Made Fresh and Ready To Go 5/14

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CFAM 7/21

As a reminder, I will be at The Margarita @ Pine Creek tomorrow for the Colorado Farm and Art Market from 9-1. In case you didn't know, everything at the market is produced or grown by the vendors! That is huge. We are not a resell market, so everything you get is local.

I will have these new items:

• Detoxifying Mud Masque
• Tropical Enzyme Masque
• Fizzing Tub Treats in Ambrosia and Serenity
• Soap Balls in Celebration 

I have a few soaps that are ready to go, but I'm redoing my packaging for my soaps and my supplies didn't make it in yet.

This week's special:
Get any three 2oz lotions for just $9.50! 
You can mix and match any 3 scents. These are perfect for travel, gifts, or anyone that just can't decide which one to get :)

I can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Soap Donation

I wanted to let everyone know that I am currently running a little low on soap. I packed up a box yesterday and took it to Care and Share and donated it for the evacuees of the Waldo Canyon Fire. They are still in need of food and other personal care items, if you are able to help out in any way.

I have quite a few batches on the curing racks and I am making more soap, but I am completely out of some soaps. Please be understanding and patient with me while I get my soap store built back up. I promise, I'll be working hard.

Please keep all of the evacuees and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Updoing My Booth

This will be my 3rd market season! I'm excited to be doing it again because I don't do enough business to have an actual store, but I love meeting customers. I have a few that make sure they find out when I'm going to the market, so they can find me! I love that I actually get to meet them and see them.

The first year, I decided to do the market at the last minute and I shared it with a friend. So, we didn't put a lot of thought into the display (check it out here). Last year, was insane with my little guy that wasn't quite 1 year! I had some ideas, but it was more of a mish mash and my display was a little sad. Not this year! I have been planning, scheming, and designed to come up with a display that all ties together. I wanted to share my progress today and then tomorrow, I will show you the finished booth.

Since this word honu is Hawaiian, I decided to design my booth with an island feel to it. My next decision was to use white and ocean blue for my set-up. My tablecloths have always been white twin size sheets. I keep thinking about getting actual tablecloths, but the sheets work so well and are easily replaced. I found a fabric dye that I fell in love with, it is Dylon's Bahama Blue. I mean the name says it all! So, my tablecloths will now be Bahama blue, not white.

It is actually much more tropical!

Next, we to decide what to do with my fabulous shelves. One set was a shutter door that we cut in half and made into shelves and the other is a foldable set I found at a thrift store. The shutters were already white, but the shelf part was a blue that ended up being too dark. I found a tropical blue paint that I loved, but I didn't want it to be overwhelming. So, we decided to paint the shelves blue and then white; then we are going to scuff them up so a little blue shows through. The scuffing may not happen by tomorrow, but they are painted and looking lovely!

Everything out for painting! Love my shelves :)

The sun is a little strong, but I love this blue!

I also decided I needed better signs than I've used in the past. The plastic holders just wasn't cutting it. My inspiration was actually a little plaque in Hayden's room. It is a simple small piece of wood with a wooden dowel to hold it upright. So, we used some scrap wood in the garage, cut it up, sanded it, and now it is painted. I will write my signage on the wood in paint pens! I also decided to make a "Specials" board. I bought a from at Michael's, along with a pre-cut piece of plywood; the plywood is now chalkboard black and the frame is tropical blue! It will look so cute. I think I'm going to use ribbon to tie the board to my tent, but I'm not positive yet.

My first time using chalkboard paint!

I still have to write out all of my signs, but the major part is all done! Stay tuned for my big reveal...

Colorado Farm and Art Market Dates-2012 (Corrected)

Another summer has begun and it is time for those farmer's markets. I am doing CFAM again, but this year I will be doing the Wednesday and Saturday markets part-time.

Saturday markets are at the Margarita @ Pine Creek from 9-1. The Wednesday markets are at the Fine Arts Center from 3-7.

I am only doing a few Wednesday markets because school starts in August. The dates are:

• 6/20
• 7/4 (I'm not sure if the market will be open because of the holiday)
• 7/18
• 8/1
• 8/15

I will be at every other Saturday market. The (correct) dates are:

• 6/23
• 7/7
• 7/21
• 8/4
• 8/18
• 9/1
• 9/15
• 9/29
• 10/13

I'm looking forward to another great season! I can't wait to see some of you again...

Sad Craft Show

I went to a craft show yesterday that was just awful. The turn out was terrible, from 12:30 to 1:30 there was nobody but vendors in the place. Plus, the a/c was on, so we were really cold. I mean sweaters and shivering cold. They also did not have any concessions, which is usually a good fundraiser, and the drink machines were out of service. Overall, I have to say one of the worst shows I've done.

I think the organizers had a good idea. They had an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast that included pictures with Santa, and this was REALLY well attended, nobody was shopping and some didn't even know there was a craft fair too. They also organized a small concert by one of the middle schools. So, they had activities to draw people, but these were aimed at parents, not craft fair shoppers.

I was also disappointed by the lack of organization. I never received a confirmation that I was in, so I had to call the lady about set up times. When I arrived, the organizer had gotten me confused with someone else and given my booth to someone else. There were some other problems and it just didn't go well.

It was lesson learned for me. If they don't even have a method to communicate with you, such as an application, don't do the show. All she had was my name, no phone number and no email. I hope they learned a few things, but we were not asked for feedback, so I doubt it.

There were a few vendors that this was their very first show and I truly hope that they do not decide not to do any more shows. Many are well organized, widely advertised, and well attended. Hopefully, next weekend will be a more enjoyable experience.

America the Beautiful Park

Join us today for the Colorado Farm and Art Market at America the Beautiful Park from 3-7. It is going to be hot out, but you can beat the heat in the Julie Penrose fountain!

Farmer's Market Display

I'm having a good time doing the markets, I am meeting some other wonderful vendors, and I'm getting my products out to the public. I've already had one person come back from last week to get something new! It is always nice when you get repeat customers like that. I even had a lady stop this weekend because she remembered me from a show in December and she wanted to let me know how much she likes my stuff.

I have a pretty good display, but I need to spruce it up. Right now it is simple, but it doesn't pop or really stand out the way I'd like. So, here is a picture:

 Does anyone how any suggestions? My stuff is on the right because I'm sharing a booth with a friend of mine that knits. I know it isn't a close up, but I'm looking for suggestions to draw people in from this distance. What would make you want to come into this booth? I have soaps, lotions, lip balms, and some foot products to display and I'll be adding some baby care products this weekend. Suggestions from a consumer point of view would be wonderful!

Music For Life Festival-Lupus Fundraiser

Saturday, June 19th from 12-8 at America the Beautiful Park. There will be some great vendors and great music, so come out and join us for a good cause.

The weather is supposed to be gorgeous, so don't miss a great event!

Click for more information.

America the Beautiful Park

This Saturday (June 19th) I will be at America the Beautiful Park here is lovely Colorado Springs for the Music For Life-Lupus Fundraiser. We will be there from noon to 8 pm, so this is perfect for those that like to sleep late on Saturdays.

Come on out and enjoy some wonderful vendors, great entertainment, and what is supposed to be some lovely weather. Stop by our booth to enjoy the fresh, clean scent of handcrafted soaps!

 What? MUSIC FOR LIFE: A TRIBUTE TO CHARLENE STOVALL

 Where? AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PARK: 126 CIMINO DRIVE, C. SPRINGS, CO 80904

 When? SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH, 2010

Photo courtesy of Marilyn Jardon.

Can't Control the Weather!

Well, the weather channel did say yesterday was supposed to be rainy, but we really hoped it wouldn't be too bad. As I was packing the car, the sun came out and it looked like it would be a beautiful day. A little after noon, it started to rain lightly. It didn't bother us because I bought a tent (which excites me more than it should really). The rain went away and the sun came back out, but we were hearing thunder and watching some pretty serious clouds move across the sky.

Not only did those ominous clouds bring more rain, but they brought hail too! We quickly packed up soaps and stayed huddled under the tent. When the hail stopped, the sky cleared and the day became beautiful, but we decided to pack up anyway. The ground beneath us had become a lake and my table cloths were wet :( Plus, we didn't want to leave all of our boxes and such on the ground.

So, it wasn't a great show, but we learned some very important lessons. Always take the tent, put the sides on the tent (which we didn't) and roll them up for quick protection, and a tarp for ground cover would be very helpful. See, now we know and can be more prepared for the next time the Colorado weather goes crazy.

Does anyone else have any tips they would like to share to help us prepare for our next outdoor show? They are always appreciated!

Craft Fair, May 15th

When: Saturday, May 15th; 10-4pm

Where: Widefield Community Center; 405 Aspen Dr

I will be there with my handcrafted soaps, lotions, and my very special Pedi-Cure Foot Set! There will also be jewelry, candles, and lots of other goodies. Some come out and get some great gifts or something fun for yourself.

First Friday Sale!!!

Today is Parent/Teacher conferences at school, which means I'm at school until 8:30 tonight. However, to make up for that, we are only here until 11 tomorrow for conferences. So, I really won't get much done tonight and it won't be a whole lot of fun. BUT....tomorrow is First Friday.

So, tomorrow (Feb 5, 2010) I will be at a vendor event at 14525 Sterling Rd, Colorado Springs, 80921 from 3-6pm. There will be several vendors available! So, if you need to do some Valentine's Day shopping or if you just want a little something for yourself, come out and join us.

Stratton Elementary Show

Friday December 4th 6-8 pm
Saturday December 5th 9-4pm

2460 Paseo Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Come out and join me for my last show of the holiday season.

Liberty High School Craft Show

This Saturday, I'll be at Liberty HS for another show. I'm excited! I'll be having a Soap Sale! All of my older batches will be on sale for $1.50/bar. They are still feel wonderful, but I don't like the way they are cut, so I'm clearing them out.

Hope to see you there!

Unprofessional?

This past weekend I participated in a Toy Drive Fundraiser to benefit Christmas Unlimited and I had a great time. I met some awesome ladies and I had a good time promoting my product. I was also located across the aisle diagonally to the Lemongrass Spa lady. This did not bother me at all, we both have different products. The products are similar, but there are different scents and I could really go on, but I won't.

I had a lady stop at my table to smell my soaps (which are sooo good) and she asked what the difference between my products and the Lemongrass products is. My response was this: "My products are handcrafted by me, which gives me the freedom to make what I want, when I want. I also get to experiment and if I come up with a great idea, I can start selling it right away; where a larger company like Lemongrass would take more time getting it produced and out to the public. Other than that, our products are similar, we have a similar idea, and a similar committment to give our customers great products. We do offer different scents and different choices in products, so between the two of us, you are sure to find what you want."

The woman looked a little taken aback at my answer. I don't know if she was expecting me to bash Lemongrass or what, but I'm sure that my response was not what was expected. I think I handled the question well and honestly. I can truly say that Lemongrass produces some wonderful products and while I'll admit I'm biased and think my stuff is better; I did not mind being near the other woman at the show. I think it was great that we were both able to have a variety of products there and that variety helped to serve a greater number of people.

Has anyone else ever been put in a situation like that? I mean, was the woman honestly looking for an answer or was trying to see if I would behave unprofessionally? Maybe I just haven't been doing enough shows and that question is quite common, I just don't know.

Don't Forget One Stop Shop TODAY!

The Multi-Purpose Bldg
1025 Ford St, 80915
10am - 4pm

Bring a new toy or a cash donation to benefit Christmas Unlimited.

One Stop Shop Toy Drive

I am in a toy drive fundraiser this weekend to benefit Christmas Unlimited here in Colorado Springs. Christmas Unlimited provides toys and other Christmas goodies to needy families in the area and they are expecting to need more toys than last year! Please come out and support this awesome event. 30 vendors will be available for you to do your Christmas shopping and everyone has donated gift certificates. That's over $600 in certificates and all we ask is that you bring a new, unwrapped toy.

When: Sat, Nov 7th from 10-4

Where: The Multipurpose Bldg @ 1025 Ford St 80915 (east of Powers of Galley & Ford)

Why: Help provide Christmas to underprivileged families

Website is UP!!!

I know I've been saying its coming, but my website is finally up. We had a few minor glitches and photos to get done, but it is up and running. I'm so excited and I think it looks AWESOME! We are still working out some of the kinks and links, but go check it out and let me know what you think.
www.honunaturals.com and if you happen to notice any issues, please let me know.

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!