Caravan Herbal Blog

Vacation Mode

2011-08-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

Aaaand I'm moving. After a year with my parents (that was only supposed to be 6 months), but I did sort of come to this decision rather quickly and it's happening, like, right now! I'm moving next week! This means things will be tight around the Caravan. However, I am totally stoked! It will take me a a few days to get settled so the shop is in vacation mode until the 15th. If there is something that you want it may be available during the move so just send me a convo and I will check for you. Thanks for your patience and I will talk to you soon!

Amber Dawn

My First Festival

2011-07-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

...didn't go so well. Well, money wise. I actually had an AMAZING time and met some really awesome people, even if I didn't make any money. Honestly, the only people making money were the ones selling food.

It was definitely a learning experience! Thankfully, on either side of my booth were some very cool people who helped me every step of the way! Thank you Sharon and Jamie!

Sharon is a soaper, so I totally identified with her. I bought a blackberry sage soap from her that I'm actually using as an air freshener in my car. IT'S WONDERFUL. Her company is called Soapy Waters, and while she doesn't have an online presence yet, you can email her at lilysoap (at) hotmail (dot com) if you're looking for a new soaper. She also makes custom ren-faire clothing.

On the other side of me was Jaime, who is a photographer. His studio was right behind us on the street, so I got a tour. If you are looking for a photographer in the South King County area, check him out! His website is here.

Anyway, I promised pictures!

Look it's me! This is the first day, right after we finished setting up. At some point my hair went insane during the morning.

I am super proud of my display. It turned out MUCH better than I thought it would, especially since I didn't plan it out or anything. Which would have been smart...

T-SHIRTS! Designed by yours truly!

This lovely lady is my best friend Admira. She was the one who helped me on Friday, ALL DAY. She got up super early with me, helped drag my stuff around, helped me set up the tent. AND she did the entire t-shirt display herself, which was an IMMENSE help. She is awesome. I should buy her something pretty.

I'm going to post more about it soon, but for now go check out my Etsy shop! I've added some new products (finally)! I'm still working on the facial moisturizers and the lavender cuticle balm is finished I just got to get the labels printed! I'm almost finished with my absinthe inspired perfume too! I'm naming it Louche. Also, T-shirts should be up in the shop by next week!

Kent Cornucopia Days!

2011-07-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

YAY! My first show is this weekend! The Kent Cornucopia Days! It's from Friday (7/8) through Sunday (7/10). The booths open at 10AM. If you are in the area please stop by and say hi, and what the hell, buy something!

Obviously I haven't listed anything new on Etsy like I planned. But the Lavender Cuticle Balm, the Cocoa Rose Body Butter, the Caravan perfume, the Bath Salts and the T-Shirts will all be available at the booth! I plan on taking LOTS of pictures and I may just use some of them for my Etsy listings. (whenever that happens)

I also started creating a new perfume! It's going to be an Absinthe inspired scent. I haven't decided on a name for it yet...

Shut right up! An update?!

2011-06-04T12:29:00.001-07:00

Yep it's been forever! Well, about 4 months...

I haven't post anything here for a few reasons: First, I've been spending a lot of time keeping up on Merry & Gloomy and it's accompanying Tumblr. Second, there is the usual everyday life, work, blah. However, that's not to say that I have been neglecting Caravan completely! In the last few months I have made my first two perfumes (one is up on Etsy already!), I finished formulating my Lavender Cuticle Balm, and Scented Bath Salts (to layer with the perfumes) and they should be on Etsy within the week. I also got some pumps for the Daily Cleanser bottles, which has been a definite improvement. Today, I'll be finishing up the facial lotions (which have been a bane!) and the Rose Body Butter. And those will hopefully be up on Etsy this week as well. Tomorrow is labeling day!

I have also consolidated Beauty Is You with Caravan (for now anyway). I got rid of the Big Cartel Shop/Email/Facebook/Twitter, as Caravan already has all that stuff! I have created some new shirts with "beauty is you" and incorporated the Caravan logo and style. Those should be on Etsy in the next few weeks. At some point, we may start Beauty is You up again as a separate entity, maybe as a section of a t-shirt company my mom is considering (with yours truly as the artist!).

Also, I am doing my first festival next month! I am sooo excited! It's the Kent Cornucopia Days (for those of you in the area). It's July 8,9 & 10. We're getting a banner made, business cards, brochers, renting a tent, tables, chairs. I've been to secondhand hand stores to get table cloths and display stuff. I've had to buy shopping bags and a cash box. And we're not even halfway done! I'm thrilled though! If you are on the area, please stop by and see me!

As I get more stuff on Etsy, I'll post updates. In the meantime, be sure to check out Merry & Gloomy for more regular nonsense!

I'm in Treasuries!

2011-02-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post a little shop update. Some of my products (mostly lip balms) have been listed in treasuries! Here are a few of the recent ones. Go check them out and give the curators some love!

Weekend Taste Test

Spring Cleaning Essentials by Table Labs

Earthly Us by OceanBelle

Eternal Autumn by Serrelynda

Truest Love by SeamsVictorian

Meanwhile, back at the lab...

2011-02-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a while! Haven't had a lot of time/money to work on Caravan, so things have been slow. But tomorrow I am spending an ENTIRE day working on just that! Finishing up the facial moisturizers, re-formulating the lip balms, formulating my lavender cuticle creme, and working on my first perfume!

I've also been working on my new blog! I've got lots of things planned for it so keep watching! What do you guys think? Should I move some of my older-non-herbal-posts to Merry & Gloomy?

Latest Victory: I'm losing weight! I'm not going into what I'm doing, but it's working! I'm down another 20 lbs in the last month. It has not been easy. I had some VERY intense junk food withdrawals. Seriously. There was sobbing involved. The program I am on happens in phases, so at the moment, I'm in an easier phase. Wish me luck!

Blog Changes

2011-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

I've decided to start a new blog (called Merry & Gloomy) for all the extra, non-herbal-business related stuff that I end up posting here. From now on any reviews/etsy finds that aren't natural body care related will be going on my new blog. This one will be for shop updates, business news and any of my thoughts relating to Caravan Herbals. I considered moving all the extra stuff already here to the other blog, but the idea kinda gave me a headache! So it will just start now.

Merry & Gloomy will be all about the gothy, girly, nerdy, weird and fun stuff that I find interesting! I'll be doing reviews (products/books/movies etc.), Etsy finds, designer spotlights, and hopefully interviews. And anything else odd or amusing I can find! I already have a few reviews in the works, and lots of Etsy and Indie stuff.

Check it out if you are interested and let me know what you all think!

New Year

2011-01-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

So it's 2011! I turned 27 on Wednesday. It's been about a month since I blogged. I took December off. It's VERY slow at my day job(s) so theoretically I should have more time to work on Caravan stuff, but I also need money for that. And with work slow and sending me home early... money is in short supply. Especially since (once again) as soon as I had a bit of money saved up, something went wrong with my car, in this case I had to have the back tires replaced. I also have to have some work done on the rims so my freaking tires quit going flat! Which will be another $200 that should be going towards my computer. I'm a little closer to saving up for a computer though, thanks to some gift cards I got for Christmas. We'll get through it though.

I am happy to announce that I finally have a logo designed for the company that my mom wants to start! She had this idea for a family business (because we're all really tired of working for a-holes). The idea, is sauces. Really. See, our refrigerator is filled with condiments, and sauces, and dressings. We just have a crap-load of them. And we actually use them. My dad and brother are the cooks in the family, and find all kinds of uses for this stuff. My mom's idea was that we make a line of our own sauces! I'll talk more about it once we get it going, but basically we were really having trouble coming up with a name. Saucy, Saucalicious, Sir-Sauce-Alot (this one was taken!) My idea was Awesome Sauce, but no one else like it as much as I did (though there was a joke made about how our slogan could be "You've been SAUCED!"). Then during a very strange conversation that started with how Jesus was coming again soon, we discovered it! And when you see it, the conversation will seem even stranger.

Anyway, back to Caravan news: I hoping that sometime this month I'll have the facial lotions up. My first perfume will have to be pushed back a bit. And I'm changing the lip balm formula. Again. I'm adding some shea butter to, to make it creamier, less greasy. Keep watching for updates on that.

Also, anyone on The Nerd Machine forums? I just joined and am totally diggin' it! I also ordered a NERD shirt to, will post pics!

Latest Victory (and New Years Resolutions): So when I moved back home in August, my vegan diet went out the window. I've gained back 30 of the almost 65 lbs I had lost. But the last week I have been going back to my vegan food, and have been making MUCH better choices. I pulled out my list of vegan recipes, and will be doing some serious grocery shopping. Wish me luck, and I hope everyone has a great year!

New Products!

2010-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

First, if you don't know Lysa from The Morbid the Merrier, check out her blog and give her some love. I know I've mentioned her and her products before. (I actually just got a few of her her Halloween/Holiday perfumes and THEY ARE SWEET!) She has had a rough year, and just got some sad news, and needs and deserve our support. Go send her some happy thoughts!

I'm so excited to have some new products up! And my first perfume is coming soon, hopefully in the next few months! Things are really tough right now (for everyone), but every time I work on Caravan stuff I'm reminded of what I'm working toward and it keeps me going. My skin care line is almost finished, I just need to work on the moisturizers. I've also got some oils infusing for a cuticle cream, and I'm planning a rose scented body butter! Here is what is new in my shop! Click the pictures to be taken to the listing.

Latest Victory: New products are a victory! Right now, anything that moves my business along is a victory, no matter how small. It's keeping me going, and working on it makes me happy.

Etsy Favorites v.8

2010-12-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture to link to the listing.

Red Black and Copper Stacking Rings. $32.00 by Monkeys Always Look

Starry Night Ring. $85.00 by Missy Industry

Sterling Spoon Ring. $55.00 by Spoonier

Shiro Cosmetics Giveaway!

2010-11-30T13:55:00.000-08:00

Shiro Cosmetics is a wonderfully geeky themed mineral makeup company that I have been wanting to try out. They have just released a Kawaiishadow set that you can win! Click the picture to be linked to the listing on Etsy!

Check out the contest on Lipsticks & Lightsabers! Be sure check out the rest of Anastasia's blog, it's geeky and therefore awesome!

Black Friday Sale!

2010-11-25T19:18:00.000-08:00

Yup! Lots of Black Friday sales being posted, and here is mine! Enter coupon code BF2010 to get 20% off! The code will be active from 6:00AM PST to 10:00PM PST Friday, November 26!

I've also listed a new item! And I should have the daily cleanser, the facial toners, and the clay masks up by next weekend. I've finished the formulas and just need to print the labels! YAY!

Coming Soon!

2010-11-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the things I'm working on!

Detox Bath Soak - A combination of herbs and salts in a muslin bag. Use it in a bath to draw impurities from the body. This should be listed on Etsy by the end of next week!

Facial Clay Masks - For weekly use with my cleansing oils. Ready and listed in a few weeks!

Daily Facial Cleansers - Will have two formulas, for different skin types, like my cleansing oils. These foaming cleansers are for everyday! These should be ready in a few weeks!

Facial Toners - For use with the Daily Facial Cleansers, formulas for Oily/Combination Skin and Dry/Mature Skin. The witch hazel is infusing for these, so they will be ready by mid December.

Facial Lotions - These I'm having a tough time formulating. They should be ready by the end of November.

I think I'm gonna keep my Lip Soothing Balm in the tins, but maybe switch to 1/4 oz tins. I've also got an idea for some lip stains I'm gonna try. Using homemade dye from plants! Still trying to decide if I should put them in a tin, or tube, or what. Likely some kind of tube, as we don't want to stain fingers! I suppose it will also depend on how I want to formulate it. I'll mull it over. Mull it.

Latest Victory: I've mention before that focus is an issue for me. By keeping my goals in mind, and constantly reminding myself of them, has really helped me stay on track, and make better decisions in every aspect of my life. The last 6 months have been rocky, and while the next 6 months will be difficult too, I'm looking forward to working towards my goals!

Also, new labels and pics for my cleansing oils! YAY!

Etsy Favorites v.7

2010-11-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to link to the listing.

Lily Noir Earrings. $18.00 by A Fine Distraction

Silver Feather Earrings. $21.00 by Bella Lili

Vicortian Cameo Earrings. $45.00 by Arenwen

Moving Forward

2010-11-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Long time coming: Lip Balms in Tubes!

Stayed home from work another day (even though I can't really afford to) so I could get the photos taken and the listings up. Very glad I did! Also, I'm really close to getting the facial lotions formulated correctly. I was so close on Friday. And then I made a slight error and ruined a batch. Expensive mistake, but I'm getting there! I also started some Witch Hazel extract infusing for the facial toners. It makes me happy seeing jars of herbs infusing on my windowsill. Is that weird?

Looks like I may be staying home a bit longer than six months. Had another problem with my car engine, and soon I will have to get all 4 wheels replaced. Not just the tires, the friggin' WHEELS. Apparently the standard rims on the '04 PT Cruiser have corrosion issues. Good to know. And, better news, due to the recession, my younger brother will also be moving back home within the month! One big happy family again! *Sigh* This will be a challenge, that's for sure. I've gotten so used to living alone, that it's been difficult to adjust to having someone around all the time. It's one of the reasons I look forward to my days off so much. Just to have time alone.

Latest Victory: I'm feeling so much better now that I'm working on Caravan stuff again. I feel like I'm working towards my goals again, and so all the money problems and stuff seems less...difficult. Like it's all just temporary, and I just have to work through it.

Break Time

2010-10-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Obviously, I've taken a break. From blogging, selling and just about everything besides work. I've been inspired in many ways (aka, my makeup enthusiasm) and then in other ways I feel, not exactly discouraged, but sort of "meh". It's been one of those times when every time I turn around, I'm being...disillusioned. *Sigh* But I'm trying to take it all as a learning experience. Lately it seems for every victory is another setback, and I'm once again stuck and can't seem to pull myself free.

All that being said, I think I'm ready to get back to it. Next week I'm taking a day off, and I'm going to finish formulating my facial lotions and clay masks, photograph my lip balms (FINALLY!), and in general coming up with an updated plan for my shop and figure out what I need next. Pretty sure what I need is A MARKETING PLAN. I have so many ideas! But it will be nice to have a whole day to devote to Caravan.

Latest Victory: While I haven't done much with Caravan lately, I've still been creative! I've been putting makeup looks on my Facebook page. I've always had a fascination with makeup, but never really wore it. Mostly because I didn't have the confidence. Now I've been practicing, and wearing it out on the weekends. Oh, the last thing I need is a new hobby!

Etsy Favorites v.6

2010-09-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to link to the listing.

Vampire Wings Necklace. $68.00 by Missy Industry

Nocturne Lace Choker. $31.00 by Dark Elegance Designs

Zombie Cupcake Necklace II. $35.00 by Beat Black

Home Sweet Home

2010-09-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

So been back home for few weeks now. It's not bad. Still trying to find a routine, especially for my eating. I've been eating terribly, and it's making me feel like crap! Thankfully, I did my grocery shopping last night, so I'll be able to go back to my vegan diet.

I did have a little extra money this month so I was able to order supplies for Caravan! YAY! I'll be able to start on the toners, the clay masks, and the lotions by next week! I'll have everything I need to FINALLY get the lip balm tubes up, the problem is labels. I need to print them on a decent printer. Gonna try to do that today. Speaking of labels, by brother and his girlfriend work at a big packaging company, and Friday night we all got on a long discussion about labels. I know right, we're party animals! Anyway, bro needs some practice on the label presses, so he said for some of my round labels, I could send over the art, he'd pay for the plates, and use some left over kraft material to run some of my labels! They are even gonna be laminated so they'll last much longer around the bathroom sink! Now, I had always planned to have my labels professionally printed at some point when I could afford it. Now, get a little sample! SWEET!

Latest Victory: So here's something awesome, about 5 or 6 years ago I started getting these brown patches of skin on my ankles. Turns out they're called pregnancy spots, normally women get them for over-active hormones during pregnancy. Mine were from unbalanced hormones due to my diet and being overweight. Well, I just now noticed how light they are getting. A few patches have completely gone away, and the rest are fading fast! It may not seem like a big deal to some people, but for me it's just more evidence that I'm getting healthy!

Moved.

2010-08-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

Latest Victory: *SIGH* Moved back home, finally. Took me three weeks. This last weekend my mother and I moved the rest my boxes and ALL my furniture to storage. By ourselves. I'm exhausted! Still have to unpack this week, but I'm organizing my Caravan stuff first, and will hopefully be pouring lip balms this weekend!

I had a bit of spending money last week, so I spent it at E.L.F. on what I like to tell myself is "market research", but really is my burgeoning obsession with makeup. Specifically eyeliner. I'll probably do a little haul-type post and my first impressions on the products when they come in. I've ordered from ELF once before, but it was just some brushes, as I need some cheap ones to get me started. For the most part I really like the brushes. There are a few face brushes that I prefer my EcoTools versions, but ELF seems to have better eye brushes. And of course, everything I got is vegan friendly!

Also, I watched "The 4th Kind" last night. If you enjoy being scared out of your effing mind, this movie is for you. I didn't sleep much last night. Seriously.

YouTube Love!

2010-07-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Does that sound dirty?

So, it's been a while! My new job has kind of overwhelmed me. I'm working the same hours, but by the time I get home, I'm beat. Business is slow, due to the fact I haven't had time to work on any new products. Hopefully this will change soon, as I'm in the process of moving. I've got all my non-essential in boxes ready for storage, and all my Caravan stuff is already at my parents place. I'll be back at home in just two weeks! Thankfully, it will only be for 6 months. I'll be able to save up enough money to pay off the last of credit card debt (YES!!!) and my new car engine. And when I move out again in February, I'll be able to get an apartment by myself, with more room for Caravan! I'm totally stoked!

In the meantime, my folks have been very accommodating of my business and have offered me a place for my supplies and are encouraging me to continue making products in their kitchen, so I won't have to put my shop on hiatus for 6 months! I have the best parents ever.

Today I'm gonna leave you with an awesome makeup tutorial by goldiestarling:

Latest Victory: I made a skin healing salve for pets! It's not in the shop as I don't have labels made for it yet, but it was a custom request, and apparently it seems to be working well, because they have ordered a whole bunch more! I've also been losing more weight since going vegan. I still don't know how much I weigh, but my clothes are fitting looser all the time! I'll try to post progress pictures soon!

Vegan Makeup Links

2010-07-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of research into vegan makeup lately. It's been nearly a decade since I wore makeup with any regularity, and since then it's been something I did maybe only 2 or 3 times a year. Now that I'm trying to create my own skin care line, and my self image is improving, I'm starting to get interested again. I've been all over the internet, looking for vegan cosmetics. There are actually quite a few options, however, if you are like me and lean toward more alternative/extreme looks, and want to avoid too many chemicals, it can be difficult to find bright/high impact color options. This is a list of companies I found who offer vegan makeup in bright/extreme/unique colors. If you have any to add, suh-weeet! Post them in the comments!

Glittersniffer - A very popular Etsy shop, with many extreme color options in loose pigments.

Urban Decay - A huge range of products and great colors, many of which are vegan. Also carries vegan-friendly brushes.

Fyrinnae - An indy company with a HUGE collection of uniqe colors including duo-chromes.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Best known for their highly pigmented Lip Tars, they are not only a vegan company, but they use simple formulas, and very few chemicals.

Eyes Lips Face - A wide range of products, including brushes, at VERY low prices.

Yaby - Great selection of eyeshadow colors at great prices!

Sugarpill - This company has been raved about since the site launched in February, and for good reason. Amy's first collection is brightly pigmented and well formulated. It has 12 loose shadows, all of which are vegan, and 9 pressed shadows and only 3 of these are not vegan.

Latest Victory: Lots o' Victories! I got my first custom request! I'm formulating a skin healing salve for dogs! Very cool! Also, I finally got labels ordered for the lip balm tubes! I'm hoping to get them printed and poured this weekend. FINALLY!

Etsy Favorites v.5

2010-07-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to link to the listing.

Art Deco Scarab Earrings. $22.00 by Serrelnda's Enchantment

Peacock Blue Scarab Necklace. $40.00 by Over The Top

Gold Raku Scarab Incense Burner $13.75 by De Baun Fine Ceramics Bargains

No news is good news

2010-06-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

Not much happening around Caravan. Got a few sales in the last few weeks, so that's good, getting some very positive feedback so that's better. I'm trying to find time to put some marketing ideas I have to use. Mostly, I'm trying to find a few extra bucks to get some labels for my darn lip balms! I did sell a new t-shirt design though! That's some good money I'm in need of! Maybe I'll use some of that!

Work has been crazy at my new job. Lots to learn! And everyone is getting sick. Of the 5 ladies that work here, two are sick and I am starting to feel a bit sniffly myself. And I forgot to wear my glasses today, so the eye-strain headache doesn't help... Silly me!

Father's Day was nice. Just hung out with the family and watched movies, which is always a good time. Saw "the Book of Eli". FREAKIN' SWEET. If you haven't seen it yet, see it. How can you go wrong with Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman in the same movie?! Also, True Blood S:3, Ep:2, also FREAKIN' SWEET. That show gets better every week!

That's about all that's going on, more Etsy faves on Wednesday, and I think Friday I'll post a few of my favorite web comics!

Latest Victory: Does recognizing my recent backsliding count? I'm gonna say it does. I'm getting back on track, so here's to my future victories!

Etsy Favorites v.4

2010-06-09T19:06:00.001-07:00

I was having trouble deciding what items to put in this edition of Etsy Faves, so I looked to my blog roll for inspiration. Lo and behold! Helena of Faunfare posted some very good questions on her blog about what her customers are looking for in her perfumes and perfume listings. Check out her and blog and post a comment! This kind of feedback is invaluable to crafters and small business owners alike. Check out her shop too, you'll probably find a perfume you just have to try! And I'll post a few of the growing list of perfumes in favorites!

Click on the picture to link to the listing.

Fairy Cake. 8ml $15.00 by Squeaky Queen
This is the perfume that made me discover how much I enjoy sweet and spicy scents! It's feminine without being cloying. A great blend!

Moon Dog. 5ml $12.00 by Haus of Gloi
I know I've already raved about this scent (and Gloi) in a post already, but I can't say enough good things about it! This is my go to perfume! I wear it all the time and never get tired of it!

Cleo. 5ml $12.00 by The Morbid The Merrier
This scent surprised me. The first notes are very sweet, and I almost didn't even try it, but when I put is on my skin it softened a bit and then I caught the spices! Oh, sweet and spicy, of course I love it!

Positive Feedback

2010-06-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

(I tried posting this last night but Blogger seemed to be having issues)

Well, not much is happening in my shop. I won't really have the money for supplies until after my lease is up and I move in with my folks. Thankfully though, it will now only be a 6 month stay, as opposed to the year we thought it would be! I did however sell another tin of body balm, to a repeat customer! She left some wonderful feedback:

The full body moisture balm has been most helpful to me where other products failed, Caravan Herbal provided me relief.

Amber Dawn is a very gifted herbalist. Thank you for everything Amber! I am so grateful to you.

This kind of thing is what keeps me motivated. I have only been at this for what? Six months? And to know that I'm helping someone is really all I can ask for.

In other news, my new job is FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! I know I said something similar last Wednesday, but I'm just so excited for the opportunity to be creative and get more responsibility.

That is pretty much it. I'll leave you with a few pictures of my newly re-vamped bathroom decor. (I'm just tickled by it that's all) That Egyptian bust is a thrift shop find!

New Job! Finally!

2010-06-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

Latest Victory: WOO HOO! Today was my first day full time at my new job! I'm working at another screen print and promotional company doing artwork as well as learning how to do everything else in the office! I'm making a bit more money, and I'm working for an awesome lady who is just as excited to have me working there as I am to be there! She brags about me to customers! She also wants to help me with Caravan stuff, like labels and things! I'm completely stoked! It's amazing how things change when you spend time with people who believe in you!

As far as products, I still haven't been able to afford the labels for the lip balm tubes, and it may be another month or so before I do.

Now that things are settling down, I'll be able to get back to my blog schedule, which has been completely ignored. Here is the schedule I hope to follow:

Mondays: Business/Life updates
Wednesdays: Etsy Favorites, and Green Tips (which will now be once a week)
Fridays: Fun stuff found online and useful links

Also, check me out on Twitter! Good stuff!

Put on hold...

2010-05-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it seems like just when I'm getting somewhere, everything slows down... It seems like lots has been happening but at the same time, it's just not happening fast enough! I've been neglecting my blog lately because the things I want to write about are kind of unresolved at the moment. Hopefully, it will all be official by this weekend, and by Monday we can resume our regularly scheduled program!

Meanwhile, I'm getting labels for the lip balms tubes ready, so I should have them up by next weekend! Woo hoo!

Until Monday then I leave you with a wicked make-up tutorial by Michelle Phan:

PS-I know I mentioned I'm on Twitter, but I don't think I mentioned how much I LOVE IT! If you decide to follow me, expect random movie quotes.

Etsy Favorites v.3

2010-05-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to link to the listing.

Every time I convince myself I don't like pink, I find pink stuff on Etsy I have to have!

Gypsy Heart Bohemian Necklace. $35.00 by GypsyMoonDesigns
It's so romantic looking! People need to make more copper jewelry, that all I'm saying.

True Rose Vegan Soap. $5.50 by Blushie
I love anything rose scented, and this soap even looks pretty! I think the black tea leaves are a nice touch.

Kimono Style Robe. $70.00 by plumprettysugar
Oh, this looks so comfy! And its got poppies on it! Love me some poppies...

Latest Victory: I've been a bit distracted lately with work. And the fact that I put in my notice! My last day is the 14th! I still have some new-job-stuff to work out, (more on that later) but this is a very good thing! It's past time for me to move on, and while I am pretty much terrified, I know I'm doing the right thing. YAY ME!

Now on Twitter

2010-04-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Once again I've broken down and knuckled under to another social-internet-fad. Hello Twitter!

^That's right it's a button!

I have branded it similar the blog, however, it will be less about my business and interests, and more just the random and unusual thoughts that pop into my head. As micro-blogging should be!

Latest Victory: *Sigh* Still in the works, can't say much about it yet besides that it's a new opportunity, but it WILL be a victory! It will! Oh! and I did get these!

Tubes! No labels yet, so they are not ready sell, but they will be soon!

Cleansing Oils!

2010-04-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Yay! Cleansing Oils are available! Check them out!

That is all for the moment, I have some big news (and my Latest Victory) but it will have to wait a day or so. Soon my lovelies!

Etsy Favorites v.2

2010-04-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to link to the listing.

Leather Costume Backpack. $35.00 by LillysWorkshop
I think one of things I love so much about this, is that it's imitation leather!

Belly Dancer I Print. $20.00 by Everybodyisbeautiful
Oh, belly dancing artwork!? YES PLEASE!

Light Bulb Terrarium. $46.00 by tinyterra
What a great up-cycling idea! A perfect desk accessory too!

Vintage Style APOTHECARY Wooden Sign. $40.00 by LostRiverFarmDecor
When I open my retail space, this sign is going above the register. Believe that.

My Entry in the MRH Recipe Contest!

2010-04-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Mountain Rose Herbs Recipe Contest (click to link to the contest page!)
Category: Medicinal Recipe

Herbal Skin Healing Salve

Infused with 4 healing and soothing herbs, this salve is great for cuts, scrapes, rashes, minor burns, tattoos and more.

Ingredients:

Infused Oil:
1 Tbsp dried Calendula Flowers
1 Tbsp dried Chamomile Flowers
1 Tbsp dried Lemon Balm
1 Tbsp dried Lady's Mantle
3-4 oz Safflower Oil

Add herbs to small jar and pour 3-4 oz of Safflower oil over them. Seal tightly and store in a warm, sunny place for at least 4 weeks. Shake daily. After 4 weeks, strain oil into new jar. Cheese cloth works well because you can squeeze the oils from the herbs.

Salve:
4 tsp Candelilla Wax
1 tsp Illipe Butter
5 Tbsp infused safflower oil
1 Tbsp Rosehip Seed Oil
1/8 tsp Vitamin E Oil

Melt Candelilla Wax and Illipe Butter in water bath, stirring until well blended. Add Safflower Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil and Vitamin E Oil, and stir until well blended. Remove from heat and pour into tins or small jars. Cool completely before use. Makes about 2oz.

Changes and Setbacks

2010-04-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

*sigh* So I the jars I ordered to hold the facial lotion showed up and as I opened the box my heart kinda sank. The jars are nice but they are HUGE! I checked the measurements on the website when I ordered them and they seemed to be a good size. I was wrong. Next, I realized that using a corked glass bottle for the cleansing oils was also a little unrealistic. The cork doesn't stay once it gets slippery with the oils. Then, I was mixing up some lotion, and I did it wrong. That's about 16oz of oils I ruined. Thankfully, I found a packaging place that sell PET plastic bottles in an amber color! So I ordered some, and I'll have them in a few days and they should work well with my brand. And, the lotion I did wrong will work well enough for me to use, so I don't have to throw it out.

I did get some feedback on the lip balms though! Everyone agrees the slimline style will work best, so I ordered some of those as well and they should be here next week. In the meantime, all the lip balms are on sale for $2 off!

Latest Victory: One of my co-workers has cancer and the chemo has made her hands VERY dry. Red, peeling, cracking, itching, it's bad. I gave her some of my healing salve and some over-night moisture gloves and told her to rub it on her hands, put the gloves on and wear them to bed. Well, it's working! She said her skin has stopped itching and the cracks and peeling areas are healing! Stuff like this keeps me motivated.

Style or Substance?

2010-04-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

The age old question. In my case, I'm talking about my lip balms. After a few months of my friends and family testing it, they all love it! Except the tin. First, it's nearly .5oz of product, which my not seem like a lot, but even of you are using it twice a day, it will last MONTHS. I know because we've trying. And everyone seems to agree that having lip balm-y fingers after applying it is not hot. So my issue is, the look/brand of my shop is supposed to be old fashioned, that antique apothecary/gypsy herbalist look, and plastic lip balm tubes don't really mesh with that. It seems silly but the branding of company is part of my enjoyment of having my own company, and I love having my products in vintage style containers! I guess I'm a graphic designer after all. At any rate, I've already decided to put the lip balms in different containers, since the opinion seems to be unanimous, but here's my question: Should I use the oval lip balm tubes (.15oz, they seem to be super popular on Etsy right now), the slimline tubes (.07oz, which are my favorites as far as look), or the standard "chapstick" size (.15oz)? Should I switch to those completely, or offer them as a sample-type size?

*Insert Segue*

Wanna hear something awesome? The engine in my PT Cruiser needs to be replaced! YAY! I was looking for something to do with that 3800 bucks I have lying around...oh, wait. I guess I'll be walking to work until I can save up for that. At least I'll be getting exercise!

Latest Victory: I know I was bitching, but really, I'm not freaking out or anything. I'm trying to stay positive, and I know someday soon I'll look back on this and just see it as a bump in the road (or sidewalk, in my case). When I'm trying to stay positive, I like to watch Disney movies, listen to 80's music, and change the wallpaper on my computer to something like this:

Hell yeah. (find the artist here)

Etsy Favorites v.1

2010-04-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

I figured it was time to share some of my favorite Etsy items! I have MANY stuff on my favorites, but here is just a sample. Click on the picture to link to the listing.

11x17 Poster Print. $23.00 by EmilyBalivet
OMG I love those vintage circus/side show posters, and this has me drooling every time I see it!

Raven Skull Pendant Necklace. $35.00 by mrd74
Ginger Snaps is one of my favorite movies of all time. And this necklace was designed after the ones the girls in the movie wore, so of course I have to have one!

Vampire Picnic Zipper Pouch. $12.00 by kukubee
This is probably the cutest vampire-themed-anything I have EVAR seen! *evil giggle*

Patchwork Hippy Skirt. $82.00 by urbanprairiegirl
I love boho fashion. Anything that make makes me look like a Roma/gypsy, I am probably a fan of. This is no exception.

I'll post some more of my favorites next week!

Lotions!

2010-04-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

I feel bad for not updating anything this week. Work has been VERY busy, which is both a blessing and a curse. It means I get overtime, which means more money, but it also means much less free time. Which means the blog gets...overlooked. I am getting the facial lotions and cleansing oils ready though, they should be in the shop by next weekend! YAY! I'm really jazzed about it, especially after the week I had. Read: crappy. But tomorrow night is fight night so I'll be hanging with the family which is always fun. And here's proof!

These are my parents. I love these pictures because they show what it's like hanging out with them. It's just a good time! We were at a dueling piano bar called Chopstix in Tacoma for my brother's girlfriends's birthday, I forget her name. (just kidding Leslie! Don't hurt me!) For some reason, every time I look at these, I hear the Cheers theme song in my head...

Slacking Off

2010-04-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

Oh my poor blog is so neglected. *sniff* I haven't been feeling too hot lately, I think my body is detoxing. But I do have some good news! I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by---just kidding. Actually, I ordered some supplies today to make the cleansing facial oils and get started on the facial lotions! I'm excited because I really want to make the skin care line the foundation of my business.

Also, I got some new business cards! Etsy and Moo.com were having a promotion for free business cards, and I like the idea of their mini business cards, so I purchased 100 (For only $19.99 plus shipping!). I was pleasantly surprised when I received them, because they are printed on pretty thick stock and the colors came out very nice. They also come in a cute little storage box! Using the website is SUPER easy and if you have an Etsy shop of Flickr account, you can upload your images directly from there. I used 4 different photos of my products, plus some have just a blurb about my logo. I've had people ask why I picked a scarab, so here is the explanation I put on the cards:

ABOUT OUR LOGO: “Why a scarab? Isn’t it a dung beetle?” Yep, it’s a dung beetle! In ancient Egypt, it was believed that when the sun moved in it’s cycle across the sky, it was being rolled by a giant scarab (just as scarabs do with animal dung). Because of this connection, the scarab became a totem of the circle of life, rejuvenation and resurrection. Today, I use it to remind myself of the balance of nature, to respect that balance, and emulate it in my life, as many ways as I can.

Next I'd like to get some of their full sized business cards, because they have a GREEN option, printed on 100% recycled paper stock!

Latest Victory: I had a little extra money last week and REALLY wanted to get some new perfume samples from various Etsy shops (see the sidebar), but instead I put it towards my business, and bought my mini business cards. And when I got paid this week, I REALLY wanted to download some music from iTunes, but I bought supplies instead. I think I'm like, maturing or something...

"Lifestyle Research"

2010-03-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

"Lifestyle Research" is the name by which my web-surfing will hence forth be called! In reality my internet filled late nights and lunch hours are spent doing some kind of research (mostly), whether it's for my business, or home decor, fashion, some hobby I'm interested in, or some hobby I think I might be interested in, or some hobby I plan to be interested in... There are just so many cool things out there to learn about!

For instance: I have had a torrid love affair with Mehndi (aka henna designs) since high school. I have always had henna powder stashed somewhere in my dwelling space (does that sound dirty to anyone else?). A few days ago I was linked to this recipe. Mehndi Spice Cookies! I think I might just have a food-gasm! This particular recipe is not vegan, but with a few easy substitutions and this vegan chocolate glaze from VegWeb.com, they can be! When grocery shopping day comes around again, expect pictures!

Also, my continuing quest to lose weight has brought me to bellydance again. I took three months of classes last year with Saqra in Kent, and LOVED IT! Lack of funds kept me from signing up for the intermediate classes, and before I knew it a whole year had gone by. But lately my research had led me back to it, and I'm itching to get back into classes. I'm thinking of trying Mandala Tribal in Seattle when the beginners class starts again. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Saqra; she is an amazing dancer and a great teacher, but I really want to learn tribal style belly dance, whereas Saqra teaches a more cabaret/Egyptian style. After a little browsing on the Mandala website, I think it may be just what I'm looking for. In the meantime, I'm renting videos and books from the library like mad, and breaking out my Belly Twins instructional/workout videos, to get me used to the basics again.

On that note, I'm leaving you with a video of Zoe Jakes of The Indigo. She moves like a snake and she is totally my new girl-crush.

Latest Victory: Doing the dishes. I hate it. But I've been doing it. Go me.

A Glimpse of Spring

2010-03-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, all the buds on this tree were completely closed. I wake up this morning and here is what I'm greeted to (that's my bedroom window on the top floor)! I love spring. It's great in the Northwest because there are lots of rainy days (love me some rain) but I still get chances to enjoy the sunshine too.

Sunsets in this area are beautiful too. When the sun gets low enough under the cloud bank, just before it drops behind the west ridge, the whole valley lights up in that pink glow for about 10 minutes, and this time of year it happens as I'm driving home from work. I took this picture from my parking spot at home.

Latest Victory? Times are tough. What with the economy going all pear-shaped, most people are having trouble just paying the bills, to say nothing of starting a business. Unless of course your business is creating money out of thin air (if you have figured this out, are you looking for a partner?). Being firmly in the middle, working class, I am having those troubles as well, and finding money to put towards my business is more difficult than ever. So after months of consideration, I have come to a decision. I need to move back home. My parents are supportive of my choices, as always, but we all know that this is going to be difficult for us. My mom always jokes that I was already independent before I was born (apparently a sonogram she had while pregnant showed me tumbling over and over in the womb, with no evidence of an umbilical cord), so at 26, needing to move back in with my folks rankles me more than a little. But mom also says, "Shit happens". With a significant decrease in rent, I'll be able to spend that money on supplies and saving for my business, and that is what I need to focus on. Tonight we're having a family meeting to discuss how it's all gonna work (in other words, they're gonna read me the riot act, and I will listen intently). This will likely happen in August, that's when my lease is up, but I've spoken to my roommate, and she's already looking for someone to take over my part (she's awesome like that).

Seriously though, has anyone figured out that money-out-of-thin-air-thing? Wanna go halves-ies? 60-40?

Randomness

2010-03-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Just a small update, today, because I was sick all weekend. But I'm much better now! I had taken a bunch of pictures the last few days of my little slice of universe, but all of them were fuzzy. So, I'll try again tonight, and hopefully have some pics to share tomorrow!

I have been drooling over Numi Teas ever since I heard about them more than a year ago. I checked everywhere for them and the only stores in my area that sold them, only sold the flowering teas. (Which are cool but are more for looks than flavor). So I was at my local Nature's Market last night doing some grocery shopping, and wandered down the beverage aisle to stare morosely at the tea section, wishing for Numi. And then I looked up.For whatever reason I had never considered looking at the top shelf. And there it was! A whole beautiful row dedicated to Numi! I just about squealed! I bought the Ruby Chai, Dry Desert Lime, and Jasmine Green. This morning I tried the Dry Desert Lime, and WOW! This is my new morning tea! With a little agave nectar, it would also make a great iced tea! I'm having some Jasmine Green tonight with my dinner!

Latest Victory: I'm fitting into clothes that I haven't been able to wear in almost a year! I'm also having this strange desire to exercise! No way!

Promoting!

2010-03-09T12:04:00.001-08:00

Just a small update, today. I sold my Full Body Moisture Balm on Etsy! I relisted it, then when I went to make it realized that I need to infuse more oil. So I had to take the listing down and won't be able to put it back up for a month. On that note, here's the Sad Face Lamp!

This lamp is in front of my apartment building and greets me with his sad face every morning. He tilts forward a bit too. Aww.

Latest Victory: I got my logo and info on my Cruiser! I purchased the decal from Household Words on Etsy! My brilliant father helped me stick it on, and voila! Instant promotion!

Next on my list is my guerrilla marketing idea I keep mentioning, and then...not doing it. Also, at the end of this month I should have the cleansing oils ready to list and maybe get the face moisturizers started!

March already?!

2010-03-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

Two months down in 2010 already? Wow!

I've been vegan for three weeks now, and more than one person has noted that I'm looking slimmer, specifically around my face. The first thing I always notice when I start losing weight, is that my pants fit better. Woo-hoo! (I've almost got my parents convinced to go vegan too!) One thing I'm really thrilled about, is that my stomach problems are rapidly disappearing. I've had stomach and digestive issues for as long as I can remember, and after three weeks of eating vegan, I'm discovering what it's like to live without feeling sick all the time! I'm also excited about my pants fitting looser. Did I mention that?

Here's me now. (pics taken in the bathroom at work during lunch and yes that's a Kraven: the Hunter shirt, I am a geek after all) I figured I should document my progress with pictures! Everyone loves "before and after" pictures! I tried weighing myself about two weeks ago, but my parents scale doesn't go up that high, so I can't tell you my exact weight or how much I might have lost. I'll try again in a few weeks, and see if it registers.

Meanwhile, back at the lab: Last week I finally placed my first order from Haus of Gloi. I got a bar of the Apothecary Soap, and samples of Moon Dog Perfume and Satyr Sugar Creme. They sent me a sample of the Absinthe Soap with my order as well. First, the soaps are great! I love both scents, the lather is light and smooth, and the rose powder in the Apothecary soap gives a light exfoliation. I also LOVE the packaging! Very nicely done, the aged band around the soap is art in itself! I think I'll be ordering a full size bar of the Absinthe soap soon. And the Sugar Creme. And the Perfume. Due to a slight mix-up, I'll be getting the sugar creme sample in a few days, but I'll tell you about the Moon Dog perfume. It. Is. WICKED! You know how you hear about a product and you think, "That's for me. Yep." That's what I thought when I read the description for this scent, and I was right! It's perfect! The coconut is the first note you notice, it's light but richer, with the sandalwood underneath. After a few minutes the clove comes out and WOW! After about 5 hours, the sandalwood and a light clove trace is still on my skin. I will definitely be ordering a full size perfume. And the Soap. And the Sugar Creme, are you seeing a pattern? Go check out Haus of Gloi. They're brilliant.

Latest Victory: Listed the Skin Healing Salve and Full Body Moisture Balm on Etsy! I've been using the Healing Salve and it's very soothing! My mom really likes the Body Balm, I just have to whip it a little more to keep it smooth and lump-less, and add some light scent. Also, work has been a bit busier, which means I'm getting more hours, which means more money for supplies!

I'm Featured!

2010-02-22T15:20:00.001-08:00

Check it out! I've been featured on a blog! Try Handmade to be precise! The article is called I Heart Pomegranates by Rebecca Hadfield and features my Pomegranate Peach Lip Balm. You can read the article here! The article also features Etsy sellers Flourish Bath and Body, Yoola, Dganit Herzog and Rainwater Botanicals. Go give these great sellers some love!

Latest Victory: I'm taking a vacation day! Friday I'll be staying home and spending the whole day working on the Skin Healing Salve and the Full Body Moisture Balm, as well as the guerrilla marketing idea I mentioned. I'll be posting pictures, and my new listings this weekend! I also made a few sales outside Etsy, and my Grandmother is loving the Safflower Skin Balm! Go me!

Etsy Front Page!

2010-02-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

Weeee! I made it to the front page of Etsy! Sadly, I did not get a screen shot, I was spending Valentine's Day with my parents, and their computer has a virus. Britton from Haus of Gloi told me! It was my Pomegranate Peach Lip Balm. It also got me another sale! Yay!

I also have a few cool guerrilla marketing ideas for getting my name out there. I'll post some more info and photos when I've implemented them!

Latest Victory: Besides getting on the front page, I got my Kent City business license! I'm certifiable! Uh, I mean certified! I've also been vegan for 8 days, and let me tell you, I'm feeling great! I've only had a few withdrawal cravings so far, but I haven't given in. My mom actually bought me a couple of really cute shirts as an incentive, they don't fit me yet, but they will!

Green Tips!

2010-02-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of all the previous green tips. These are found on various Green and Eco-Living websites.

Wed 6/9/10: Grow Your Own. Instead of buying little plastic packets of herbs, grow your own - if you don't have a garden, even a pot or window box will do.

2 Months of Slacking ;)

Wed 4/21/10: Resole. When the insides of our shoes are uncomfortable or worn out, we regretfully toss them aside and head to the shoe store and every pair you dispose of grows a landfill even bigger. However, a company called resole.com offers a mail-order service to fix several brands of shoes.

Mon 4/19/10: Bring Your Own Sticks. Love Asian restaurants? There are many types of reusable chopsticks on the market. Pick the ones that suit your style, whether they’re made of glass, plastic, or finished wood.

Wed 4/14/10: Pack a waste free lunch. REUSABLE carrier (cloth bag, lunchbox), REUSABLE containers, THERMOS for drinks, CLOTH NAPKIN to wash and re-use, SILVERWARE to wash and re-use.

Mon 4/12/10: Brew your own coffee. Get a reusable travel mug and make coffee at home. It will help you resist the temptation to eat a sweet, sticky something at the coffee counter.

Mon 4/5/10 & Wed 4/7/10: No tips. I am ashamed.

Wed 3/31/10: Double Duty Shipping Boxes. Get gifts and packages in the mail?. Don't let those boxes go to waste. Make them pull double duty!

Mon 3/29/20: Baking Soda Clean. A little water and baking soda makes a terrific cleaning paste for tubs, sinks, stoves, and other surfaces. Its whitening effect is great for cleaning grout. Add a handful to your whites in the wash for brighter clothes. Baking soda is also a great deodorizer, and it won't irritate your lungs.

Wed 3/24/10: Open those blinds. Turn off the lights. Sunlight is completely renewable. You'll save on electricity. And sunshine is better for your body. Sun equals smiles.

Mon 3/22/10: Hang Outside to Dry. Get a clothes line or rack to dry your clothes. Your cloths will last longer and you will save money.

Wed 3/17/10: Do not get a paper phone book. Instead of getting a paper phone book. Use a online directory instead.

Mon 3/15/10: Think before you print: could this be read or stored online instead? When you receive unwanted catalogs, newsletters, magazines, or junk mail, ask to be removed from the mailing list. Then recycle the item.

Wed 3/10/10: Give 'em back. Some companies have established take-back programs, collecting their own products and can turning them into new gadgets. So opt for purchases from companies (like Nokia, the high-scorer in Greenpeace's latest report) ready to take back what they sell.

Mon 3/8/10: Re-purpose before you recycle. Recycling actually uses a fair amount of energy. IF you can re-purpose and item first, you should.

Wed 3/3/10:Get off junk mail lists. GreenDimes can get you started. They'll even plant a tree for you!

Mon 3/1/10: Don't over buy - do you really need that new item or can you spruce up or make do with what you've got? It's amazing what a coat of paint or some new throw pillows and accessories will do to revamp you space.

Wed 2/24/10: Do not use bleach with chlorine or sodium perborates. Chlorine gets into the waste stream and contaminates ground water. Use non-chlorine alternatives made from hydrogen peroxide or oxygen.

Mon 2/22/10: Turn off your computer. Save energy and wear and tear on your hardware by shutting down your computer at night. You'll save an average of $90 of electricity a year.

Wed 2/17/10: Re-use paper grocery bags. They can be turned into gift wrap, which you can have fun decorating, or used to cover books to help them last longer.

Mon 2/15/10: Grocery bag from an old t-shirt. Turn the t-shirt inside out and stitch along the bottom hem. Now turn that t-shirt back and cut along the arm holes. You now have a one of a kind grocery shopping bag

Wed 2/10/10: Bring Your Own Towels. Bring a small hand towel to work with you and clip it to your bag or put a hook inside your cubicle.

Mon 2/8/10: Wash your clothes in cold water. Avoid emitting carbon dioxide and save on energy bills.

He shall be called GEORGEUS! Click to feed him flies!

Big News!

2010-02-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

LIP BALMS ON ETSY! My first products are up! The Pomegranate Peach Lip Balm and the Soothing Lip Balm! YAY! I'm working on the other flavors, they will be up in a few days.

I've been using my oil cleanser regularly and I have to say, slowly but surely, those blackheads that never go away on my nose are starting to disappear. My skin feels softer and is still getting healthier. As soon as I can get some jojoba oil, I'll be listing the oil cleanser for sure!

Some blog news: Donation buttons! I've added a donation button for the Red Cross' Haitian Disaster Relief. The people of Haiti need all the help we can spare! A bit selfishly I also added a donation button for me, it's hidden at the bottom of the side bar. And the green tips! In the side bar there is a section for tips on green and eco-conscious living. I'll be adding one every Monday and Wednesday, as well as keeping a post of all of the past tips. If you have any suggestions, post a comment!

I also read Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. It's basically a run down on everything we eat, and why it makes us fat. With lots of cussing. It encourages us to live a vegan lifestyle, in order to be our healthiest. Definitely a must read, with many good meal ideas, brands to look for, and even a beginners vegan meal plan.

On that note, my Latest Victory: I went vegan! My plan was to do it gradually, but I realized that I have been trying "do it gradually" since I was fifteen, and I am now 200 lbs (yes, two hundred) heavier than I was in high school. I also know myself pretty well. A drastic change is needed, and starting yesterday, I made it. I went through my fridge and cupboards and gave all my food to my parents, then went out and bought organic fruits and veggies, almond milk, rice milk, hazelnut milk (see a pattern?), and some vegan dry goods. I'm learning to read labels VERY carefully now! I'll be posting my thoughts and musing about it as I go. (So far my only thought is a little sing-song voice in my head saying, "I'm gonna be a babe! I'm gonna be a babe!)

More supplies and a book review

2010-02-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I received by second batch of supplies on Friday! It was very exciting! (Wow, that's a bit sad) I spent my weekend getting some more oils infusing, making Soothing Lip Balm, Clarifying Oil Cleanser, and Safflower Skin Balm (the request from my grandma). I learned that I needed to STIR the skin balm as it cools, so it stays soft. I'm still adjusting my lip balm recipe as well. It melts much better now, but it's still not quite a soft as I'd like. I went ahead and took my (new) pictures for the listing, as I have switched to the 1/2 oz tins for the lip balms. Also, I ordered the rest of the flavor oils I needed for my basic lip balm flavors, and they should be in by the end of the week! By next week, I'll have them listed on Etsy! YAY!

I also wanted to post this picture of my "double boiler". I realized as I was starting the water boiling how silly it looked, and thought you could see what I'm working with! It's not very sturdy. Or safe I bet.

Later, I was mixing the oil cleanser, I realized I had forgotten to order jojoba oil! I made the cleanser without it, at least my test batch, and have been using it for three days now. I've noticed that it's making my skin feel a lot softer and seems to be reducing redness. I'll post my thoughts after a few weeks of using it.

I also began reading the Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel. After about 40 pages, I went into my bathroom and threw away almost every beauty product I owned. I'm not kidding. Shampoo, deodorant (with the exception of my Tom's Natural Deodorant), moisturizers, most of my nail polish (sad face), and lots of others. This book teaches you about all the nasty chemicals that are in our products, which of course is half the idea behind my own products, I still hadn't realized how many of these chemicals we are exposed to every day. (Granted, I also have a tendency to over-react. But I feel better knowing I'm practicing what I preach, and distancing myself from harmful substances.) Gabriel writes frankly about which chemicals to avoid and why and exposes the deception of so many "natural" beauty products. This book is an amazing source of important knowledge that men and women should have about the chemicals we expose ourselves to, and how to avoid them. Anyone with an interest in natural beauty, or basic healthy living, should read this book.

Latest Victory: Staying organized has always been problem for me. Lately though, I have been working hard to keep up on my household chores and keep my spaces tidy. It makes working (and living) so much easier. I have also purged A LOT of stuff from my closets and room, trying to make space for supplies and materials for Caravan. I also sent in my Kent City paperwork, and should have any license in a few weeks!

Product Update - Lip Balm

2010-01-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

So after I let a some friends and family try my lip balm, I got some really good feedback, and have a few adjustments to make. The one thing everyone agreed on, it that there was too much vanilla flavor and not enough pear, something I had already suspected. My mother actually hated the smell, but then she is very sensitive to scents. On the other hand, many foods and facial products tend to give her cold sores, and my lip balm didn't! I've changed the flavor ratio accordingly, and I have also changed the sunflower oil:candellila wax ratio, as a few people said that a softer balm would be easier to use. After using it myself for a week, I tend to agree. I also decided that I am going to make the lip balm in a smaller size. 1 oz is too much at once. I'm ordering some 1/2 oz tins, (which is around the amount of a standard tube), and will adjust my price a bit. I have 4 other flavors of lip balm planned: Pomegranate Peach, Hazelnut Apricot, Black Cherry Cantaloupe, and White Chocolate Jasmine. The oil for the unflavored lip soothing balm is still infusing, and will be ready around the 27th.

By the end of next week, I will be ordering MANY more supplies! For the full body balm, the skin healing salve, the rest of the lip balm flavors, and the cleansing oils! The flavored lip balms I'll be able to list soon after that, but the body balm and healing salve will require some time for the oils to infuse, and the cleansing oils will need some time for testing! I have also received my first custom request! My grandmother wants a soft safflower oil balm, with light vanilla scent. If she likes it enough, I may offer it permanently in my shop.

I also have an update to my library: The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel! It was a birthday gift from my parents! I haven't read it yet, but I'll post my thoughts when I have!

Latest Victory: I did my taxes already! I also received my UBI# and my WA State business license! I have applied for my reseller permit and I'll send in my Kent City paperwork next week. I also worked out this weekend, a hip hop aerobics class! I went with my mom and Leslie and we had a lot of fun!

Lip Balm - Pear Vanilla

2010-01-11T21:35:00.000-08:00

I just mixed up my first batch of lip balm! I started with the Pear Vanilla flavor. I don't know if I should add sugar to sweeten it, or leave it as it is. It smells wonderful (although I'll be using less vanilla and more pear next time), but the taste is very light. I'll let my friends and family try it and see whet they think before I decide to sweeten it. I also realized that the 1oz tins are large compared to most lip balms. I haven't weighed the final product yet, but I suspect it will be twice that of a standard tube. Considering how much I am planning to charge, this will work for now, but I may offer a smaller size in the future.

I am however VERY pleased with the texture of the formula. It goes on really smooth and doesn't leave a sticky or shiny layer. It stays solid enough to keep from melting, but we'll see how it performs in the summer. I also went ahead and took the product pictures for the Etsy listing. I'm pretty happy with them as well. I needed to do a little color adjusting, but the images have the atmosphere I want convey in my shop. I didn't post them, I'm saving them for the shop. Eventually I'll want to get some apothecary bottles to add to them.

Latest Victory: Besides making my first product, my victory lately as been keeping a positive attitude. There have been a few setbacks lately, both from choices I've made, and things beyond my control. But now that I have a set goal, and a plan to getting there, my focus and my attitude are getting better, as well as my choices. Tomorrow I even start working out again!

Avatar

2010-01-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

So, I know this doesn't have anything to do with herbal beauty, but I saw Avatar last night. It was AMAZING. I don't really have any words to describe it. They all fall short. The imagery left me close to tears through the whole movie! It is probably my favorite movie ever. I suggest everyone going to see it before it leaves theaters. In IMAX 3D if possible.

Latest Victory: I ordered my first products from Mountain Rose Herbs and they came in today! I started some chamomile and red clover infusing in sunflower oil. I'll let it infuse for 3 weeks, and by then I'll have some flavor oils and I can make some lip balms! Sweet!

Oh, and yesterday was my birthday!

Christmas Gifts

2009-12-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

My friends and family have been wonderfully supportive of my goals. This means alot because those closest to me know I have a tendancy to come up with "a great idea" and then lose interest or never see it through. Knowing that they're always rooting for me in spite of that is a great feeling. In fact, after telling my parents that I'd need a stick/immersion blender for soap making, they got me one for Christmas! And Admira got me this great book (one of the ones on my "to buy" list in fact!) Natural Beauty at Home, by Janice Cox. This book has given me so many good ideas! I'm very excited! I'm also very blessed to have such wonderfull friends and family. Love you guys!

Latest Victory: As I said, sometimes I lose interest in my own ideas (short attention span). For me, doing research and looking for new products ideas has been my way of staying focused. I'm constantly searching for paths to reaching my goals, and for me this is a big step forward. Hopefully, I can keep this internal momentum going!

Official Memorabilia

2009-12-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Okay so it's not "memorabilia". It's my logo! On a stamp! This will be how I put my logo on the gift boxes. I also got some silk flowers and a tray to use in in my product photos. So I figured, why not get in some photography practice? As much as I like photography, I think it's probably the hardest part about selling stuff online. I'm satisfied with the result though!

I'm also kind of geeking out about the fact that my logo is on a stamp.

Latest Victory: I stood up for myself last week. That may not seem like much to some people, but I have a difficult time with confrontation. I let people treat me however they want, even if it makes me unhappy. It's something I'm trying to fix about myself. And last week I told someone how their attitude towards me made me feel. I was terrified, but I did it. Funny thing, afterwords, this person started treating me a bit better. Huh.

Our Choices

2009-12-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

We are defined by our actions. The mark we leave on this world is in the choices we make, the words we speak, and the way we treat others. Every person walks their own path, but that does not mean we walk alone. Even the smallest of our actions has consequences, that will echo in the lives and hearts of others long after we are gone.

It's been a hard week.
Some days I think that just living with it, and making the best of it will make me a stronger person, the better person. Other days, like today, I wonder if it's worth it. How is surrounding myself with negativity, and allowing myself to be devalued at every turn going to make me a better person? Am I sacrificing my feelings and my confidence for security, or turning a difficult situation into a learning experience, a stepping stone towards what I really want?

My friend says, " 'It's all for the business', make that your motto." She's telling me to focus on what I'm working towards, and make my decisions accordingly. I'm trying.

Latest Victory: Etsy shop all set up!

So it begins...

2009-12-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I've started a blog to record my experiences in starting my herbal body care business! I'll be posting updates, new products and random thoughts on my journey towards self employment.

The Idea:
Last Christmas, I had the (brilliant) idea of making homemade, organic apple cider for everyone on my list. In my research into organic spices, I came across a website called Mountain Rose Herbs (MRH). An Oregon company that supplies organic herbs, spices, natural bath and cosmetic ingredients. I thought, "I should buy some spices from here sometime..." And then filed it away in the back of my mind with all my other passing fancies. A few months later, I was doing research on incense (more passing fancies) and was directed again to MRH. So I sent for a catalogue and started to read through it. Over the course of the next months I learned about natural body care, cold-process soap, and herbalism, and by the beginning of November, I realized this was it. I was gonna do this!

Where am I so far? As of this moment, I have a name. And a logo. And about 20 product formulas with MANY more ideas. That's the easy part for me. I've filled out all my paperwork for my Washington state business license and to register my name. I'm mailing it today!

I'm currently employed at a screenprinting/promotional/awards shop. I've been there for almost 5 years, full time for almost 3 years as the graphic designer. I don't know what to say about it besides it is not good for me there. Don't get me wrong, I love doing the art, t-shirts are a fun medium! But I'm a very sensitive person and the environment is not a positive one. And due to the economy, I really don't have a choice but to stay. In the meantime, I'm working to save money and putting it towards what I really want.

I'm keeping a list of goals (to the left) and on each post I will try to have a personal victory to share!

By the way, that was some bitchin' apple cider I made.