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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Some Finished Cards

I know....where is the soap?? Well it will return soon. ;)

In the meantime here are a few of my finished owl cards...I just love them!!!!





This one is actually a goof up....the green Merry Christmas is cleverly hiding it, hehe



This cute lil guy was a little too plain so I "blinged" him up.







These ones I did different with my swirled tree stamp...the one on the left is stamped in green, the one on the right is my "fancy" version where I embossed it.
A lot of work for something that may go in the garbage...but hopefully a few people will get a smile out of them. I have sure had fun making them....now on to Valentines.........
Now back to your regular soaping program. :)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Who tips at the Holidays?

I usually struggle, do I tip or not at the holidays. I would like to tip my garbage man….but how do you leave them a tip? Tape it on the garbage can? Will they find it in the dark? Will someone else take it? Will it get thrown away??

What about the mail carrier, is giving them money legal?

I came across this handy guide of who and how you should tip. It suggests the mail carrier to receive a gift, not money, so that makes sense….but it doesn’t tell me how I should leave something for my garbage man….who I think deserves a tip! Any suggestions there?

Here is the guide I found, hopefully someone can find this useful…

Baby sitter………………… One evening's pay, plus a gift from your child
Barber……………………… Cost of one haircut
Beauty salon staff……… Cost of one salon visit
Day care provider……… A gift from you, or $25 to $70, plus a gift from your child
Dog walker………………… Up to one week's pay or a gift
Doorman……………………$15 to $80 or a gift ($15 each for multiple doormen)
Garage attendants……..$10 to $30 or a small gift
Gardeners…………………$20 to $50 each
Handyman…………………$15 to $40
Housekeeper…………….. Up to one week's pay and/or a small gift
Live-in help……………….. One week to one month's pay, plus a gift from you
Mail carrier………………… Gift worth less than $20; no cash, check or gift cards
Massage therapist…….. Up to the cost of one session or a gift
Nanny or au pair……….. One week's pay, plus a gift from your child
Newspaper deliverer…..$10 to $30 or a small gift
Package deliverer……….. Small gift in the $20 range
Personal trainer………….. Up to the cost of one session or a gift
Pet groomer………………… Up to the cost of one session or a gift
Pool cleaner……………….. The cost of one cleaning, to be split among the crew
Superintendent…………….$20 to $80 or a gift
Teachers…………………….. A small gift or note from you, plus a small gift from your child
Trash collectors……………$10 to $30 each

Friday, December 10, 2010

Making my own Christmas cards

So now of course you know I am hooked on Stampin' up and I also am crazy enough to think I have loads of free time in between working a full time job, building my business and making loads of soaps and lotions....so yeah somewhere in there is enough time to MAKE my own Christmas cards....and well while I am at it sure I can get them out in time to arrive BEFORE Christmas 2010!!

So here is my start...I LOVE owls, so I saw this owl punch and it was love at first sight.
I have been punching owls out while watching TV in the evening....even took some to work to do while on my lunch time....



These are my lil guys in process....punch the brown body, then a colored belly, then the 3 layers of eyes. Then from another punch I punched out bird wings to add to some of my owls...I like them both ways.


I have bunches ready....now time to assemble the cards soon....


Some will need a branch to sit on.....




Monday, December 6, 2010

Who is Stampin' Up?

I AM!!!

My newest obsession....it seems I always need a new one every now and again.

I took a card making class in October with my friend....well thats all that took to hook me!! I missed the November class because I had a show the same night as that months card making session so I missed out on that...but my friend organized this class making Christmas tags.

I almost think they are too cute to use!!! We also made the box to keep them in....









Thursday, December 2, 2010

Where does the time go??

I cannot believe I have been neglecting my blog for so long. I just dont know how people juggle so much. Maybe that should be my 2011 goal...figure out how to juggle everything properly.



Speaking of goals I just today completed my #1 2010 goal. Well the project itself isnt really complete, the process will take a year, but the ball is set in motion and now the waiting game begins. I have trademarked my company name. The name is so near and dear to my heart, that it would just break if I built it up, to lose it because I didnt do this one step. So my end of the process is now complete and it is officially filed....now I wait for approval. :)



I have been busy making fun goodies and selling at local craft shows. My coal soap is the big hit this year....so if you know someone that has been naughty...




We also have some other great soaps that are Christmas themed.


I have managed to accomplish a nice chunk of my Christmas shopping....so far I think I am in good shape. How is your season coming together so far?

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Memorial Wall



I went this week to the memorial wall in Sacramento California for firefighters who died while fighting fire.

We made the trip to see my fathers name, who died while fighting fire in his helicopter on July 23, 2007.


My Father Dennis Luster Davis...




Our escort Jerry.

We did a pencil etching of his name...





The memorial is in the park located at the capital building. It is a beautiful park and a beautiful memorial. We are very glad to have made the trip, to help put closure to our story.

I was sad to see the amount of space left, in anticipation of adding more names on there, because then other family members will be losing their loved ones, but it is a very lovely tribute!


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I voted....

…but it sure wasn’t easy. For some odd reason my husband and I have never voted at the same place. Don’t know why…we just show up where told and have just always done this.

This year we go to The Hubs usual voting spot, and they told him no, he doesn’t vote there and gave him a different address. So on the way to that address is my usual voting place…no signs of voting going on there…maybe we for once get to vote at the same place. No.

So at this new place The Hubs gets to vote. I am given a different address of where to go vote…nothing going on at that church they sent me to…so we just drove around and found a church with “vote here” signs outside…Eureka…I vote here.

I have to admit by this point I was pretty irritated, so I was glad we had made a list of how we were voting, because I wasn’t in the mood to read all the props….so my prepared list of how to vote came in very handy!!

So there you have it…I voted…did you?

Monday, November 1, 2010

SFC Wyatt


Our son has been promoted to E-7 SFC…Sergeant First Class.

He has served 14 years in the US Army, going in straight out of high school. He has been deployed to Iraq twice and over the years has received a bronze star and a purple heart.

He is very humble in regards to his military career, but his family is extremely proud of him and his accomplishments!!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

I Love My Computer....



This card I found over at Wickedly Wonderful Creations Blog says it all. How true this is!!

I have decided to take on the challenge of making my own Christmas Cards this year using Stampin' Up products, so of course I am reading all the blogs I can on cards, and today I saw this one and thought what a sweet card!
I am creating great friendships here...and have never met most of them. Arent computers fabulous!! I LOVE my computer...and all my new friends!! :)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Cake Pops

If you have not heard of cake pops...well then you have been living under the same rock as I have.
I always tend to run behind on trends, and I guess these were all the rage a couple years ago, ala Bakerella, who has a fabulous website.

I wanted to make some treats for my booth mates...(only a couple took some...hmm wonder if I will bake for them again!) :(

But my family and I sure enjoyed the left overs! I think my grandson ate the majority, they were just wonderful!! They are quite messy to make in the begining part, and I honestly think I will forgo the popsicle sticks next time. But it was a fun treat! I will be making more later this month for my co-workers....they at least enjoy my treats.

You start by baking your cake. Nothing fancy as you will be smushing it up to mix with a jar of premade frosting. Then you roll into balls...the messy part! We used Red Velvet cake and cream cheese frosting.





Then you put lollipop sticks in them...but I think I will skip this part next time and just make cake balls rather than cake pops.



Then you freeze for a couple hours, dip into chocolate to coat....and decorate as you wish! We used the candy melts to dip in, but I think next time I will melt chocolate chips down.




These are seriously yummy...and you cant eat just one!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Fun Fun Fairs!

This was a big weekend for us...for the first time we did 2 shows on the same weekend! I did one in Camp Verde, and The Hubs wanted to do one in another town over. How to do this...hmmmm....

Thank goodness for Friday night set ups. So we drove and unloaded me and got the tent up, then while I set up The Hubs went and set his location up.

We both worked our shows and thankfully stayed busy, but mine ended early and The Hubs was going strong...and he had the trailer.

So Baby Girl helped me tear down and somehow got us all packed up in my lil Escape. There was NO ROOM left. We were PACKED!!

I rode with a display rack on my lap, but it's all good.



It was better than waiting 3 hours for The Hubs. Only bad part was that I couldnt reach my purse to get money to buy us a much wanted Starbucks treat on the way home, good thing the cooler with water was between the seats. :)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Internet Issues

Booo, having net issues here...it is up then down....more down than up. Now we just had a bad storm and dont even have phone. No repair person until tomorrow....soooo....no blogging until I can get up fully.

I made a fun cake recipes and have pics...on my computer...so when I am back up I will get that posted.

Hope everyone is doing well, and I will get caught up on reading my fellow bloggers soon.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Pumpkin Spice Soap



Who doesn't love a slice of pumpkin pie?! Well our version of pumpkin spice will not taste very good...but boy it sure does smell delicious!! This scent is a blend of Pumpkin, White Spices, and Maple Syrup AND the soap is made with real pumpkin puree.

This scent is perfect for fall, and also makes a great gift for friends, family, teachers and/or co-workers.

You can purchase the soap here, and the matching lotion is soon to follow.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Playing Around This Weekend

I tried a new method this weekend. Normally I use the cold process method for soaps...this weekend I tried hot process...and I think I am in Love!! lol

I have been so intimidated by the method, but it was so easy compared to what I was thinking. I do think that previous experience with liquid soap helped in making the process easier.

The best thing about doing hot process over cold process, is that it has already completed the saponification process, and can be used as soon as it has cooled down, rather than the 3 week plus wait I usually do with my cold process soaps.

So over the weekend I made Rosemary Mint, and tried out a red mica coloring I have been wanting to try, scenting it with Peppermint Stick. MMMM minty fresh in our house this weekend!!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Working the Booth Today

Normally my weekends are spent at home making product while The Hubs works our booth selling our goodies. This weekend though The Hubs wanted to do a local show, which means I get to work the booth.

Sometimes I have a hard time talking about myself and selling my product, I really prefer to be the faceless nameless person lurking amongst the background.

So while here I have internet to blog and facebook and check my etsy shop....guess I cant beat that. :)

So here are some pictures of our little booth...

The Bath and Body side...




The Bedding Side...

Friday, September 24, 2010

New Fall Soaps

I am a little behind on getting my Fall soaps made and listed, but here is the first one ready.

Cocoa Mocha Soap



I got the idea from one of my favorite blogs, The Queen of Soap. Of course hers came out way better, but I think I made a very decent first attempt.

Some of my marshmallows did melt during the gel phase...oops didnt think about that part. So when I make another batch I think I will forgo the gel phase.



So come on over and enjoy a soapy version of a nice cup of creamy milk, cardamom, cocoa and a touch of nutmeg topped off with some soapy marshmallows!!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

My Shows are Back!

:)

I will admit it....I LOVE TV! I love a very long list of TV shows. The new season has started, so my shows are back...along with some new ones.

I really do not need to add a new show to my long list, but there was nothing on the other night, and I made the mistake of watching "The Event". Ah shucks, how is it I can get suckered in so fast....now I must watch next week to see what is going on.

Housewives of DC....still not sure about them...in fact I find them a bit boring, but the Atlanta wives are starting soon...I do like them.

Project Runway....really like this show and I am amazed at the creativity and talent. To whip up an outfit, without a pattern, in a day or two? Awesome talent!

Top Model....why o why do I love this show?? Seriously I feel I must see every episode of every season, lol.

AND TONIGHT........GREY'S ANATOMY! This show is my love. Starting back up tonight...so here I close to go watch it.

What is you favorite show?

Monday, September 20, 2010

Snake loose in the house....

....and it is NOT a pet!!!


On Friday my daughter and niece found a snake in the house…Yes I said a snake…INSIDE…our…house!

It was just a lil pencil sized one…probably a king snake, but it was a snake, that did not belong indoors!

The girls got it cornered in the bathroom, and then THEY…not one…THEY BOTH went to get a cup to put it in to release back outside. When they went back to the bathroom…yes you guessed it, the snake has now disappeared INSIDE…our…house!

When I got home after work I did an initial search, knowing I was not going to spot this tiny guy unless he wanted me to. I did my best to not panic knowing it was harmless, and finding a tad bit of comfort knowing I have 3 cats that more than likely would see it as a fun new toy.

I let one of the cats sleep in the room with us that first night….just in case it surfaced I knew she would be on it. He finally surfaced in the living room on Sunday. I was seriously elbow deep in the middle of making soap (coconut milk soap) and we were getting it in the mold, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Miss Lily, our oldest and slowest kitty, and the lil pup Billy intently looking at something together in the living room, then Lily was pawing something….I knew instantly what was going on and I yelled LILY HAS IT - LILY HAS IT - LILY HAS IT, so The Hubs went to corral it while I finished getting my gloves off as quick as I could, and find him a bowl to catch it and get it outside where it belongs!

I wanted to run and grab the camera, but The Hubs thought that was absurd and that I should just help him and get the door open so he can get it out, lol.

I am sure you would much rather a picture of the soap I was working than the snake anyway….so here it is.

It is made with coconut milk and scented with coconut lemongrass.




Sunday, September 19, 2010

Essential Oil Disaster

I am not sure why there are things that I know....I KNOW I know these things....so why is it that the information comes flooding back at the moment of disaster??!!

I know you do not put essential oils in plastic, but I remember I know this when this morning my last nights carefully measured out EO blend for todays soap.... is flooding out of my new plastic measuring cup.

*SIGH*






The severed bottom....


And why am I more sad at the loss of my newly aquired $ measure cup than the loss of my $$$ essential oils? lol

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Silly Kitties

My cats have what a refer to as a box fetish. I suppose most cats do, but mine like to love on them, nibble on them, and of course sleep in them. We have the cat condo, but they prefer the boxes, so I had made redneck cat condo, which they loved but The Hubs eventually threw away. So now this week we got a couple orders of supplies in and the boxes were stacked to take to the recycle bin...well here is Simon on the condo...





Just where is Charlie....ahhh....IN the box of course.



Friday, September 10, 2010

The Eleventh Of September


We mourn their loss this day this year
Those now with God, no danger near

So many loved ones left do stand
Confronting loss throughout our land

My heart goes out to those who do
No one can fathom what they view

I firmly pray for peace of mind
Dear God please help each one to find

And to our soldiers now at war
God guide above, at sea, on shore

They are the best, I have no doubt
Our country’s pride, complete, devout

The finest force you’ll ever see
All freedom grown through liberty

One final thought comes clear to me
For what must live in infamy

Absolutely - We’ll Remember
The Eleventh - Of September

©2002 Roger J. Robicheau

Last Weeks Craft Fair

We had a great time up in Pine, AZ at our last craft show. It was way hotter than we expected it to be, but still had a great weekend.

Our top seller was our soap. Pine residents really seem to love handmade soap, and we sold out of a few scents. Here is our soap display before they started flying off the shelves.....






Here is our lotion display. We did sell a fair amount of lotion, but no where near the amount of soap.




Lil Pup went along for set up, can you tell how much he hates his harness, lol.



Look at the gorgeous flowers lining the road along the way to Pine.









Thursday, September 9, 2010

Hello Again

Sorry I have been MIA....crazy busy, and well I guess something has to give in those situations.

We had shows the last 2 weekends and one this weekend, so trying to keep stocked up.

We made 4 logs of soap the other night....which I almost ruined when I turned the oven on to preheat for my chicken....totally forgetting my soap was in the oven. Thankfully they were pulled out fast.

Last night we made 4 more logs, 2 of Lavender and 2 of Satsuma Guava. I am so behind I havent yet made my Fall soaps....so I need to get crackin' on them. I have planned a pumpkin scent and an apple scent. At the same time I am planning my winter scents. Any favorites?

I will try to get pictures tonight of the soaps I made for this weekends show....route 66 soaps. They were fun to make so now I have a whole slew of new possibilities running in my head.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

My Baby is 22!!

22 Years old...crazy to think my baby is so grown up!! Here she is last night on the way to her softball game (she is on the left, my niece is on the right)....





and here is The Hubs and I Sunday night at her birthday dinner....




Happy Birthday to Ashley!!!!!!!