Postcrossing

I have been doing Postcrossing for a couple of months now, it has been great fun. Everything is free, you register an account. Then you send 5 postcards, one the people register that they have received your cards, someone else gets assigned to send you a card. It's a great system. So far, I have received cards from all over the world, and from across the United States as well. Here is a link to the postcards I have received, and my postcrossing profile. Enjoy!

An Ending and a Beginning

My beloved Pomeranian Duchess died. I loved that little dog fiercely and will miss her desperately. She was such a good dog, waiting patiently for my husband, her daddy, to return from work. She was a yappy thing, annoying at the time, but now I'd give up alot to hear her bark again. I wish I could stroke her silky fur one more time, she will be dearly missed. Please, if there is someone in your life you can't live without, let them know you love them and hug them often. You'll be glad you did.

In my grief, the only thing I wanted was my dear Pomeranian. I hemmed and hawed, and found a breeder online. I then went to look at a puppy he had available. She in no way replaces Duchess, but she sure does dull the pain at times. I got to meet her mom, dad and grandma. What an adorable, happy family she comes from. I know she will make a great companion. So, I'd like to introduce Sugar Cookie.

Thawing Out!

Winter is finally breathing her final breaths here in the frozen North. Snow is falling and quickly melting as I type. I have seen a Blue jay and squirrels after a long absence. I can't wait to trek outside and feel the warm sunshine. Barbecues and long walks in the evening are coming and I can't wait.

House Cleaning

I've never been the best house keeper, and I have so much trouble getting rid of things. I am working on this program, so far it's been going well. I have been getting alot done, but one day at a time, instead of all in one day and then worn out and unmotivated. If you have housecleaning or clutter issues, I highly recommend this service~ and it is free!

Valentine's Day

I forgot to mention my Valentine's Day! Jason brought home some beautiful tulips and some chocolate. Then he took me to Norman Quack's~ a great local restarant. We had a great time and I love those flowers.

Here is the treasury I just made on Etsy. Enjoy!

Updates

Last weekend we had Cynthia's party at the bowling alley, we all had lots of fun and ate pizza, nachos, and soda. Sharon and Dennis (my parents) were gracious enough to foot the bill~ Thanks Mom and Dad! We also said goodbye to Annie last Friday. We had a nice dinner at an Italian place, it was delicious. We were sad, but Annie was ready to go back and complete her mission. Can't wait till we have her back for good.
This week was Daisy's first Valentine's Day at school, she was so proud of all of the cards and candy she received. Daisy and Cynthia both had Friday off, we got a lot done around the house.
Jason made a delicious roast on his grill yesterday, it was quite good for the first time he has made it. I made some mashed potatoes, and Jason made some gravy with the drippings. Actually a TON of gravy, we have plenty to last us for a while.
We are also hoping to sign up for the Forest Lake Farmers Market soon. We will do that every Tuesday evening from June to September. Sharon wants to do that with me, it will be good to have the company. So I am in a flurry getting ready for that~ soaps, canopy, a sign needs to be made, wish us luck!
Well, I am still working on a new template for my website. It looks perfect in the editor, but when I upload it, it looks terrible, so still trying to fix those bugs. I have also listed quite a few items on Etsy, so I've been busy with that.

To Gloria

I found out yesterday that a friend of mine at work died.

Though I only knew you a brief time, I am a better person for it
You were always so nice, giving me your desk as you passed your day shift to my night shift
You were a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend
Thank you so much for always having such a cheerful attitude, no matter how hectic your day had been
Thank you for being my friend, I will miss taking your desk

To everyone else, cherish every moment that you have with someone you find special.

Etsy Artist~ fairytalesunlimited

Today's featured artist is fairytalesunlimited. She has some great tutus at her shop, and they are featured in many shops around the world. They would make a perfect gift for your little princess.

What is your location?
Akron, Ohio

What do you create?
I try to create things little girls would dream of having. I make tutus, fairy crowns, wands, room decor, anything that would make them smile:)

What are your favorite mediums?
I really work with many different mediums because I have many different crafting interests. I use fabric, paint, beads, metals, wood, anything that strikes my fancy.

When did you start crafting?
As far back as I can remember my mother enjoyed making things. She would enlist me to do all the little annoying chores, like cutting out pattern pieces, turning material right side out after it was sewn, helping her get the old manual sewing machine going by pumping it with my foot. As a reward for my help she would give me all her leftover materials and I would come up with my own ideas.

What are the main avenues you use to sell?
I started on Ebay, but after finding etsy I feel so much more in my element. I have also had a couple of stores of my own and do occasional some craft shows.

How and where do you create your items?
My items are all handmade at my home, on my couch or dining room table:)

Where do you find inspiration?
I really don't know. I guess everywhere. I have more ideas than I know what to do with. It can be really stressful at times, because it is hard to me to have an idea without following through with it. I find myself doing many projects at once.

What are your goals?
To create a product of quality and beauty that is a treasure to those who own it. To be more organized and mentally focused.

Why do you enjoy crafting?
I really just enjoy seeing my ideas come alive. I like taking something from brain to reality.

What do your friends and family think of your creations?
It really is mixed. Most everyone likes my creations, but I think some of my family worries that I am too involved emotionally or time wise in my business. I just don't think they understand the pleasure that comes with having something of your own.

What do you do in your spare time?
My daughter and I are involved in Tae Kwon Do and that is a fun thing for us to do together. I also like to play video games and go to the mall..lol...Gosh that all sounds funny after writing it down. You would think I was a 14 year old kid, not a 27 year old mother of 2.

Cynthia's Birthday Present~ From Etsy Artist From My Heart

I bought this yummy cupcake pendant for Cynthia's 11th birthday from a shop on Etsy called frommyheart. The artist is really nice and cheerful. She also sent some stamped tags, very cute. She has a nice variety of handmade items at her shop. Check it out and support handmade art.

Etsy Artist Spotlight~ Inner Wolf Batik

Inner Wolf Batik designs and dyes each onesie by hand. They are selling them to raise money for their homebirth. Many major insurance companies and state health plans do not pay for homebirth services, so many parents must find a way to pay for the birth of their choice. This is near and dear to my heart as I have had three homebirths, 2 of which were mostly paid for out of pocket. Fees can be bartered and traded for, or go up to $5,000, depending on where you live.

This onesie is perfect for the newborn on the go, check it out today!

Updated Website

I added some new content to my website, including a new animated logo, new soap, and I am now offering button, banner, plug, and website design. You can check that out under custom on my site. I also added a plugboard, but still need to work on that some more to get it looking perfect.

Etsy Artist Spotlight~ Happy Whosits

Today's artist is actually three- Sue, Eileen, and Judy. Together they formed Happy Whosits, a shop full of whimsicle and cuddly crochet pals. Sue and Eileen are the crochet crafters, while Judy makes wire and bead earrings. There are a range of friends to choose from including octopi(pictured), dogs, turtles, and everything in between. Patterns in PDF are also for sale. The prices are affordable for most budgets. Custom orders are accepted. These pals are ready to be your childs best friend.

Pit Bull with Chicks

Had to post this video, unbeleivable!

Etsy Artist Spotlight~ Kay's K9s

I would like to start regularly featuring artists that have unique items for sale on Etsy. There are so many items for sale there, really something for everyone.

Our first feature artist is K Turple of Ontario, Canada. Her shop is Kay's K9s. She makes handmade felted dogs and cats, and polymer clay babies. All of her items are OOAK (one of a kind). Each felted item takes 10-25 hours to complete and can be made from dollhouse scale to 4". Her polymer clay babies are made completly by hand without the use of molds. They also are created with real mohair hair. Prices range from $20 for a brooch to $120 for a custom commissioned likeness of your pet.

Duchess Sitting Pretty

Duchess Sitting Pretty
Originally uploaded by anneofavonlea_99

My number 1 puppy

Busy Week

This has been a crazy week at work. As soon as one client is finished, there is another waiting. I don't have any time to reflect between clients. I also haven't been able to work on my own return. But I do enjoy the fast pace and meeting so many new people.

The freezing cold snap is finally lifting here in Minnesota. Boy, has it been cold the last few days, like -20 cold. But it is getting better. I had to take Kaitlynn and Cynthia to the doctor yesterday, it's not fun taking kids out in that.

I also soaped last night. A nice batch of odor eating coffee soap. Made with freshly brewed strong coffee, all vegan, and no colors or fragrances. Great to use after gardening or chopping onions.
Still working on website, check often for updates!

Making Soap With Annie

Today my sister, Annie, and I made some soap. She is home on leave from Iraq and we spent the day together. First, we ate at the Oak Inn in North Branch, it was pretty good. Then we came home and made soap. I helped her create the recipe, Then we measured and made it together. She chose Cupid's Arrow (cherry almond) for the scent. It's turned our really nice so far. We then worked on a Ukranian egg puzzle. She ate dinner with us, we had pork roast with carrots and saurkraut, she had her leftover pasta since she is a vegetarian.
We've really missed Annie, she went to training last summer in Oklahoma, then came home and went to Iraq in August. She is home until February 9th, then hopefully she will be home for good in August.
Kaitlynn talked up a storm with Annie, Matthew was pretty shy.

Diaper Cake

Diaper Cake
Originally uploaded by anneofavonlea_99

A new project I am working on. If you are interested in having one of these for your next baby or bridal shower, just get in touch with me. 100% useful, non-returnable gift- perfect!
Still cold up here, 4 was the high today. I finally made the spring soap, Strawberry Shortcake, will post photos tommorow.
Stay warm!

Christmas present from Ohio

Christmas present from Ohio
Originally uploaded by anneofavonlea_99

Bingo!

Scratch the dual-posting blog, now I have my website set up with blogger.com, enjoy! I sure am.

Brrr

As I drove into work the other night, I felt so cold, but at the same time the sun was shining on the trees, it was a beautiful sight. I felt warm. Not too much longer and it will be March, the snow will melt, and we can have outdoor picnics again.

Today was pretty cold here in Minnesota, -14 when I went to work at 9am, quite bitter. Then there was the slight "breeze" to contend with, brrrr. Tonight is a hot cocoa night.

Last night I made a 4.5 lb batch of unscented Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey soap with Goat's Milk. It looks really good. The new soap mold kept it pretty cool, so it didn't turn weird colors. I think it will be quite nice after the cure. Tonight I will make the soap for my spring swap, I will let you know how that turned out! Here are some pictures of my new soap, and you can see all of my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mnsoycandle/

This is my dual published blog, the sister site is http://www.jasonandgracescountrycottage.com/store/blogIndexWs.asp

I can't wait for us to become acquainted.

Work

I am getting started with tax season 2008. So far it is slow, worked 3 nights with no customers. For those of you that don't know, I work for H&R Block part-time. Hubby comes home and I go to work, much better than day care, free!Kaitlynn is getting so big, she has 2 bottom teeth and is cruising on the couch and coffee table. Daisy's handwriting is also coming along, and she is recognizing lots of letters, numbers, and colors.

Bill Payment

I would have preferred to keep the babies home today, but I had to pay my Target and Kohl's bills, so out we went. Overall, it was not too bad, even though it was cold, it was also sunny. We got some small items that we needed at Target, and I took my mother to the dog food place. She bought some treats for our dogs.I then took inventory of my soaps. I updated the soaps page, much easier to pick out soap now.Matthew has figured out how to open dad's tool chest with the key, that kid is growing up too fast.

Busy Day

We got a lot of stuff done yesterday! My husband barbecued 15lbs of pork shoulder, and made a soap mold for me. Well almost, it just needs to be glued and nailed together, can't wait to use it. The kids and I got a ton of cleaning done, then my parents came over for dinner. Mom brought salad and homemade beets, yummy. I also got alot of redecorating done on this site. Let me know how you like it. Today I have been doing laundry, and cleaning, that never ends. Daisy also has a Girl Scout meeting, we will be making bird feeders. I will also be doing more work on the site ;)

Website Updates

I am busily working on updating this site so that it is much more pleasing. I am redesigning the graphics and taking new product pictures. I am also working on making the shopping cart more user friendly. So bear with me, there may be some missing graphics at times.Jason and I went shopping today. We got a ton of groceries and some business staples. He also bought the supplies to make me a couple great soap molds, I can't wait.

Hello

Hello, I figured I'd start writing this blog to let everyone know how my family and I are doing. Today I got some fragrance oils and molds, yippee, I love getting stuff! We spent the day at my parents house, Daisy was out of school. We went shopping and I found some great books and some glasses. We went to pick up Jason and Cynthia, then my dad. We told the kids we were going to eat some mushroom and beet burgers for dinner, Cynthia was not thrilled. They were all happy when we ended up at Chuck E' Cheese, it was a blast. Matthew just about fell over backwards when he saw Chuck E'. Kaitlynn enjoyed riding on a cute caterpillar. Daisy rode the helicopter a few times. Cynthia played all the games, except the baby ones, LOL. We then stopped by Sam's Club to pick up supplies. I plan to take more product pictures tonight before bed.