Soap currently on the curing table plus lip balm

As of right now, this is what is curing on my table.  I still have some of the Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey soap in the back.  You can tell because it has a honeycomb texture. 

I decided that I would share my soaping experiences good or bad so others can use it to their benefit in their soaping journeys.

One of the prettiest soaps I have done so far is the soap I will probably call Mocha Cappuccino Cocoa Butter Soap pictured below. Only a little over 2 pounds.

It is made with brewed coffee, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, etc.  The smells are chocolate, vanilla, and coffee grounds sprinkled on top.  You can't really tell exactly what a soap will smell like until it has finished curing.  Experimenting with colors and swirls.

It does look like a manly soap with rich, strong scents.  I had a light bit of ash form on the top.  That is always a stinker because it doesn't happen right away, usually the second or third day.  I haven't had ash problems for some time. Hmmm

This is some Ginger Papaya with Mango Butter and sprinkles of poppy seeds. About 2.5 pounds. I was experimenting with color and swirls again.  It is good to learn different techniques such as mixing in the pot or in the mold.  This smells amazing.  It was quite stout in the bottle but mellowed just enough in the soap.

My saran wrap stuck to the top, and I did not get the top I was hoping for although it still looks good.  This color will change even further as it cures.  I suspect that the soap will lighten a bit as the water evaporates.

Not as impressive since there was some noticeable gelling discoloration on the sides.  This is only cosmetic.  Whenever I use a PVC mold, I always get a little different color at the bottom inch or so.  I use a goat milk so I do not insulate.  This soap was Frankincense & Myrrh Goat Milk Soap.  This was 2 pounds. There is also ground oatmeal in this soap.  This is much better than my first attempt at Frankincense & Myrrh soap.  It was horrible and smelled like playdough.  I threw it out because it stunk so bad.

Here is a bonus! I made some Coco-Rosey Lip Balm the other day found at Crunchy Betty's blog.  You can tell that I have been using the bottom right one already.  It is not bad.  I think the recipe needs improving.  The first time I made it, it did not harden or set up.  I had to reheat and add a tablespoon of beeswax to it.  After viewing the comments, I could see that other people had problems as well.  I live in Texas, and it is summer.  Coconut Oil is not going to stay hardened in our climate anytime of the year.  I infused the oil with dried rosebuds.  After I use it for an extended time, I will let you know how it is.  I like anything that smells like cocoa butter.

In a week or so, I am going to be teaching someone to make soap.  I am excited to pass this on to others.