Hi tncraft, Our Bosch is an older model 500 series, now discontinued. It's about 8 or 9 years old and cleans as efficiently and quietly as it did when new. About the only problem is that the printing on the control buttons (ours in an integrated model with all the controls concealed along the top edge of the door) has all been steamed off over the years and I have to remember which button does what because you can't read the letters without a flashlight anymore. The 800 series Bosch machines are reportedly still made in Germany. While they feature the all stainless tubs and cutlery drawers, they are also fairly steep, price-wise. Once you get up into Miele pricing terrain, I think one should always evaluate Miele products themselves. Though I do not own a Miele dishwasher, I am *very* impressed with the quality of the materials and workmanship in those machines. They are very well insulated and entirely sheathed by steel panels. Look at one uncrated and compare it to any other machine. If I were to be in the market for a replacement dishwasher nowadays, I would probably select a Miele. But that is me. YOU should look for something in your price range that will suit your needs. Personally, I would forego the FP dish-drawer option: too many reports of trouble and bad service on those around here. But you can select a machine with a "top drawer only" cycle that will accomplish the same thing without taking away your option for the tall tub.

I made several more batches of soap and increased the amount of FO to a T. per lb and the soap is smelling better. I made a lavendar Oatmeal for someone and they loved it, I also made several bars of Baby Soap and it turned out great. When I reorder I will be getting from WSP. Now I am trying to refine my body butter. I like it smoother than most recipes make it. I have been experimenting with glycerin in my revised recipe. Also trying to cut down on how oily it can make your skin. My lip butters are pretty much the way I want just have to get them done (been waiting 2 wks for my flavor oils to come in from a seller on Ebay) Last but not least I am also fiddling with the bath bombs, I live in a very humid area and they have been cracking once set up. I am going to try a different recipe this weekend. I make them in medium size round ornaments. I really want them to be available for my show, I think they make a great addition to my other items. Well, sorry for the rambling but it helped me to organize my thoughts. I can't stop thinking about soap etc. Elle

I thought I'd chime in as a pro CP person. I've done both methods, but personally prefer CP because I like the feeling of making something from scratch. I know what goes into my soap from beginning to end, which is great for me since I have sensitive skin. CP is definitely a lot more labor intensive than M&P, but I find it relaxing and therapeutic. It's also much more complicated since you're working with lye, and ingredients that you might put into M&P soap with no problem will turn out all different sorts of ways when you introduce it to lye. It's even MORE complicated if you're interested in designing your own soap recipe because it involves balancing chemical reactions and understanding the various properties of different oils. I love it, though, because it appeals to my geeky side. And once you learn it, it's not that difficult. Anyway, I agree with Hazel. Try both and see what you personally like. You might want to start with M&P to break yourself into the whole experience. That's how I started. I later moved into CP once I'd tried M&P. Good luck!

Hey Gina just wondering if you ever found my message or have tried to email/message me. I have not received anything yet. My email is in the post above if you'd like to email me. I was interested in your cheese pepper, parsley, and mustard green seeds. Also, if you have any Sophie's Choice tomato I'd like it too. I will try and send you another message to see if it goes through. Sorry for all the confusion! It seems that this site is a lot different than the old one.