Blog Feed: a year in the wild

Nearly 3/4 of a million bars of handmade soap cut with our trusty old Chestnut Farms soap loaf cutter (the wooden one on the left) and it's still going strong, but Jory finally got around to making a new more easily adjustable one.

Give More

Published on 2013-04-18 16:21:00

OK, so I'm obsessed with the success of our new

wild about good™

Published on 2013-04-04 17:37:00

It never hurts to do a little extra for someone.

expo west: the finishing touch

Published on 2013-03-23 07:44:00

I knew it would be a good show.

AWSB Named a Constant Contact 2012 All Star!

Published on 2013-03-13 07:40:00

A Wild Soap Bar, a leading provider of handmade natural soaps and body care products,

"The Box"

Published on 2013-02-20 07:16:00

For those of you who ship freight on a regular basis, this is probably no big deal.

GMO A Go-Go!

Published on 2013-02-13 10:10:00

Yes, But Is It Really Organic?

Published on 2013-02-05 14:55:00

Timber!

Published on 2013-01-27 07:36:00

Bzzzz. Crack. Timberrr! Thump. The sound is a bit unnerving. The time has come to remove the dead trees, at least the ones that threaten the soap shop. Better to fall now in a calculated sort of way than to come crashing down onto the rooftop unexp

The Hanus Haus

Published on 2013-01-20 06:49:00

It's been a long while since I've posted about our house building adventures out here in the wild. And an awful lot has happened since then too. Life...well...it happens...and Jackie & Jory's new house has now become Mike & Maggies! While it makes me

Enter to Win A Year in the Wild

Published on 2013-01-10 07:42:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wrap It Up With Eco Style

Published on 2012-12-18 08:04:00

Instead of purchasing conventional gift wraps, consider eco-friendly, green, and alternative wraps this year! newspapers

POWERWASH TO THE PEOPLE!

Published on 2012-12-14 06:42:00

A Human Christmas Tree

Published on 2012-12-07 05:52:00

Just think...you can lather up for the holidays and turn yourself into a human Christmas tree if you want with our wildly aromatic

Get FREE SHIPPING When You "Shop Small" Nov. 24!

Published on 2012-11-19 12:49:00

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a special day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Welcome to Small Business Saturday Nov. 24, 2012!

swish (soap + a wish)

Published on 2012-10-26 09:12:00

Remember those

Barking Up the Right Trees

Published on 2012-10-12 08:02:00

Have you ever looked at tree trunks? I mean really studied them? The outer layer of bark, or rhytidome, is

Sacred Oak Soap du Jour

Published on 2012-10-03 18:25:00

Traditionally, Native Americans went to the Sacred Oak in times of trouble to pray, and the mighty oak tree has been held in high regards by many different cultures throughout the ages. Our property here in Texas supports several species of oaks, and it was the strange looking

Forest Driftwood Earrings

Published on 2012-09-21 08:14:00

I call it forest driftwood... interesting little twigs from fallen trees that I've collected on my walks through our 20 wooded acres here in central Texas.

Prickly Pear Cactus Anti-Aging Treatments

Published on 2012-09-04 08:13:00

I always thought a fresh Prickly Pear Cactus Mask would be the prefect product for our local farmers market, but so far I haven't found the time to develop it.

Snow On The Prarie in September

Published on 2012-09-02 08:26:00

In Texas?

Cleaning's A Snap!

Published on 2012-08-29 08:50:00

We've been using reusable, economical terry towels to clean up our soap production area for many years but the volume of towels required prevents us from getting too fancy. Recently I ran across this nifty (and decorative) solution for home use...reusable snapping towels. What a great idea! Handmade by a mother of three in Denver who states on her Etsy site that her "towels are made from a 100% cotton print and backed with a lush and thirsty 100% cotton terry cloth (just like a wash cloth)." An [..]

A Wild Soap Boss

Published on 2012-08-03 08:28:00

Did you ever feel like you're living in a reality show?

It Aint Cheap Being Green!

Published on 2012-07-25 13:29:00

Let's face it, we could save a ton of money if we'd just stop caring so darn much about the environment!

How to Make Insecticidal Soap

Published on 2012-07-09 06:43:00

Got a little too much wildlife in your garden? A homemade insecticidal soap spray should ward off the invaders.

Independence & Grandchildren...

Published on 2012-07-01 17:06:00

what are your most precious blessings?

Got Problem Skin?

Published on 2012-06-08 09:23:00

We can help!

The Memorial Day Flood

Published on 2012-05-29 08:45:00

Jory had gone home early. I was tidying up the soap shop when I heard a loud thump coming from the storage area where I saw a river of yellow palm oil gushing towards me! The bottom pail of a 3 pail stack had collapsed under the weight causing the 2 on top to topple to the ground. We'd done it this way before so I wasn't sure why they didn't hold up this time. All I knew was this was gonna take a VERY LONG TIME to clean up...not to mention the 20 gallons of organic oil we'd just wasted. This sho [..]

Who Is The True Patriot?

Published on 2012-05-28 09:27:00

"It is dissent from government policies that defines the true patriot and champion of liberty." - Ron Paul

The Circle of Life

Published on 2012-05-19 09:36:00

It was a pretty cruel day. Our 8 lb. rat terrier managed to catch a baby rabbit and proceeded to gobble it up while the poor mama rabbit watched sadly from a distance. As a mother, it broke my heart, but as a dog owner, I felt kinda proud of her accomplishment. So I pondered the necessity of the "circle of life" for a while and moved on. (LOVE that movie....one of my all time favorites!) Then later I came across this crucified preying mantis firmly impaled on a nearby cactus pad. How bizarre! I [..]

The View

Published on 2012-05-13 08:42:00

I love the view from my office right now where the horsemint and coreopsis are in full bloom. It's always alive with bees and butterflies and birds. When I need a break, rest and relaxation are just a glance away. How's the view where you work? Horsemint (Monarda punctata)

Got Itchy Skin?

Published on 2012-05-09 07:31:00

Feel like clawing your hide off sometimes? You can probably chalk it up to using cheap "evil corporate soap". The stuff that's full of synthetic fragrances and other undesirables (like sodium laurel sulfate, EDTA, triclosan...the list goes on and on) that can cause allergic reactions, dryness and itching. Most of it isn't even real soap!

Meet the Makers Video

Published on 2012-04-23 18:54:00

So how do you like our new video? It's a family affair!

Cleaning for Curb Appeal

Published on 2012-04-16 14:38:00

I hate to clean.

woosh!

Published on 2012-04-07 13:25:00

How can you walk by a sow thistle without huffin' and puffin' and sending it all airborne?

Air Out Your Life!

Published on 2012-03-28 12:46:00

Freshness Guaranteed?

Published on 2012-03-21 18:45:00

Are you one of those people that hoards skin care creams, lotions, and cosmetics? Did you know that the longer you keep that stuff, the less active it becomes and some products can even contain mold and other nasties? Most expired products will smell off or have other visible signs of degradation such as separation or color changes, but some may look perfectly fine on the surface. Don't be fooled. Experts say to toss most cosmetics and body care products after 6 months. And because many of toda [..]

A Spring Break Lesson

Published on 2012-03-14 10:25:00

Some kids spend their spring break at the beach.

It's Irrelevant

Published on 2012-03-06 08:08:00

When you focus on the positive, everything else becomes irrelevant. Bad hair day? Irrelevant. Missed deadline? Irrelevant. Nasty head cold? Irrelevant! Focus on what brings joy to your life... and declare everything else irrelevant. Be. In. Control.

The Ubiquitous Mesquite

Published on 2012-02-24 14:45:00

And you actually thought mesquite trees were only good for Mesquite Bean Soap? ;o) How about mesquite bean beer, mesquite bean eye wash, mesquite thorn straight pins, or mesquite gum glue? Find out more about The Ubiquitous Mesquite. Ranchers and gardeners despise it. Chefs and artisans adore it. I guess one man's trash tree is another man's treasure.

Blinded By The Light

Published on 2012-02-19 17:38:00

Every year about this time....the soap shop turns greenhouse! I arrive before the crack of dawn most days, but lately I'm blinded by the light in here. Jory's high powered grow light that is. Now we've got warm and happy little seedlings poking their heads up each and every day. There's tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupes, and bell peppers so far. How does your garden grow?

This Old House

Published on 2012-02-11 17:51:00

You may remember that we moved into a travel trailer last year in anticipation of tearing down our little owner built log cabin. Yeah, it's cute (sometimes.....on a good day), but it has some serious issues and after 30 years of faithful service it's time for a change. So I'm happy to say that we're finally doin it! Or should I say my husband is. He began dismantling the boys bedroom last weekend. He hopes to have the whole house demolished in a couple of months. Can you imagine, tearing som [..]

Get Happy With Cheery Sunflower Soap

Published on 2012-01-28 15:42:00

We get plenty of sunshine here in Texas during the winter, but I know that’s not always the case in other regions. Lack of sunlight and prolonged periods of clouds and rain can eventually get a body down. Did you know that our cheery natural Sunflower Soap can help? (Hey, it beats lying around on some overpriced couch recalling your unfortunate childhood, right?) The uplifting citrus essential oil blend can actually boost production of the happy hormone serotonin and reduce levels of the s [..]

The Soapmaker's 10 Commandments

Published on 2012-01-11 07:57:00

As we venture into the New Year, please remember.... 1. You shall use no other soap but your own. 2. You shall not make a carved image out of soap. 3. You shall not take the name of any soap in vain. 4. Remember wash day, to keep it clean. 5. Honor your teachers and your mentors. 6. You shall not murder anyone over soap. Duh! 7. You shall not commit adultery involving a bar of soap. 8. You shall not steal anyone's soap. Ever. 9. You shall not bear false witness against other soapmakers [..]

Cozy Up!

Published on 2012-01-03 09:12:00

When temperatures fall and bone chilling winds blow...there's nothing quite like a nice warm bath! Baths reduce stress, increase circulation and promote deep sleep. The recommended bath temperature for most is a comfortable 110 degrees. Add some therapeutic bath oils or bath salts, then soak to your hearts content (15-20 minutes should do it). To help warm your home, don't drain the bath water until it completely cools. Of course you will have vacated long before that and moved on to sipping hot [..]

Are You Mistletoe-Ready?

Published on 2011-12-14 14:20:00

Keep your skin & lips soft, smooth & mistletoe-ready with our healing, organic body balms. Enriched with jojoba oil & vitamin E, they're the perfect stocking stuffers for frosty weather!

The All Important Dish

Published on 2011-12-01 07:54:00

Soap dish, that is. You've gotta have a good one if you want to keep your handmade soap from turning into a gushy hump of mush. Here's a sampling of some I've collected over the years. OK, the Old Spice shaving mug, the old aluminum travel case, and the antique dish washing wand aren't really "dishes"...but then neither are the cedarwood soap decks or the fossilized limestone soap rock. They all do hold soap though, so that works for me. I found some alternative soap dishes here, some awfull [..]

The Mindless Masses

Published on 2011-11-24 17:00:00

This weekend millions of Americans will be camped out in parking lots, stampeding the malls, fighting at the registers and piling up their carts. All so they can acquire more cheap, unnecessary, foreign made stuff, then try to impress their family and friends with it. When George Carlin talked about "stuff", he was so right... a typical American house is just "a place to keep all your stuff while you go out and get more STUFF!" Don't buy into it! You don't need all that junk...and neither do [..]

With Gratitude

Published on 2011-11-22 10:00:00

"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way." - Native American prayer At this time of thanksgiving and celebration our thoughts turn gratefully to you...our readers, our followers, our many faithful and loyal customers. Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous holiday season. A Wild Soap Bar LLC Maggie, Mike, Jory, Jackie, Cael, Tina, Aubrey & Caden Hanus

Identity Crisis

Published on 2011-11-18 07:31:00

As if their soap was anything special! humpfff! They're jealous 'cause they can't make artisan soaps like these. I mean I'd seriously like to take a bite out of that corn! (not sure I'd want to wash with it though) Our natural soaps have never had an identity crisis either, but they're still world's ahead of Ivory in terms of skin care, scent, and visual appeal...not to mention social responsibility. I'm just sayin... So what's the weirdest/most artistic soap you've ever seen? Post a link [..]

11/11/11

Published on 2011-11-11 07:49:00

Today, three 11s align for the first time in a century! What will YOU be doing during that magical point in time when the clock reads 11:11:11 on 11/11/11? Perhaps you'll be attending a service to honor our veterans. Maybe you'll be at your cubicle dreaming of lunch. Or you might be lying in a hospital bed wondering how you're going to pay for all this. No matter where you are, if everybody simply pauses to acknowledge their blessings and to hope for the future there'll be a lot of positive [..]

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Blog Feed: a year in the wild

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