About Me

Hello!

I am Patricia. I am a collector of hobbies and a maker. I consider myself an all around life enthusiast. Full-time, I am a graduate student doing research field of aquatic ecology. Benthic macro invertebrates are my jam, but I am pretty much into anything ecology related.

Chest waders are LIFE.

Almost a year ago, I had a giant tub of coconut oil that was taking up a lot of space, but wasn't being used. I turned to Google to figure out what I could do with it. I knew coconut oil was good for cooking, and for your skin, but then I discovered that you can make soap out of coconut oil. My inner chemist got the best of me and I got to work ferociously researching how to make soap, where to buy the soap ingredients, how to safely use lye (is this an appropriate place for a Fight Club reference? I have never seen this movie, nor do I even know the Rules of Fight Club), and a week later I made my first batch of handmade bar soap.

I still have one of these bars tucked away because 1) I am way too sentimental for my own good, and 2) I am an extreme hoarder, like, to the max. It is a problem.

I was hooked after my first batch and then started exploring the world of clays, oxides, micas and essential oils. This also began my interest in making natural health and beauty products including lip balms, body butters, deodorant and face washes. I have now become quite the advocate for using products that are good for you and the environment and hope to post recipes onto this blog.

My soaps have come a long way within a few months!

 My first love was baking, so expect some baking posts here and there. Dessert decorating is extremely therapeutic for me (until I have to do the dishes, and then that's another story). I have always been a cake person and am constantly trying to come up with reasons to bake cakes. I really enjoy learning how to bake items that are vegan/gluten free so that the folks who have dietary restrictions are able to enjoy these desserts as well. MY MISSION IS TO THE SPREAD THE CAKE LOVE.

A recent ombre rosette cake I made

When I am not making soap or baking, you can find me trying to be crafty (I have failed so many times at knitting, crocheting, and sewing, but refuse to give up), hiking, trying to be active (I am a pseudo runner and cyclist) and hiding from my thesis.

This blog will hopefully be my way to document my DIY/life adventures - the failures, the successes, and the laughs along the way. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Patricia

PS: To contact me, email purelypatricia(at)hotmail.com