Starting out....

Hubby and I are slowly moving towards making my hobby into a business. Above is a picture of four of my lotions ready to sell! I use this box for "traveling purposes" as it is easy to put in my work bag.


This week I added new scents AND I have added new sizes!!! This is so exciting!

2oz $4.00
4oz $7.00
8oz $12.00

Plus the cost of shipping.

Scents

Orange
Lime
Lemon
Tea Tree
Lavender
Grapefruit
Vanilla
Unscented

I can also mix the scents!

ALL YOU! magazine had a great coupon for certain Rimmel products. It was for a free product up to a $5.00 value. I picked up one of their mascaras and if definitely extends your lashes!

I received a sample size of the Olay body wash and I really like this product. This is one of the few body washes where the scent lingers on your skin after your shower.

Lastly, I picked up the CVS coupon at the store scanner for $1.00 off their hair care products. The shampoo was $.99 so it was free!

TUESDAY’S TIP: ONLINE SHOPPING WITH A TWIST

I tend to do a bit of online shopping for myself and others. Often, the company will offer free gift wrapping and I always take the company up on that offer. I will order myself something, have it wrapped, and then use the box/ribbon for a future gift!

MANIC MONDAY

Home: Trying to keep my head above water! I have lots of things going on all the time and I really need to stay organized to keep it all together!

Church: Preparing for Holy Week

Projects: The yard! If the weather stays nice- Hubby and I will make a third attempt at grass for our front yard. Heck, this might be our fourth attempt!

What is going on in your world this week?

Blog Giveaway Winner is…..

Marilyn!

Marilyn- please e-mail me at hunieland@gmail.com with your address and the scent you would like!

DR.KNOW

n my opinion the successful gardener is the one who realizes the importance of constantly building your soils with organic materials. This is a never ending cycle as every year your garden will use up at least ten % of your organic matter. Reduced oxygen conditions set the stage for massage amounts of weeds and for disease, all because of a soil high in nitrates. Weeds do not put a lot of emery back into the soil which is a determent to building up organic materials in the soil. Reduced oxygen in the soil produces materials in the form of three chemicals: alcohol, which solubilizes any membranes at 1pmm, formaldehyde, which acts as a preservative, and phenol, which is toxic. Compacted low oxygen systems cannot hold onto nutrients therefore, there is more leaching in the form of nitrates and phosphates. This contributes to pollution of waterways, and erosion. Calcium helps to form aggregated or compound masses of particles in the soil bringing in oxygen. It also provides a means of nutritional energy for soil microbes. Plowing back into the soil any plant residue will help retain and cycle nutrients into the soil before they oxidize. Many people like to do this and also a mixture of molasses, fish, and sea minerals to feed their soil. I have never done the molasses, but I do use fish ( named Fish and Poop) to start my seeds with, and I do spray my plants with a mixture of minerals to put back into the plants and the soil what has been taken out over the last 200 years of farming this same soil. Keep in mind that soil microbes need to be fed calcium as a source of energy ( I use bagged gypsum), to be beneficial to us. Plants give off sugars, which also feed the microbes which in turn solubize the calcium as a food source for the plants to build cell walls with structure. This increases the structural biomass of the shoots and especially the roots setting the stage for increasing carbon levels. When the organic material level of your soil reaches at least 2%, the whole system of the soil starts to have a multiplying affect in the effects of increasing the organic material levels itself. If you can remember to do this, the next time you are going to plow your crop residue back into the soil, spread or spray a nutritional food source onto the soon to be residue to increase the nutritional status and feed the food web. *******
Post your questions in the comment section!

Friday’s Favorites: The Feast of Saint Joseph

Today is a wonderful day for the Catholic Church as it is the feast of the glorious Saint Joseph. He was the foster father of Our Lord and the care taker of the Universal Church.


Happy Feast Day!

Thoughtful Thursday: The Alarm Clock

When I married Hubby, I knew that we were opposites in many ways.
He is a night person and I am hyper at the crack of dawn.
He loves to sit back and watch a movie and I need to always be accomplishing something during my down time.
It takes him two or three snooze hits before he can roll out of bed and I can jump at the sound of the first alarm which brings us to our little story.

Each night I would set the alarm for 6:00 A.M. and then reset the alarm for 7:30 A.M. for my husband. Well, I always had this fear that I would forget to set the alarm as I left for work and one morning the fear became a reality. Thankfully, Hubby woke up and made it to work on time, but I did not want that to happen again. With that, I purchased him his own alarm clock and lovingly placed it on his nightstand. He set it once…..Daylight Savings kicked in… I set the alarm for him, but didn’t check to see if he had changed the time… he hadn’t…
Long story turned short- I now have two clocks on my nightstand and I set them both.

WHEELIN’ WEDNESDAY AND SOME FUN

I stopped at my local Target last night and found the craft paint tubes on sale for $.48! I picked up six of them even though I don’t have children of my own. I am thinking of taking these when I fly out to Arizona, but it might not be such a good idea. However, I know many families here with young, homeschooling children who would love this kind of craft fun!
In an attempt to find a picture of the product- I came across the Crayola website that offers free coloring pages among lots of fun.
I thought some of you might be interested in this!

DR. KNOW: How did we get where we are in this organic movement?

I have been asked this many times, and as I go back to my childhood I recall that chemical farming did not really exist until the 1950's. As a youth I can remember my father using his scrapper on his tractor to pull manure out of the cow pen to stack it into a huge pile to be later loaded into a manure spreader to be spread out over our fields just as my Grandfather had done before him. Of course to the delight of me and my brother we would push each other for hours down the mountain to see who was king of the crap mountain. Of course my mother did not see it that way and made us strip off our clothes before we were allowed inside the house to shower. Yet this was the 50s and I saw many changes on the farm. One was the use of crop dusters that sprayed our various crops. Oh how I remember the days that I would run up and down the cotton field to try to stay up with the airplane as it laid down its lethal dose of DDT. I can remember the fine layer of poison landing all over my shirtless back like a fine mist and thinking nothing of it. Once I left the ranch/farm and moved away I realized that farming and gardening were in my blood. In the 80s I started to notice things and read a lot of materials, and to this day I still do, as education is the key. I started to notice that girls in the seventh and eighth grades suddenly had breasts of a mature woman and not like the girls that I knew in the 60s, I noticed a huge increase in obesity, an alarming rate of cancers of all types, kids of all ethnic groups were now much taller. Children were going through puberty at a much younger age. Something was seriously wrong and we needed to figure it out. As I read more I read of the cover ups of the large chemical companies trying to have their paid scientists and bribed universities say nothing was wrong with all of the chemicals. Then we decided to fool around with genetics such as putting fish genes into corn and cloned cows. Here we had the new Franken food that now was on our shelves. My gosh I thought to myself what are we doing. How can you plant a field of GMO corn and all insets die? How can you plant a field of corn and only the corn lives and the weeds all die? Yet we were eating this same corn. Then the move continued with the chemical companies such as Bayer, Monsanto, and the large seed companies trying to patent seeds, inventing sterile seeds that if you tried to save them you would save money. the only thing was the saved seeds would not germinate. The move next was to buy up all of the small seed companies. Recently in Acres USA magazine it was pointed out that over 200 small companies have been bought up. So now they can control not only the chemicals but all of the GMO and hybrid seeds from start to finish. Have we figured it out yet folks or do we need more proof ? I had an employee who had breast cancer and it was serious. She completely went organic and detoxified herself. Guess what? The cancer stopped growing. Why did I go organic, at least as much as possible? Well I hope my story written above is enough to get you on the right track. God made this world, Some of us are short and some tall, some are fat and some just plain ole skinny, but let it be because that is how God made us, not because of the chemicals that we have ingested. It is time for all of us to make the commitment,. Are you ready to do this?

FAVORITE FRIDAYS: LOVIN’ COCONUT

I may have mentioned in a couple of posts that I have made my own lotion using organic coconut oil as a base. The lotion is thick, creamy, and just plain awesome when it comes to moisturizing my skin. It is especially helpful for those especially dry areas (knees and elbows).
Well, to make a long story short- I brought the lotion into work and a number of people ogled it and tested it, and demanded that I a make them some! I told them this isn’t cheap to make and they actually came back with a desire to pay for such lotion! What? Someone wants to pay me for something I make at home in my own little kitchen? Yes! Could this possible turn into a business? Maybe… I am hoping as I do not want to work outside of my home. In the meantime, I am going to make a batch this weekend (which consists of no more than four jars) to be sold the next week.

Hubby sent me a link which lists the benefits of coconut oil. I didn’t know about all of these and intend on utilizing these in the coming weeks.

Thoughtful Thursday: A LITTLE BIT OF FUN

TAG! Feel free to answer these questions on your blog and let me know if you do!

SKINCARE

-How many times do you wash your face daily?
I wash my face in the morning and in the evening when I shower.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I have oily-combination skin.

-What is your current facial wash?
Okay...I think you know that I am obsessed with facial cleansers right now. Currently, I am using Clearasil (sp?) cleansing pads with ROC cleanser during my evening shower. The morning cleanser can be any of the following (and I am sure I am forgetting things): Acne Free for Sensitive Skin, Clinique cleansing gel, Cetaphil (using this up since it is paraben filled), Origins (picked up a couple of samples), and Burt's Bees cleanser.

-Do you exfoliate?
Yes

-What brand do you use?
I have an Origins sample that is fabulous and I have a salt scrub, but I don't remember the name of the company.

-What moisturizer do you use?
I have a Clinique moisturizer as well as some from Burt's Bees. I also have a few samples that I am using.

-Do you have freckles?
Just a few.

-Do you use eye cream?
I was using YES TO CARROTS, but have stopped.. I don't think it was doing anything for me.


-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I do breakout, but I guess you wouldn't call in horrendous. I am desperately working on clearing this up!

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
No

MAKE-UP

-What foundation do you use?
I am using a number of foundations right now- here are a few: Maybelline Rewind, Almay, Everyday Minerals, Milani Minerals, Origins sample, and I think that is it....


-How about concealer?
Yes, I am using an Olay concealer right now.

-Do you know your undertone color?
I would say I am a yellow undertone.

-What brand of mascara do you use?
I like Maybelline most of the time, but I did pick up some Rimmel that is quite nice.


-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I love purples!

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
I use pencil, liquid, and gel.

-Do you use mineral makeup?
Yes, but it tends to make my skin oily... it's like my skin is compensating for something.

-What is your favorite lipstick?
I really like this Neutrogena lipstick...wish I could remember the name, but it is a lovely/mauve colour.

-How about lipgloss?
Burt's Bees


Make up crime that you hate?
I really don't like it when people where eye shadow with no liner. It looks incomplete for me.


-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I like all colours.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
I don't think I pay attention to many celebrities... maybe Catherine Zeta Jones?

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
Mascara


-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
It is a very rare occasion.


-Do you think you look good even without any make up on?
Heck no!


-What do you think of Makeup?
I enjoy wearing make up and I really love to buy new colours for each and every part of my face. I just plain enjoy it!

WHEELIN’ WEDNESDAY: SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA

CVS
2 Nivea lip balms
1 Oral B toothbrush
1 Gilette Fusion razor
I purchased each one separately to maximize the ECB’s earned off of every single one of these products.
I also used coupons:
BOGO for Nivea
$.75 off for Oral B
$4.00 off for Gillette
I used 3.50 in ECB’s to pay for the first transaction and finished with 4.00 in ECB’s
Without tax my total cost: $2.24
With tax my total cost: $3.82
With earned ECB’s
With tax I earned: $.18
Without tax I earned: $1.76
This past Saturday I went to the mall to handle some much needed wardrobe updates.
I was in dire need of new shoes for church/work and came across some very nice sales.
All of my shoes were on sale from 70% to 80% off and allowed me to finally throw away four pairs of old shoes! HURRAH!
I also picked up five denim skirts for $15.99 or less. These are great for casual days at work or errand running Saturdays.

TasteFUL TUESDAYS: Cooking for Lent

Just a quick post about something I am doing during Lent. I pack breakfast and lunch for Hubby almost every day. Most of the time his lunch will often be leftovers from the previous night. During Lent, however, this really isn't possible. With the fast and abstinence restrictions- one cannot eat meat more than once a day. I have opted to cook my meats and vegetables separately. Now, that might sound normal for you, but not so much for me. When I cook steak- I tend to cook mushrooms and onions right on top of the steak. With a stir fry- I will add the vegetables once the meat is cooked.

So, for the time being- meat is cooked on one pan and the vegetables are cooked in another to ensure that Hubby has a meat free meal for the following day.

MANIC MONDAY

WORK: Over time is playing a continuous role every week right now with the conversion to two new application programs.
PROJECTS: Hubby and I think we can work a bit in the yard and finally ready our garden area. It has been such a cold winter for this state. Wish us luck!
HOME: Trying to keep everything in order without losing my mind ….. laundry is piling up right now. UGH!
CHURCH: Parish is preparing for the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY: SACRIFICES FOR LENT

There are so many times when we struggle with what we have given up for Lent and the extra prayers we have added to our meditations. In the meantime, we continue to complain about the little and big things that go on in our life. But wait, would it not be even more beneficial to simply offer them up during this holy time?
I am experiencing a difficult time in my life and the only action I can take is simply to offer up to Our Lord. Yes, I might not understand the reason behind the actions/situation, but I can simply endure it for the sufferings of Our Lord. I need to do this in every single situation in my life where it truly is the hand of God that must bless us and not our own hand.

FRIDAY'S FAVORITES: QUIET MORNINGS

I know for the mothers out there you do not often enjoy a quiet morning-or anytime very often! When you do have the quiet time- do you cherish it?

Recently, I had two hours to myself in the morning and handled so many things. My mind wasn't racing like usual and I was able to concentrate on the task at hand without thinking too far ahead. I love those times or the times when you are completely alone in front of the Blessed Sacrament.


How about you?

Wheelin’ Wednesday

I jumped at the Walgreens' deal of BOGO paired with the BOGO coupon for Purex laundry detergent.


After taxes I paid $.46!

Dr. Know Answers Your Questions

Happy Mommy said...
I live in Northern Oklahoma and the soil is completely red clay. The pH is perfect (7) but the soil is almost impossible to work with! Any suggestions on natural things to mix with my clay to give better drainage? I've had sand suggested but it seems that would do nothing for the quality of the soil. Thanks!


Happy Mommy: I have heard of people using sand, and whenever I put together a mix to do starter plants from seeds, I use a mix of 1/3 sand, 1/3 soil, and 1/3 organic mix of some sort. The sand really does loosen it up, but since sand really demands a lot more water in a garden I do two things to loosen it up. First as listed below I use gypsum. It does help the soil obtain a better aeration, and along with calcium, it provides it with sulfur. The main thing I do is to constantly mix in organic materials into my soils every chance I get. It is a long process, but building your soil into the rich garden that you want can, and will, take years to get to that point. Sure you can buy a lot of stuff from bags, but remember we are trying to make this a low cost project ( at least I am) that gives you back a large amount of food over the years. It is funny whenever I put a load of grass down in just two or three of my rows, I can really feel the difference when I work it with my rototiller. It is so much easier to work the soil. You will get there before you know it.

Anonymous said...
I have a 3 part question: I want to make an raised organic veggie garden in my backyard. For the last l5 years, however, my husband has used chemicals there (it is all grass) and pesticides. Once I dig out the area I want planted and put in my planter box, I cannot figure out (1) what to use to fill it with that is organic and (2) where do I buy it? Ideally it will be about l2 inches in depth, 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. Also, because the ground around the boxes may contain chemicals, (3) will those old chemicals leach into my "organic" space from below? I have gotten him to agree to not use chemicals on the lawn any more and will only use organic methods of fertilizing but don't want to do all this work only to have the old stuff somehow spoil my organic beds. Thank you for your help in these matters.

Dear Anonymous:

Well unless your husband is using a sterile product which it appears he is not using, you will be fine. You are not going to try to sell organic produce out of this plot, so I think you just need to proceed. If you saw my other post you will notice on something that you are just trying to start growing stuff in, I recommend the old 1/3 sand, 1/3 soil, and 1/3 organic materials. There is a lot of organic made starter mix in large or small bags that you can buy now. So I pretty much read the labels and pick the one I like. Another thing that you may wish to do is start to mix your own components into the bed right away. Why not drop some grass clippings at the bottom of your raised beds first or some old leaves? Drop some worms in there too with some coffee grounds to feed them or some old non colored strips of news papers. The worms love this stuff. Keep it kind of moist as the worms like it cool and moist. I do not know where you live, but it is still probably cold where you are and you are not ready to plant yet. So make the raised bed, drop some goodies in the bottom and a few weeks before you plant bring the rest of your components and mix it all up and plant. Always keep in mind your soil is made up of million of little organisms and they must be fed, fed, fed.

One more thing; please never use old railroad ties to make a raised bed as those creosote logs will allow this stuff to seep into and poison your soil. Also, those ties are roach magnets,

February Favorites

Make Up:

Burt's Bees Super Shiny in Zesty Red***adds a burst of lovely colour***

Soaps:

Kaori Bamboo Body Wash

This is paraben free and also has a neutral scent which is great for guys.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear
Oil- Eliminating Foaming Cleanser

I am really enjoying this cleanser- it seems to keep my t-zone quite oil free.

Manic Monday

Home: Never ending little clear outs and such are continually going on in the house. I just went through my purses and threw out one and gave away two others.

Church: Stations of the Cross every Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Projects:Not too much going on lately.. I am having to put things on hold because of my employment situation(see below). I would, however, like to tackle the garage and have a nice clear out.


Work:Unlimited overtime again this week. I am not sure how many hours I will work, but it will be quite a bit.


What is going on in your world?