Aw thank you
I believe they will be good for 6 months or so (more due to shrinkage as the moisture of the soap evaporates over a long time) but as this is my first year I dont' know for 100% however, I will be making batches all the time so will have some xmas ones ready.
I need about a month's notice ideally as they need to 'cure' so they are as mild as possible
that said, I will make in bulk as have been asked to sell at school xmas fair so hopefully will have plenty.
Milk wise - i am freezing loads!! I have to use slushy icy milk so the lye doestn' burn it and turn the soap brown so frozen is the way to go. we still have soooo much milk everyday, the chickens and cats love it luckily!