BEES
I started beekeeping in 2013 when I became concerned about the lack of honeybees in my gardens. Almost every day I would check the various vegetables, clovers, perennials, and flowering fruit bushes and I failed to see a single honey bee all year. Not only that, the native pollinators (bumblebees, mason bees, etc.) seemed scarce as well.
Well, I decided to try and do my small part so I took a beekeeping class offered by a local beekeeping club (yes, they exist), and I read every book I could get my hands on. I bought the equipment, the bee jacket/veil, and purchased some bees that came in the mail. My local post office was NOT happy, lol.
From that point, I kept learning, and I kept making mistakes. But, I learn from my mistakes. I went to seminars and classes. I emailed the “experts” on beekeeping. I joined Facebook groups and blogs on beekeeping. I watched Youtube videos so often, my wife would walk in the room and say, “more BEE stuff, SHEESH”!
From those two hives I now own almost 70 spread between several properties. My bees are healthy, they thrive in the homes I give them, and every now and then they are generous enough to give me a little bit of honey in repayment. Beekeeping is an activity I thoroughly enjoy and I hope all of you are doing your part to help keep this amazing insect in good health. You can do so by planting bee friendly plants, taking up beekeeping as a hobby, or by supporting your local beekeepers. The bees are doing much better than they were 10 years ago, but they still continue to need our help.
SOAP
My path into making soap and making it available to the public is a very simple story. I have used handmade soap for years. I have had loved ones, including my wife, who have suffered from cancer and other health problems. There are so many toxins that we use in our day-to-day lives, it is no wonder that there is an increase in serious ailments in our society. So, I made a decision to purchase the most natural Personal Care products that I could find. The fact that homemade soap just feels absolutely AMAZING when compared to the factory-created, artificial “soap” made that a very easy decision.
Well, one day a friend and I were attending an event that was focused on homesteading and being self sufficient. I attended a class on how to make your own soap. While watching the presentation I thought, “I bet I could do that myself”. I could save a few dollars and have more control in the ingredients I use on my skin.
So, I read up on the subject a little more, purchased some basic equipment, and I got to work. A few trials, a few errors, but I finally made some really nice batches that I was pleased with. I was so pleased, in fact, that I gave some to friends and family as gifts. Well, they raved about my soap and told their friends. People were soon asking for more soap and I started to sell it to whoever wanted any. I have slowly perfected my recipes and techniques, and I would love to share them with you through my blog and through my shop.
I hope I have piqued your interest enough to want to sign up for my newsletter and to stay connected with me and my small business my wife and I are creating. You can always contact me with any thoughts or questions that you may have. Until next time.
Bee good.