Lesson of the Day: Get a Babysitter!

I remember when I first found out I was pregnant, I thought about being a stay at home mom and running my business at the same time. Financially, that didn't work out. However, it would not have worked out anyway. I have found out that of his schedule or any rhythm we may have, I could not run a full-time business and watch him at the same time. I could probably run a part-time, craft show only business, but nothing more. I can't even get the kitchen cleaned before he is into something or wanting my attention.

Hayden has been sick, so I've stayed home with him. I have piles of papers to grade and a long list of stuff to make for the rest of my shows. But, it doesn't get done when I stay home. He does take a really good nap, once a day. So, I get about 2 to 2 1/2 hours of solid, uninterrupted work time. Which, would be good for a small project, but not full-time work. I barely made it through one class' journals before he woke up today. I had to wait until bedtime before I could start on the rest of my work.

Here is a (very) short list of things that I do myself to run my business:

1. Make every product I offer.
2. Order supplies and track inventory.
3. Balance accounts, make deposits, and pay my sales tax.
4. Package and ship orders.
5. Clean.
6. Invoices.
7. Packaging.
8. Marketing.
9. Photography.
10. Customer service.
11. I'm done listing, but it goes on.

I can't get all that done and take care of my child at the same time. One of those must be neglected. Right now, my business is small enough that I can handle all of that (sort of ) in the limited amount of time that I have. However, when the time comes (hopefully) for me to quit my job and make my business my full-time job; I will not be able to do both. I will have to have someone else to watch him during the work day. That really is a simple fact. Of course, if he is in school by the time I'm ready, that is another story.

On a side note, I know how lucky I am to have an employer that offers low-cost daycare. I hope that someday, if I have employees, I can pay that forward.

What do you think? How do you balance your job and your family?

Hayden's First Birthday....Two Months Ago :)

Look at that cute little face! One of the ladies from daycare made him his bib, it was so sweet! This is his very first cupcake ever! He didn't quite know what to make of it. But, he did learn that he liked it.

 However, the eating of said cupcake was problematic. These were froggy cupcakes, but we removed the candy from the top to make it baby safe! I finally helped him out by tearing it into little pieces for him to eat. And he thoroughly enjoyed the sugar!

His mess was not near as bad as I've seen them and he was in sugar shock about 5 minutes later!

He had a wonderful party, surrounded by friends and family. He got some super cool toys and noise-makers! I am so thankful for my sweet Stoney and truly blessed to have such awesome people in my life.

Product Spotlight: Juicy Grapefruit Lotion

We have all heard about all the health benefits of grapefruits. They are high in vitamin c, antioxidants, and fiber; but are low in calories. They can help lower cholesterol and help you loose weight. Plus, they really are delicious. I love them in salads!

BUT, did you know that grapefruit essential oil is also good for your skin and your mood?

On your skin, it is reported to have a toning and stimulating effect. Grapefruit essential oil is commonly used in facial cleansers to help clear up acne and makes a good toner for oilier skin types. This fabulous oil is also thought to stimulate the lymphatic system and promoting cellulite reduction and healthier skin. It is also non-irritating and non-sensitizing as some citrus oils can be.

Grapefruit essential oil acts as a mood enhancer; reducing moodiness, headaches, and stress. It can be used in lotions, massage oils, or in vaporizers! It really is just all around wonderful.

Grapefruit essential oil is listed as photo-toxic; meaning strong sunlight should be avoided after using.

Juicy Grapefruit Lotion, available in 8 oz or 2 oz sizes!

You can get all the benefits of grapefruit essential oil and the high-quality moisture of Honu Naturals' lotion in our Juicy Grapefruit Lotion. Made with a non-greasy blend of almond, olive, and sunflower oil, our lotion is gentle, light, and highly effective. It is perfect for all-over, every day use!

Who's A Busy Little Bee?

Why, that would be me! (I know, that was bad, but so true)

We are now into the 2nd quarter at school and I am still struggling to keep up. I didn't start at this school until December last year, so I'm still in that "I'm new and trying to get everything done" phase. Soon, I will be to a point where I have already made the lessons, the PPT presentations, the notes, and whatever else I will need. BUT, right now, I am doing something every night for class the next day.

School pic, but I like it anyway!

On the plus side, I have already started preparing my students for Science Fair, so hopefully we can avoid the mad rush around February. Probably not completely, but for the most part.

Here is how my schedule goes:
5:30-Get up, shower, and get ready
7:00-Leave for work
7:15-Drop Hayden off at day care
7:45-Students come in
3:45-Technically off work
4:15-Officially leave work and get Hayden
4:30-5:15 ish-Play like mad with Hayden (sometimes he sleeps, but not often)
5:15-Dinner, bath time, get ready for bed, story time, and a lullaby!
6:00 ish-Start working on school stuff; grading, planning, quiz making, presentation making, whatever!
9:30-Give Hayden some milk and put him back to sleep

Sometimes I take the night off from school stuff to work on my business. For example, tonight I worked on an order. Sometimes I take the night off and do personal stuff like scrapbooking or something similar.

I feel like there is so much that I am neglecting :( I enjoy teaching most of the time. I love running my business, although I wish I could spend more time growing said business.

The point of this was not to complain, but to let my very few readers out there understand exactly why things have been slow on here. I miss posting more and I can only hope that soon I will be at a point where I actually get to do personal stuff on my personal time.

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Soap

I had an idea for a Halloween soap, but I was running a little behind. Sure, I could make a hot process soap, but as my idea involved multiple colors and that we soapmakers generally assume you can't do pretty swirls in hot process. However, I found a soapmaker's blog and she specializes in multi-colored beautiful hot process soaps.

I decided to give it a try. I also decided to use pumpkin puree as part of my water to mix with the lye! I used one of my favorite soaping recipes and I mixed to light trace. Then, I separated it into two large stainless steels pots (picked up on the cheap at my local thrift store). I colored one orange and one black. *TIP* Use the stick blender to mix in the orange first, then use the same blender to mix the black in. It won't interfere with the color and you have less to clean up. I set my oven on 180, put the lids on, and put my soap in the oven.

Black and orange soap (it is about even, the picture is just off)

 

It is a very big pot for so little soap, but it was $5!

Here is the orange soap ready to go in the oven, I didn't get the black soap, but you get the idea.

I used black oxide and Tangerine WOW from Bramble Berry to color my soap. I needed very little and they didn't fade or discolor.  I did have to add a bit more of the Tangerine WOW after cooking to get the orange I wanted, but that is a joy of hot process soap!

I let the soap cook and check on it every 25 minutes. After about an hour, both pots separated into and oily mess! After my initial panic, I simply mixed them both back together and continued to cook. They cooked about a 1 1/2 hours total before my tongue didn't get zapped when I tested it.

It is really important to let the soap cool for a few minutes after cooking before adding fragrances or essential oils, especially if they have low flash points. I scented the black portion with BB Rich, Dark Chocolate and the orange portion with BB Pumpkin Spice. I didn't scent the entire batch the same because the chocolate fo discolors.

Time for swirling...which I didn't get pictures of. It was my first time and I was too preoccupied with getting it right! I used a method similar to the tutorial I found. I folded my colors together and then swirled. I am happy with the outcome, but I know what I can do differently next time! Plus, this batch only had to sit a week before it was ready to go!

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Soap-A Real Halloween Treat!

What is your favorite Halloween scent?

Interested in getting one of these wonderful bars for yourself? Check out my Etsy shop!

Wedding

I'm in the Dallas airport waiting to catch my flight to head home after a friend's wedding.  It was a beautiful wedding and it went well. The bride was stressed and worried about everything that could go wrong. She literally worried about everything.

She worried about the gifts for the attendants, that her dress wouldn't fit, there would be something wrong with the cakes, and every other little detail. She worried to the point that she was actually sick to her stomach. All of her worrying was for nothing. Her dress fit perfectly and could not have been more beautiful. The cakes were adorable. The only thing that could be considered a problem was that pictures were rushed because we were slow getting ready. Even those looked nice.

All her worrying made me thing about how often we worry ourselves sick. We worry so much we don't even get to enjoy those great moments in our lives. We planned and we prepared, but we didn't take a moment to stop and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Now would be a good time to do that. Stop, take a look around, and take a moment to enjoy your life and all the things that come out of your hard work.

Remember to do that the next you have a big event that you plan. Enjoy it!

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A MONTH!

I truly cannot believe that it has been a month since I have been on here. I know everyone is busy and we all keep crazy schedules, but sometimes the time just flies and you don't even realize it.

We started school in the middle of August. I have also been working on wedding soaps for a friends. I have been doing farmer's markets on certain Saturdays. My students participated in the "What If Festival" here in Colorado Springs; they performed fun Science experiments all day and it was GREAT fun! Hayden had his first birthday and is now a toddler. I have been grading and lesson planning in all of my nonexistent spare time.

Don't get me wrong. I love my life. I have a wonderful family, a beautiful baby boy, and 2 jobs I truly enjoy. BUT, I'm tired.

Who's with me? Do you think sometimes we just overfill our plates?