The Soaping Diaries - Book Review One

The Everything Soapmaking Book: 3rd Edition

I purchased two books when I decided I wanted to learn how to make natural soap, and this was one of them.  It took me some time between getting my books and actually making soap - but I am addicted to it now!

This book is the one I reference most.  Yes, it lacks nice images.  However, the other book I purchased is loaded with professional images and lacks a lot of content that I need.  This book is more comprehensive on topics such as cure time for varying processes, tools, and clean up procedures to considerations like how to package, putting together gift baskets, and why/when to consider selling product.  It even goes into using the knowledge you learn from the book to create your own recipes!

I by no means read this in order from chapter to chapter, though I did skim through it in order upon first receiving the book.  It is overwhelming that way!  I skip around to where the information I want is - there is a complete Table of Contents so you can easily find the information you want when you need it. 

I started out making cold process soap from a kit I purchased through Bramble Berry (which is the first supplier listed in the appendix for resources).  Then I moved on to Shower Steamers and Melt & Pour Soap.  I am getting ready to make more CP.  However, I am so happy for the Hot Process and Liquid Soap sections in this book since I really want to create liquid hand soap and body washes.  This book really does have everything you need to get started and stay going in the soaping hobby/business.

I'd say this is a must have for anyone interested in learning how to get started the right way.  The author even says to start small on your budget so that if it turns out you never want to make a second soap, you didn't end up investing a lot of money on something you won't ever do again.  Sage advice!

The Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Recently, John and I traveled to a dear friends' out of state wedding.  I was stoked about the weekend and who wouldn't be!?!  Upon arriving, we would be getting ready to take a Jazz Dinner Cruise around the lake with the happy couple.  Plus, three days at an amazing resort would be just the vacation we needed.

I booked our stay at the resort three months in advance under the wedding block reserved for the joyous event.  I saved for the trip well in advance and intended to pay it all off in cash the moment we returned home.

Please, do not stay at The Abbey Resort.  Do your best to not be enticed by the commodities they offer, for they all come at a very steep price.

Let down #1 was that my accommodations were only discounted at the event rate for one night, not all three.  This greatly exceeded my price expectations for our stay here.

Let down #2 was that none of the rooms reserved under the wedding block were near each other!  We were all scattered about various buildings and floors.  We were all under the impression that we would be on the same floor in the same hall.

Let down #3 What do you mean there is an extra daily fee for enjoying the resort!?!  Yes, there was a daily fee on top of the expensive room rate for being at the resort which was for things including but not limited to access to the pool.  It did not, however, include any breakfast or even a bottle of water.

Let down #4 was that for the price of admission and accommodation, you received sub-par service and low quality items.  Wait staff that did not know what the bar stocked or did not stock; bar tenders and servers alike, that didn't seem to want to serve anyone and moved at a snails pace; well spirits at top shelf prices with the cheapest mixers available, etc.

There are other things I could go on about.  But what it boils down to is that at the end of my stay we felt like we were not treated as guests, or even as people, but as walking dollar signs.  No one went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and special.  I have had much better experiences at regular hotels and when I plan to stay at a resort I do expect to be treated better and receive better. for the amount of extra money I spend.  Instead, I drove home feeling like I was robbed for an experience I thought would be so much more than it was.  I could have gone on a five day cruise to the Caribbean for what I spent to stay at this resort for three days.

I did complete the online survey which I received via email from the resort.  About a week later, I received a reply email entitled: Concerning your stay at The Abbey Resort. 

"Thank you for recently staying with us at The Abbey Resort. We value each guest, as we know that you have a choice when deciding where to stay while here in Fontana on business or pleasure.

I had a chance to review the survey that you recently completed. I was concerned to hear about your experience with our hotel. We strive to accommodate our all of our guests and their needs, and I was disappointed to hear about the problems you encountered. I know that does not change your experience but I hope that you can feel confident that we heard your concerns and they will be discussed at our next Management Meeting.

Thank you again for your feedback, we truly appreciate knowing about our guest's experiences so we can celebrate our successes and address our challenges to better serve you in the future. We look forward to your return when you are in the area again."

What are you thoughts and opinions?  Have you had a horrible experience somewhere?  Have you had a fabulous experience somewhere?  Please share!