Spring has arrived, even if the calendar would slightly disagree with me.  The birds are singing outside the windows in the morning, the Sandhill cranes have returned, snow is melting in warm sunshine, and the maple sap is not just dripping - it's running.  In my book, it is springtime. 

Along with the change of seasons, we're seeing some changes at the Farmhouse.  Most of the soap making clutter and business "stuff" has been moved to our new studio space.  Some of the soaps are still being made in the log cabin, but as more equipment is put into place, the actual soap making will commence at the studio - by early April or sooner.  It has been a slow process of moving; I cannot believe how interwoven the entire soap business has become in our home and family life.  Even as we move more and more to the studio, the house never seems to empty of soap-related paraphernalia - we may find that a home makeover will be easy when we finally finish because nothing will be left at home!

The new season also brings new soap varieties and a new lavender gift to watch for.  A new book by Michelle Lee Ribeiro, produced by Country Living, and published by Sterling Publishers (New York) will be released in April.  The Mom's Guide to Running a Business will be available just in time for Mother's Day, and Century Farmhouse is in it!  Watch for more information in the weeks ahead.

Be sure to check our calendar for upcoming events and the start of summer (did I just write that word?) Farmers' Markets.  Read more about the Chicago Botanic Garden's Antiques & Garden Fair coming up in April, and also note the inevitable price changes coming up as of April 1 (use that coupon below!).

Have a lovely springtime!

Warmest wishes,

Ann Marie

The economic woes of the rising costs of raw materials and shipping are making it necessary to raise the costs of our soaps.  As members of our mailing list, you are getting an exclusive "heads-up" that the prices will be going up as of April 1, 2011.  The change is somewhat inevitable, and we are doing our best to keep the quality of our soaps high - we wouldn't dream of changing the soaps that you've come to love.  Please use the coupon below until March 31 to stock up on your favorites.  If a soap you really want is presently unavailable, tell us which soaps you'd like to pre-order in the comments section of the order form, or via email by March 31, and we'll honor the old price when the soap becomes available.