Tuesday, October 27, 2009

BooBees Display

I know it could use some improvements, but I like my BooBees display. This was from the TCA show I did this weekend. It was not a huge success, but I made several good contacts and sold some of my products, so it was not a waste of time.

I'm looking for some different material to make a table cloth out of and I think I found what I want, I just have to get it. But, I have other things I need to buy first. I have to say getting started is hard, I always need something else right after I place an order.

Any other suggestions or ideas for my BooBees products. Keep in mind, this is just one little mini table, I have another table with the rest of my products on it. I would love suggestions for that too!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Paradise Fizzing Tub Treats

I like taking a bath with oils in it. You just step out feeling good. Your skin is soft, you are relaxed, and you smell better too. I also really like fizzing bath bombs. I have not yet created any, they are on my list, but it just hasn't happened. So, I decided to make some treats for my bath that are fizzy and have oils in them. These smell so good and my skin feels amazing after my bath.

I used unrefined coconut oil to give them a nice tropical island scent and some mango butter so they didn't melt too easily. I then added baking soda and citric acid for some fizzy fun. I also added some honey powder and milk powder because we all deserve it. When I think of paradise I think of salt, so a little sea salt went in. My final touch was lime essential oil and a splash of spearmint. I did all my measurements with a tablespoon. I used 4 tbsp of each oil and a total 12 tbsp of dry ingredients. Its up to you for what you want in it. You can also add a tbsp or 2 of natrasorb.

Melt your oils together, mix with dry ingredients. It should be a thick paste. I used flexible silicone molds in the shape of fish and shells, then I popped them in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Remove, unmold and allow to sit out before putting in a container to avoid condensation.

I love these, they are so much fun! I think I might even take them to my next show to see how others respond!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Pumpkin Face Mask

I used the recipe I posted on making pumpkin puree and used some of it for a pumpkin face mask. Most went into pumpkin bread, but I saved a bit for some pampering. I loved it and pumpkin is so good for your skin. It contains vitamins A, C, and E, plus its rich in zinc, potassium, and alpha-hydroxy acids!

You need:
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
1 tbsp heavy cream
1 tbsp colloidal oatmeal
1/2 tbsp kaolin clay

You can adjust the oatmeal or cream depending on the consistency you like.

Smooth on clean, dry skin and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse well and follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Aha Moment

I received this comment and was asked to spread the word. I'm happy to do whatever is needed to help educate all women about the importance of regular exams.

On the subject of breast cancer awareness and, specifically, feeling your boobies, I'd love you to check out this 30 sec video -- http://www.ahamoment.com/vote/leigh -- about the "aha moment" of the woman who started the Feel Your Boobies t-shirt company. If you like it, vote for it with a simple click, as the top vote-getters in this final round of the contest will be used as aha moment TV commercials next year. And more exposure and awareness would be a good thing.

Last thing -- voting ends Oct 31.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Vista Grand Show

I had an awesome show on Saturday!!! Some people were complaining that it was slow and maybe the sales weren't super high, but I got to really talk up my products and chat with the amazing crafters around me. Plus, I traded some Honu products for a little glass turtle pendant. I'm going to make a black hemp chain for it. But, what I'm most excited about...I booked my first home show. We are going to do a Pedi-Cure party! I'm so very happy to have another portion of my business getting started.

My BooBees soap and lip balms were a hit! I had so many compliments on how good the soap smelled and how great it is that I'm doing something like that. All I have to say is that we all know someone that has been affected by breast cancer and we all have the power to do something. I did not end up putting up my Feel Your Boobies sign, it was at a church after all.

There were so many great crafters and I got the chance to talk to lots of them. I think next time I will take my camera to take pictures and put them up here. I have to tell you, there was some great stuff. There was also a very nice older gentleman who was giving away little wooden crosses and things like that for FREE. He said he just wanted to share the Lord with everyone that was interested. How wonderful is that!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Remember Bonfire

Help raise money for the Bonfire Memorial Scholarship Fund. Visit http://www.rememberbonfire.org/



Remember Bonfire

I am an Aggie. I'm proud to be an Aggie and I already know all the jokes. I love Aggieland. There is something about that campus that is simply beautiful. It will always be in my heart. Maybe it was going to Silver Taps to honor students that had died. Maybe it was Muster that honored all Aggies that die during the year. I spent 4 years in the Corps of Cadets, so maybe it was the oldest and best tradition. I will tell you that few people ever love their school as much as Aggies love Texas A&M. There are truly no strangers amongst Aggies.

On November 18, 1999 tragedy struck my beloved school. Bonfire fell during the early morning hours of push, which is round the clock stack (building) and it took 12 of my fellow Aggies with it. You cannot imagine the atmosphere of the ENTIRE campus that day. I do not believe that any other school could have pulled together the way we did. The support and love shown was beyond amazing and it made me that much more proud to call myself an Aggie.

This year is the 10th anniversary of that tragedy and across the world Aggies will remember what happened to their Aggie family. Please take a moment to remember those we lost.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

No More Being TENSE!!!

Yesterday I looked at my bank account and YIKES!!! I had $20 in there. I knew this month was going to be tight because I don't get my first paycheck yet and all my business income is going towards show fees, supplies, and sales taxes are due. But, WOW talk about a time to panic. I thought one bill had already cleared and it hadn't, so my math was off. I really did go in to total panic mode: WE NEED FOOD, WE NEED GAS, THE DOG NEEDS FOOD, WHAT IF I FORGOT TO WRITE SOMETHING ELSE DOWN, AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Time to FL!P my thinking: I breathe.

Ok, so now I've taken a few (hundred) deep breaths. I'm calmer. I can look at this rationally and be positive, we can eat the dog. Problem solved. Haha, just kidding, she's old and probably stringy. The dog doesn't need food yet, so I can buy that after payday. We have enough gas to wait until payday. We did have to go get food, but we only spent $20 on the credit card and that will last us through payday.

I did panic and I was very tense about the whole situation. While I am glad payday is only a few days away, it really didn't do any good to worry. Worrying won't solve my problems, but it will keep me from enjoying today and the time I have with the people I treasure.

Can you relate? Let me know, I'm always looking for comments!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Pumpkin Spice Soap

Here they are!!!
The picture kinda washes them out, they are more orange than that. Please forgive my paper box background. My table is being used in preparation of my upcoming craft shows.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

National Feel Your Booies Week


Oct 9-16th, 2009-Share with a friend, you might save their life!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

☥Vamptastic Halloween Scent Event!☾-Blue Moon Candles

I have to post this because it is just too cool! Blue Moon Candles has some new Halloween fragrances which sound amazing, but its the packaging that really gets me. I just can't get tell you how creative I think it is. I know plenty of people do caskets for Halloween, but I've honestly never seen it used for packaging like this.

Check it at: http://bluemooncandles.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/%E2%98%A5vamptastic-halloween-scent-event%E2%98%BE/

They are having a contest too, if you are interested. I am completely interested, so good luck to me!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Fountain Fort Carson HS Craft Show

When: Oct 31st; 9am to 4 pm

Where: Fountain Fort Carson High School; 900 Jimmy Camp Road, 80817

Come out and get some Halloween treats for yourself before taking the kiddos out for theirs.

Vista Grande Show

When: Oct 17th; 8am to 3 pm

Where Vista Grande Baptist Church; 5680 Stetson Hills Blvd, 80917

Come out and join me for my first craft show of the holiday season!

Pumpkin Puree

Source: http://www.gingerbreadsnowflakes.com/node/99

I use pumpkin in soap and skin care, but I would love to be able to make my own pumpkin instead of buying the cans! I going to go to pumpkin patch this weekend (provided it isn't snowing).

It is pumpkin harvest time! Meet my pumpkin harvest! My one and only pumpkin! The perfect size for a pumpkin pie!

Pumpkin pie is the EASIEST pie to make! Simply whisk together a few ingredients with pumpkin puree, pour into a pie shell and bake! ANYONE, armed with a whisk, bowl, and a pie plate (with home made or ready-made pie crust) can make a pumpkin pie!

I have even included my recipe for Diane's favorite pie at the bottom of the post so you will have no excuse to avoid making one! (Unless, of course - GASP!@*#%??!! - you don't like pumpkin pie!

But first I want to show you how easy it is to make your own pumpkin puree!

You can use canned pumpkin puree, but why not pick up a lovely little sugar pumpkin while you are at the farm this month picking out the perfect candidate for your jack-o-lantern! Believe it or not, canned pumpkin puree is usually not made from pumpkins but rather other squash family members more suited to commercial canning.

So, if you are feeling adventurous, try roasting your own pumpkin for pie! If not - there are millions of cans of puree on the shelves right now!

To Roast your pumpkin:

1. Select a SUGAR PUMPKIN about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Do NOT try to roast your jack-o-lantern! The pulp is way too watery for a pie.

2. Cut pumpkin in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. (Use the seeds for snacks or for stringing necklaces.)

3. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with foil and spray the surface with Pam.

4. Place the pumpkin halves, cut side down, on the cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for approximately one hour.

5. Using a couple spatulas, turn the squash over and let cool on the cookie sheet until cool enough to handle.

6. Scoop the flesh out of the shell into a food processor.

7. Process until the mixture is totally smooth.

Like this!

8. If your processor has a large enough capacity, you can finish mixing your filling right in the processor bowl. If not, transfer the processed pumpkin to the mixing bowl as instructed below in the recipe.

9. Pureed pumpkin can be used in muffins, pancakes and soups. I usually bake several sugar pumpkins at a time and freeze in one cup containers for use throughout the winter.

Recipe for Diane's Favorite Pumpkin Pie

This recipe has been adapted from the pumpkin pie recipe which appeared on the back of Libby's pumpkin puree when she was a very little girl!

I have tried many versions since - with bourbon, with chocolate, with cream cheese -but always return to the delight of a simple, straight forward, old fashioned pumpkin pie!

Whisk the ingredients together in a large bowl in the order they are listed
.

2 eggs, whisked until beaten together but not foamy

2 cups pumpkin puree. ( Use one 15 oz. can pumpkin puree if you prefer.)

1/4 cup dark brown sugar*

1/2 cup granulated sugar*

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 2/3 cup evaporated milk or half and half **

Pour into a 9" unbaked pastry shell. ***

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes and reduce temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for about 45 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool to room temperature before diving in!

Get Some Sun

It is starting to get colder here in Colorado and I think we are supposed to get snow some time this week. I love Colorado because I love the mild summers and the mild winters. I get to play in snow one day and the next its all gone and sunny! Winter makes it harder to get outside and get some sun, but it is still important for us to get our daily intake of fresh, all natural, sunshine!

Sunshine is good for us, it helps you produce vitamin D which aids in calcium absorption. It also elevates our mood and can be effective against eczema! Just remember to limit your exposure to 10-15 minutes in the early morning or late evening when the sun's rays are less intense. At all other time (and if you'll be out longer) remember to where a good sunscreen the guards against UVA and UVB rays. Excess exposure can lead to skin cancer and wrinkles, so protection is key!