Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp Pledge

I pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

Body Butters are Back!

Just in time for cooler weather! When skin gets dry and flaky, it is a result of both water loss and loss of your natural skin oils. By adding water in the form of a lotion, you add back essential water to your dehydrated skin. With the addition of butters and oils, you keep that water locked in, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing further water loss. That's why I include both water and nourishing butters and oils in my body butter formulation.


Scents currently available:

~Cuppa Chai- tea, vanilla, chai spices
~Punk'in Pie- pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg
~Hot Apple Cider- apples, cinnamon, orange peel
~Pineapple Crush- juicy pineapple
~Fuzzy Navel- peach + orange
~Tiny Bubbles- fruity champagne
~Bohemian- patchouli, sandalwood, spice
~Pure Rehab- unscented
~Caramel Latte- sweet coffee with caramel
~Island Pear- juicy pear + vanilla
~Hawaiian Orange Guava- Satsuma orange + guava

Lessons from the Doggin

When my son was learning his first words, he had trouble with words ending in consonants. He couldn't stop at the "g" in dog so he said "doggin". It was the (of course) the cutest thing ever. Now 15 years later I finally got him his own doggin. And this creature has taught me (and hopefully him) a lot. Here are a few of the lessons I have learned from the Doggin:

*Boundless Joy--as soon as I say let's play and throw a stick, the happiest tail wagging, tongue flapping running ensues. This dog is ~so~ happy running. You can see the joy all over her doggie face. Just pure happy. It's a good reminder to enjoy the small things and to be in the moment. It makes me smile every time.

*Unconditional Love--my dog freely gives her love. There's not a person, dog, cat, or other living being she doesn't try to make friends with. She loves everyone until they give her a reason not to (like that incident with a certain German Shepherd which it turns out is NOT a friend). Even if I've had to yell at her for chasing the kitty next door and running around and around the neighbor's house. Yep, still loves me.

*Naps--sometimes you just need one. Especially if you are saving up energy to run around the yard a few dozen times.

*Routine--the doggin craves routine. She likes her food at the same times each day, picks up our subtle cues as to when we are leaving (she is still crated when we're gone) and she happily bounces over to her crate. She's very happy when she knows what to expect. It certainly reduces stress.

I'm sure there are others. I really never expected to be this head-over-heels about a dog, but here we are and she tail wagged her way into my heart.

Your Health & Wellness Blog: Run/Walk for health

A great article about exercising in the cold:

Your Health & Wellness Blog: Run/Walk for health

Wordless Wednesday

Polly's Paper Studio

Soap Rehab soaps and lip balms are now available at Polly's Paper Studio in Pinckney, MI! Including some soaps that are exclusive to Polly's. If you are in that area, be sure to stop by and sniff the soaps and check out all the fantastic scrapbooking paper and supplies. She has the *best* paper selection! Have a cup of coffee and browse and you'll be dreaming up your next scrapping project in no time. http://www.pollyspaper.com

Stiggy's Dogs

I just read about this new organization called Stiggy's Dogs. Stiggy's Dogs provides "emotional support" dogs to military veterans.
From the Founder:
"The experiences and lessons I learned from working at a Humane Society, motivated my future. I have spent the past 4 years trying to make a difference. Dogs listen, love us unconditionally, are loyal and can be life saving. I am passionate about my goal of helping one dog at a time, and now one soldier and family at a time. I am proud to honor Ben and determined to carry on his legacy of helping others through Stiggys Dogs." Jennifer Petre Founder - Stiggy's Dogs

Read more at their website: stiggysdogs.org

Cuppa Chai-New Soap for Fall

Chai tea is one of my favorite beverages, especially in the fall. That warm spicy blend of creamy vanilla with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Yum!

My Cuppa Chai soap is made with skin-loving, creamy shea butter for a non-drying bar. I also added a real black tea infusion and tea leaves suspended throughout for light scrubbiness.