Peppermint, Christmas time or all the time?

Why is Peppermint attached to Christmas? I have always wondered that. I love Peppermint anytime but you really hear and smell it around the holidays. Here, I made a peppermint snowflake. I sprinkled alittle Gold Mica in the mold first. I do love the color Gold anytime also. I just used Peppermint F.O. because I was in a hurry. I enjoy the E.O. much better!

I think this winter , I want to try some methods that look interesting, Play with some different oils. Try and get ready for spring time. Look into some different marketing venues also. the day care business is slow right now, so now is the time to really throw myself into the other business.

Still trying the natural hair!

I am still wearing my hair natural. Some days are easy, some days are hard. I have never spent so much time washing, conditioning, and styling my hair ever! I have been getting alot of feedback about the way my hair looks. To my surprise, most positive. I complain about the time invested in my hair but once I style it, I love the way it looks.

I feel so free wearing my hair in it's natural state. Once now, I put a texturizer in my hair because it was getting crazy and my braider was booked. Having one person to braid my hair is hard because I go by her schedule. The other braider moved out of town. So, I have been trying to braid my own hair. Two braids is looking good. Anything else, I'm working on it.

I really wish I had the guts and confidence to wear my hair in it's natural state years ago.

Hello Again!

Hello again all,

I have been gone for awhile, life takes you on different paths at different times in your life. But I found my way back.

Sooo, much has happened in the last few months. I turned the hoppy (soapmaking) into a business, did my first show, and recieved my fifth grandchild. Now, here comes the holiday season.

Here is a picture of my table at my first show. The show for others was a disappointment. There was not alot of traffic for a two day show. Plus, there were like five other shows the same days. I felt it was just right for me. I did not get slammed, or overwhelmed. I was not there for alot of the time because I still had to work my other job. Asked for the time off, but no one was listening I guess. But my daughter, Elizabeth, worked the whole show. Did I mention, she was nine months along? She knows everything there is to know about the soaps from beginning to end. So we have decieded that she will be the public face of the soap line. I do enjoy behind the "velvet" rope. We signed up for another show but had to back out due to family things happening. But we will be ready for the spring!

I will try and write more now, seeign that there is so much to fill in from my "trip". Stay tuned.

No soap, but I have some scrubs!

So...I haven't made any soap. I had every intention to make some. I even went to my "lab", and looked around. I spent about four hours down there and came up with no soap. I, did, however, come up with some scrubs and organized supplies.

This week I have been again giving out samples. I have been asked by many, many people. My friends asked why I wasn't selling soap. My answer was easy..I don't want to! I figure, the first bar/sample is free. If/when you come back a little fee may be imposed. Third time, I gotcha and it is gonna cost ya.

I have had 10 third timers! I must be doing something right. Tonight, I will be working on more scrubs. I have many people asking for them. I have to make some soap this weekend for the swap I am in. So I will report on how that turns out later.

Happy Soaping my friends!

So I didn't make anything.....

Okay, last Sunday I was planning on making some soap. Well, I didn't make any soap that day or any other day since. I was disappointed in myself at first. Then I was glad that I was otherwise busy with my soap. I spent most of my free time this week, re-cutting my soap. I cut down full size bars to make samples bars. checked inventory, supplies, made a shopping list, and networked (by phone, email & Facebook). So Thursday, Friday & Sunday, I was on the road. I delivered soap. Alot of soap. Two people I threw in some rolls. (they had been asking for some).

Two people I delivered to on Thursday, called Saturday night wanting full size on Sunday. So now, what I had in the basement is almost gone. Well, by my standards. So the fun truly begins. I have some room to store new things. But I feel that my scrubs go faster than the soap. Go figure.

Next week I have a long weekend. I think I will work my butt off on all my other "things", so I can have a soaping weekend. sound good? Sounds GREAT to me!

Have a good week and Happy Soaping my friends. Talk to ya next week!

Taking a break

Today is raining and just a blah day. I am taking a break from the house "revamping", I think after catching up on my blog roll, I will make some.....soap! Yes, I said it. Now I am gonna do it.

I have alot of fragrance leftovers. You know, alittle here, alittle there. So, I will be on a mission to use them ALL today. Some way, some how.

I will let you know how I or they do!

Wish me luck!

Change...

Well, I am back. It has been awhile. I have so much going on and really didn't feel like writing.

I have had some major changes come into my life. I did not respond well to them. But everyday is getting better. While the major changes were unwanted, I have made some minor changes that were not really wanted but needed.

I have been changing things around the house. working so much that when I do get to bed, I just drop. I have made so kind of change in every room. The major changes, kitchen & my bedroom.
I love the changes! I never really used color before. My husband was a plain kind of man. So...... Color is the first word people say when they come over. The second...Wow!

My kitchen is a warm chestnut brown. For curtains, I went with a orange with small yellow & green flowers. Cleaned out cupboards, moved appliances around. I enjoy cooking much more.

My bedroom was soft beige walls, black & grey bedspread. Some ugly like beige & Burgundy curtains. Well, the walls are still the same color but the curtains are red. Yes, I said red. Bright red with white flowers. Bedspread is not quite done. (I am making) But it has red, black, & white in it. Brightened the room bunches.

I know my friend, Mary tells me all the time, "baby steps", but I had to take big kid steps right now. It is part of my grieving process. Everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time. this is how I am doing my.

I also have been exercising, losing weight, changed my hairstyle, growing my nails. Many changes now, let's see how long they last!

More time coming...

The start of a new month sometimes brings just a "new" start. I have been told that my hours for the day care will be cut. I have lost one little boy because Mom is having her baby next week. then the other Mom is going on a Volunteer Layoff for three weeks. As with any other business, things are not great. They asked employees to please take time off.




So, now that I will only have three kids for the next few weeks, I have "time" to soap!! Hopefully, I can give my soaping some major time. I so miss it. I will do as much as I can because the month after, My hours increase. I guess I will be thinking and working on Fall and holiday soap.




Life is crazy at times. But I love life, so I just have to take my time, plan out my time and enjoy the ride!

My hand at CP

This is my third attempt at making CP Soap. I made this one unscented. Three different oils. Today, I tested out a small piece. Lathered up good, Non drying. I should have used a scent.

I tested the other two I made the same day as I made this one. They were both Satsuma fragrance. (I love it.) But I used different oils in each.

They both turned out good. I think I like this CP stuff! I just hate the wait. I have now made five different types of CP. I want to make more but use different oils, Goat's Milk, and who knows what else. I will still do my MP, but I do enjoy the CP method alot.

Oh, I did hear back about that fair I was trying to get a booth at. It is a no go. They have all the vendors that they need. Then just yesterday, a friend called and wanted me to try and do a Farmer's Market. I can't do it because of the Day Care. I would have to find someone to run the booth for me and at this time I have no one. But have no fear! The show will go on. I have had my first repeat customers already!

Product Junkie...Who Me?

This picture was taken almost two weeks ago. These are just small box braids. They curled on their own. I haven't had any chemicals in my hair since October 2008.

I had my hair braided because I have decided to let my hair lock. People have said I am crazy, it takes to long, they look sloppy and I will look nuts! It is my hair and I want to try. Hey, if it doesn't work out or I change my mind...I shave my head and start all over. No big deal.

I would show a "now" picture but I haven't done anything to my hair since. But buy things! Many things! Too many things! I was never a product junkie. Strange huh? I mean, I am a girl. But I have always been a plain and simple girl. No time to primp, crimp, apply, reapply, gel, hairspray. Wash and go or curling iron, bump and I'm done. I had just the necessities. shampoo, conditioner, grease. I own two different sized curling irons, blow dryer, flat iron (daughter got me one, used one time.).

I went to Sally's over the weekend. Plus, I went to the supermarket. Now..... three different shampoos, three different conditioners, gel (hemp) five different oils (just for my hair). Apple Cider Vinegar, Liquid Amino's, Avocado's, clay. I can't see my dresser! I have five different silk/satin head wraps, bandannas, Two packs of shower caps. Clips bobby pins, I have it all. Then after reading a couple of blogs, there is more I want to try.

I think I am ready for whatever when it comes to my hair. I think I turned into those girls I hated in high school, minus the makeup!

Quiet times are learning experiences

To love like a child, to learn something new, to look at the world around us differently. Things change, people come and go. Some things stay the same. It never surprises me how true some statements are so true. Wise people before us, passing things down. You listen and think, "whatever". But when something happens that changes every thing around you including yourself, your mind goes back and you only remember half. You search for the rest and come up empty. When you are not even thinking about it anymore, BAM, to comes back and hits you like a ton of bricks.

I have always befriended older people. Older than myself. I love to listen to stories of the past, wise advice someone who has lived longer than I. Now, I know what they were talking about. You can listen but what you do with it matters most. I was told to live like I were dying, love like a child, & be ready to learn more and more each day.

I will take all of this and run with it. As things are changing so am I. I learned my lessons and am grateful for the knowledge that I now have. The future is what I see. It is bright and full of new things. I will take chances and not worry about what others say or feel. I will take the love of my family, cherish it and build upon it.

Life is good. It goes on and so will I!

Cleaning up & out

I cleaned out a corner in the basement. went to Wal Mart and got some shelves. This is a start. I knew I had to do something. I was losing my mind. After doing this, I knew I had to make another trip to my store. (I need to have stock. I am there all the time) So, once I do that I will feel much better with my organization. Helps my OCD! My friend Mary said, "small, baby steps". She was right once again! Thanks Mary!

My first time..

I decided to try my hand at making soap the long way. I was first afraid of the lye (all the stories of mishaps) but what the heck. I went to the supermarket and get the oils. The basic three oil recipe. I could not find regular Palm oil so I got Red Palm oil. I didn't like the looks of it. I hated the smell of the Red Palm Oil. The Red Palm oil changed the color of the whole batch. I didn't want to add fragrance or color. Why waste it, costs to much to throw it away. This is what I got.

this is what I got after cutting the soap. Now comes the worse part. The wait. One thing I like about melt & pour, no wait! But I put my time in and waited.

Time is up! Still smelled bad. Nice and hard. I broke off a small piece and washed my hands. Not to much lather, smell wasn't as bad once I used it. My hands felt clean. Squeaky clean. Smell almost gone. Not bad for the first time. My fears are now gone. Not so bad. But I will keep this one for household use. I WILL try this again but this time with scent and color (maybe). Cheaper to make, easier to get some of the oils.

I am proud of myself. It is true what they say...you can teach an old dog new tricks!

No time..

I have not put any time aside to do ANY soaping. I have been cleaning and fixing things up. I think I am just about done except the painting the porch. I plan on doing more yard work Saturday morning.

I got the hair done last night. Like I had two hours to kill!! Well, while I was getting my hair done, I got a phone call. One friend calling mad. She was mad because she ran into another friend who talked about some of my soap. I laughed. Like she was the only one who had some. Well, then I got another call from another "friend", not really friend but we speak. She heard from someone else that I make soap and she wanted to come over right then and "smell". I am expecting her Friday.

While this makes me happy, I then realized that I need to get busy and start making some more soap. So, Friday night, I will be making soap. What kinds? Who knows what ever comes out of this crazy mind of mine.

Happy Birthday..

I know that I talk alot about my grand daughter, "The Queen", but haven't really put a picture up of her. Well, here she is. she turned two on the first. Since, my grand son, Deondre had a birthday the 29Th and Nazariah, had hers on the 1st, we really didn't want to party all weekend. what we did do is just have dinner and cake on their day. Then (crazy us) took them along with my other grand son, Kendren, and my nephew, and my brother's girlfriend's THREE girls to Chuckie Cheese. Yeah, I know. I am with kids all day everyday. Why the hell would I do this to myself? I am still asking myself that question! LOL

Over all, the day went pretty well. But the Queen doesn't like Chuckie Cheese himself. He is ugly and scary!

This is what I had to look at Friday night. she got a new swimsuit, roller blades and baby stroller. I think I will get her ready to be America's Next Top Model. Only a two year old could pull this outfit off.


Oh, and she loves the Disney Princesses. So her Aunt brought her this little getup. Everyday is a experience with Nazariah around. she demands attention & I must say she gets what she wants!

Do you have?

Do you have a box or area in your home, full of projects that you need to finish? I have a box, a area, and three shelves in a closet! I have the energy to do the work. Do I commit to the work? Ah, no. I find something else that grabs me and I pour myself into that. I have knitting, scrapbooking, sewing, soaping, quilting, just to name a few.

I am making a commitment to finish at least three things a week until I can see the bottom. I made a list. I need to make room to the new stuff that I want to get. I live in a medium size apartment, not to many closets, and a basement that is full! Once I started having grand kids, the items just appear out of no where.

I will get these things done. I might die or go crazy trying, but I will get it done! Wish me luck!

Getting things done..

Well, I spent this past weekend getting things done around the house. I started to paint and fix a few things. I called the handyman, he is coming to the house early next week. I have all but three papers complete. I was on a roll.

I locked the door and turned on my music on Sunday. I would not even answer the phone until after noon. Some were mad but I really didn't care. I think if I do the same again this weekend, all the things that I can do will be done.

I spent the better part of the day yesterday getting paperwork done. Yes, I still had kids but I did it. Today I will get end of the month things done. I have someone coming over later about child care for third shift. Not that I need anymore kids. But she is in need and hey it is money. I know what your saying, money is not everything. Well, it's not but it helps pay the bills. Plus, there are things momma wants!

So, I must close for now. work calls. Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Why is it that some people don't take their jobs seriously? If that is the case, change jobs and find one that makes you happy. Try doing a job you enjoy. When people don't take their job seriously, it affects others in ways they have no clue about. This makes me want to scream!!

As I have said before, I run a Day Care. Most of the kids are family members or very close friends. I take this seriously! I care for kids. Even if I work for myself, I have to answer to others for just about everything I do. Kids, Parents, Department of Social Services & most of all, the State of New York!

My house has to be a safe, clean, & nurturing environment. I have to keep very detailed paperwork. I have deadlines, reports, everything any other business has. I have strangers who come into my home and inspect EVERYTHING!

I started this business 5 years ago. I had two people come in from the county and inspect inside and out. I had to complete 30 page application. Get state clearance for child abuse. Have a physical, TB testing, radon testing, the whole nine yards. Not to mention, insurance agents come and reinspect. I passed everything with flying colors. The state gave me a license, I have a contract with the county. I make decent money. I have to have at least two inspection a year. I have never had more than two things wrong. Dumb things that could be corrected in a matter of minutes. That is just one aspect of the business. We won't go into the food componet of it all.

So, I ask you, why after 5 years, I have an inspection and I came very close to failing because of something that should have been caught 5 years ago from at least 6 people? Now, I have to do work triple time and spend who knows how much money to fix this mess!

Where are these people who let all of this slide you ask? Gone! Moved on to different jobs. Making someone's life a mess. Hell, I don't know. But I do know this...If I could see & talk to them right now, They would REALLY not like what I have to say.

Okay, I guess I am done. It just makes me sick. All this time and money I have to waste. As if I have that so readily available.

"I can do that!"

When looking online for different methods of soaping, I ran across felted soap. Wow, is all I could say. I looked at all kinds of felted soap. After a week of looking, I said, "I can do that!" My mind started to work over time. I logged in Etsy to look for wool. I can not get wool from anywhere where I live. I found many beautiful wools. But the ones above grabbed me. I grabbed the card (my down fall) and ordered away. Above is "Daffodils" and "Valentine", I got them from Chimera.

Once they came in I hurried to felt them. I have made felted bags before. One Christmas I went alittle crazy with the bags. So, the feting process was not totally new to me. Below, is the first bar I felted. as you can see, I needed to spread out the wool better. I have a few lumps.

This is my second try. This one came out much better. (My picture taking is not great but I think you can see the felting. It did not take to long to do each bar. I think the first one about 30 minutes, second 20. With anything, practice makes perfect. I have alot more wool left so I will be felting more soap.

But, now I have to try it out. I am hooked at this beautiful outcome. The things you learn. You are never to old to try new things! It was fun and nerve racking at the same time. I wanted to see the finished product right away. I think I will pull the knitting needles out, felt up some small bags with similar colors of the soap and use them for my packaging.

when my partner comes over, I am sure she will love these too. But I am glad she is on vacation so Grandma can felt these by herself, I can't imagine the mess with her helping me!

Glad it's over

Well, I for one am glad that Easter is over. I love my family but I like not seeing them that much. I had myself all ready for atleast one argument, heated discussion or something. I am happy no such thing happened. The first time in many years!

The kids got along, my uncle kept them busy. The old bitties kept their comments to their selves. The young folks just eat and played on cell phones. It was very nice.

Nazariah was not happy with the scent of her soap. "No smell, it's broke." I assured her it was not "broke", I guess she was okay with that answer. She then (without anyone really paying attention but grandma), went around and took every ones soap. She had a gift bag filled. After about an hour, I got every one's soap back. Came home and got another bar of a different kind and gave it to her. I don't know what I am going to do with her!

I hope everyone else had a nice Easter day. Just two weeks and I have three birthday parties in two weekends. Fun......Wow!!