Comments On Article: When You Keep The Basics...

Oh Grandma Donna , I just love you! Thanks for all the details..and since you are such a sprightly energetic lady, I feel more confident to use it. ( I truly mean that)

And soft wrinkles! So funny. I love that you transfer the ponds into the glass jar. I believe I would do the same, if I had one. Maybe eBay?

God bless you and Mr. charles xoxo

Grandma Donna Wrote,

Rose M, I do see some ponds and other lotion milk glass jars with lids.  Make sure to get one with a lid because it is difficult to find lids that will fit but not impossible. :)

Thank you, I saw those as well. Do you have the all white jars? I am curious!

Grandma Donna wrote,

Rose M, yes, mine are all white milk glass.  The photo of the three lined up are from left to right, ponds cold cream, I do not have a lid for that one, a very old milk glass mentholatum jar and I transfer our vicks from the plastic jar to the vintage milk glass jar. The lid says MENTHOLATUM.  The one on the right is a vintage milk glass French cold cream jar.  Today when I looked on ebay to see if they had some ponds jars and found they did have several, I purchased one with a lid so now I will put some body lotion in the French lotion jar and move the ponds to the new vintage milk glass ponds jar with a lid and continue to keep my bobbie pins in the one with no lid. :)  I like removing the contents from plastic to milk glass. Just feels right.  :)  I have another apothecary milk glass jar I use for tylenol.  It is a narrow taller jar. 

Edit addition.  Also as Charles and I have gone through these years of history studies, the items we have purchased over the years must have a real purpose for us.  We do not want anything that is not usable and that is what makes these old items so special to us.  We use them and touch them as they did in the past. :)

Thank you for the pictures. Yours seem to be in just fine condition! You have given me a few ideas, as usual!

I'm not able to purchase right away, but as silly as this sounds, I went and straightened my medicine cabinet after reading your response to make me feel like I was being a good steward! Taking care of what I do have. It will be a treat when I can get my ponds and new jar soon!!

This is me Grandma Donna jumping in here to comment.  I wanted to mention that I still see the milk glass jars in thrift stores and yard sales as well so consider that an option too. 

Also Rose M: there are plenty of tutorials online about painting jars today’s clear jars white and it looks simple.  Just a jam jar or some nicely shaped jar for basically free once the contents have been used up

That is such a great idea. I save all my jars, so I could look for one that is a little more unique.

Thank you!

Thank you Grandma Donna. I will be on the look out now that I know what they look like. I had no idea about the glass jars before.

Thank you XO

Hi Grandma Donna,

Could you tell us the details of the triple-milled soap you use? Where do you buy it, and how much does it cost? Forgive me if you already did and I just didn't see it.

I'm having trouble finding good quality bar soap for a good price.

For Christmas my sister gave me a set of six good soaps from Colonial Williamsburg. They are luxurious, but expensive.

Grandma Donna wrote,

Elizabeth m_2 Triple milled soap is a hard soap that has been milled to get more air and water out of the soap. Just like any bar soap it needs to be allowed to drain well after use so that it lasts longer.  We are very careful with our triple milled soap and keep it in a soap dish that drains well and it will dry between bathing.  Most often they are more expensive and I am drawn to the French, or Australian triple milled soap.  I cannot tell you an inexpensive brand because they do cost more than regular castile or regular synthetic soap.  

For hand soap at the sink to wash hands we normally use a castile soap such as Kirks castile soap or sometimes a traditional bar of Ivory soap.  I do try to steer away from synthetic soap.  I also like Grandma's Lye soap, it is good for many things but that is not the question you asked. :)

I love Amish Farms soap. I can’t say what ingredients you like or don’t, so you will have to check it out for yourself. If you buy in bulk it is very inexpensive! I get it from their website. 

Thank you, Grandma Donna and Sandi! I do try to buy Ivory, but it's been out of stock at the store where I shop. I'll keep your suggestions in mind. I'd rather pay more for a good product that isn't watered down.

My calico was Ginger.  She was so sweet and loving.  She didn't really meow.  She made a quiet chirping sound.   I loved the pictured kitty.  Great coloring and exactly where a cat would choose to be...right in the middle of everything!!!