uhm... I don't know of any extractions that use everclear... I would be wary of something from an unknown source. Mimosa may not be sold on ebay anymore but there are still sources that sell it, which you should be able to find in our suppliers section. I would always go for a self-extracted product if I had the option.

Lye is fine to use. Just wear gloves and goggles. Lye is really only NaOH, and aside from it's causticity there's nothing to worry about it, as long as you have pure lye.

With pickling lime you have the solubility problem - it really doesn't dissolve very well in water and thus it's harder to get the ph right, afaik.

I like lye, it gets the job done.

Well, I wouldn't put too much into some synchronous events happening...

I wish you the best if you decide to try what you have, but as I said above I would go for my own extract, or one from a trusted source over something that you don't know about, any day, even if it meant waiting a week longer.

much love

Enoon