Teach Soap

If there are any larger clumps in your lye whether hard or easily broken, moisture most likely got to it and you calculations might be off. Mixing by hand takes a longer time, you might not get a true trace or you could end up with lye pockets. Places like Wal Mart have stick blenders for cheap that could get you by. I hope you're not mixing with a wooden spoon.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Debbie

Totally agree with Susie - keep lots of notes! Notes are your friend! I have 2 notebooks filled with notes. I don't write as much now that I've been soaping for awhile, only if there was a problem with the FO or something. I always make notes about what mold I used and how long it took to gel because some FO/EOs, additives (like honey) can change that time.

I also keep a list of FOs that I use and where I bought them + any comments about ricing, acceleration, discoloration etc. so that I know if I should buy them again or not. Some of them smell so wonderful that I will use them even if they give me a really difficult time.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

Thanks Linda

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Debbie