Off to California

We leave today! It's going to be a looonnnnng drive, but I will be SO happy to be with my family. As far as the shop goes, I will be back in Portland on the 30th, ready to start shipping (and preparing for Valentine's Day)!! Happy Holidays, everyone.

An end to the holidays and new ideas!

Wow. The holidays are almost over! Whee! Can't say I'll be sorry to say goodbye to post office lines that are out the door.

I'm also looking forward to being able to put even more time and effort into packaging. I've always believed that wrapping and presentation are an extension of the gift itself, and second ONLY to that gift.. That's probably the reason I used to spend hours decorating an envelope with nothing but a short letter inside. But working full time, 3 kids, AND the holidays.... wow..... time has been a bit scarce.

I'm working on a bunch of jewelry and new fragrance blends. Next holiday coming up is Valentine's Day. Yes!!! I'll start listing them in the shop right after Christmas.

I hope everyone is surviving the holiday madness.... !

New Stuff !

I'm going to be adding some new stuff to my Etsy shop in the coming week. I'm really excited about it.... whipped body butter, bath salts, and bath oil. I bought a TON of vintage and antique bottles this weekend, so many of these items will be one of a kind, which is always better, IMO. I'm working on gift baskets as well for friends and family. Life is starting to get hectic! But the blessings are coming regularly.... 3 things to mail off tomorrow!! Yes!

Feedback, Sales, Life.............

Sales are picking up a bit. I can't blame people for not trusting.... I don't have much feedback. The people I've bought from have neglected to leave any, even with immediate payment AND a reminder email (hey - left you positive feedback.. can you do the same for me?). Sigh. However, seems the people who've bought from me are always happy, so that's good!

Life's not so easy right now. I hope, like my shop, it picks up a little.

:-)

Frustration?

I feel really out of sorts today. Can't explain or even put my finger on what the problem is. Maybe a combination of frustration with my stock not moving as quickly as I would like, time running away from me, and the holidays (holi-DAZE) right around the corner.

Artistically speaking, I'm working like a madwoman to fill up the shop. I think the balms would make fabulous stocking stuffers. A sell-able version of the cuticle oil I've always made for myself will be in there soon, too. I'm noticing that the more whimsical items are better suited to most people's tastes. That's a good thing because, believe it or not, whimsy is my middle name. (smirk)

I want this bumper sticker.

Majestic Mountain Sage

I got my new lip balm tins from Majestic Mountain Sage today. Let me tell ya..... these folks are FAST. I ordered on Wednesday, which was Veteran's Day (no mail). I received them today. FRIDAY. Not only is their service lightning fast, but the containers were much, much cheaper than any other place I've found. I want to leave them some positive feedback on their website, but can't find a place to do it. Not even a contact email. Oh well. I will definitely be ordering EVERYTHING from them in the future. To say I'm impressed is a staggering understatement. So all you lip balm, soap, etc makers.... get thee to the website and order something!!!

Oh, and I made Rosewood Lime balm tonight. Curiously, it tastes just like a cross between Fruit Loops and Fruity Pebbles. I never sweeten my balms, so this taste is prevalent on the sides of the tongue and during inhalation through the mouth. The kids love it. so, yeah.... interesting. I'm listing it in my Etsy shop tomorrow, as soon as I can get it photographed.

Goodnight!

Another day, another adventure........

I need a vacation. I've been running out of time as soon as I get up, it seems. Between work and trying to prepare to do the Indy Mart in the next couple of weeks, I'm losing my mind. I just started a new Etsy shop tonight. I've got three items in it already! I will carve out some time tomorrow for photographing items and listing them. Really! I swear it!

On the good news front, I finally broke down and bought the lip balm slide tins I've been wanting for...oh, I don't know... a YEAR. Found a good price, couldn't pass it up. I'm sooooo excited. I've come up with some really exciting scent combinations. I'm hoping people like them as much as I do.

Until next time....