beautiful dining room in a lovely old home. Friends and family gathered for holiday meals & special occasions. While it wasn't used all the time, it was a lovely place to entertain...and then came SOAP.



It started with a few bars curing on the dining room table because it was an out of the way place and not used all that often. Before you could say "saponify" the 8 foot table became "the curing spot"

Next came: The Invasion of the Fragrance & Essential Oils! As we search for the perfect blend, the perfect scent
those innocent brown bottles multiply while we sleep! Those who soap know...the rest of the story. Oils, butters, lye, dried botanicals, loofahs , shrink wrap, raffia, impulse sealers: the list goes on and on. And before you know it: The Invasion is complete! The lovely dining room has been transformed into: THE SOAP ROOM

In an attempt to once again enjoy gathering with family & friends I am attempting to regain the use of my dining room. As we speak, the upstairs of the barn is being tranformed into the studio & soap kitchen. The large downstairs room is being fitted with a pellet stove & thermopane windows. A beautiful pine floor has been laid and is just waiting to be stained.
With help ( and prayers) the soapy takeover will be soon be over. My family will never again hear those dreaded words;" You CAN"T eat, I'm soaping" Stay tuned for the next segment of: "As far as the eye can see...soap"

Fruits of the Season

Here's one of my favorite recipes . Pumpkins & Apples are harvest ritual at our house. Here's a simple recipe that uses both .

Pumpkin Apple Bread
(Preheat oven to 350)

3 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1/3 tsp allspice
14.5 oz can pumpkin
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 apples peeled & chopped (2 cups)

Combine & mix well. Fold in apples last and divide between 2 greased loaf pans. Bake for aprox 50 minutes on lowest oven rack.

This is the basic recipe . The outline if you will. I have substituted whole grain flour , fresh squash or pumpkin for canned, reduced sugar, used honey or molasses, added nuts, seeds, raisins or dried cranberries . As long as I stayed with in the basic proportions, it always turned out great.

I'd love it if you guys would share your variations with me. Bet you've come up with things I never thought of. There's no such thing as too many cooks! Just lots of new ideas!
Looking forward to being inspired!!

Healthy Harvest 5K Run/Walk

The Ladies Auxillary of The Walker Velley Fire Department is sponsoring a 5K Walk/Run on Saturday Oct 10th . Sponsored by the Ladies & a number of our local business owners, this 3.1 mile course is family friendly and prizes are offered for 1st, 2nd, & 3d place finishes in each category. There will be a post race continental breakfast for all participants. A health & fitness fair will be held at the firehouse immediately following the race. Info: 845-744-2995

This is a fun & healthy way for the whole family to enjoy the crisp fall weather & support a great cause at the same time.

We'll be on hand with our skin loving goat milk & shea butter soaps, lotions, and creams, African Market Baskets, & Eco Friendly Soy & Beeswax candles.

Time to dunk the baskets

Today the UPS man showed up late this afternoon with four cases of African Market Baskets.
These are a Fair Trade Purchase and are wonderfully colorful & sturdy. They are shipped flat and have to be rehydrated before they can be put out for sale. So, into the basket bath tub they go!
These beauties are great for "green shopping", gardening, magazines, any place where you would use a tote bag. At the Farmers Market, we've offered the shallow ovals to fill with jams, honey, organic pancake mix & pure maple syrup, wine, bread, cheese, & produce as a one of a kind gift.
We'll be offering "The Taste of the Hudson Valley" gift basket in our shop in time for Thanksgiving gifting. What hostess would'nt love a basket full of Natures Bounty from our local producers & growers?