The Muddy Moose Bath Boutique

Kicking Off the Craft Show Season.

2010-11-03T23:31:00.000-07:00

So begins the busy season for many crafters and artisans. The days that we truly get a good night's rest are gone....and left in its place are loooong days of either burning the midnight oil or getting up BEFORE the early bird. But sadly more often than not it is sometime a little of both! But with a little advanced planning the evening before (and the morning of) the big event can be a little less stressful. The following are some basic tips to follow to make things go a little easier:

1)Start a checklist during the week leading up the event. As you think of things you want to remember write it down and by the end of the week you'll be ahead of the game. Once you have done a few craft shows, you will have a pretty thorough list...now put it on a spreadsheet or on your computer and print it off every time you need to pack up for a show. Everything you need will be right at your fingertips!

2)BRING ENOUGH CHANGE! I cannot stress this enough! I usually keep my prices in $0.25 increments so I only have to have quarters in my change box....just seems to make life a lot simpler (in my opinion). I usually start my day with enough change so I can break a big bill....because, sadly, more often than not, when a customer says they will come back and make that purchase....they usually don't. So I don't want to chance losing a sale simply because I couldn't break that $50 or $100 bill.

3)Decorate your booth for the season! I know that that is already accomplished for some by simply displaying your craft...but for me.....soaps and lotions really can't be that festive. So I try to incorporate some holiday fabrics or some pine or holly sprigs. Just anything to get people in the holiday shopping spirit. This then also sorta ties in with my next tip: Cover Your Tables. I use inexpensive sheets in solid colors for my table coverings....and then it's easy to spruce it up with some festive holiday themed fabrics.

4) Other things to remember to bring: a chair (if necessary), pens, pencils, and scrap paper. Also:DON'T FORGET YOUR BUSINESS CARDS! If you can't afford to have some printed professionally....go to the store and pick up some blanks and print them up yourself OR....I believe Vistaprint offers 250 free business cards. You can search for them online.

I also recommend bringing a small cooler or lunchbox to bring a cold drink and something to snack on.

So those are some tips I have to offer.....and there are plenty I'm sure I've forgotten.....so let's hear what tips you've got to offer.

OH...one more thing! Don't forget to stop over to my FACEBOOK page, I'm having a giftbasket giveaway! You and another one of your facebook friends could each win a basket!

Going on a year!

2010-10-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, so much has happened in this past year! I've gotten lots of fun things brewing here: All Natural Deodorant, liquid soap, Goat's milk lotion (already released). I've got a facebook fan page ( http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=The+Muddy+Moose&init=quick&tas=search_preload#!/pages/Stevensville-MT/The-Muddy-Moose-Bath-Boutique/164206057599 ). So join me over there....I'm planning a giveaway soon! Hope to become a regular blogger again!

Christmas Giveaway

2009-12-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

I'm having a Christmas Giveaway over at my Facebook fan page.....I'm giving away TWO gift baskets....so stop over, become a fan and enter to win!

Here's the link

SERIOUSLY!! How did 5 months pass by??

2009-11-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, I must say that I am quite ashamed of myself.....5 months have gone by without a single post! Although, I must admit, it feels a little strange getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully....I have not lost all my friends here......oh, well.....time will soon tell.

So many things have happened in this huge lapse in time....new products (goat's milk lotion, sugar scrub cubes)....huge events in our life....so many thing to catch up on!

Tuesday Recipe: Very Berry Syrup/Sauce

2009-06-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

For the past two weekends I have made this amazing sauce that goes sooooo well with pancakes and waffles....and I imagine it would taste equally as good on french toast, cheesecake and....ICE CREAM! I made some changes to it, but I didn't measure anything out, so I will just post it as it is written to make sure it turns out as good for you as it was for me. One change I did make was I did not just use blueberries...use 2 cups of berries of your choice.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup water
1 cup orange juice
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 1/4 cup of water, orange juice, and sugar. Stir gently, and bring to a boil.
In a cup or small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries so as not to mash the berries. Simmer gently until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and cinnamon. Thin sauce with water if it is too thick for your liking.

EtsyBlogger Featured Blogger: LazyTcrochet

2009-06-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

As I had mentioned before, I am now a member of EtsyBlogger Street Team. Every month we have a new blog carnival and a new featured blogger. This month LazyTcrochet was the lucky "chosen one" She managed to take a few moments from her busy schedule to answer a few of my questions.

Tricia is the woman behind the needle...er...hooks at LazyTCrochet. She learned the basics from her mom when she was young. "She taught me to chain", says Tricia, "I would just chain for hours!". But things fell to the way side and it wasn't until about 6 years ago when I picked up a book and hook again. It had been a while, but it was just like falling off a bike....everything her mom had taught her came back.

I asked Tricia what her favorite type of fiber to work with and she said, she is especially fond of working with bulky yarns, especially wool, like this wool buttoned cuff.

Tricia finds inspiration for her pieces in textures, colors, and seasons especially. She also says she makes a lot of one-of-a-kind designs and custom work as well.
When I asked her what her favorite piece was, she told me that is was this terra cotta shawl that she made last fall. (Isn't it just beautiful?)

Not only does Tricia sell on Etsy, she attends local holiday shows each year and a few Summer Markets here and there. She is currently working on some bracelets for a local shop and gearing up for the Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival coming up in October.
She says "My blog will have show dates, team links for EtsyBloggersTeam, ClevelandTeam, and ClevelandHandmade.com. I also like to blog recipes and fun stuff at www.LazyTcrochet.Blogspot.com".

Scenic Sunday

2009-06-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

The answer to the last Scenic Sunday was Mt. St. Helens...way to go Julie (Gypsy Moon Designs) for guessing it right on! Ok, here is this week's photo:

Saturday: Market Day!

2009-06-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I finally got this video to upload! These people are wealthy. They show up at all the markets and any event that has music and they dance....they "dance"...if that is what you want to call it, everywhere...in the grocery store, in their cars...they definately march to the beat of a different drum! LOL!!

2009-06-12T19:32:00.001-07:00

Friday Firsts....

2009-06-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, here are this week's new shops just waiting for their first sale....so give a boost for the weekend...make a purchase!

Here's a great revesible headband from Cherry Blossom

Here's a great set of 15 blank note cards from Mamabirds

Here's a great gift bag from CraftsByColleen for only $3.50!

And here is my Friday First purchase....I have always been interested in antique tins....so I figured what better time than the present to start a collection! This tin comes from No Accounting For Taste (love the name!).

Thursday Theme

2009-06-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, back this week a new theme! All entries/comments will be entered to win a small prize! I may have made this one a little tough....Oh, of course...last time's was Popeye!

Cute litte pendant from Squirrelbunny.

This teaching kit from HandPickedDaisy.

Great card from SparklePaw.

This great vintage pearl choker from joyceshafer

Good Luck!!

Blog Carnival: Birthdays

2009-06-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

So I am officially a member of Etsy Bloggers Street Team! This month's choices were either Birthdays or Summer. So, I decided to blog about my birthday. Fall is my most favorite time of year. The leaves are changing, there is a certain smell in the air....crisp, cold and the slight smell of the leaves decaying. It is unique, not a bad smell, but almost comforting. I can't really say if Fall is my time of year because of it's beauty or because it's when my birthday is.....I tend to believe that it is the first more so than the latter. I was born October 16, 1973. Yep...you got it right....I told you what YEAR I was born. I'm not really particular about telling people how old I am, really it's not a big deal...just a number really....a state of mind. I was born in Germany....Bitburgh to be more exact. My dad was in he Air Force but I was not born on base, I was born in a German hospital...so I am a naturalized citizen...which means you are all safe, I could never be President of the United States! LOL!!

I am really not into all the fanfare and hoopla....I generally try to pass the day without letting anyone know. I like to lay low and don't really care to be fussed over. I would have to say that the best birthday present ever, came two days early one year.....October 14, 2000. What was that you ask? The day I was married!!

So how do you all celebrate you birthday? Do you make a big deal...or do you like to lay low? What was your BESTEST birthday gift ever?

Tips For Tuesday

2009-06-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

So I'm not going to lie....my sales as of late have been less than stellar. So I thought I would open up a discussion of sort to share with you what helps me with sales. Hopefully all of you will feel the need to share with what helps with your sales, because we all know everyone needs all the help they can get in today's economy!

The first thing I have noticed. REFRESH! I have honestly noticed a difference in my sales when I refresh compared to when I do not. Why waste the money you ask? Because by refreshing the items in you shop on a regular basis keeps you toward the "front" of the searches. To be quite honest, I RARELY search more than 10 pages....why would I expect someone else to do the same? Even if you have the best products in the (etsy) world, no one will ever know if you are all the way back on page 50!

The next thing I have noticed that has helped my sales...the Forums. Honestly. Go there make commments, ask questions, post your stuff! GET NOTICED! Sometimes, you need to have thick skin...you will run into rude, unprofessional fellow etsians. But just take it with a grain of salt.....but it really does help to get you noticed.

Now this next piece of advice is sort of along the same lines as the forums....the chat rooms....it did help get my name out there, but not so much as the forums...again...you need to have thick skin here too!

The last piece of advice might not be so practical for some of the sellers with higher priced items. But....donate....whenever you can. If it does nothing else, it gets your name out there. I have donated to tons of charity functions and group giveaways. If you do have higher priced items, consider donating gift certificates.

Easing Back Into Things....

2009-06-08T18:36:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone wishing me a relaxing weekend. Which I had! I did not get a ton of things accomplished...but I guess that wasn't what this was about. Friday was relaxing...we didn't really do anything...but I guess anything would be relaxing as compared to baking upwards of 30+ loaves a bread in one day! On Saturday we decided to check out "the other" Farmers Market in Missoula, Montana....both markets are held on the same day and the same time. My dilema lies in that My hubby and I live in Stevensville, which is pretty much right smack in the middle between the two. I am at Hamilton Farmers Market every Saturday. Now it is a good sized market and I have been there for a year now and have been established, to a certain degree. Now Missoula Market is HUGE in comparison...but I would have to choose...soap or bread. I would not be able to do both. I am not established there either. I am leaning toward doing my soaps, ect there. I would want to split...Hubby goes to one, I go to the other....but that is just dreaming right now. I would need to make some initial investments...another EZ Up canopy, more tables, another cash box...it all adds up....maybe that is something to shoot for next year. While I was there I got a chance to visit with my good friend Julie from Gypsy Moon Designs. Not only did I get to chat with her for a while...my hubby bought me one of her BEAUTIFUL necklaces....a dragonfly one to boot! So over all it was an awesome weekend, but now it's back to the grind.

Thursday Theme Back Next Week!

2009-06-04T16:35:00.001-07:00

I had been so good about blogging daily and fretted about just missing one day! But, did you ever notice that once you miss the first day, the world does not stop spinning, the sun still rises, all is still right with the world. As I had mentioned I am writing for our local paper....I wish I could post a link for you all to check out what I am doing. But, alas, living in the boonies, no can do. Our paper, believe it or not, does have a website...but my stuff is not important enough to make it on their world wide web. Oh well!

So on with the festivities....last week I promised to make a little contest out of this Thursday Theme....and today (at work) I had my co-worker, Gary "draw" the winner.....so Congrats to Harley and Me....(if you asked me I think it's rigged) LOL! OH...do I have a prize for you!

So I PROMISE...I'll be back in full swing next week! I have taken Sunday off from work....AND I'm NOT doing the Market this weekend so I have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off....so I will be laying low for a few days....I'll see you all on Monday.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!!!

So How Do YOU Know......?

2009-06-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

So it has suddenly become blaringly apparent that I may have taken on more than I can handle. I think Mr. Moose would have agreed with this statement about 3 or 4 projects ago. But now I am in and there is no way of getting out! My deadline for the online newspaper came and went and that totally slipped my mind. By the way...don't forget to check out their latest edition....just released today...minus my articles. I just yesterday realized that I had not paid rent yet. It was due today. Luckily I have deposit slips for our landlords account and am able to just deposit it directly. Instead of having a monthly deadline writing for an online newspaper....I have begun writing WEEKLY feature stories in our local paper for our Farmer's Market. Which somehow has led me to be involved with a number of other committees that I don't even think that I actually signed up for?

SO....tell me how do YOU know when you have gotten in too deep?

Is it when your house becomes a little dirtier than you would like?
How about when there are no folded towels left in the linen closet...now granted, they are clean...but they are still in the laundry basket.
Is it when you forget things you have NEVER forgotten before...like paying rent?
Is it when things you loved to do before now have become a chore that must be accomplished?
Or is it when you start to notice other things suffering....your business, the fish you forgot to feed...oh, I could go on, but I'll just stop there!

Scenic Sunday

2009-05-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the photo for this week...the answer to last week's photo was Mount Rainier in Washington.

Taking the Day Off!

2009-05-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

I decided to take the day off today....hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Friday Firsts....

2009-05-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I didn't make a purchase today, but here are a few new shops just waiting for their first sale...so go ahead and make someone's weekend!

This beautiful pottery set from potterybykay She just opened up shop about a week ago and has some really wonderful pieces.

pinkpalmstudio has these cute little chalkboard pots. It appears as though she is having her grand opening currently going on.

This awesome bag from Cottage Closet.....who couldn't use a good bag?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thursday Theme

2009-05-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

So last week's guesses went well...yes. The Wizard of Oz was the answer. I dedcided that I would go ahead and make this a fun little contest. Any and all comments will be placed into a drawing for some little prize....winner announced next Thursday. Ok, so here is the theme for this week:

Spinach seeds from Thebearfootshaman

Sweet pea flower seeds from farmerjulie

It's A Jeep (Jeep) Thing pendant from cre8agift

sailor print from traceyaxelrod

Chocolate Turtle Cupcakes

2009-05-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to finally have my oven back...that I baked today! I guess I was pretty lucky though, I baked all day Friday. I got all my loaves of bread baked. I did not use the oven on Saturday at all, went to use it on Sunday and NOTHING! So I was without an oven Sunday and Monday. I know that doesn't seem like much, but I felt almost like I was without internet....I really need to get a life! LOL!!

But I am thinking I am going to definately sell these on Saturday at Market. All the testers gave the rave reviews. I was initially afraid that I made them too rich...but everyone said to leave them as they were. Now all I need to do is get a cupcake "tree" or stand. I can probably come up with one on my own...but if anyone has any display ideas, I'd love to hear them!

OOOOPPPPSS!

2009-05-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

So I just now realized that I never uploaded pictures to go with my post on Saturday. Sorry about that! So here are some pictures from the Farmer's Market....better late than never, I guess! LOL And this is a picture of my booth. I love the green display stand Mr. Moose built for me using old shutters.

After my oven went on strike...I will hopefully be back in commission tomorrow and will show off my chocholate turtle cupcakes! I hope to start selling them this weekend.

Happy Memorial Day....AND Winner Announced!

2009-05-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their extra day off! Be safe celebrating this Memorial Day! So now, what everyone has been waiting for.....the winner is.......Jessica! She also has a blog, jessmiloo. Please be sure to stop over and check it out!

Scenic Sunday

2009-05-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

So the answer to last week's pic was Lake MacDonald in Glacier National Park. Here is the pic for this week! Enjoy!! Also...Last day to enter the giveaway! Hurry...time is ticking down.

Market Day!

2009-05-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

Since today is Market Day! I thought I would share some photos from Market last week AND I have a special treat for you. We have some special video footage of the crazy dancing people! They show up everywhere....and just dance. They dance whenever the feeling moves them....even in the middle of the grocery store parking lot! They are some odd ducks....but you know, market wouldn't be the same without them. I love seeing the reaction of newcomers when they first notice them. Enjoy!!

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words.

2009-05-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

Once again....it's Friday! YEAH! Especially this Friday....long weekend (for most of you)!! So I thought I would share with you some unique, undiscovered shops. Waiting....just waiting for their first sale. And since I am a sucker for photography....I thought I would share some of my favorite new photographers.

So once again...I'll lead by example. Here is what I purchased this week:

From SusitnaDesigns

I ALMOST bought this print instead....it is soooo beautiful! From GabrielleKai

And Finally this fun print from LRPPHOTO

So hope everyone has a great weekend! Don't forget to sign up for the lastest giveaway ending on Sunday.

Thursday Theme

2009-05-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

So, I'll try my hand at this one more time. Maybe last time I guess I should have told you all up front that I was looking for a phrase. How 'bout...."Snips and Snail and Puppy Dog Tails, That's What Little Boys are Made Of." I guess it was only easy for me because I knew the answer! LOL.

print from cateanevski

embroidery design from Diva's Doodles

coaster set from Adirondacknativesprt

stitch markers from peanutga11ery1

Ok...I could probably go on and on and on...but I'll stop here. What do these items have in common?

Back To The Basics: Barter!

2009-05-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Don't you wish that somethings could be just like the good ol' days? When doctors were paid with a dozen eggs or fresh baked pies? Well, with the state of the economy being what it is, there has been a new grass roots movement to begin establishing cashless bartering systems. You clean my house....I'll cook you dinner for a week. It's the original business deal, invented long before money defined trade between two people.

I have signed up to take part in one of these bartering communities. Bitterroot Barter. How it works....you sign up and get as many listings as you would like. I entered for baking and cooking as well as my bath and beauty products. Upon signing up I got 3 hOURS. Which here in the Bittrroot Valley is equivalent to $30 ( 1 hOUR = $10). Now say I want to get my house cleaned (which it does need), I look in their directory and find someone who cleans houses. I make the initial contact. Then that person has the opportunity to either make a deal with me accepting my services for their services OR I can pay in full or partial hOURS or that person can accept part service and part hOURS. Pretty simple. You can earn hOURS by doing community service type of work or volunteering at non profit organizations.

I think that this is a great idea...so look for one in your area and get to bartering!

You can also find great bartering sites at

www.swapthing.com
www.swapaskill.com
www.farmgirlbarter.org and of course,
www.craigslist.com

Sidewalk Sales! Gotta Love 'Em!

2009-05-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Twitter Team is having a Sidewalk Sale to celebrate the spring weather and to get outside a bit! Virtually! So please take a stroll down our sidewalk of shop listings. Each shop is having a different sale so check them all out. There are some extremely great deals going on this week!!

The sales run from Sunday, May 17th to Saturday, May 23rd.

BeadworkByAmanda.etsy.com
20% off – discount applied in pricing

PrettyCheap.etsy.com
FREE card with purchase of any 3 items! Exquisite floral, original photos and detailed embroidered cards will be given free (choice of free card by prettycheap). Just ask for your free card at check out (please purchase 3 items in one transaction).

SumikoShop.etsy.com
Free shipping worldwide shipping all week. Please contact her before buying, She will cancel shipments or mention "Etsy Twitter Team" in the message to seller at checkout.

MeagansDesigns.etsy.com
KaedanKrafts.etsy.com
Offering free worldwide shipping for both of her shops that will be already marked with $0 shipping

InMyHeadStudios.etsy.com
15% off items (not including shipping or NY state sales tax if applicable). Add the comment "Etsy Twitter Sidewalk Sale" during checkout. Discount given via PayPal refund.

ACageyBee.etsy.com
Every order will get a free sampler pack of 4 postcards included in their shipment! In the note to seller box, please mention "Sidewalk Sale" to get your free postcards.

SoapRehab.etsy.com
Free Shipping

Threepeats.etsy.com
All necklaces $5.00 off! After payment, $5.00 will be refunded to the buyer’s PayPal account for each necklace purchased.

SandisTs.etsy.com
Free Shipping - After payment, shipping will be refunded via PayPal

FirebirdHouse.etsy.com
30% off all purchases that total $20 or more. PayPal refund given for discount.

WaysideViolet.etsy.com
20% off all items in my shop: To participate type "May" in the message to buyer. Discount will be refunded via PayPal after purchase

ScrapArcs.etsy.com
All earrings $5 or less per pair. Prices already marked down.

SouthpawStudios.etsy.com
15% off, + Plus free worldwide shipping. Also $5 gift certificate included for future purchases (limit one per customer). Redeemed with code "Sidewalk TW Sale" in message to seller box, then you will receive a prompt PayPal refund

HuayruroPeru.etsy.com
20% discount using PayPal refund to everyone mentioning "Sidewalk Sale" in message to seller box

CuriousMess.etsy.com
Free shipping worldwide.

RhodesAnnalsDesigns.etsy.com
10% off list price - Leave message to seller saying “sidewalk”. She will do a revised invoice or if you have already paid via PayPal she will do a refund.

JaybirdDesigns.etsy.com
all baby and kid items are marked 50% off in special shop section

AquarianBath.etsy.com
Free Lavender Spearmint Lip Balm with purchase of $10 or more. Add the comment "Etsy Twitter Sidewalk Sale" during checkout.

MindyG.etsy.com
Free shipping within the US only (via USPS First Class) with any purchase. Add to message to seller box "sidewalk sale" and you will get a refund through PayPal for the shipping amount.

Jenco13.etsy.com
free shipping to anyone in the USA and a flat rate of $5 to all other countries on her list for items over $20 and $3 for items under $20. Discount given via PayPal refund

TamaraGarvey.etsy.com
With any purchase, get a FREE single card of your choosing from any of the card sets in the Stationary section of her shop. Just include which card you'd like in the Message to Seller box, or contact her soon after purchase.

MissesKwittys.etsy.com
Free USA shipping or Half Price international shipping when you spend $20.00 or more in her Etsy shop. Plus she will be tossing a free little "thank you" present into each package! Just put "EtsyTwitter Rocks" in the note to seller and she will refund the shipping discount back to your PayPal account.

PurpleLemonDesigns.etsy.com
Free Shipping! Use code “SIDEWALK” in the notes to the seller, and she will refund the shipping after the order is paid for through PayPal

BRefour.etsy.com
Most items are already on sale but you can get and additional 10% off on orders of $15.00 or more by entering the words "Sidewalk Sale" in notes to seller. The 10% will be refunded through PayPal.

LindaB142.etsy.com
20% off purchases over $5. Buyers need to use the Promo Code "Sidewalk" and she will refund the discount via PayPal. Free shipping for orders over $30.

Tamdoll.etsy.com
Free domestic shipping on non-ribbon items. Will automatically give a PayPal refund for items not already specially marked as part of the sale.

ArtWhims.etsy.com
Free Shipping on every item in the shop! To redeem this great deal, enter “MAYSIDEWALK” into the message to the seller upon check out. You will be reimbursed through PayPal for the cost of shipping.

DeeJayPhotography.etsy.com
Free shipping! Type "Sidewalk Sale" in Notes to seller to receive a refund via PayPal.

NikkyLeeDesigns.etsy.com
15% off items $20 or more. "Sidewalk" in message to seller to get discount. Wait to pay for revised invoice

AmbientLights.etsy.com
20% off all items*! Please write "May Sidewalk Sale" in notes to seller when checking out and wait for a revised invoice or pay and you will be refunded via PayPal. *discount valid for items only, does not include shipping or taxes if applicable.

Spring Is Coming...NEW GIVEAWAY!

2009-05-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

Good Monday morning and welcome! I am so excited to be announcing a new giveaway. This awesome prize comes to you from Tickleworm! She recently contacted me and asked me to host a giveaway for her…..and I jumped at the opportunity (as I do love a good giveaway)! She has decided to give away this cute little pouch.
Doesn't it just remind you of springtime? It is the perfect size and will hold your coupons, eyeglasses….just about anything you want!

So first, let's get to know a little more about the woman behind Tickleworm. Rachel lives in Georgia with her husband and (almost) 3 year old son. Rachel claims she was bitten by the crafting bug when she made her first hand turkey back in elementary school! (LOL) She began her felt work in August 2008. The year previous, her hubby had gotten her a sewing machine and up until that point had never really used it. Then one day, she decided that today would be the day….she broke out the machine and from that point on there was no looking back! She recalls, at that point, she barely knew what she was doing! It had been awhile since 7th grade home economics!

Rachel initially joined the Etsy community in October 2007 only as a buyer. At that time she had hopes of one day opening her own shop. Selling what? Now, that she wasn't so sure. She liked to dabble in all sorts of crafts….jewelry, soaping, and sewing. So one short month after she broke out that sewing machine, she knew. In September of 2008, she opened Tickleworm….and the rest they say, is history!

Rachel especially enjoys finding new ways to reuse old materials…ways to repurpose an old skirt. She loves trying different colors and textures to see what works and what doesn’t. She gets many of her up-cycled items at Salvation Army, second-hand stores or Value City.

Her best seller, Rachel says, are the smaller pouches she makes. Especially the ones with owls or buttons. She says people love them, they have a ton of uses and they aren't terribly expensive. Rachel is excited to announce that she will soon be offering machine stitched flowers, using fabric, felt and buttons. She also recently added some DIY kits to her shop, and if they go over well; she will be adding more.

The best piece of promotional advice Rachel has to offer: The Forums. She likes to go in there and promote. She also promotes offline as well….in her neighborhood, family and friends. Rachel has also recently started using Twitter as a promotional tool as well… I tweet about new products and sales, www.twitter.com/rachelherzog.

Rachel has also been nice enough to offer a 10% discount to my readers. So when you make your purchase, just put "BLOG GIVEAWAY DISCOUNT" in notes to seller.

Ok…now what everyone has been waiting for…..the contest rules:

Once Again, this will be relatively simple to enter and you will get multiple chances to win:

1. The contest is open to EVERYONE EVERYWHERE! You don't even have to have an Etsy store to enter.

2. The contest will run until midnight Sunday May 24, 2009 (mountain time), with the winner being announced Monday, May 25, 2009. Winner will be picked randomly.

3. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT RULE: YOU MUST DO A COMMENT FOR EACH DIFFERENT ENTRY TO QUALIFY!

4. You must include in your post a way to contact you....email, Etsy shop address...something! If you do not include a way to contact you, your entry will not be counted.

ENTRY CHANCES:
1. You get one entry for going to Rachel's shop and telling us what your favorite item is and why.
2. You will get 2 entries for blogging about this giveaway, with a link back to here. So simply blog about it (first) then return to my blog and post a comment with the link to your blog. Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment....I won't go back again and again to check...I will only check once...if it's not there....no entry
3. Since Rachel is offering a 10% discount, anyone that makes a purchase and then comes back here and posts their purchase will get 5 additional enteries!

So that's like 8 entry possibilites in all!

Scenic Sunday

2009-05-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

The answer to last week's picture was Montana, more specifically Trappers Peak. It is about 60 miles south of where I live. So here is this week's photo......

Up And Coming....

2009-05-16T05:04:00.000-07:00

Well today is another market....three down only like, um....20 some to go! We had an awesome...well for an opening market, it was awesome but last week was the pits. So this week I have cut back on baking a little, so hopefully we will sell out this week and not have so much left over! So I am really excited and just wanted to let you in on what is coming up on Monday. I will be HOSTING my first ever giveaway! The shop has REALLY cute items...so look for it starting on Monday! Oh, and if anyone else would like me to host their giveaway...just let me know! I'd LOVE to do it!

Friday Firsts....

2009-05-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

So, do you remember what it was like when you got YOUR first sale. Your heart started beating faster....it was exhilarating! "Someone actually likes my stuff enough to buy it!" You thought to yourself. So I thought I would declare (like who is really going to listen to me anyhow...but one can try)...Friday Firsts! I thought it might be nice to make someone's weekend by giving them their first sale. It doesn't have to be a huge purchase....any purchase of any size will still get the same effect! Kinda like the organized "Sneak Attack" on Etsy...but on a smaller scale and not aimed at one particular shop. So I thought I would lead by example. Since I am a sucker for photography...I purchased this small print from ROttoPhotography

So check out some of these great shops....or use "POUNCE" on Etsy and find your own....but go ahead....make someone's weekend with a small purchase! (I have chosen items that are around the same price range as my purchase)

These great GRAD tags...great for scrapbooking or gifts, from papierCiseaux. Only $2.50 for a set of 3!

This is a cute beaded incense holder from ZViolet priced at $8.00!

Or these great felt coasters from InboundThread . Only $8.50 for a set of 2 with FREE SHIPPING!

So if you do decide to make a first purchase this weekend...share it with us, we'd love to hear about it!

Thursday Theme

2009-05-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm not even going to begin to try to take credit for this fun little "contest". I believe in give credit where credit is due.....so Eileen over at Dorset Hill Beads runs a fun little contest every Thursday. And I must say I LOVE it....I try to enter as often as possible. It really is a lot of fun, so I thought I would give it a try. So here goes.....I think I may have made it too easy.....

Great necklace from anirtak

A great stamp from winemakerssister

cute little figurine from endlesswhimsy

Cute print from ollieollie

Looking For Some Feedback From YOU!

2009-05-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

So I am still preparing my scrub line and I am wanting some feedback from you all!
So, I have a few questions I would like answers to.....

1. I know I asked this question before, but I have added a few (or am thinking about adding) do you like oatmeal, coffee, sugar or salt scubs?
2. Do you prefer the type of scrub that does not leave "stuff" behind? (oats, poppyseeds, ect)
3. What size of scrub are you more likely to buy? Small (4oz), Medium (6-8oz) or Large (12+oz)

Ok, for lotions....

1. Do you prefer a thick or thinner lotion...or does it depend on where you are applying it?
2. Again, what size lotion do you usually purchase? Small (4oz), Medium (6-8oz) or Large (12+ oz)?
3. OR...do you purchase smaller at first, then larger if you like it?

If you would answer any or all of these questions, that would be a tremendous help! Thanks so much...I really appreciate it.

At Home Beauty Treatments.

2009-05-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

Don't have the time or money for expensive spa treatments? Well....do it yourself at home! A long while back, I posted a few do-it-yourself beauty treatments, so I thought it might be time for some more.

FACIAL MASK: Mix 1 tablespoon dry clay with 1 egg yolk, 1/4 of a mashed avocado and enough witch hazel to create a smooth mixture. Mud dries excess sebum while the egg yolk and avocado replenish lost moisture. Witch hazel tones. Clay is available in powder form at any health food store.

WRINKLE REDUCER: Believe it or not, banana is wonderful as an anti-wrinkle treatment. Mash 1/4 banana until very creamy. Spread all over face and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Follow with a dash of cold.
Gently pat dry.

MOOD ENHANCER BATH: Who couldn't use a little pick me up every now and then? Add 1/4 cup of pure vanilla extract to a warm bath. Vanilla has the ability to lift spirits and revive.

Take a handful of pine needles and place them in the foot of old panty hose. Knot around the faucet and let the pine hydrate under running bath water.
You'll feel better!

So treat yourself to a little spa day at home! YOU DESERVE IT!!!

NEW Product Announcement!

2009-05-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

So I have been waivering back and forth about this for quite some time. And today I did it, I formulated my very first lotion! I was concerned that it might take away from my lotion bars, but I now have come to look at it as opening the door to a whole new group of customers! Because, to be quite honest, lotion bars may not be for everyone. Some people may truly like the way a liquid lotion feels on their skin. So I am very excited to annouce that coming VERY soon are goats milk lotions! Now you can get that goodness in a lotion too! I will be sure to let everyone know when the product launches and of course....with another great giveaway!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

So since all of you were so nice to share you best mom stories with me...I'll share a little about my mom with you.

I am an only child....my mom is an only child. From what I can remember, I was lucky enough to have her home with me most of the time. I was never with a sitter for very long, if at all. She did work outside the home some, but made sure she was there for me when I needed her. She cooked family dinners and made chocolate chip cookies....I used to get mad (sorta) when my cousin Pat would show up at our doorstep with his friends and eat all of the cookies! He always managed to know when my mom was baking...seems he never showed up on the "off" days...only on cookie days! I never wanted for anything and I'm pretty sure she (and Dad) sacraficed for me. Those were the younger years....then came the dreaded teen years....at that point...we were pretty much at each other's throats! There were times when we were yelling at each other and fighting that my Dad would have to step in and say ENOUGH! Now that I have grown I can see that she did have my best interest at heart and she is my best friend. Unfortunately we(Mr Moose and I) move cross the country. She is in PA and I am in MT...over 2000 miles away! But we get through...talking almost every day on the phone...thank goodness for Verizon's Family plan! I still miss her and wish she could be here to share my life more. I also regret that I am not there for her for the hard times in her life....as HER best friend battles with pancreatic cancer. Anyway....don't want to bore you all so, I just close by saying Happy Mother's Day to the best Mom in the whole world and Happy Mother's Day to all the other Mom's out there too!

Scenic Saturday....

2009-05-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would move this post up one day, due to tomorrow being Mother's Day!

Guilty Pleasures....Hmmm?

2009-05-08T05:14:00.000-07:00

So what exactly makes a pleasure guilty? How exactly do you define that? I'm pretty sure that it will differ from person to person. So I turned to Wikipedia for an answer and came up blank (really? Wikipedia knows eveything!). So I dug deeper....and these are the two best definitions I could find:

DEFINITION A: "A guilty pleasure is defined as something you enjoy, even though you know it’s bad for you." (by Stephen Wong)
DEFINITION B: "A Guilty Pleasure is defined as something that would ruin us if our friends knew about it." (by MissKendy)

So I decided that I would let you all get to know me a little better and share some of my guilty pleasures:

Baskin Robbins Pralines and Cream Ice Cream! Definately fits DEFINTION A...have a small carton in the freezer right now! And it is definately calling my name!

OK, OK...I know, definately fits into DEFINITION B!! Don't get me wrong...I am not a huge fan...but I definately do like her newest song called The Climb....I tried to figure out how to share it, but couldn't.

BUBBLE BATHS! So this doesn't really fit into either definition above, but when I do indulge...I feel guilty for wasting all that time when I could have been doing something productive...so for me, it's a guilty pleasure.

Outback Steakhouse! Oh, do I love me a good steak! Definately DEFINITION A!

Well, that's about all for right now...hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Using Preservatives: PART 2.

2009-05-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I informed you about why the use of preservatives is necessary in some products. I mean, it seems sensless to spend good money on a lotion or cream that needs to be used or thrown away with in 2 weeks...why waste your money like that?

So aren't there any effective natural preservatives out there? Natural preservatives...yes, effective, not so much. Many natural substances offer some antibacterial benefits -- certain essential oils, like Tea Tree, and some vitamins, like Vitamin E, are antioxidants and can help reduce some forms of bacteria when used in high concentrations and in ideal conditions. Unfortunately though, your bathroom, purse and car are not ideal conditions. Steam, heat, direct sunlight and other adverse conditions help encourage bacterial growth and most "natural preservatives" can't be used in strong enough concentrations to fight contamination without running the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Other natural ingredients are useful only against certain strains of contaminants and for limited amounts of time.

First, even with a preservative, our products are still a healthier alternative to commercial products because the remaining ingredients within our products are natural or gentle. And secondly, we don't use unnecessarily high levels of preservatives like most commercial manufacturers use.

The options (for preservatives) will be based on formulation and what it contains. Essential oils are the most natural antimicrobials you will find. Essential oils that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity include caraway, cinnamon, clove, cumin, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, rose, rosemary, sage, sandalwood and thyme. Unfortunately, the percentage required to adequately protect a product from microbial growth generally exceeds the recommendations for safe amounts of essential oils to use in skin care products.

Grapefruit seed extract or citricidals are another class of antimicrobials that are considered by some to be more natural than the parabens. A good quality citrus seed extract should not contain additional preservatives. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a citrus seed based anti-microbial used as a preservative in skin care products. GSE is made with the extracts of citrus seeds and pulp. It is blended with vegetable glycerin to make it non-irritating to the skin and mucous membranes when used in formulations. GSE is even safe enough to use as a disinfectant for drinking water when necessary.

Parabens are preservatives that are available in small quantities for crafters and small businesses. Paraben based preservatives include Germaben, Germaben II, Phenonip, Methyparaben and other types such as Germall and LiquaPar Oil.

Using Preservatives: PART 1.

2009-05-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

I recently came upon another blog (non bath and beauty) stating that using preservatives....as she so put it...things she couldn't even pronounce was a bad thing. She spoke as though she was an authority on the subject, instructing people to look for products that were preservative free. While that is not necessarily a bad thing....sometimes a preservative is necessary. But when? What kind of preservative is safe? Are there natural preservatives? So I thought I would attempt to give a little bit of information about the use of preservatives. Today, I will touch upon when preservatives should be used...and tomorrow, I will address the types of preservatives.

So I stive to use as many natural ingredients in my products as possible. Although I try to live that lifestyle as much as possible...I whole heartedly support the use of preservatives in beauty care products. We believe our preservative philosophy embraces safety first, over what is trendy.

So, do all products require preservatives? The answer to that question is no, of course not. The only products that contain water need a preservative. Dry or powdered items need no preservative. Products that contain only oils do not need to be preserved. There are also ingredients, such as honey and vinegar, that when used (without the addition of water) are self-preserving. Handmade, natural soaps that are made using the old fashion process will list water on the label because it is included during the soapmaking process; however, this water is used up in the process of soapmaking and does not exist or need to be preserved in the final product. Also, high amounts of alcohol in a product (such as perfume) act as a preservative, needing nothing additional.

Of course there are no cut and dry cases of when one should use a preservative and when not to, that is totally up to the creator. So that is not to say that oil based scrubs do not need a preservative. The chances for an oil based scrub are low....BUT...scrubs are generally used around water....once water is introduced into the mix, the chances for spoilage increase. All of our scrubs will be oil based and will not contain a preservative, however if you would prefer one to be added all you need to do is ask!!

Why is it that water based products need to be preserved? Water is one of the friendliest substances on earth -- vital to the life of many creatures. Therefore, a product that contains water with no preservative would over time "naturally" become infested with bacteria, yeasts, fungi and molds. This infestation would therefore, make the product unusable, even toxic to you.

Even if a product does not list water as an ingredient on the label, there are other words that indicate the presence of water such as Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, "Distillates", and some "Extracts" (other extracts that are alcohol-based would not need to be preserved).

The contamination process happens much more quickly then you might expect, taking only a couple weeks. What is most frightening is that an unpreserved product that has gone bad might look and smell perfectly fine, but it could be filled with microorganisms that are dangerous for your skin and health. These products may look okay, but when they are micro-tested, the bacteria, yeast, fungus and mold counts are off the charts. Other times, the signs of contamination are more visually obvious -- a rancid odor or discolorations could be indications that a product has gone bad.

To be safe, a water-based lotion or cream with no preservative would need to be refrigerated and tossed after a week or two. So unless you're planning to make the lotion at home, this refrigerate-and-toss-after-a-week idea doesn't work. That is where a preservative comes in.

So, why is it that other brands do not list or use preservatives? We believe that there are a number of explainations for this:

ONE: Some companies may hide the preservative in the ingredient itself. For example, they may use an Aloe Vera Juice that was already preserved, and then on their label they only disclose the use of the Aloe Vera but not the preservative.

TWO: Some companies simply do not fully disclose their ingredient list as required, leaving off those items that they think "look" bad.

THREE: They could be using extracts in one or two different methods. For example, Tinctures used at the right percentage create an effective preservative option because they have such a high content of alcohol, but this alcohol also makes them very drying to the skin so not very useful in moisturizing products.

FOUR: They might be using ingredients that do not require preservatives. As we explained above, a product that does not contain water does not require preservatives. Our company also does NOT use preservatives in products where it is not necessary.

So I hope I have dispersed some of the myths of preservatives...they are not the bad guys some people make them out to be. Tomorrow, I will address some of the different types of preservatives used as well as some "natural" preservatives.

An Out Of The Ordinary Post....

2009-05-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would share with you yet another thing that occupies our time. We are house sitting...well, I guess a better way to put it is animal sitting (we really have nothing to do with the house)for our neighbors. We have many responsibilites....we need to feed and water the dogs and let them out to roam for a while. We also are responsible for the cats...which if anyone has ever had cats....is really no big deal. Clean the litter and make sure they have food and water...they come and go as they please. And then there are the CHICKENS! Believe it or not...I enjoy taking care of the chickens....now you're all probably going to think I am off my rocker, but when I enter their pen...I "talk" to them....I "talk" to them as I gather their eggs....and they have two crazy looking chickens that are my favorite:

There are two of these chickens in the flock...they were adopted from a fellow rancher that let his chickens free range....the rest of their family was eaten by coyotes....these were the only 2 that survived...so they now live here....safe and sound! These chickens are quite friendly as far as chickens go...they absolutely LOVE Mr. Moose. For some reason, when he comes into their pen....they run over to him and want him to pick them up and pet them....so I have started calling him the "Chicken Whisperer"! From what I have heard, from Mr. Moose's parents...he had a thing for chickens when he was younger too! If they ever could not find him....all they had to do was look in the neighbor's chicken coop!

Here is a size comparison....the smaller white eggs are given by the chicken above (and her flock mate) and the tan larger eggs are laid by the rest of the flock.

So if anyone out there know the proper "name" of these chickens...I would love to know...I think they are pretty cool!

And the Lucky Mom is......

2009-05-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

Wow...I don't know who I was trying to fool....I thought that it would be a breeze to pick the winner. I thought I would just "know" who should win....I would be able to "feel" it....but that couldn't have been farther from the truth! I wish I could award a prize to everyone who entered...but, unfortunately, I cannot. Each and every entry was special in it's own way and touched my heart. Many, many moved me to tears...so I feel very humbled to even begin to pick one entry over another. So I enlisted the help of some of my friends and we narrowed down the enteries to our top 5 choices....from that pool we put everyone's name into a hat and drew one name. AND THE WINNER IS GERI!! CONGRATS! Geri entered by her mom through an email entry. This is what Geri had to say about her mom.....

Mom is a real life Wonder Woman! Her cape is hidden and those bullet stopping bracelets only come out occasionally but she has many super powers! She can completes a day’s work before breakfast, repair a car, bandage a knee, and mend a teenager’s broken heart.

When I was a little girl I was convinced my mom could do anything. It amazes me that in her 40’s she was raising 3 children, taking care of a very sick husband, looking after 2 elderly boarders, managing a farm with over 200 animals often by herself, and did a day’s work that would exhaust any 3 men combined.

She sewed most of our clothes and as children we always remember friends at school some of whom had store bought clothes always saying to us, “Oh your mom makes you the prettiest dresses. I wish my mom could make us clothes like that.” She always added a personal touch, a pretty ribbon or some fancy stitching, or a pocket that was decorated with flair. She could fix a bicycle, repair a kitchen appliance, bandage a knee, and mend a teenager’s broken heart.

She kept a spotless house, and still found time to contribute to her church and her community. It makes me tired just to think about it. It’s a measure of her humility that when she hears this speech later on, and she will, she will blush and say, “Oh I didn’t do anything special. I just did what I had to do to take care of my family.”

Now lest it seem like I am portraying the woman as a saint let me just correct that notion for you right now. I’ve seen her angry a few times. Five years ago at the Yonge Bloor subway station in rush hour I was pushed from behind by a man who just came barrelling out of nowhere, knocked me to the floor, hurried onto a subway train, and didn’t even stop to help me up.

I can only hope that his desperate hurry was due to a dire medical emergency because he caused one. I ended up with a torn rotator cuff, months of physiotherapy, and a year of pain. Well when my mother found out she said she wanted to “hunt the guy down and wring his neck”, and there was real fire in her eyes! Then my sister reminded me how mom used to take an axe and chop the heads off chickens on the farm. Oh that guy is lucky he made a clean getaway! Like most moms the instinct to protect her kids is very strong.

There is an item in mom’s kitchen that has a place of honour in our family. It is a single large yellow mixing bowl the kind that’s early Corningware and very breakable. Mom got it when she was first married in 1954 and she always told us as kids, “If that yellow bowl ever breaks I am giving up baking forever!” No crown jewels, no expensive piece of the finest china has ever been washed and dried as carefully as my sister Beverley and I washed that yellow mixing bowl. The bowl is still around and Mom is still baking.

She loves her cat Harley, playing Parcheesi, adores the colour red, and watching Dr. Phil. A few years ago when Dr. Phil’s favourite saying was, “What the hell were you thinking?” and he was letting the occasional other swear word on television out Mom had had enough. She decided tough love was in order and she would send Dr. Phil “an internet” her words for email, saying how much she loved his show, and that he gave a lot of wise advice, but it was important not to swear as he was setting an example for others and young people might be watching.”

She has a great sense of fun and loves to laugh. Those who know her well are able to see she has a mischievous streak which is well hidden but will come out if encouraged. Just for fun she once tried on our roller skates and even slid down the slide with us. She knew she could always get us to laugh by speaking in Pig Latin. We thought it was hilarious!

Mom’s favourite story is the time she was in boarding school in Providence, Rhode Island in the 1940’s. Students were required to do several hours a week of work at the school to help pay for their tuition. In those days they used the old wringer washing machines which you had to be very careful with as it would suck up the clothes between two tight steel rollers.

A very important missionary was visiting the school and everyone was on their best behaviour. It was a very dignified occasion and mom was selected the very dignified task of doing his laundry. Well his long johns underwear got caught in the roller of the wringer washing machine. Mom was horrified and tried to pull the long johns out of the machine. A tug of war with the washing machine ending up in his long johns being ripped to shreds. She said she laughed till she cried. It was worthy of an I Love Lucy episode.

Mom will soon be 83. She’s faced injury and illness and the inevitable slowing down with time. Now she may only have the stamina of any 2 men combined. She has days where back pain forces her to lie down most of the day and others where she will climb up a ladder and clean out an eaves trough or repair a clothes line.

Her two favourite sayings are, “A thing worth doing is worth doing well” and, “Patience is a virtue” which her two grandsons had fun in rewriting as “Patience will hurt you.” I’m sure we tested that patience a million times over the years.

She has faced the death of a daughter and a husband and her faith in God remains strong as a rock. There are 6 words that I have heard her say so many times that to me defines who she is. She says these 6 words to friends, family, in prayer to God, and to strangers. Those 6 words are what can I do for you?

Mom is a woman who lives her faith. Someday she will be in heaven and the world will be a much lesser place. When she was asked `”What’s the first thing she would do when she’s in heaven was, my nephew piped up with, “Oh she’s going to clean it.” But I think she’s going to be kneeling at the feet of God and saying, “What can I do for you?”

Once again, I want to thank everyone who entered and shared their touching stories with me....I am truly honored....

OH...almost forgot Scenic Sunday answer was Pennsylvania...more specifically Cook Forest/Clarion River.

Scenic Sunday...

2009-05-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Any Guesses? Correct answer gets prize! Last day to enter Mother's Day Giveaway!

Saturday...Taking The Day Off....Sorta!

2009-05-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

So...I am taking a smallish break from blogging today. Today is the first Farmer's Market...So I will be there for most of the day. And I imagine I will be exhausted by the end of it! So I'll be back full force tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget to enter my Mother's Day Giveaway.....not a whole lot of enteries...so those are pretty good odds!

Friday....Baking Day.

2009-05-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

So...where did all the time go? I had so many plans....so many new recipes I wanted to create and play around with...but today is the day. My busiest day of the week for the next 5 months! Tomorrow is the opening of the Farmer's Market. Our market runs from May 2 to October 3. On my best days...I have upwards of 45 loaves of bread for sale, all baked on one day! But I figure with this being the FIRST one of the season...many people may not realize that it is open. So I plan to start out smaller than I normally would....say in the range of 20-30 loaves....but unfortuately I don't think I will have my croutons available....I have a customer that comes just for those! I still have hopes of creating an apple strusel bread before the end of the market this year...so stay tuned!

Oh, don't forget to check out the lastest issue of Crafters In The News! New issue just released today!

Using Twitter as A Marketing Tool

2009-04-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned previously I signed up for Twitter just on a whim...I really had no clue what this whole thing was all about. I thought, why not? It might be good for business. So I started tweeting...at first, about nothing significant. Then I saw the light and realized the power of this community. Now granted, I probably am not truly using it to its fullest potential. But I am learning. So I thought I might pass along some of this knowledge to you as well. Like I said...I am definately no pro, but I am learning...so learn along with me.

First and foremost....don't spam Twitter. Make your tweets meaningful and relevant. It may be tempting to do this...and sometimes you may not even realize you are doing this. But if you spam, eventually no one will want to read your tweets. And to be quite honest, I have started following people and they are spammer, which has led me to stop following them. I lost interest in what they had to say, because most of the time it was nonsense.

Second...know what you intend to promote when you start posting to Twitter. This is absolutely paramount when it comes to understanding how to get the most out of Twitter marketing in order to drive business to your website or your blog. If you know your product well, and you understand what it is going to take to market it, then you are already a step ahead of everyone else, and this is a really good place for you to be. And this is where I tend to fall down. I know what I want to promote...but I tend to drive most traffic to my blog...not my store. I need to work harder on this one...bring people into my store.

This next tip sort goes along with tip #1.....avoid over promoting your own product. While you can and should post about your product or service in your twitter posts, do not make this the sole focus of your Twitter account.

And the final tip I have to offer is in order to get the most out of your Twitter marketing, it is vitally important that you learn how to participate in the community and communicate properly in the process. Twitter is largely a community based SOCIAL networking site, so while you may be blogging on the site for your own business purposes, you will not get anywhere unless you are willing to participate in the conversation. Communicate with other businesses, customers and other individuals as well to get the word out about your business and to share something of yourself with the rest of the community.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

So I break rules! I love living in Montana. For me....it is the best place in the world! One thing that you need to get used to is the weather. Springtime in the Bitterroot is a bit unpredictable. So while most of the country was enjoying record breaking temperatures yesterday...we had snow! Now...don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining...I love it! Some places (outside of Glacier National Park) are calling for upwards of 18-36 inches of snow...so I thought I would share with you a snow picture of Beautiful Montana!

Tag You're It!

2009-04-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

A few days ago Vanessa at The Ohio Girl tagged me...and I didn't want her to think I was ignoring her, so here goes.....
What’s your current obsession? Hmmmm...probably Facebook and formulating new scrubs.
What’s your weirdest obsession? Smelling my new soap....I make a special trip into that room just to sniff the new soap...yummmm...garden mint and mango papaya...my new favorites!
What are you wearing today? Jeans and a Hoodie...my fav!
Why is today special? One day closer to Friday!! LOL
What would you like to learn to do? quilt....like I have time to learn that!
What’s the last thing you bought? Honey...getting ready for Farmer's Market on Saturday.
What are you listening to right now?I'm at work with the TV on...NCIS is on I think.
What’s your favorite weather? Either Snowy or sunny and temps right around 50! I'm a cold weather type of gal.
What’s your most challenging goal right now? Balancing everything...job, two businesses, keeping house, dogs....ugh I get tired just thinking about it.
What do you think about the person who tagged you? I don't know Vanessa very well, but my impression of her is she is very spirtited and happy person. Very kind as well.
If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? That's easy....right where I am now...MONTANA! But more specifically...I would like to live outside of Glacier National Park.
Favorite vacation spot? Yellowstone National Park...or anywhere camping.
What would you like to have in your hands right now? a nice tall glass of iced tea!
What would you like to get rid of? Hmmmm....can't think of anything right now.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Alaska
Which language do you want to learn? Just because in handy....spanish
What super power would you like to possess? The power to right the wrong in the world.
What’s your favorite thing about the city you live in? It's beauty! The mountains...the wildlife...and MOOSE!
What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet? my pink flame Big Dog hoodie
What’s your dream job? veterinarian
If you had $150 now what would you spend it on? buying a new printer
Do you admire anyone’s style? No...not into that sort of thing
Describe your personal style. Thrift Store! LOL Style...what's that? Casual, I guess. Comfortable.
If you could go back and change any event in your life, what would it be and why? I would have applied myself more in college (studied harder)...I graduated with a 3.25 gpa...but it still wasn't good enough to get me into vet school.
Who’s closet would you want to raid? Ummm...totally blank here....
What are you most proud of? My breads.
If you could choose one person who has passed to have lunch with who would it be and why? Hmmm this is hard....I guess it would be my friend Ellen who was killed in an auto accident....I choose her because she was a riot...always the life of the party.
Now the rules of this tag:1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.2. Tag 7 other people you would love to learn more about.

Here’s mine:
Angela at Pickles on Pizza
Pam at Playfully Smitten
Tessa at The Milkshake
Grammatically Delicious Designs
Julie at Gypsy Moon Designs
My Good friend Lori, at Harley and Me

Winners and Mother's Day Giveaway!

2009-04-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

So first off...I'll congratulate Tonja at Woods Ole Homestead. She got it right on the money....way to go! And now for the body candle winner(chosen randomly).....drumroll please.....Elizabear at The Bear Bunch! Congrats way to go! And for my Facebook winners....I have notified you directly...so just let me know the scents you all would like and I'll get them in the mail to you.

So, now what you all have been waiting for...the Mother's Day Giveaway! So what will you mom be receiving.....one body candle, one bath bomb, 2 bars of soap, a lotion bar, a lip butter and a 4 oz tub of body polish! That's over a $25 value. Awesome! So entry into this giveaway is going to involve a little bit of work. Here's how you enter......................simply tell me why your mom/wife/daughter/granddaugther/sister/friend is such and awesome mom and why they deserve to win! I will hand pick the winner myself from all the enteries received. So just leave me a comment or, if you choose email me directly at themuddymoose@wildblue.net.

Contest open to US and Canadian residents only. Contest will end on May 3, 2009 at midnight (mountain time) winner will be annouced on Monday, May 4, 2009. I will mail the gift directly to the winning mom, if you so choose, provided they are a resident of the US or Canada. You can enter more than once but each entry must include the name of the person being entered and their relationship to you. For example....I am writing to enter Cindy, she is my Aunt.....

So tell me your funny, touching, most memorable mom story....and good luck!

Scenic Sunday....

2009-04-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

OOPSSS...sorry I wasn't thinking about the lemon blueberry muffins....you would still want to use lemon yogurt, just replace the blueberries for raspberries.....I have never made lemon blueberry muffins....so I mis-spoke....

Any Guesses....correct answer will get a prize.

Lemon Raspberry Muffins

2009-04-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

As some of you may or may not know, I run a second small business, called Bitterroot Baked Goods. So in the summer along with all my bath goodies...I sell baked goods as well. Mainly bread.....This past fair season, my German Rye Bread took class champion...which I was pretty stoked, since this was my first fair entry in my entire life...my sourdough bread took second place.

Anyway I was recently presented with a challenge by a Sustainable Living Group here in the Valley. I needed 48 muffins made with as many local ingredients as possible....!? Wrong time of year I thought to myself...but I did rather well...in all the recipes...I would say nearly 80% were locally made/grown/produced! So I thought I would share with you one of the recipes I used.

LEMON RASPBERRY MUFFINS:
1/2 cup lemon yogurt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 -4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 egg whites
1-2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup frozen raspberries
coarse white sugar for decoration

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin tin, or line with liners(spend the extra money and get the tin muffin liners well worth it)
In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, oil, lemon juice, egg whites, honey and lemon extract. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until just blended. Gently stir in the frozen raspberries. Spoon batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle remaining sugar over the tops for decoration, if desired.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool muffins in the tin on a wire rack.

NOTE: Would be excellent with blueberries as well...just substitute blueberry or plain yogurt for lemon yogurt and the blueberries for raspberries.

Friday Favorites....A Few of My Pups Favorite Things.

2009-04-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note...don't forget to sign up for my giveaway that I have going on right now, it ends on Sunday. The winner will be announced on Monday along with my new giveaway. This next one will be my Mother's Day Giveaway! This gift basket will include a little sneak peek of my new scrubs that have not yet been released!

So I thougt I would share a few more of my....well my pups favorite things.

This first nifty little gadget allow you to walk both pups at one time and they don't get tangled! It is awesome...definately high on their wish list! It comes from AlaskaLeash.

This next little gadget is an absolute must for any one with pups and that loves to take them for walks....you can look stylish and scoop poop all at the same time! This come to you from StudioJCrafts. Not only does it look good, but it is priced right at under $7! What a great deal!

And last, but certainly not least....the treats! They have many favorites in this catagory....some from LuckyDogTreatCo and DivineCanine...but they have been asking me to try out these goodies from 3DogsandaChick.

These Honey Hydrants from LuckyDogTreatCompany.

And these Carob Paws from DivineCanine.

I guess it's a good thing they don't know the password to my paypal account! LOL

A Great New Award!

2009-04-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

I received this lovely award from Audrey, at Audrey's Country Crafts...who by the way is having her birthday giveaway going on right now...so be sure to stop over and enter and wish her a Happy Birthday. She has become a great friend who never ceases to amaze me with all she does!

The Renee Award. This Award was created by Bella and Ces in honour of their friend Renee, an incredible lady who in the face of a frightening life battle is tackling each day with great spirit and courage. Please check out the blogs of these three creative ladies.

Here is what Bella says of this award:
"this is a brand new award and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds it's way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak, giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns..."

Now to pass on the award. Here are the 7 blogs I picked.

Pickles on Pizza, whose blog I follow faithfully and love to hear what she has to say.
A talented young Etsian, The Milkshake
Elizabear at The Bear Bunch whose blogs posts always make me smile.
Vanessa at The Ohio Girl
Another young talented Etsian, Princess Catlin at Catlinesque
My friend and fellow Montanan, Gypsy Moon Designs
And last but not least...my pups are a huge fan of this fine lady, Marlene at Lucky Dog Treat Company!

Please visit these blogs, and thank you to Audrey for this wonderful award!!

Wednesday Wisdom: Sleep!

2009-04-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

For many of my readers....sleep is a precious commodity and sometimes just a fleeting thought. On average I get about 5 hours of sleep a night...not a lot, probably not enough. So who needs sleep anyway? Do we really NEED sleep anyway? So we are SUPPOSED to get about 8 hours of sleep every night....do you relize that's like 1/3 of your (my) day? Do you know how much I can/should be accomplishing in that time? But all joking aside, when people get less than 6 or 7 hours of sleep each night, their risk for developing diseases begins to increase. Sleep is more than just rest; it is an essential time for your body to perform routine maintenance and repair damage from your day. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night assures that your body and mind will function well the next day. Here are some myths about sleep:

1. Losing an Hour of Sleep is No Big Deal! FALSE! If you get less sleep than you need, your ability to do certain cognitive and physical tasks is decreased. If that sleep loss builds over time, it can interfere with the hormones that monitor appetite, changing your mood and increasing your risk of some chronic illnesses.

2. You Adjust to Sleep Changes Easily. FALSE! Your body gets on schedule based on your activity and exposure to daylight. When you travel across many time zones or work night shifts, you confuse body's sense of time, making sleep difficult and inhibiting some necessary sleep functions. For every one- to two-hour time change, it takes your body 1 day to adjust. That means it could take your body 6 to 12 days to adjust to a trip from New York to China.

3. Older People Need Less Sleep. FALSE! Older people need the same amount of sleep as everyone else, 7 to 9 hours per night.

4. You Can 'Catch Up' During the Weekend. FALSE! Hmmm..too bad! Many people sleep late on Saturdays and Sundays hoping to compensate for sleep lost during the week. While sleeping late helps catch up on your sleep debt, it also in fact, alters your sleep schedule. Sleeping late one or two days and then wakeing up early again on Monday. Your body must adjust to these changes. During this adjustment, your quality of sleep is poor.

5. Naps are Wasteful. FALSE! Oh...gotta love a good nap! When I was young my mom couldn't get me to take a nap...I think I was like under a year old when I stopped napping...wow have times changed....I think nap has got to be my favorite word! Naps can be a great way to catch up on lost sleep. After taking naps, people function better and do certain cognitive tasks quicker. Napping can also help you train yourself to fall asleep quicker.

So now..go on...take a nap...don't feel guilty...it will make you more productive!

Current Giveaways Going On!

2009-04-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

Like many of you already know...I love giveaways! I love to host 'em, I love to run 'em....I LOVE everything about them! So I decided to a post on some current giveaways going on!

The first one I want to mention is going on at Old But New. She has a fun giveaway going on right now, called Guilty Pleasures Giveaway. Very simple to enter...if you dare to confess YOUR guilty pleasure! The prize is your choice of one item from the sale section in her shop! Better hurry because this one ends on April 22nd!

The next blog, Caitlinesque, is having her VERY FIRST giveaway. This contest is super easy to enter as well! PLUS if you win, the prize is you get to choose one item from her lovely shop.

Nature Manipulated has a great giveaway going on at her blog. You have the opportunity to win this Munk Critter Bluefly. Be sure to stop over to her blog for all the details!

My friend, Tori, over at The Sweet Jellybean, is also hosting a giveaway...it's an awesome board game! Be sure to stop HERE to enter this great giveaway!

Now, last but certainly not least, my friend, Audrey, over at Audrey's Country Crafts is having her Birthday Giveaway! Be sure to stop HERE for all the details. I have donated some of my items for this giveaway too! So stop over, enter to win and be sure to wish her a happy birthday while you're there!

New Giveaway: New Body Candle Scents!

2009-04-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

(sorry for using the old pictures, but have been working overtime and didn't get a chance to take pics with the new labels)
What a better way to kick of a new work week than with another great giveaway! In honor of the release of my new Body Candle scents...I thought I would give them away!
The new scents are Sandalwood Vanilla, Black Tea and Roses, Vanilla Oak and Spa Tranquility. So new scents, new name and new lables...what more could you want?

Never heard of a Body Candle? Well, you don't know what you are missing! These "candles" are chocked full with loads of skin loving oils. They contain shea butter, cocoa buter, avocado oil and soy wax. They are so simple to use. Light your Body Candle and allow all those wonderful oils melt. Once you have enough oil, extinguish the flame and pour the melted oils into your hand. Rub into your parched, dry skin. Enjoy alone or with someone special. Pure bliss (even if I do say so myself). The oils will be a bit greasy at first to allow for you to massage those dry areas, but will quickly absorb into your skin. So now on with the giveaway.

Once Again, this will be relatively simple to enter and you will get multiple chances to win, ok here are the rules:

1. The contest is open to EVERYONE EVERYWHERE! You don't even have to have an etsy store to enter.

2. The contest will run until midnight Sunday April 26, 2009 (mountain time), with the winner being announced Monday, April 27, 2009. Winners will be picked randomly.

3. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT RULE: YOU MUST DO A COMMENT FOR EACH DIFFERENT ENTRY TO QUALIFY!

4. You must include in your post a way to contact you....email, etsy shop address...something! If you do not include a way to contact you, your entry will not be counted.

ENTRY CHANCES:
1. You get one for simply following me! (please post a comment to say that you are following me)
2. You get one entry for commenting about my shop..your fave from my shop, something you want to see, something I need to change, ect!
3. You will get 2 entries for grabbing my button and posting it on your blog. Please post that you have my button and the link to where it is.
4. You will get 2 entries for blogging about my giveaway, with a link back to here. So simply blog about it (first) then return to my blog and post a comment with the link to your blog. Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment....I won't go back again and again to check...I will only check once...if it's not there....no entry.

There will only be one winner that will get their choice of scent! So get going...enter! Tell your friends!

Oh I almost forgot...the picture from "Scenic Sunday" was from Yellowstone National Park. Congrats to my mom who guessed correctly!

Scenic Sunday...

2009-04-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

So in honor of not blogging on Sundays...(um, ok, sorta)...I thought I would share one of Mr, Moose's many pictures! If anyone can guess where this picture was taken....something a little more specific than (for example) the state of Washington...will get a prize (nothing GRAND...so don't get too excited)!

So go ahead and post your guesses in the comments...if there are multiple people with correct guesses, I will randomly draw from them.

Twitter Terminology

2009-04-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this post was inspired by Tickleworm. I decided it would be a great idea to sit down and research all the twitter terminology that is being thrown around out there not to mention, it would also get me up to speed as well!

I guess a good place to start is at the beginning...the basics.

Twitter: an online social micro-blogging community, where users have 140 characters or less to get their message heard!

Tweet: When a user posts an update to their account. That update is often referred to as a "tweet" and the user is said to have "tweeted". Tweet can be used as a noun, referring to the actual written update, or a verb, referring to the action of publishing an update.

Follow: You can either sign up to follow other Twitter users or they can sign up to follow you. If you follow someone, it simply means that you automatically receive that person's Twitter updates. Each time that person posts an update on Twitter, it appears on your Twitter home page instantly

@reply: @reply precedes messages sent from one person to another that are public. In other words, anyone who can see your Twitter updates can see the @replies that you send or that are sent to you, whether or not they are following you or you are following them. These messages appear on Twitter updates as @username (with "username" replaced by the person's actual username from their Twitter account).

Direct Message: A direct message is a private message from one Twitter user to another. You can only view your direct messages.

Ok, so those are the basics....here are a few more obscure....um not so widely used terminology that I have come across....these were all taken from the twictionary.

Celebritweet: A celebrity who uses Twitter

Dweet: A tweet made, perhaps regrettably, while under the influence of alcohol.

Egotwistical: Tending to talk excessively about oneself on Twitter

Fly-Bye: Signing off of Twitter

Illtwitterate: The uninitiated. Those who "don't get it".

Miss# or Mr# : A way of referring to kids. "Miss3 = 3-year-old daughter"

MRT: Modified ReTweet: Use when you have to edit the original tweet for grammer, spelling, or space for your comments

RT: Retweet: tweeting content posted by another user

Tweed: Twitter + feed: A stream of tweets.

Tweeps: Twitter + peeps (friends)

Tweetjacking: Hijacking someone's tweet by switching their link for your own and retweeting it, piggybacking on their authority to drive traffic to your own target page.

Tweetup: Twitter + meetup: a gathering of folks based on a twitter conversation (often impromptu)

Twetiquette: (n) Etiquette for Twitters

Twip: A tip about using twitter

Twiply: An reply to tweet

Twittercide: To commit twittercide is to decide to close (or kill) your Twitter account.

And with that, I think I will STOP! I could go on and on and on....There are a ton of them...so be sure to check out the "twictionary"....some of them are pretty funny!

Friday Favorites....A Few Of My Favorite Things.

2009-04-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these little easels by WHIMSYlove! They are perfect for holding recipes or your favorite pictures. And soooo unique. They are priced right too, at under $10.00 each!

First off, I love dragonflies! And although I don't usually wear a ton of jewelry, I do love rings. Especially the big, chunky rings. I think this would look awesome as a thumb ring or on you index finger. Best of all these are made to order! This awesome ring comes from LavenderCottage.

Bullies....gotta love 'em! They are sooo sweet. I absolutely love the expression on this little pup! This picture comes from the talented shop, trotalo. Be sure to stop over and check out his other great pics!

This is another chunky ring that I love. I do really like this nature inspired ring. However, I waited a little too long. She did have a dragonfly wing ring that I absolutely adored...but oh well...my fault I waited! This ring comes from tigerlillyshop. Be sure to stop over to her shop, she has tons of nature inspired jewelry that I am sure you will love!

Tweet Tweet....What's All The Fuss?

2009-04-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was asked "Do you Twitter?". "Ummmm....Huh?" was my response. Totally oblivous to this newest social community in cyberworld. So I decided I would sign up for an account. Ok...now what? I don't get it....140 characters....to do what? So I posted a few comments and lo and behold, I got some followers! What, at that particular moment in time, they were following was confusion. I truly had no clue. Then I let it sit idle for a month or so...but even then...I still managed to pick up a few followers from time to time. Then I decided to give it another look. I've got 140 characters to get my message out there...to be heard...so I'd better make it good. So around the same time I became dedicated to my blog...I also became dedicated to Twitter. I'll be the first to admit when started back up, I did not really enjoy "tweeting". But now, I use it as a tool...to draw people to my store or my blog.

Still not sure what Twitter is? It is best described as micro-blogging. As I mentioned before, you've got 140 characters to get your message out there for all the world to see.

Why not use it as a business tool? First...it's free! Free advertising...free publicity...FREE! Need I say more. Now this statistic is possibly a little off, I couldn't find a date, but with 4-5 MILLION users...what other form of media could possibly reach that many people? Not to mention....I LOVE that little bird...LOL!

What Have Been Up To?

2009-04-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

Well aside from not being a very productive blogger. I have been experimenting with all sorts of scrub formulas! This is the part of the bath and body business that I love. I guess that is the chemist in me(I have a minor in chemistry. No, seriously, I do). Creamsicle Body Polish, Chocolate Truffle Scrub and Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Scrub as well as your basic Brown Sugar Scrub. I am also still formulating a foot scrub.

So the next step on the road to releasing these products is to get some feedback from the public. The way I am going about that is I have formed a Facebook group. By joining, members are the first to get to try out new products and also get exclusive offers as well. So if you are on Facebook, just go to groups and search for The Muddy Moose Bath Boutique and join...that simple. I have also been busy making my new massage candle scents...OOPS I mean Body Candles: Black Tea and Roses, Spa Tranquility and Sandalwood Vanilla. In honor of their release, I plan on doing a giveaway starting next week...so stay tuned for that!

Skalkaho Falls

2009-04-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I would share another picture from my neck of the woods. I'm not sure what has been up with me lately, but haven't been up to par lately with my posts...and I apologize for that. Hopefully I will be able to get back on track after today.

Any way about a 30 minute drive from where I live. There is a road called Skalkaho (pronounced Skal-Ka-Ho)Highway. And by highway they mean....at times....a dirt trail. It is a narrow winding road over the top of a mountain. During the winter, this road is closed. But as you make your way to the top, you are rewarded with this awesome waterfall. It is kinda daunting. It is REALLY close to the road and REALLY loud. But it is definately worth the trip with the mountain. Also...I chose to include myself in this picture as a size reference....so look closely. THis is one of the few pictures you will see with me in it. I hate to have my picture taken. So tomorrow I promise to be back on track...enjoy!

Ahhhh...Springtime!

2009-04-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love everything spring? The song of the birds returning, the greening up of all the trees, the arrival of beautiful spring flowers. What's not to love? Well....I've got two words for you: SPRING CLEANING! UGHH! It's the pits. Time to dust off all the dirt and grime that has accumulated over the long winter! With all the years of driving cross country....I've never fully experienced a true spring cleaning. WOW! I spent all morning cleaning only 1 room! That's it...that's all I got done today. What I am hoping it that it is the most difficult room to clean. I did the kitchen.

So I am turning this question over to some more seasoned house keepers....please tell me the kitchen is the hardest room!

Also if you have any cleaning tips you want to share to make things go quicker, I'm open for suggestions....so let's hear 'em!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Have a Happy Easter Everyone! Don't eat too much candy!

The Day Before Easter

2009-04-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

T'was The Day Before Easter

By Tammy Fuller

Twas the day before Easter and all through the woods,
The bunnies were busy packing their goods.
The eggs were all colored so pretty and bright,
All things were "go" for the big, special night.

The baskets were waiting, all decorated with care,
In hopes that the Bunny soon would be there.
My little brother Sam was asleep in his bed,
While visions of Easter eggs rolled round his head.

And I in my pajamas with the cat on my lap,
I had just settled down for a quick little nap.
When outside the window I heard a great noise,
I sprang from my chair and jumped over some toys.

As quick as a flash to the window I flew,
I pulled up the shade and , OH, what a view.
The moon on the meadow cast a bright golden glow
And the wind blew the flowers to and then fro.

Then all of a sudden from out of nowhere,
Came some lively bunnies, hopping here, hopping there!
Leading the group with ears long and funny
Was a plump all-white rabbit...
That's right...the EASTER BUNNY!

The bunnies hopped past, one, two , three, four,
The rabbit called out and then there were more.
"Come Peter! Come, Flopsy! Come, Benny! Come, Joe!
Now hop along! Hop along! Hop along! GO!"

So up on each doorstep the bunnies did hop,
With baskets of eggs. (Let's hope they don't drop)!
Just at that moment, on the porch down below,
Came the stomping of feet 'Twas the rabbit I know!

As I stepped from my window I heard a loud sound.
Through the door came the rabbit with a leap and a bound.
He was furry and soft from his head to his feet.
To see him so close was really quite neat.

He was surrounded by eggs that had been carefully dyed.
Easter eggs galore he soon would hide.
His eyes were all twinkles, His nose was so pink,
And I can't be too sure but I think he did wink.

He had a kind face and a big fluffy tail
That bobbed up and down like a boat with a sail.
A twitch of his nose and a flick of his ear
Was his way of saying "You've nothing to fear"

He uttered no sound as he hopped all about,
Hiding the eggs and leaving no doubt,
That the Easter Bunny had come like he does every year...
Bringing baskets of happiness to children so dear

Fun Easter Quiz

2009-04-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

1. What does Mardi Gras have to do with Easter?

a)Mardi Gras is the first day of Lent.
b)Mardi Gras is the last day to indulge before Lent.
c)Mardi Gras has nothing to do with Easter.

2. What is the origin of the word "Easter"?

a) It was a sky deity associated with rain and agriculture.
b) It was the name of a spring goddess.
c) It was a mythical beast that was crucified

3. What is the difference between a rabbit and a hare?

a) Rabbits are usually seen in the daytime.
b) Rabbits generally have shorter ears and legs than hares.
c) Rabbits are born covered with fur and with their eyes open.

4. Which President inaugurated the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll?

a) Calvin Coolidge
b) Theodore Roosevelt
c) Andrew Johnson

5. Where does the White House Easter Egg Roll take place?

a) Capitol Hill
b) The South Lawn
c) The West Wing

6. How is the date for Easter Sunday calculated?

a) The first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
b) The second Sunday following the harvest moon.
c) It is always on the second Sunday in April.

7. What is an Easter candle usually made of?

a) Beeswax
b) Vegetable wax
c) Tallow wax

Peeps and Jelly Beans...The Best Thing About Easter!

2009-04-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

In honor of Easter being just around the corner...the next couple of posts will be dedicated to just that! I will be the first to admit, Easter is not my favorite holiday, nor is spring my favorite season (um, that honor goes to Fall). But I do love the goodies that go along with this holiday: peeps and jelly beans! So I did a little research on these two sweets and I thought I would share them with you!

Jellybeans are likely descended from the Middle Eastern confection known as Turkish Delight, a jelly-like confection coated with confectioners sugar. The method making the sugar shell coating was developed in 17th century France, and is known as 'panning'.

The first advertisement for jelly beans was supposedly published in the Chicago Daily News on July 5, 1905.

Jelly beans became associated with Easter in the U.S. during the 1930's.

On October 15, 1999, the world’s largest jar of jelly beans was unveiled. It weighed 6,050 pounds

April 22nd is National Jelly Bean Day

Each year, U.S. manufacturers produce more than 16 billion jelly beans for Easter -- that's enough to completely fill a plastic Easter egg 89 feet high and 60 feet wide (about the height of a nine-story office building)

Just on a personal note, my favorite are the red, black and pink jelly beans(the spiced ones, of course). What's your favorite??

Mr Moose's family hails from Bethlehem, PA. Why is that so important...well the manufactures of the famous marshmallow peeps are located there! Just Born also manufactures Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Peanut Chews. On an interesting side note, Just Born was also the inventor of those famous chocolate "jimmies"! The were named after the employee that created them! (all peep/just born information was obtained from here)Now back to the topics at hand....

Americans buy more than 700 million MARSHMALLOW PEEPS during the Easter holiday, which makes Peeps the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy!

In 1953, it took 27 hours to create one PEEPS® Marshmallow Chick. Today, thanks to advances in technology, it takes six minutes.

Just Born produces enough PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow Candies in one year to circle the earth twice.

In the late 1950's PEEPS® wings were "clipped" to give them a sleek, modern look.

Yellow is America's best selling color of PEEPS® chicks and bunnies.
Yellow and white PEEPS® chicks and bunnies came first, followed by pink, lavender, blue, green and orange (making their debut for Easter 2009).

PEEPS® branded products have made celebrity appearances with the likes of Diane Sawyer, Emeril Lagasse, Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno and Reba McEntire.

If you had 8,000 PEEPS® bunnies, and you stood them in a straight vertical line, you could reach the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago.

Each PEEPS® chick has 28 calories and 0 grams of fat.

PEEPS® have become gourmet favorites as fondues, crème brule ingredients and cappuccino toppings!
Be sure to check out THIS homemade marshmallow peep recipe....I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to give it a try...but alas, I have no time...If anyone tackles this...I need to know about it! PLEASE!

Somewhere.....

2009-04-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

So Mr Moose is somewhat of a photographer. When we took a 6 week camping trip during the summer of '07 we had like over 10,000 pics....no kidding! So I thought I would share a little bit of his talent with you. This photo was taken last summer in the field across from our house. All the photography skills I have acquired from him...he has taught me a lot. So from time to time, I will share his talent with you all. Thanks for looking and letting me share!

I am an addict!

2009-04-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

So last night, pretty much ALL of last night, I sat in front of the computer and thought....and thought.....AND thought. It took up pretty much the entire evening. What was I thinking? What should I blog about tomorrow? Of course, I was sitting in front of the computer the entire time...."thinking". What did I accomplish? Nada, zilch, zippo. I think that this is quite possibly the hardest post I have ever had to write! Case of writers block? Quite possibly. So in all my "thinking"...I found two more friends on Facebook, found tons of things I wanted to purchase on Etsy, checked my email tons of times, just to make sure some "extremely urgent" email hadn't popped into my inbox and I signed up for an artfire account.

So in the midst of all this "thinking", it dawned on me.....could I possibly be? No, it can't be true! Am I addicted to the internet? Hi, my name is Deb and I am an internet addict. There I said it! I said it out loud!

So how have all these sites managed to suck all the life out of me? They are like cocaine! I feel myself getting antsy if Mr Moose is on the computer....even if I was just on it....what is HE thinking? What IF I need to do something important on there.....I MIGHT need to answer someone's message.....someone MIGHT send me an email! UGHHHH! WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS? (LOL) It's the last thing I do before I go to bed and the first thing I do in the morning. Of course....I check like a bazillion times from the time I get up and the time I go to work. I guess what makes my "addiction" worse, is that when we made the move from PA to MT over a year ago....our TV stayed behind....no room on the UHaul. Since we have no TV in the house, the internet feels like my only connection to the media.

Maybe I should join a group...better yet form a group called internetters anonymous!
So am I alone with this addiction...am I the only one who sits down "JUST" to check email and then look and like over an hour has gone by? Please let me know!

Oh, please be sure to take my poll too!

Monday Morning Blues

2009-04-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, Monday morning rolls around way too fast! Where exactly did the weekend go? Lately I have to be careful not to blink for fear I might miss them! High hopes for wonderful weekend plans and then dread as you begin another work week! Monday Morning Blues...everyone has them from time to time. Well why wouldn't you? Spend a fun, carefree weekend only to be faced Monday morning with a "to-do" list that is a mile long. Not to mention that next weekend seems like it is a million miles away. Well, you're not alone. At least 75% of the working world suffers from Monday Morning Blues! Come on, admit it....you know the feeling. The comforter feels like it weighs a thousand pounds....such an effort to throw it off of you and hop into that shower....best to just lay here a few more minutes.

So here are a few quick tips to help you make it through that dreaded Monday Morning:

1. Read something inspirational. Now, I don't mean break out some full length novel, just some little quip or quote. Something uplifting and happy!
2. Wear a new outfit today! Now, here again....you don't need to go out and break the bank. Even that awesome bargain you found at the thrift store over the weekend....something pretty and NEW TO YOU! Not only are you wearing something new....then you get to brag about your awesome find too!
3. Treat yourself to little treat today. On your way to work or to do your errands...grab your fave drink or treat....whether it be hot chocolate, that cup of latte or that ice cream cone from Baskin Robbins. Indulge and enjoy! Make it special.
4. Do something nice for someone else today. Drop someone a little card, bake some cookies for your elderly neighbor...brightening someone else's day will brighten your day as well.
5. Finally....plan for a special Monday night....make special family dinner, plan for a game night. Having something to look forward to at the end of the day, will make your day brighter and go by a little faster as well!

So now....go out and have a happy Monday Morning!

Sunday Is A Day For Rest....

2009-04-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Rest, what the heck is that? As like many of you...I run two small businesses, work full time, keep house....ok....*try* to keep house (LOL), and we are now currently in the process of becoming certified Pet CPR/First Aid instructors for the Red Cross. Thank goodness there are no children in the mix! Not that we don't want them...but with our lives sooooo hectic, I don't think they fit into our lives right at this particular moment...but soon...the biological clock is starting on it's downward spiral! So anyway, where was I...oh, yes....I have made the executive decision that Sundays will be my day "off" from blogging...wait...what am I doing right now...hmmmm....am I serously writing a blog on a Sunday about not blogging on Sundays?!?! I think I might need some serious help! Maybe I'm just a work-aholic. I NEVER put my etsy shop on vacation for fear I might miss something...what, I guess I'll never know...but I'm pretty sure it is something of epic proportions! So maybe I'll have to revise my "Executive Decision"...to I *might* not blog on Sundays. LOL

Custom Lip Butters: red6red

2009-04-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

So, I'm just going to come right out and say this...I'm really ok, exceptionally pleased with how this latest custom order turned out! So I thought I would share. I designed the label myself. Of course, the basic logo design was hers. The only thing that needs done is to shrink wrap them. These are going to a new boutique opening in Idaho, so hopefully she will be a repeat in the future! So if you need any little "favors" for anything...I can do your custom label for you. Great for weddings, showers, parties, reunions, promotional items. Wholesale pricing available!

Designer Dogs Revisited (Funny)

2009-04-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago, I did a post on "Designer Dogs" and how much they irk me! Well, I went to the mailbox today and I got a newsletter from our Vet's office today and on the back page there were these newly "formed" Designer Dogs. They were tooo funny and I had to share!

Collie + Lhasa Apso gives you a CALLAPSO, a dog that folds up for easy transport.

Poiner + Setter gives you a POINTSETTER, a traditional Christmas pet.

Pekingese + Lhasa Apso gives you a PEEKASSO, an abstract dog.

Newfoundland + Basset Hound gives you a NEWFOUND ASSET HOUND, a dog for financial advisors.

Terrier + Bulldog gives you a TERRIBULL, a dog that makes awful mistakes.

Bloodhound + Labrador gives you a BLABADOR, a dog that barks incessantly.

Malamute + Pointer gives you a MOOT POINT, owned by...oh, well, it doesn't really matter anyhow!

Collie + Malamute gives you a COMMUTE, a dog that travels to work.

Deerhound + Terrier gives you a DERRIERE, a dog that's true to the end.

And finally we have a Retriever + Irish Setter gives you a RESETTER, a dog that can set your VCR for you.

Thanks for letting me post this little funny! Hope you enjoyed it!

How 'bout all you clever people out there...what can you come up with PLEASE SHARE!!

Hot Off The Presses! New Edition of Crafters In The News

2009-04-02T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am always a day late and a dollar short...story of my life! LOL! So yesterday I failed to inform you of the latest edition of Crafter In The News. It was released yesterday...so please be sure to check out this newest edition. It is chocked full of great articles, new recipes and tutorials.

Choosing A Moisturizer Right For Your Skin Type

2009-04-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spoke about some basic moisturizing terminology, as well as citing a few examples. Today, I'd like to guide you on how to choose a mositurizer that is right for your skin. There are 5 skin categories that I would like to address: oily, dry, normal, mature and sensitive.

Oily skin is generally problematic and prone to acne and breakouts. It is widely thought that oily skin does not need moisturizers. However this is farthest from the truth. Cleansers designed for oily skin do just that. They clean and remove the oil, and sometimes so much so, they leave behind dry, flaky skin. People with oily skin should look for water based moisturizers to help protect your skin. These moisturizes are generally used only after cleansing. People with oily skin should also pay close attention and look for products labeled "noncomedogenic", meaning that it will not clog your pores. Be on the lookout for products that contain the essential oils cedarwood, lemon and rosemary, which are all know to benefit oily skin. Look for products that contain oils such as sweet almond oil or avocado oil, which are know for their low comedogenic properties and will be less prone to clogging your pores.

Normal skin is neither too dry or too oily. When choosing a moisturizer for this skin type, your goal should be to maintain your natural moisture balance. It is best to look for mositurizers that are water-based. These type of moisturizers will have a light, nongreasy feel and contain lightweight oils such as grapeseed oil or apricot kernel oil, just to name a few.

People with sensitive skin are susceptible to skin irritations. Ingredients that can set off sensitive skin range anywhere from dyes to fragrances. Even though a product may be labeled all natural, that does not imply that it will not irritate your skin. People with sensitive skin will need to be especially vigilant and pay special attention to ingredients to learn what causes their skin to flare up. Look for moisturizers that are fragrance and dye free. Althought I just mentioned to steer clear of fragrances, people with sensitive skin have found that the essential oils Chamomile , Lavender , Neroli , Rose and Sandalwood tend to help their sensitive skin, so be on the lookout for products containing these essential oils.

Mature skin is characterized by wrinkles, crow's-feet, and blemishes. Age spots start to appear. The skin begins to lose its elasticity and cells are not replaced as quickly. The glands that are responsible for producing the skin's natural oils slow down dramatically. With that in mind, it is best to choose a moisturizer that is oil based. Mature skin will benefit from mositurizers that contain the essential oils carrot seed, which helps with revitalization and frankincense, which is thought to reduce the signs of wrinkles. Other essential oils to look out for are chamomile, patchouli, and sandalwood. Also be on the lookout for products that contain either avocado oil or butter and shea butter are just a few to look for.

The final skin type: dry skin. The obvious goal of a mositurizer for dry skin is to restore moisture. You will want to look for a heavier, oil based product. Good oils to be on the look out for are evening primrose oil, hempseed oil and emu oil. Emu oil is very pricey, but well worth the extra cost. Look for products that contain the essential oils lavender, rose or sandalwood.

Moisturizing Your Skin: The Terminology

2009-03-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

Emoillient, Humectant....what does it all mean to you? Maybe a slightly better way to put that, what does it mean for you skin? You hear those words thrown around a lot when referring to skin care products, but how many of you actually know their definitions or can give an example of one?

Let's start with Humectant. A simple, straight-forward answer: a substance used in cosmetics (and food) products to help retain moisture. These substances actually absorb the water from the air and hold the moisture in the skin. They are also very useful in skin care products for softening thickened or scaly skin. It goes to reason then, that for a humectant to be effective, it needs high humidity levels. Honey and glycerin are two examples of natural humectants.

Emollients are subtances that soothe and soften the skin. Sometimes the word "moisturizer" and "emollient" are used interchangably. However to be more correct, the term emollient should be used to identify individual ingredients and the term moisturizer should be used to describe the end (finished) product. For a substance to be considered an emoillient, it must do two things: 1)Prevent dryness and 2)protect the skin by acting as a barrier. Believe it or not, water is actually the best emollient. However, it evaporates too quickly to be effective. Natural emollients are metabloized by the skins own enzymes and are absorbed into it. They are also readily biodegradable and are of edible quality. Some natural emollients are avocado, shea and cocoa butters.

Check back tomorrow to lean how to choose a moisturizer that best suits your skin type.

The Winner Is......

2009-03-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

I didn't intentionally prolong the suspense on purpose. I woke this morning to a massive migraine....so I got up, did what I absolutely HAD to do (more bread orders to fill) and back to bed I went! By the time I had gotten up, my whole day was completely thrown way off kilter and I will admit....I almost forgot! YIKES!! So I sat down and wrote all the names down and we now have a winner of the "Very Vegan Giveaway"! Drum roll please.......CONGRATULATIONS TO VANESSA AT THE OHIO GIRL! Be sure you stop over and congratulate her...she has a really cool blog too...so be sure to sign up and follow her as well.

The winner was chosen randomly using a random number generator at random.org.

This and That Randomness...

2009-03-29T05:12:00.000-07:00

Please don't forget to enter my "Very Vegan Giveaway" that is ending today. Open to everyone, everywhere!

Also, I have gotten in some new scents for massage candles that I am anxiously awaiting to try out: Black Tea & Roses, Spa Sea Salt (which I WILL be renaming) it is a very light, clean spa scent...very nice, and last but certainly not least, sandalwood vanilla. So be on the look out for these new scents coming soon.

Also, I hope to be listing my soy candles soon. You know, making candles is not as easy as it looks...it takes a lot to get things just right! I have been playing around with them and are finally happy enough to offer them for sale!

And I have been making soap like a mad woman....be on the look out for my gardners soap with pumice and doggie soap, too!

Saturday Soapbox: Where Has All The Customer Service Gone?

2009-03-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am on the hunt for a new printer. Each time I need to print a document or some labels, I hold my breath and utter a little prayer. I am secretly thinking to myself: Will this be the time my little printer prints it's last words? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get this one last document done! Phew....success! As I have mentioned before, living in the country has its benefits and convience isn't necessarily one of them! I an error message that the overflow ink something-or-ruther is full. I can push the reset button a couple of time and make it work, but I know eventually this little game will come to an end...and I will be on the losing team. So I called the manufacturer (this is where rural living comes into play) and they tried to troubleshoot....but (oh what a surprise) this is not something that I can fix on my own and I need to take it to an "authorized repair shop" (again...surprise). Hopefully there will be one in Missoula (30 miles north of me)....but no....Great Falls is the closest! Hmmm, what do I do? Travel the 200 miles to get this fixed? Or replace? Well the choice is obvious.... so now we are on a hunt. I guess I should mention here that the customer service that I received from the manufacturer was good. Even though he was not able to be of great help, he was polite and spoke relatively good English! I give them 4 out of 5 stars!

So, here again, being relatively rural, Missoula does not offer a huge selection for us to choose from.....we have Best Buy and Staples...that's pretty much it (just on a side note...they don't even have Red Lobster or Olive Garden ?!?!?)! First stop: Best Buy. So I find the printer isle....find the models we are looking for. We were in the store for well over 30-40 minutes...NOT ONCE did a sales person come up to us and ask us if we needed any help?! Meanwhile there was a salesperson "busy" at the end of the isle flirting with two pretty little blonde college girls...who I'm sure weren't even the least bit interested in what he was selling...LOL! I was trying to make myself as conspicuous as possible....opening hatches, lifting the printer up....turning it upside down....you would think someone might take interest in what I was doing...NOPE! So out we went....no printer. I refuse to spend my money in a place that does not take interest in their customers! They get a -10 out of 5 stars...SERIOUSLY!
Next Stop: Staples. Total time spent there about 10-15 minutes. Same scenario (minus the blonde bimbos)..lifting, pushing buttons and pretty much doing everything but pick up the printer and throw it on the floor....no service....there were hardly any associates even present in the store. They did have better prices...so I would give them 1 out of 5 stars.
So being somewhat disappointed with our search for printers...especially since we didn't even speak to a single sales associate! We thought we would take a trip Costco. Can you believe that they had a printer we wanted? AND...this is where we came the closest to getting customer service?? COSTCO! The sales associate was busy in the electronics department...and he told us that he would be with us in a minute. Come on, Costco? Really?? Yes...customer service in Costco of all places. Even though we moved on before speaking to the sales associate(being pressed for time), I believe we will be spending our hard earned dollars here of all places for a piece of electronics! They had the best price....and sadly, the best customer service. I give them a 3 out of 5 stars.

With people being extra careful with how and where they spend their money, you would think that companies would kick up their customer service. They would want their associates to be overly friendly....to apporach any and all customers....at the very least, asking them if they have found what they are looking for! I know I will be approaching my Farmer's Market customers differently this year....talking to them more....making suggestions.

SOOO, am I the only one experiencing lousy customer service? Tell me your horror stories! Let me know that I am not alone...you know, misery loves company!! LOL! So share with me!

Lemonade Award!

2009-03-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

I was nominated for a "Lemonade Award"!!!!! Awarded for great attitude, I guess it goes along with that whole "given lemons, make lemonade" saying. And Gypsy Moon Designs, my friend and fellow Montanan, graciously bestowed this wonderful award upon me!

Thank You!

The rules are quite simple...

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 - 10 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.
3. Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.
4. Tell them they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5. Nominate your favorites and link to your post.

Here are my nominees...this is always the hard part:
1. My friend Marlene at Lucky Dog Treat Company
2. My friend Pam at Playfully Smitten
3. My new friend, who lives just a state to the east of me, at Gramatically Delicious
4. A talented young Etsian, The Milkshake
5. And last but certainally not least, my friend at The Sweet Jellybean, she makes amazing goodies!

The Best Part About Blogging: The Comments!

2009-03-26T04:04:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love reading the comments left for you by your readers? For me, I'm almost like a kid on Christmas morning, anxiously waiting to see what's under the comment Christmas tree! So what does it take to get those coveted comments?
One great way to increase comments on your blog is to show some love. What do I mean? Link other blogs to your posts. Better yet, consider doing a post every so often about the best posts you have read in the past week. Let the authors know and chances are good that they will be curious and come to your blog to see what you have said.....I know I do. They will more than likely leave a comment to let you know that they were there and they appreciate what you have to said about them.

Another great way to get comments on YOUR blog is to comment on OTHER blogs! This is pretty self-explainatory. I try to do this as often as I possibly can. The key here is make your comments relevant. Don't just run around making senseless comments; if you don't have something to contribute, move on to the next blog. Another way to look at this point: why would someone want to comment on your blog, if you don't take the time to read what they have to say and comment on their posts?

Ok...so let's be honest here, this next one is a little like bribing...but take 'em any way you can get 'em! LOL. Seriously, have a giveaway! Not only will you gain followers and hopefully loyal readers...but you will get comments and maybe some constructive feedback. By the way....make sure you enter my current giveaway going on!

Out of all the pointer, this next one is almost a no brainer! Write posts with compelling content. I know...sometimes easier said than done! But don't limit yourself. Don't just write tutorials or how-to's. Stand up and make yourself heard. Write about something controversial....take a stance! You might be surprised with the all the comments you will get!

Out of all the research that I have done; I find this last piece of advice the most surprising. I must admit I am terrible at this, but am working on improving. Answer every comment! This allows your readers to feel as though they are carrying on a conversation with you.

So what secrets do you have for getting comments? Or better yet, tell me what moves you to leave a comment for someone?

New Contest: Easter Egg Hunt

2009-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

So this will be soooo much fun! With Easter just right around the corner...the Easter Buny has lost all his eggs and he needs your help to find them. There are tons of awesome shops participating and lots of great prizes to be won! 2 Crazy Chics are sponsoring the event! The contest is running from today, March 25th and closes April 5th. On April 6th, 6 winners will be chosen from all the correct entries Each shop on the list has hidden anywhere from 2-4 eggs in their shop or blog or website. Your job is to find all of them! I'll give you a small hint....I've hidden 3 on my blog and 3 in my Etsy Shop. For contest rules and a complete list of participating shops, you will need to go HERE. You also get to take a peek at the awesome prizes too!

Here is an example of what some of the eggs look like. !!!IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE NOTE THE EGGS IN THIS POST ARE NOT PART OF THE CONTEST...THEY DO NOT COUNT...SO DON'T LIST THEM AS ONE OF YOUR "FINDS"!!

So what are you waiting for....GET HOPPIN!! GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!

Contest addiction!!

2009-03-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's no secret that I LOVE to have contests and giveaways! So please don't forget to enter the one I have going on right now. BUT....be sure to check back in tomorrow....I will be announcing ANOTHER awesome contest/giveaway that I am involved with. I am not hosting it, but I promise you it will be loads of fun AND you get to explore lots and lots of awesome shops....so...I'll see ya tomorrow....same time, same place! Have a great day!

Artisians Challenge

2009-03-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the double post today....but I'm pretty stoked! I just found out that one of my items was chosen for the artisians challenge! YEAH!! I would really appreciate your vote, so please take a moment after you have entered my new giveaway and pop over HERE and vote for me! I have entered my Edible Chocolate Body Paint. Please....and Thanks! Let me know you voted in the comments and you will get an extra entry into my giveaway!!

New Giveaway And Contest Winner Announced.

2009-03-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

So the winner of the St Patty's Day Contest is Elaine Rosser! Congrats!! She receives a $10 gift certificate for my shop. The winner was chosen from a pool of correct answers (the most anyone had right was 2!). So the anwers to the quiz were as follows

1. A
2. B
3. B
4. A
5. C

Now here's the next exciting giveaway! In honor of launching the new vegan line...it's going to be a "Very Vegan Giveaway"! There will be one winner. The prize for this great contest will be as follows: 1 vegan lemongrass soap, both vegan solid lotion bars, and all three vegan lip butters! AWESOME PRIZES (if I don't say so myself)!!

Once Again, this will be relatively simple to enter and you will get multiple chances to win, ok here are the rules:

1. The contest is open to EVERYONE EVERYWHERE! You don't even have to have an etsy store to enter.

2. The contest will run until midnight Sunday March 29, 2009 (mountain time), with the winner being announced Monday, March 30, 2009. Winners will be picked randomly.

3. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT RULE: YOU MUST DO A COMMENT FOR EACH DIFFERENT ENTRY TO QUALIFY!

4. You must include in your post a way to contact you....email, etsy shop address...something! If you do not include a way to contact you, your entry will not be counted.

ENTRY CHANCES:
1. You get one for simply following me! (please do post a comment that you are following me)
2. You get one entry for commenting about my shop..your fave from my shop, ect!
3. You will get 5 entries for grabbing my button and posting it on your blog. Please post that you have my button and the link to where it is.
4. You will get 5 entries for blogging about my giveaway, with a link back to here. So simply blog about it (first) then return to my blog and post a comment with the link to your blog. Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment....I won't go back again and again to check...I will only check once...if it's not there....no entry.

SO GO....NOW!! AND ENTER! TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!

New Product Line Finally Launches: Vegan Friendly Items Are Here!

2009-03-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

Finally! So after much ado, the vegan friendly items are ready to launch. The delay was due in part to the fact that I was not quite happy with the formulas that I had tested, so it was back to the drawing board.....and now I am quite pleased with what I have formulated, and I hope you will be too!

Our Vegan friendly lip butter (or balms) contain a blend of candellia and carnauba waxes, shea butter (a higher percentage than in our regualar lip butters), olive oil, 100% all natural flavoring and all natural sweetener (stevia). Please note that these lip butters contain no colorants of any type. We will also begin to phase out colorants in all of our lip butters. We have not decided whether we will add other flavors or keep this line strictly all natural.

Our lotion bars are currently available in only 2 scents right now, but look for more coming soon. There is 100% all natural grapefruit and then a scent we called Milton's Bees....it is a dupe of that well known Burt fellow. I can't attest for it's authenticity, as I have not smelled the real deal! As with our lip butters, the lotion bars also contain a mixture of candellia and carnauba waxes and a higher percentage of shea butter. Be on the look out for more scents coming soon!
And last, but certainly not least....vegan friendly soap. This particular bar is 100% all natural scented with lemongrass essential oil and the cool swirl is done using all natural colorants. For right now, we only have this one scent, but more are on the way, I promise!

So be on the look out for these products listing today or tomorrow in our shop!

Saturday Soapbox: Designer Dogs

2009-03-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

So from time to time I figure that I have the right to vent. To get things that bug me off my chest. Now, I don't expect this to be a weekly occurrence, but from time to time....maybe once a month, I'll get my soapbox out and get things off my chest. So for today, I thought I would tackle so-called "designer dogs". So when did this whole idea come to the forefront? When did it become OK for people to breed mutts, give them cute names and then sell them for hundreds of dollars? Just because they have a cute name?? Last time I checked it's a mutt. They may be able to sucker some people, but I REFUSE to spend my hard earned money and encourage these people who are bilking the public out of their hard earned dollars. Over breeding has ruined many purebreed...true. But in my opinion, this is what really happened....a breeder had his female come into heat...and accidentally had the neighborhood casa nova sneak into his yard one night....and being greedy and not wanting to lose money came up with this scheme. Now granted, don't get me wrong...they are cute. But if you truly want a dog, why not save yourself a few hundreds of dollars.....go to the local pound and pick yourself a puppy. There are hundreds of pounds across America that are quickly becoming over-populated. As people lose their jobs and their homes, unfortunately they look to cut corners and their best friend is sometimes the one that suffers.

So for me a mutt by any other name is still a mutt....so I would really LOVE to hear your opinion on this subject! Are you with me...against me...let me know....just remember everyone is entitled to their opinion and no one should be put down or chastised for that!

Motivation.

2009-03-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

So I have like a million things to do today, or that I should do today. But what I really feel like doing, it what Stella is doing. NAPTIME! So I tried to think of things that will motivate me, but none of them really seem to be working. So what do you do? How do you get yourself motivated? I would love to hear what you do, so please share with me!!

So, You Want To Be A Blogging Star?

2009-03-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Doesn't everyone? So what does it take? Luck? Probably not. Hard work? Definately! Perserverence? You Betcha!

I have been doing a lot of research on this subject. I waded through the vasts amount of articles on this subject and have seen several tips seem to surface again and again. So for today, I will only touch on one or two.

First and foremost...Write a good title! You need to pull your readers in. In ten words or less, you need to make them interested enough to want to read more. Make them want to click on your blog. But this is usually easier said than done. The best headline will convey general, need-to-know information, but still pull them in and want to know more. This is definately not an easy task to accomplish in under 10 words!
So what makes a good title? You would think that writing a title for your blog is the easiest part....but it really is not. There are many, many conflicting ideas as to what makes a good title...short, long...who knows! (I am personally with the shorter is better school of thought) But what does make a good title is using keywords. Using effective keywords is crucial. What are keywords? Those are the words that people (you hope) will use in a search engines and find your blog. It’s a well-known fact that search engines eat up blog titles with vigor. So, if you've got good keywords in your title, it just goes to reason that your search traffic will improve.

Just know that there are no hard and fast rules for blogging. What works for some, may not work for you. But it gives you a place to start. Take the ideas. Tweak them....make them your own. Long, short, funny, serious, but stand out and test them on your readers...you will soon learn what works with them! In today's high paced society, where there never seems to be enough time in the day...make your readers want to spend their precious time reading what you have to say.

Wednesday Warning

2009-03-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

So I had a completely different post planned for today...but it never seems to end up that I post what I plan. Hmmmm.....why is that? Anyway, I thought this was way more important! PLEASE BE AWARE OF ANTIVIRUS 360....not to be confused with Norton 360. This is a highly destructive virus or worm? hmmm...not sure which, not that it really matters, because the outcome is the same! VERY BAD!!! It acts like a virus removal software warning...but it is fake! Just by "Xing" out a pop up ad stating that your computer is infected with all kinds of spyware, ect, ect you become infected. The more you use your computer, the more damage that is done. Please be extremely careful. It could ultimately crash your computer and cause you to lose valuable documents and files. Even though I had Norton installed and running, I was still infected. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

Side note: I was told that instead of xing out your pop ups, you are supposed to use ALT F4 to get rid of them.

St. Patrick's Day Quiz Contest & Giveaway

2009-03-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

So in honor of St Patrick's Day, I thought I would run a tiny little contest to see who knows the most about this fun "holiday". The person who has the most answers right, will win a $10 "Gift Certificate" from my shop. In the event that there are more than one winner, all the correct answers will be put into a hat and then the name drawn from that pool. To answer the questions, you will need to send me a convo in my etsy shop, or email me at themuddymoose@wildblue.net just put the number and then your answer. The contest will run until midnight Sunday, March 22, with the winner being announced on Monday. There are only 5 questions, so you're getting paid like $2 per correct answer! Ok, here ya go......

1. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated to commemorate which of the following events?
A. The day of his death
B. The day he was born
C. The day he drove the snakes out of Ireland

2. In Ireland, what does the color green stand for?
A. Spring
B. Hope
C. Countryside

3. What is a shillelagh?
A. A Wooden Pipe
B. A Short, Stout Oak Club
C. A Leprechaun's Outfit

4. What is cured by kissing The Blarney Stone?
A. Shyness
B. Lovesickness
C. Bad Luck

5. What does "Erin Go Braugh"mean?
A. Luck Of The Irish
B. Happy St. Patrick's Day
C. Ireland Forever.

Good Luck and Happy St. Patrick's Day

Crafters In The News

2009-03-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so after I hyped you up yesterday. Here you go! Here's the link for you! There are some great articles, recipes patterns and tutorials! Every new issue after this point will be on the first of the month....ENJOY!

Tomorrow is the BIG day!

2009-03-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

So, I'm not really good at keeping things a secret. I get so excited that I just can't wait. I give gifts way in advance of the event....so I generally have to run out an buy another! Sometimes that can get to be kinda expensive...hehe! But I have been soooo proud of myself, I have kept this secret. I have not even told any of my family members....not even Mr. Moose knows the link! TOMORROW is the launch of a new online crafting newspaper that I am writing for! So please check back tomorrow for the link and the official "GRAND OPENING"!

Lucky Dog Treat Company

2009-03-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Since Mr. Moose and I have no human children (yet) our pups are kids. We are even taking a Pet First Aid/CPR class today from 12-4. We can't wait!! Sometimes we love them too much and show that affection by feeding them treats! Although they are on a diet right now, we still do give them an occasional treat. Rather than giving them the store bought treats that contain absolutely no nutritional value what-so-ever, we have chosen to spend a little extra and give them homemade treats we buy on Etsy! So today I thoughT I would introduce you to another one of our favorites, Lucky Dog Treat Company!

This wonderful little company is based out of our former home state, Pennsylvania. It is owned and operated by Marlene Doyle. I asked her what the best part of owning your own business was and her reply was " I love owning my own business and being able to interact with people who share my love for all things animal"! Marlene was laid off from her "real job" last June, so Lucky Dog Treat Company is now her full time job....lucky girl! Her full time job was very physically taxing and made it extremely difficult to do both....so finding herself without a job turned out to be a blessing in disguise! On St. Patrick's Day she will celebrate her one year anniversary in business.
Marlene started selling at the local Farmers Markets, when they closed for the season, she was left with no outlet in which to sell. This led her to Etsy.

Marlene always has her eyes peeled for interesting recipes. Sometimes she sees a recipe and just tweaks it until she (or her pooches) are happy with it. Other times she finds a "human" recipe and then changes ingredients that would be harmful to dogs. She spends a lot of time researching the ingredients, making sure that they add a healthy boost to their diets and are not just a "filler" treat.

Her favorite treats to create contain fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables.....because, she confesses, she gets to sneak a bite here and there...hehe!

Her top seller, hands down, are Callie's Peanut Butter Bones. (pictured right) She rarely encounters a dog that doesn't like peanut butter!

You can find Marlene, online of course, but at the Glenside Farmer's Market, The North Hills Farmer's Market and the Farmer's Market at the Whole Foods grocery store in Jenkintown, PA. She also attends various rescue events in the suburban Philly area thoughout the year. She keeps her Etsy shop page updated as to where you can find her. She is also a member of EEAT (Etsy Edible Art Team) on esty. Which she says has helped contribute to her sucess, as well as joining her local chamber of commerce.

Her best advice: SHAMELESSLY PROMOTE! Tell everyone you talk to, find a way to work it into the conversation! She keeps fresh samples in her car and sometimes in her purse! Don't forget your business cards as well! Also don't be cut corners on them. Get high quality, full color cards. People will be more likely to hold on to them if they look impressive.

What's in the works for Marlene? Well, she has some new flavors kicking around in her mind and she currenly has three more being tested for nutritionals right now. She is also looking into some local retailers and she is open to wholesale as well.

Marlene's true passion is animals, and making sure they are treated well and cared for properly. She is a huge advocate of pet adoption, so she would like to ask anyone interested in picking out a new friend to please visit your local animals shelters rather than go to a pet store or breeder. There are so many loving animals in need of a good home!

Here's a pic of our (the Moose's) two adoptees! Stella on the left and Daisy on the right.

Be sure to visit Lucky Dog Treat Company....she is celebrating her one year anniversary on St. Patty's Day...with a HUGE sale! So go...pick up treats for you pups!

Paraskavedekatriaphobia.

2009-03-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so what the heck is that word and how the heck do you say it? Well, it obviously it is a fear of something....it's a fear of Friday the 13th. Somewhere between 17 and 21 million people suffer from this fear.

If Friday the 13th is truly an unlucky day, then 2009 is an unusually unlucky year. 2009 is a triple threat. There was one in February....today and then another in November. This only happens once in 11 years. Next year, there will only be one Friday the 13th, which will happen in August.

So where does Friday and the 13th as being seen as unlucky come from. Quiet honestly, the origins are a little murky. Some believe (and I am not trying to be religious here) it all began when the 13th guest at the Last Supper betrayed Jesus. By the time the Middle Ages rolled around BOTH Friday and the 13th were considered to be bearers of misfortune. In modern day society this superstition permeates society.

Here are 13 fun facts about Friday and 13:

*Some hospitals, hotels and tall buildings skip the13th floor.

*Some airline terminals skip Gate 13.

*FDR would never travel on the 13th day of any month nor would he ever host a gathering or dinner party for only 13 guests. In Paris, you can actually hire someone to be the 14th guest.

*The number 13 may suffer somewhat of inferiority complex...there are 12 months, 12 days of Christmas, 12 items comprise a dozen, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 Zodiac signs, 12 hours on a clock....and the lists goes on. I guess 12 seems to take on the idea as being a "complete" number and 13 is seen as being irregular.

*According to insurance companies, there are less accidents, fires and thefts reported on this day. Seems people are being overly cautious and tend to stay at home.

*You are not supposed to change you sheets on Friday...it will bring bad dreams.

*Never cut you nails on Friday, you cut them for sorrow.

*A ship that sets sail on Friday will have bad luck.

*Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.

*Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.

*The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch.

*Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number.

*Hurricane Charley made landfall in south Florida on Friday, August 13, 2004.

For me, today is just like any other day. I'm going about my normal activities as usual. How about you? Are you superstitious? Does today bother you? Post a comment below and let me know!

Please Help Me.

2009-03-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

So, in an effort to make my blog more appealing to my readers. I have been doing a little research and paying attention to what other bloggers are doing. And I have personally been paying attention to what I have been reading on other blogs.

So I guess my question for you, my friend, is what keeps your interest in a blog? (please be sure to take my poll...you can select more than one answer)

Do you like interviews with other artists and crafters?

Do you prefer to read articles that give tips and advice for better blogging or better business?

Do you like personal posts?

Do you like following blogs that have a set schedule of posting? ie Wordless Wednesday, Theme Thursday, Friday Feature, Saturday Seller?

Do you like blogs that have quirky news and trivia?

PLEASE let me know what you like. Let me know what you are looking for in a blog. Take a moment to post a comment or take my new poll. I am striving to make my blog better, so I am asking for your help.

Out Of The Box Sampler Review

2009-03-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

Since I hadn't participated in this month's sampler, I thought I would treat myself and buy myself one.....my FIRST one! I first must say how FAST it arrived! I ordered it on Wednesday or Thursday and had it by Saturday! AWESOME service.

Ok, starting at the top left corner:

1. GeekDetails sent a button. Mine said "more dots more dots". Sorry don't get it. I'm not a fan of buttons either. Maybe someone out there can help me with the meaning of it?
2. Custom Candy Bar Wrappers 4 U: cute little spring/Easter chocolate. She does the custom wrappers. Cute. Great graphics.
3. Handmade Creations By C & K: cute little candle melt. Smells great, although I'm not getting the allspice and nutmeg. (sorry I couldn't link your shop, I couldn't find a web addy) Plus a 10% off coupon for next order.
4. Tartaholic: good size samples of Mulberry Spice melts. Smell awesome.
5. Strawberry Fields Candles and Gifts: carpet sprinkles. Lemon Pound Cake...smell soo good...my hubby is a big fan of this one...he loves anything lemon. She sent enough to do a small room....AWESOME!
6. Everyday Eclectic: bath salts. Generous sample...enough for about 2 baths. Great labels...very professional. Scent says "Wild Lavender"...definately NOT the scent I am smelling....smells very powdery....the only reason I say this is because my grandmother had a dusting powder she used and it smelled EXACTLY like this....definatley not lavendery at all.
7. Lori's Place: Beautiful Flower Cookie....tasted great. AWESOME decoration...sorry we devoured this immediately and then accidentially threw away the packaging. If someone could help me out here....that would be great! (Thanks Michelle)

8. Sweet Treats by Maryann...Chocolate Covered Pretzels...my fave! Gone...in an instant!

Ok starting in the very back with the chinese take out container:

1.Bubbly Creations: tucked inside this little box was the CUTEST little rubber duckie princess...who, much to my shagrin...is a little squirt gun....hubby took full advantage of this! LOL! and a soapie sample. Mae Flowers? I'm not really getting much a scent?

2. Bella Photo Design: cusom photo cards, invitations, note cards, ect....got a 10% off coupon.

2A. Country Chunkie Candles: oops almost missed one! OK....this one is my FAVORITE of all the melts! Creme Brulee! AWESOME AWESOME smell....LOVE IT! PLUS coupon....I will be using this one!

3. Daisy Mae Aromas: GREAT packaging! She sent a cute little St Patty's Day scented knob hangy.

4. M-D Candles: sent TWO melt samples. Both smell AWESOME! I got Georgia Peach and Spiced Vanilla Orange! YUMMY!

5. Memories By Olenka: sent the cutest little "green" themed hang tags that can also be used as magnets....VERY CLEVER....VERY CUTE too!

6. Deborah's Candle Magick: sent cute little melts in the shape of gold coins! CLEVER! smells like apple orchard. Great spring smell.

7. Pure Naturals: sent FULL SIZED lip balm...almond biscotti. Also sent cute little twist tin of shea skin repair....I LOVE tins! Plus coupon!

8. One Scrappy Chic: sent the cutest note card....love the pattern! Plus "coupon".

9. Hearts A Glow Candles: sent a generous sized melt. Red Hot...love cinnamon!

10. Anam Cara Candles: sent little candle melt..chocolate fudge...not quite what I get when I smell it...I get a hint of coconut...might be just me?

WOW...19 samples in all....AWESOME! To purchase your sampler for next month...go HERE! Next box goes on Sale APRIL 1ST. Be sure to get there quick...they go fast!!

TAKE 2 Light Box Photo Comparison!

2009-03-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Let there be light.....daylight that is. So I ran to the hardware store yesterday on my way to work. Being from a small country town...the employees immediately ask you if they can help you find what you are looking for as soon as you set foot in the front door. So I told the guy what I was looking for and he was....puzzled? Never heard of one of those (surprise, surprise). Oh great I thought....just chock up another inconvience of living in way out in the country. But after he looked.....TA DA! SCORE! One daylight lightbulb!

So here, once again, is the photo that I took yesterday:

And this is the photo from today with the daylight. The only thing that I would possible consider doing in the future is adding additional light sources....right now I only have the single light for the top. But overall....I would call it a success. I am very pleased with the results.