I saw pumpkins at my local grocery store yesterday - all different sizes and colors and shapes. Later in the fall I like to make centerpieces like Pumpkin Tea Light Holders - but the first thing I usually do about this time of year is make a big batch of pumpkin soap. Then it can be curing while I make any of the other pumpkin-themed crafts that my family and I enjoy this time of year.

School is well under way now...and the homework is piling up. But sometimes on the weekend, you just need to take some time away from the studies to have a fun craft day with the kids. I've tried involving my son in my "grown up" soap making...but he enjoys it a lot more...and is more likely to participate...when I let him pick the project that we do. Several of his favorite soap making projects are in this collection of Soap Making Books for Kids. Try one out! You may find that they're fun for grownups too!

• Soap Making Books for Kids
• How Soap Cleans
• Basic Melt and Pour Soap Making

The cooler weather must be inspiring people to get out into the great outdoors. But what sort of soap can you use for personal and dish washing while out in nature? That was the question that Beth submitted to Mailbag Monday. She asked if regular cold process soap was biodegradable - and if it would harm the environment.

I'm glad to report that our natural cold-processed soap actually is quite biodegradable and can be made with natural ingredients that are indeed safe for the environment.

Here's more information about making your own camping soap - and recipes!

• Soap Recipes Directory
• Getting Started Making Soap
• Mailbag Monday Archive

Aromatherapy is not a new science or a new fad. Humans have been using the essences of plant (and even a few animal) oils for thousands of years. But over the past few decades, there has been an increased interest in the use of aromatic herbs and oils - to improve your mood, to treat common ailments, and make your life better. And it's not just happening in the United States. Aromatherapy is gaining popularity all over the world - as is evidenced by the article "Combat Office Stress with Aromatherapy" from the Times of India. It talks about a "convenient and faster way of combating stress at the work place" - aromatherapy, and gives several really good suggestions of how to use essential oils at the office. The same basic suggestions can be used in your soap making or candles, or in other bath and body products, too. If you want more information about essential oils, check out Best Essential Oil Books for Soap and Candle Making, and also remember, that just because it's natural, doesn't mean it's safe. Be sure you understand the Basics of Essential Oil Safety.