You are what you think...

This passage is from one of my favorite books: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I keep a copy posted on the refrigerator so that I can read it when I'm working, cooking, etc. I find it to be very inspiring and it's a constant reminder for me to keep a positive mindset. Please enjoy :0)

If you think you are beaten, you are

If you think you dare not, you don't

If you like to win, but think you can't

It is most certain you won't

If you think you'll lose, you're lost

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a fellow's will-

It is all in the state of mind

If you think you are outclassed, you are

You've got to think high to rise

You've got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!!

I won a giveaway!

This is really cool.  I just found out this morning that I won a free giveaway from Vermilion Star Press.

The funny part is that I didn't intentionally enter the contest.  A few days ago I watched the movie "7 Pound" starring Will Smith.  His love interest in the movie had two antique printing press machines.  They were just very cool.  So then a few dayslater I came across this blog and right away it reminded me of the movie. It looked interesting, so I decided to follow.  Apparently, I entered myself into a contest and won!  What luck :o)

Blood Orange Patchouli Soap

So here's yet another attempt at those darn swirls.  So far I like them.  We'll see how they turn out when I unmold them in the morning.  I think this one just might work.

2 New Soaps

Right now I'm working on a wholesale order and these are two of the batches.

Energy

I can't wait to slice this one and see how my attempted swirls turned out.

Lavender

This is an interesting batch.  It's my first time using Alkanet Root Powder.  Right now it's almost blue.  I think it's pretty.  But, apparently this is not the final color.  As the ph balance of the soap changes, so will the color.  Fingers crossed.  It should end up purple or lavender.  I hope it doesn't turn gray.  That would not be very pretty.

Yay!! I got an award...

At least I think that's what it is.  At any rate it's my first one and I'm excited!

Thank You FC!!!

I think "FC" means "first comment". 

Thank you Liz :o)

I love getting packages!

As soon as I hear the loud rumble of a truck I get up and run to the window.   I just checked the date on my computer and I know that I'm due to get a shipment tomorrow.  Perhaps it's early.  I get to the window, look outside and what do you suppose I see?  Oh my! Can it be? YES!  It's the FedEx truck and I just know it's for me.  We've only been down here in North Carolina (shout out to B-more!) for about 3 months and already the delivery driver knows who I am.  He brings me my box with the familiar logo of maroon branches, leaves and berries.  I sign on the line, wish him a great day and then carry the newly arrived package to the counter.  I placed the order so of course I already know what's inside, but still I tear into the box with the delight of a child on Christmas morning.  Inside are my badly needed soaping supplies.  I haven't made a batch  in over a week! 

I've been wanting to try a particular fragrance oil for a while and wouldn't you know, there was a sample of it inside too.

Now, I can finally get to soaping again.

Unmolded Applejack Peel Soap

Still not right.  I can't really figure out what I'm doing wrong.  I just can't get these swirls to turn out the way that I want.  Maybe I am just too picky, but this isn't doing it for me.  I keep a journal of every batch of soap that I make so at least I know what not to do next time.  I'll keep at it.  One of these day's I'll get it right.  At least it smells great.

Uniquely Ewe

Nana, my greatgrandmother taught my mother to crochet when she was a little girl and my mom of course taught my sister and I. Unfortunately, while my mom and sister can create intricate patterns for pochos, shawls, hats and such, I am sadly limited to blankets. I've been working on the same on for the last 8 years!!

It's great to see the things that other artist come up with. I really fell in love with the unique items that I saw in this particular etsy shop.

Uniquely Ewe

Autumn Hat, Scarf, Pin Set

Baby Bunny Hat/ 0 - 3 months

This is just way to adorable!

I want this dress!!

Out of the Box

I've recently joined a new team on etsy called Out of the Box Sampler a.k.a. OOTBS.  I've been working on what will be my contribution for the last two months. It's been alot of tedious work, but hopefully it'll all pay off in the long run.

One thing is for sure, it forced me to come up with some new creative ideas for packaging my soaps.  There are so many talented artist contributing to the sample boxes each month and I really want my items to be able to hold their own.

I made these little boxes to put my soap samples in.  My goal is for the person receiving the soap samples to feel like they are opening a present.

Arabian Spice

This scent has the perfect blend of spice warmth and sweetness.  I know that I always say that my soaps smell good, but the reason is  really no secret.  Any soaper that purchases from Bramble Berry would most likely say the same about their soaps.

This frafrance is a blend of Myrrh and Orange, with middle notes of Ginger, Cinnamon and Cloves. It is then rounded out with Caraway Seed and Vanilla to give it a warm, tranquil feeling.  "Tranquil" is actually the perfect word to describe this fragrance.

It still has a few more weeks to cure.  It's brown, of course because of the vanilla content.  I think the brown is beautiful.  The bars have gotten darker since I took this picture.