Ain't Got Money? Soap in Sugar Plums and Lemon Drops Fragrance

AIN'T GOT MONEY? 
SOAP!

Third in line of the Vintage inspired Soap Line.

I love how this soap turned out!

Looking at it I hoped someone else would appreciate how

beautiful it turned out.

At $5.50 wrapped and beribboned,

it is a Steal of a Deal for A Sweetie with Little Dough!

or just to give a girlfriend or teacher or anyone you love to say

I Love You!  on this Valentine's day....

And then, I remembered the words of another Vintage Oldie and Goldie

another Blast from My Past.

Enjoy!

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ko9nGrGtAY

Heart of Gold Soap!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrytTQCbomk

Spotlight Interview - Rachel aka Huggermugger!

By now, you already know that I sell on Etsy, a worldwide marketplace for handmade goods, vintage items and supplies for crafters.  We have a fantastic community there, and there are lots of Etsy teams who have banded together with common similarities.  One of my teams is the BusyMomsTeam! (go figure, eh?)  and one of my team members is the lovely lovely young lady and mom that I have interviewed below!   I absolutely love doing these Business Spotlights for other women entrepreneurs and work at home moms and artists and people who inspire me!  Rachel has befriended me on the Mom's Team so I wanted you to read her story!  She is 29 years old, the mother of one busy young man with another on the way.  But she has found a way to both work at home, make an income, be a friend and still network with others, be an avid reader, a woman of faith and a stay at home mommy!  I applaud you, Rachel!

So let's get to the interview; grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

Teen or Adult Cloche Hat

Kelly:   Hello, Rachel, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Rachel:  I'll be 29 for a few more months yet.

Kelly:  What is the name of your business?

Rachel:  Huggermugger. It's an old word that means, among other things, "jumble," and my store is definitely a jumbled mix of different items.

Kelly:   When did you begin?

Rachel:  I joined Etsy in September of 2008 and started my shop in October. But I began crafting pretty much as soon as I was allowed to use crayons, scissors, and glue.

Kelly:   Do you have any background in business and/or art?

Rachel:  I took Business 101 in college, does that count? And I took a lot of art lessons when I was in grade school and high school. I also co-owned a face-painting business when I was in high school -- a friend and I painted faces at all sorts of local festivals for several years. It was a great introduction to running a small business and also to the world of craft shows.

Kelly:   What motivated you to start Huggermugger? (www.huggermugger.etsy.com) What inspires you to create?

Rachel:  In the spring of 2008, I realized I needed a sun hat for my son, who was about six months old at that time. I looked at hats in stores, looked at sewing and crochet patterns, and decided I didn't like any

of them, so I made up my own crochet pattern for a sun hat. I really enjoyed making it, and made several sizes as he kept growing. Then I just kept making more, and some wintery hats for babies too, but I didn't know what to do with them. My best friend Julie had just started an Etsy store and was really loving it, and she said I should sell my hats on Etsy too. I hemmed and hawed for a few months, then decided to give it a shot.

All the things I sell in my shop are inspired from real life needs,just like my baby sun hats. I'm a writer, and I use a lot of journalsand notebooks. I've always loved to create collages, and in college Istarted using them to decorate notebook covers, either to use myselfor give to my writer-friends. I knew when I started Huggermugger that I would definitely be selling those in my store as well. My other products, from "instant canteen" water bottle carriers to crocheted scrunchies to finger puppets, have all sprung from things I needed to use myself and then thought maybe other people might like too.

Groovy Geometry

Veggie Tales ! (how cute!)

Music Notes!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19831973

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18407788

Rachel: I love my journals, and my favorite right now is the Once Upon a Time Journal

 

.Kelly:  What are this product's features?

Rachel:  I decorated this particular journal with a theme of taking time toread and savor books, one of my favorite activities. The covers arelaminated so the collages won't come loose or be damaged. Inside are     60 unlined sheets (120 pages) just waiting to be filled up. The journal as a whole measures 7" by 5" and is 3/8" thick. To me, this would be the ideal place to keep a record of books you want to read or have read, or even to write down favorite passages you want to remember. And of course, it would be great for every-day journaling  too, especially for a book lover.

Kelly:   What are your business goals this year?

Rachel:  I'd like to survive! Okay, I'm somewhat kidding, but I have a two-year-old son who's very active, and I have a baby on the way, due at the end of February. So I'm hoping not to be overwhelmed bykeeping my shop moving and growing while at the same time doubling my mommy load.

Kelly:   How do you get traffic to your website?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17045494

Rachel:  I have a blog, http://www.huggermuggerblog.blogspot.com  where I post not only news about my crafting and my shop, but also recipes and book  reviews, and features of other Etsy crafters. I also try to find cool blogs like this one that are willing to feature my shop. I had a booth at a few craft fairs this fall, to try to build up some local  awareness of my business. And I hand out my business card to anyone who admires a hat I or my son is wearing, things like that.

Kelly:   How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a two-year-old boy and a baby on the way. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?

Rachel:  I call myself a time thief. I steal time here and there, the wasted minutes that would otherwise be lost. I crochet in the car while my husband drives us to church and back. I work on collages while watching a movie when my son is napping. I combine taking my son on a walk in the stroller with taking sold items to the Post Office.  Basically, I just utilize my time as well as I possibly can.

Kelly:  Can you share some of your frustrations?

Rachel:  I think my biggest frustration is coming up with an idea for a new  product, making several of them, and then having them be ignored in my shop. What I like isn't always what other people like, and that can

be really tough to accept. I tend to fall in love with everything I make, especially my journals and notebooks, and then to have them  either get few views or else sit in my shop for months can be very frustrating.

Kelly:   What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Rachel:  Be willing to fail. I'm a perfectionist, and failure is not something I deal with well, but I'm trying to learn to accept that not every idea I have is brilliant.

Kelly:   What role does your faith play in your business?

Rachel:  First Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." God gave me my creative abilities, and I try to use them to his glory however I can. If that means crocheting the best hat I possibly can, then that's how I will  praise and serve my Creator and Redeemer.

Kelly:   What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Rachel:  Jump in! But look before you leap. Do some research, see what kind of competition you'll have, and then keep improving your products and yourself.

Kelly:   Any other thing you would like to share with us?!

Rachel:  Never underestimate the power of a happy customer! My biggest custom order yet came because someone saw a child wearing one of my hats, asked the mom where she got it, and then ordered some from me for themselves.

Kelly:   Thank you so much, Rachel, for taking the time to be a guest on my Blog!  I wish you much success in your business, and multiplied blessings with the birth of your Baby #2!   Each new child bring promises of blessings and added joys to life!  I pray you will be a mother of mothers! 

It appears to me that you are a woman of excellence and we both know that in the Scriptures there is another lady who burns the midnight oil, who does not eat the bread of idleness, and if she had a car, she would probably be crocheting in it too! LOL!  She was prosperous and very industrious!   I pray you will be a mother of mothers!   And, Happy upcoming 30th Birthday to you!

Any of you MOMMIES out there need some cool warm hats for your babies?  Or friends, or newborns!  I have just been browsing Rachel's shop, and let me tell you, these are quality items!  Why don't you take a second and go on over to Rachel's Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/Huggermugger and see what treasures YOU can find!


Kelly:  This concludes our Spotlight Interview #4.  Next week, stay tuned for TheArtofJoy.com interview. 
Be blessed, peaceful, productive, and prosperous this year! 

BLOG CONTEST - - - - NAME THAT SOAP!

Guys, Gals & Kids!

I need your help!     I have just made a new soap for Valentine's Day;   It did not turn out exactly as I had imagined, but overall I am quite pleased as this is my first try. 

It is a luscious blend of glycerine, aloe vera and yummy skin loving shea butter.   The fragrance is Love Spell type by VS.     It smells heavenly and is lovelier than the picture can do justice!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO

WIN

THIS SOAP?

Good!  I thought so!

OK, so beginning right now until Thursday at 6PM, we are running a contest!   Name that Soap! 

The Coolest Name wins!   And that name will be used in my listing on my website, and A yummy bar of this

soap will be all yours!

Thazzz right folks!   

Rules, you MUST comment on my blog, and personally I would love it if you would care to follow me. 

Ready, set, GO!

Happy New Year! What are your resolves this year?

Here I am again, apologizing.   Not a good way to start the New Year, is it?   Here it is, January 5th and life is already back in full swing.  Not a moment to waste, lose, or see vanish away.

I comment every day on a blog that has helped me tremendously in this past year. I posted my resolves on Anne-Marie's blog, and now I post them again for you:

1) work smarter and not harder.
2) be proactive and not reactive
3) streamline processes
4) get radical about keeping my contributions promises. Maybe radical sowing will bring radical reaping.
5) declutter. i am a rabid ratholing packrat that has taken the post consumer packaging, eco friendly thing just a tad too far.  I wish I had a picture of the cabin where I kept all my packaging supplies! 
6) take the space otherwise used for post consumer packaging materials and turn THAT into my studio so my family can have a life and I can have peace and we can all eat on the kitchen table again. :) (anyone else know what I mean lol?)

These are mainly my business goals; there are other more intimate and personal goals for my personal life.  

What are your goals this year?  Can you share them with  us?  Maybe we can learn together and help one another to keep the things which we aim to do this Year!

Follow the Star!

Follow the Star!

Two millenia ago, three Wise Men saw something in the heavens. A spectacular, cataclysmic, cosmic event so singular; so enthralling, that it caused them to pack a caravan and go West, go West, go West. Following, following; seeking, seeking.


Do you know that is is estimated that it took these three very very Wise men, Magi; leaders and seers, two whole years to travel by camel to see what they saw? Oh, my aching back just to think of the discomfort, the perils, the thirst, and the hunger that drove them on.

What faith, what bravery, what action they took. Convinced of a greater Reality than what they were experiencing; they sought Substance, Truth, Presence.

And when they saw, they bowed. Opening gifts carefully selected and those only befitting a true King; they humbly gave Tribute and Obeisance to the One.

Wear the fragrance reminiscent of this time in history, when Kairos changed forever; when His Story entered the earth realm and whole choirs of heavenly host proclaimed, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace to Men of Good Will".

I custom blended this fragrance myself; the culmination of my musings over this period in history; the fragrances prized and used in temple ceremonies and in the chambers of ancient kings; even the smells of the campfires warming the Magi as they ate a simple supper alone in the desert wilderness. This combination of fragrance and essential oils was carefully blended, and you will recognize the quality when you sample!

Exotic tears of Frankincense & Myrrh, with Arabian spices, and precious drops of Spikenard. Lightened with the sweetest notes of oatmeal milk & honey, with citrus zest & turbinado sugar.

Will be presented in a gold organza bag with fragrance description card enclosed.

My friend, may this Christmas find you rejoicing in He who sent The Star that heralded His Story to all of heaven and earth; and may your life be fragrant as Cassias Kitchen.

Meet The Money Meister - Beth Duggar Chavez of Primerica Financial Services

 http://www.primerica.com/bethchavez

Welcome to Business Spotlight #3 with Beth Duggar Chavez of Primerica Financial Services.   I have known Beth for 18 years.  My nickname for Beth is "Queenie"!  This is my term of endearment reserved only for Beth; she is nearly 6' tall and she is tall and noble in spirit and heart as well!  She has raised three children, all big boys, as a single mother and I am so proud of her!  She put herself through college with 3 small children with no financial support, works full time as a high school teacher, and works on her business on the side.   Now, let's meet Beth!

Kelly:  Hello, Beth and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?

Beth:  Let’s just say my oldest son just turned 25 last month

Kelly:  What is the name of your business?

Beth:  Primerica Financial Services    http://www.primerica.com/bethchavez

 Kelly:  When did you begin?

Beth:  December, 2007 during my Christmas break from school.

Kelly:   Do you have any background in financial planning or insurance?

Beth:  My only background was learning from my own budgeting and then I did extensive research to learn how to better handle my own personal finances, and as a teacher I always enjoy finding ways to make a difficult concept easier to understand.

Kelly:   What motivated you to start working with Primerica?

Beth: A friend at church told my husband Andy about it, and when we saw this business, I knew it was what I had been looking for the last few years. The best part is I could learn more about how money works and at the same time have an income helping others do the same thing.  (Note from Kelly:  for years, Beth was talking about Dave Ramsay this and Dave Ramsay that, so I know for sure that she is truly serious about this venture and has studied, prepared, studied, read, studied, and pursued this dream wholeheartedly)

Kelly:   Please tell us about Primerica and what drew you to choose this business?

Beth:  The opportunity was very clear to me, and I knew I could be the change I wanted to see in others if I stayed with it. I love meeting new people, learning new things and helping other families realize their own goals and dreams all at the same time. The one thing that totally gave me peace was the fact that the company has very solid values and integrity, and we always do what is best for families. After 30 years in business, we have a long history of excellent service and products.

Kelly:   What is your favorite product?

Beth:  The very best product we have is the business opportunity itself, and then of course the Income Protection we provide for families.

Kelly:   What are the features of the business opportunity?

Beth:  The income potential and the joy of building a business, being a leader and developing others to be more successful is very satisfying.

Kelly:  What are your business goals this year?

Beth:  By December 2009, help 12 families become debt free, properly protected and save money.

• Savings
• Debt Elimination
• Income Protection
• Income Management

Kelly:  OK, so if anyone that reads this post wants to come to you for advice, or an evaluation of your products and services,what could that person expect in terms of time spent with you?

Beth:  Depending on individual needs and wants for saving money, getting out of debt, pay off the mortgage faster or actually earning some extra money (like for Christmas or paying off bills) plan.



I will sit down with a husband and wife to determine their goals and dreams and priorities. I always show them the strength of the company, the fact that Primerica is debt free and why we do what we do.


Every family will have different questions, but a typical 1st visit is 1 - 1/2 hours. We never charge for our confidential and individualized Financial Needs Analysis which is a roadmap to financial freedom that other companies charge hundreds of dollars. We are the company for middle America that other financial companies have ignored.


Often, we are able to help families without spending any more money than they are already spending, and many are actually able to spend less than before.


We want to build a relationship for a lifetime, so as their needs change we can revisit and update their
 
Kelly:   Can you give us any recent testimonials from real live people that you have helped?
 
Beth:  Recently, I was able to help a family in our church get 5 times more coverage for the breadwinner and 2 1/2 times coverage for their 2 grown kids for almost the same amount per month that they were already spending on their previous policies. With our company, we were able to put them all on the same policy, and now they are better protected. Kelly:   How do you get traffic to your website? www.primerica.com


For my family, because of the education I have received by learning how to better manage our own finances, all of us have a plan to be financially independent and properly protected.

In addition, families can save money on their home & Auto insurance with just a quick call and a database of over 20 reliable and well-known companies.

877.855.8111 All you need is my solution number, MLWU3 and my last name, Chavez

I love to meet with families to show them how to better manage their finances and plan for a brighter future.

The best product and service we have is really the opportunity to learn about your own finances and make extra money helping to educate people you know and love.
 


Beth:  With our company, we have a full service webpage, email and a complete administrative support system including trainings, education, calendar, planner, records and client services.

Kelly:   How do you juggle work/life balance?

Beth:  I’ve always had to live life with a mindset to do whatever it takes to reach the next level, be positive and stay focused on growing and learning every day to improve myself. It’s very important to stay plugged in, stay involved and remember to take time to rest, exercise and take my vitamins. This is one of the many benefits I have gained from working with Primerica is learning to do more with my time, energy and efforts every day. Most people start out part-time like me. I am teaching High School while I am learning to build a business.

Kelly:   Can you share some of your frustrations?

Beth:  The main frustration I have is with myself when I know I can be more effective and a better leader for my team and for my clients. My goal is to be better prepared, be more influencial and improve my communication skills to help people realize what their goals and dreams really are for themselves.

Kelly:  What role does your faith play in your business?

Beth:  It’s so amazing how aligned my goals are for business with my desire to serve God and know Him more. Being a good steward of my finances is a huge part of what the Bible teaches and reflects so many other areas of my Christian life. I want to be a good role model and a positive influence for my children, grandchildren, family and friends and leave a legacy of abundant living and believing God to do great things in the lives of His people. Ultimately, I see myself supporting ministries that take the Gospel to unreached people groups and helping those that have basic needs unmet like clean water, and to develop the means to provide for themselves.

Kelly:   What word of encouragement can you give a person to also start their own business?

Beth:  No matter how wonderful an employee a person may be, it will never be as satisfying, challenging and profitable as having a business that you personally are responsible for and reflects all your passions and desires to do something you love. The goal is to do something important for yourself and to be a blessing to others in the process. Always count the cost before you begin and then be teachable and willing to stick with it through the tough times.

Kelly:   Any other thing you would like to share with us?

Beth:  I’m looking for people who are ready for a brighter future and want to reach their potential in every area of their lives. The important thing is to explore your options and be willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to reach the next level.

No matter what the current economic environment is,  Primerica is a company for all seasons:

•  Now more than ever, people need to be educated about their finances and learn how money works.
•  They need the opportunity to earn extra money or start over in a new career.
•  People need our services and our opportunity every day.
• 57% of people dream of starting a business.

Money Magazine, January 2007

Kelly:  Beth, thank you so much for joining us here today!   I like what you said, "I've always had to live my life with the mindset that I had to do whatever it takes to get to the next level."  That is key for today's business person; whatever industry.   We wish you every success in your business and we hope you get to help many people to become financially independent!  I know you will succeed!  Blessings on you, my friend!

This concludes our Business Spotlight #3.   Why don't you all go take a look around the Primerica site right now!   http://www.Primerica.com/bethchavez.   

Beth works nights weekends and holidays.  She will be delighted to take some time to discuss your financial objectives with you, and see if there isn't a way to 1) help you save money 2) help you become debt-free, 3) find financial solutions for life insurance and even car and home insurance, and offer you 4) powerful financial planning tools to help you 5) become financially independent or even 6) start your very own business!

For Business Spotlight #1 and Business Spotlight #2, please click here and here!

As always I am seeking talented young business men and women and even children for Spotlight interviews!  I have one already scheduled for next week, and current plans are to air on Wednesday of each week. 
My criteria is this:  You must have 1) a small business that you own and manage, or 2) a book, or 3) a band, or 4) a ministry or 5) a cause/non-profit, or lastly but not leastly, something you feel passionate about like a hobby, an  interest or even an opinion!    Please send an email to:  palanquin@consolidated.net for serious inquiries.   I will then email you a questionnaire/interview and then when you return it to me we will schedule a date for airing you and your business.   You can then invite you friends, family, customers, to come on over and read all about - you, fantastic you!

Until next time, my friends, may your life be as fragrant as Cassia's Kitchen!

"Giggles" - - - My Newest Creation!

With this new format on Blogger, I dunno how to move text around!  Always something new to learn here in cyberworld!


Just couldn't help myself! I dreamed up this soap and could not wait to share it with you......here's the story.
My Dad (rest his soul) loved fine dining; and every time he would take us out on a family outing to a really really nice restaurant, and lecture us on our manners, and we had white linen table cloths and stare out the top floor of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.......


"They", the grown ups, would have their fancy schmancy dry martinis. But there we would be, all dressed up in our patent leather shoes and finest Sunday dresses, faces washed, hands in our laps, with our napkins, and asking to please pass the sour dough bread and butter.


So, my Dad would order each of us a Shirley Temple. It would make us feel special, grown up big girls, and I always remember putting my nose down as the effervescense would tickle my nose and make me giggle. The maraschino cherry was the final little delight that was a thrill every single time.


This whimsical soap will be perfect for gifting this holiday! Bring the nostalgia of Shirley Temple singing "On the Good Ship, Lollipop!" all wrapped in red curly bows and put a giggle on your teacher's, your mom's, even your grannie's face as they unwrap and smell the fragrance of a day gone by!


Sorry that the picture was not real good. I made the label myself and it looks really cool. This soap is 4.5 oz. and will be wrapped in a treat bag with lots of red curling ribbon to match the label and....the cherry!


All natural, pure glycerin honey soap. Will moisturize and smell delicious all at the same time!


I promise!


I listed these one night, and a customer bought three just hours later!  Grab 'em while they last here!

Spotlight Interview - Trish Morales of Soapy Blessings

Spotlight Interview - Trish Morales of Soapy Blessings

Ladies, and Gentlemen! I had the privilege of meeting Trish, aka "Soapy Blessings"

about 6 months ago. We both "blog" at a mutual friend's blog, The Soap Queen.

I checked out her blog, her story, and her shops. What I saw, was so charming and so full of life and love that I had to tell you.

So, grab another cup of coffee, settle down and enjoy this interview!

Kelly: Hello, Trish and thank you for joining me here today!

Trish: Thanks for asking me to join in taking a part in your blog. It is such an honor and blessing to me.

Kelly: Tell us, how young are you?

Trish: Age? That depends on lots of things; physical age, I am in the over 50 age bracket, but my kids hate it when I say that because it makes me “sound old”. I don’t feel old, and I don’t act old. In fact, when I meet other folk the same age as me, I always view them as older than me. I still love to play, dance, sing and be silly with my teens. The funny thing is that they don’t mind a bit. When I once spoke to them about meeting a relative of mine, about 15 years older than me, I mentioned that I always knew her as fun-loving, young, even though she was physically much older. My daughter replied, “Oh, so she’s a lot like you!”

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Trish: Soapy Blessings by Trish

Kelly: When did you begin your business?

Trish: The actual, official business started about 5 years ago, but the concept went back much further than that.

Kelly: Do you have any background in business?

Trish: When I was a 4 year old, I went and picked flowers, then went from house to house, selling them. I went back again and again, week after week, even to the houses that never bought anything. I wouldn’t give up! Next, I sold unique handmade Christmas ornaments of my own design when I was 8 years old. At 14, I made and sold handmade suede handbags. As a young adult, I designed and created my own wardrobe and people would constantly ask where I “bought it”. I ended sewing original designed wedding dresses, day wear, and jackets to friends and acquaintances. All of these endeavors were a direct result of my entrepreneurial personality and was simply a natural way to express myself. None of these endeavors were because I wanted to make money, be famous, or make a name for myself. I just wanted to create!

Kelly: What motivated you to start Soapy Blessings by Trish ?

http://www.soapyblessings.etsy.com/

Trish: Soapy Blessings by Trish started with a fictional story written several years ago. To survive a civil war in a Latin American country, a character in the book made soaps . She prayed over every soap in to bring healing and peace to everyone they touched. Her soaps began to be sought out by the locals and eventually the region because the effect became legendary.Unfortunately, the character in the book did not survive the first draft, but the concept survived…and so Soapy Blessings began. Each item from Soapy Blessings has similar prayers as the soap maker from the book.

Kelly: Soapy Blessings' name has a meaning; please tell us about name?

Trish: It didn’t originally start out as Soapy Blessings. I created this name about 2 years after I started making soap. It was originally called “Jabon” which means “soap” in Spanish. What I found, however, is that there were a lot of other soapers that used Jabon also. Jabon is also a nickname in Spanish for someone who is “slippery” and avoiding the law. For those reasons, I needed to come up with something different that gave my soaps an individuality that no one else could take away. Because of the prayers and blessings over my soap, I decided to stress that in my name. So, I became “Soapy Blessings by Trish”

Kelly: That is very interesting! What is your favorite product?

Trish: I always have a problem when folks ask me what is my favorite anything! It’s kind of like asking who is your favorite kid! I don’t have favorites among my kids because each is special in his or her own way, and the same thing goes for my soaps!

Each batch of my soap is made once and then I have never made the same thing twice! All are limited editions! However, because of several requests by customers, I’m considering making a signature line of soaps that stay basically the same.

RIGHT NOW a favorite soap of my is Champagne Bubbles. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30649534 This soap contains real champagne, but has a nice, fresh, gently fruity fragrance. The fragrance is unique in that people say they can “smell the bubbles”. That’s the only way I can describe it. Plus, I added fun hand-milled little soap bubbles in the soap itself for a fun effect .

Kelly: What are some of your featured products?

Trish: Because it is entering the Fall season, I’m featuring bringing in some “fall soaps”. Currently, I have just finished making Lavender Rose, Dragon’s Blood, Fresh Apple and Orange Coconut Milk soaps. So, Orange Coconut Milk and Lavender Rose isn’t exactly a fall soap. I made them because there has been a lot of requests for them. They are not all listed yet because they are not ready. Cold process soaps must cure a minimum of 4 weeks before they are ready to sell. Today, I will be making a batch of Pumpkin Pie Spice and Cranberry Orange Spice, two that I made last year too, but this year, they are just a bit different…remember, I don’t usually make the same batch of soap the same way.

Kelly: What are your business goals this year?

Trish: I’ve already passed the goal where my sales allow my business to be completely self-sufficient in covering costs of supplies, advertising and craft shows. I haven’t quite made the goal of covering my insurance costs on top of that. That is one goal this year. I plan to attend more craft shows, Saturday markets and Christmas bazaars this year too. I plan to create a “signature soap collection” that stays the same due to overwhelming customer requests. I’d like to get my soaps into a few more shops that feature my product line also. I think that’s enough for one year. The rest of my ideas can wait until next year!

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Trish: I try to streamline my time in this area because I have so little time to waste. Driving traffic to my site requires a lot of time on the computer, promoting, promoting and promoting. I don’t have a sales rep on my staff…oh, wait, yes I do…It’s ME! I wear many hats. I do have more than one shop site online, although my etsy site is probably my most successful shop site. I partake minimally in etsy forums as they are known to drive traffic to your site, but I don’t spend hours there. I do partake in several social web sites related to handmade items, Christian web sites, Facebook, My Space etc. I make comments, blog a bit and put up pictures on these sites. Yes, I have a Facebook fan page too. It is brand new though, so still in its infancy stage. I also have a blog site at http://jabonsoaps.blogspot.com/ where I feature new listings, talk about soaping in general, and other things that randomly come into my head. In fact, one time I blogged about my daughter having a life time, backstage pass to all My Chemical Romance concerts, a band that is popular among teens and young adults. I showed pictures of the band with her standing there, smiling. Totally unrelated to soap, but I received some amazing results because of it. Other sites related to My Chemical Romance and music found my soapy blog and featured it on their sites. The sales skyrocketed for about a month! So, I found that diverse blogging isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

office…except when my mouth has Novocain in it!

I also have a twitter site at http://twitter.com/SoapyBlessings where I also post my new listings, sold items and retweet, retweet, retweet, support my fellow crafters, feature treasuries on etsy, and post some inspirational quotes.

I use Twuffer to help me in posting on a regular basis so I don’t have to be on Twitter 24/7.

Word of mouth is also a great, spontaneous tool to use. Everywhere I go, I talk up my soap in the post office, grocery shopping, church, work, dentist

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance?

Trish: This was a hard balance for me to maintain initially. I put my heart into my soaps, but my work is necessary to pay the rest of the bills. I work full time as a registered nurse, which takes a lot out of me. By the time I get home, there isn’t much of me left! I’ve chosen to set a date for my soap days. I plan them all a month in advance and keep the dates for my soap business. Generally, I devote one day a week to nothing but making and packaging soap. I also work on necessary things related to my business other days of the week, but they do not take priority on those days. The rest of my six days a week is divided between work, family and church.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Trish: There never seems to be enough time, but I’ve learned lots of ways of managing my time to make it work out. I’d love to see more interest in handmade soaps among the general population. I think it is just a matter of education, so I work very hard at spreading the word about it. Each and every soap order I include information about handmade soaps and their benefits. Developing a strong, faithful customer base has been a work in progress also.

Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Trish: I’ve become more of an expert in business management than I ever thought I would. I’ve learned a lot of lessons on how to promote myself as a business. Mostly, I’ve learned lots about managing my time!What role does your faith play in your business? Without my faith, there wouldn’t be a Soapy Blessings by Trish in its current format. I based my business on a fictional character in a (mostly) fictional book about a strong woman of God who made soaps in a mountainous region where rebel fighting was rampant. She wanted to do more than just survive and make a living; she wanted to make a change in her surroundings by way of her faith and her soap. This concept is what MY business is based on. It isn’t just soap; it is God moving through my soap, my business and into other people’s lives. I honestly have to say that it isn’t just my business. It is God’s business. He just happened to make me the manager of it!

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Trish: Nothing happens overnight! Don’t follow what all the rest are doing, make your own work! Talk it up. Get ideas from others but don’t copy. Research, research, research ideas and ways to get yourself out there, but if an idea comes up, don’t be afraid to give it a trial. Everyone’s situation is different and you need to work your business around your life. Don’t let your business take over your life, let it flow with your life. Start simple, start with a single idea if that is all you have and build it from there. DO collaborate with other small businesses, networking is a must! You are not an island alone out in this world. Your customers are your business collaborators, friends, family, co-workers; in fact EVERY person and business you come across is your customer.

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?!

Trish: Just that I have a Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Soapy-Blessings-by-Trish/121356503189 and recently started a newsletter that will be going out approximately every other month. There will specials, contests, and fun things on the newsletter that won’t be found anywhere else! Currently, I have a section on my blog site where you can vote for your favorite soap. If you vote, join my newsletter and let me know what you voted for, you will have a chance to win the soap that you voted for!

http://jabonsoaps.blogspot.com/

http://www.soapyblessings.etsy.com/

http://www.soapyblessings.silkfair.com/

Yes, I twitter at http://twitter.com/SoapyBlessings

Kelly: Wow, Trish. You gave this interview 150%! I so appreciate your graciousness in letting us behind the scenes of you, and Soapy Blessings! I know your time is limited so I really appreciate the time it took to be here with us. Our prayer for you is that you would prosper beyond your wildest 3:00AM dreams and become a woman of stature in this realm of business. I love your heart and I am cheering you on! The time is now and you are seizing the day and the hour in which we live! Love you, girl!

Friends, this concludes our interview #2 of Women in Business Spotlight #2. For the first lady entrepreneur that I interviewed, please click here.

Now, take another second and please head on over to Soapy Blessings, and feel free to comment here as well!

See you next time!

#Follow Friday #TGIF

I just cannot be serious today. I have, dutifully and joyfully, spent time working on my #smallbiz via @twitter, @facebook, @indiebusiness and now my blog. I don't have much to report, just Joy Joy Joy.

I am filled with a sense of happiness as I work to pursue this small biz that I have. Doing all with my whole heart, to the glory of God and for the increase of His Kingdom.

The weather here in Texas is beautiful. The puppies are frisky; I witnessed them joyfully and gleefully digging holes in my real estate; looking for the ever present moles. Such synergy, such zest, such enthusiasm.

I therefore flung open the doors of my home to let in the coool air being brought down by the jetstream. Humidity thus being lowered, my bath bomb cupcakes dried out sufficiently to be wrapped and all ready to go to a new retail location Secret Kingdom in Magnolia. I am thrilled and overjoyed to be alive.

My outside dogs are cold, however. While listening to a live blog session this morning, I heard some uncharacteristicly (sp?) large, I mean LARGE sized, up sized slurps coming from the kitchen. I finally got up and saw Champ, my 108 pound Golden Labrador slurping water out of my 3 indoor Mini-Schnauzer's bowls. So funny. The Grass is always greener, no?

Meanwhile, my beautiful darling daughter simply could not homeschool today and I do not blame her. It's simply too beautiful outside.

Joe came home early and mowed the lawns - all 8. The Garden of Eden has been restored.

Meanwhile, it just feels like "Go outside and Play weather." Some of you have snow, some of you have rain, but here in Texas, the sun is shining and all at least looks well.

Today, my friend, be Joyful. There is alot to be thankful for, alot to look forward to, and alot to prepare for. I wish you peace, joy and new life in this season.

Enjoy!

A Whole New Collection

Introducing: The Royal Chambers Collection

(name not sure yet!)

Do you know the Book in Scripture called the Song of Solomon?

It is called the Song of All Songs

The story of love between a man and a woman

Namely, Solomon and his Shulammite Bride

but really

it is an Allegory of all Allegories

the story of love

between Christ and His Church

When I began my company,

I had in mind first and foremost fragrance

and faraway exotic nations

and the Kingdom of God

I wanted to make money

to benefit missions

and to portray the Beauty of Christ

and to be a fragrance of Him out in the marketplace.

So hence, my doing business name is Palanquin

and my little store is called Cassia.

I love the Song of Solomon.

Being a romantic, I have read it many many times.

God is such a Lover

He loves His creation

Creating for us all Good Things to Enjoy

He only wants our love and affection

and to meet us in the secret place of our hearts.

Two weeks ago, I had a call from a new and becoming dear

friend.

Melinda wanted 32 custom blended perfume oils for

a group of ladies going on retreat.

She asked me (little ol me!) to mix them!

Inside, I began dreaming again,

the dream that caused me to start this little enterprise

coming up on 2 years ago.

We talked, and I began to get "vision" for this

little project!

"What is your theme?" I queried.

"Intimacy with God" she said.

My mind started racing!

And now, voila!

The beginning of a collection of fragrances that

speak of love

of desire

of beauty

and of The King.

I do not know what to name it....yet!

But I am well on my way so stay tuned!

To begin with, I chose 6 names;

names of the Bride of Christ as Jesus sees her perfected.

and names of Christ;

who He is in all His magnificent

Beauty, Glory, and Splendour!

My friend, let me ask you, because I love you...

Do you know Him?

Have you yet encountered Him in His loveliness

His purity?

Have you been touched by a sense of His glory

in the morning, when you see His beautiful sunrise

Or at the end of a day, along the shoreline?

Have you heard His voice, whispering on the wings of a gentle

cool spring breeze, or the fierceness of

His passion, blowing in a great storm?

He is, this moment, knowable!

Touchable,

and ever beckoning to you to come,

to dine,

to know!

It is the Song of All Songs,

the Song of all the Ages,

the Song of the Bridegroom

and the Song of the Bride!

Names of fragrances:

King's Chambers - exotic resins and spices

Banqueting Table - fruity

Dark yet Lovely- herbal, floral and amber

Rose of Sharon - rose and amber

Fresh Flowing Waters - a cool and clean

Enclosed Garden- green and herbal

Night Watch - musky and mysterious

These will be for sale soon!

Black Raspberry & Vanilla, mmmm mmmm!

Black Raspberry & Vanilla Cream

Creamy, and Dreamy......

Guys, this is a quickie post. Number one, to say hi! and number two to let you know a little of what I have been making in the kitchen! My family will wholeheartedly tell you it is not food, but it sure does smell wonderful!

After recently signing on with a lovely lady shop owner in Birmingham, AL, things have been all a scurry around here. Making bath bombs, candles, doing research on some products requested of whipped body frostings, ordering new supplies, and upgrading the labels for a high end shop!

I am quite happy with the end result, so please pray a little prayer for me that these items will FLY OFF THE SHELVES! for me! And for this lady! It is so amazing how God links your heart to people that you serve! I am finding myself actually praying for the ladies who I buy my supplies from and now my customers!

Please pray for me; this is an extremely busy busy busy season! I need wisdom, strength and grace to rise to the occasion and still fulfill all duties domestic and local! I feel like I need an army of helpers!

Later this week, I am posting Spotlight #2 of Women-Owned Small Businesses! It is a toss up between another soapmaker that I met in the blogosphere, and a dear lady friend who lives and worships in my congregation! So, stay tuned!

Interview with Lindentree Boutique..Anything but Ordinary!

Interview with Lindsay, Owner of

Lindentree Boutique

I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting a dashing, darling young entrepreneur, through a mutual friend, Jessica Clark. I recently participated in a shopping event at her invitation, and I have been following her ever since! Her passion and enthusiasm are what draws me to her!

This is Interview #1 on a weekly series that I am conducting! So, grab (another)cup of coffee, and enjoy!

Kelly: Hello, Lindsay and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how old are you?

Lindsay: Well me personally..I’m 26. My business is 7 months old today! (9/1/09)

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Lindsay: Lindentree Boutique (www.lindentreeboutique.com)

Kelly: When did you begin?

Lindsay: I started in February 2009 with a dream and a business license and a few products in mind and my business has just been growing, literally by the day, ever since. In August we launched a fully functional website which is really my main portal to the world. It has been an exciting month to see my ideas really take off and see how people are responding to the website and the variety of products.

Kelly: Do you have any background in retail?

Lindsay: Hmm…I worked at Kroger in high school ;) Not really. I’ve just always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I remember growing up and spending the night with my grandparents and begging them to let me have garage sales. I loved them. I loved setting up the driveway like a store and running the “cash register”.
I took some retail marketing classes in college and loved them. I knew that one day I would love to have my own shop. I love the unique feel to boutiques and enjoy the hunt for new products and new ideas.

Kelly: What motivated you to start Lindentree Boutique?

Lindsay: Mostly my motivation is that I have always wanted to have my own store. When I had my kids I realized that I wanted to find something that I could run right out of my home. But I wanted to do something that I loved and enjoyed. Finally it just felt like the right timing for me and my family, so we birthed our fourth child J Lindentree Boutique.

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

Lindsay: (http://www.lindentreeboutique.com/swallows_ss_scoop)

Right now for me personally, I’m loving the whole line from Stevester. I love the peacefulness and beauty of birds and they whole line has different birds and animals. I’m really into the whole organicy, earthy products. The colors are really fun and have an urban feel to them. My kids love the lovies. They each have their own and are constantly trying to sneak into my showroom and spot a new favorite one. My personal faves in this line are the giraffe, monkey and owl. They are great because they are gender neutral. They are super soft. Great baby shower gift. Plus they stay soft even after a zillion washes. What mom doesn’t love that!? http://www.lindentreeboutique.com/lovie

Kelly: What are your business goals this year?

Lindsay: Goals for this year were one to get my website up, running, and working and that is done! So my next goals are to continue to broaden my products so that people can stop by and anyone can find something that they love.

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Lindsay: I am a major user of social networking such as twitter, facebook, myspace and blogs. While my website was non-functional this was my only way of getting people to be aware of my store and my business, other than word of mouth. It was surprising how many orders would roll in even without the site. So I just regularly update my blogs, my business twitter and facebook accounts. I also do trunk shows from time to time to give people a chance to see products in person, in case they are still leary of purchasing before seeing or are not very internet savvy. I am hoping to expand to a small printed catalogue in the near future.

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance?

Lindsay: Ha! I have a God-send of a husband who has really helped me through my business launch. At first it was really hard, because there was literally 80 hours of work per day and no time for it all. I was working literally 8 hour shifts every day AFTER we would put the kids to bed. Sleep was a thing of the past. But I’ve worked into a better routine now and have a good flow during my day of work, housework, mommy time with the kids and wifey time with the hubby. Being self-employed is hard because you can easily turn into a work-a-haulic. Its hard to stop and take a break knowing you could be making a sale, meaning more money. But you must have a balance or you will lose your mind and your family.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Lindsay: (Kelly...See? This girl is So Positive, she left this line blank!!!!)

Kelly: What role does your faith play in your business?

Lindsay: A mega huge insanely large part! God has set this thing in motion and has allowed me this opportunity and I know that when I am faithful to Him, he will bless my efforts. I know that His hand is on my business, I’ve already seen so many miracles and opportunities open that would no way have opened without Him at the helm!

Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?

Lindsay: You must be in this thing 1000%. You need products that you love, products that YOU would buy and then GO for it! I often hear people that are in small business that are not enthusiastic, they don’t know much about their products and don’t really work their business to the fullest potential, and most of them are discouraged. This is a hard time for the economy so if you are going to start a business it can’t be half-hearted. You can do it!

Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?!

Lindsay: I hope you will all head over to www.lindentreeboutique.com and fall in love with us. Check it. Bookmark it. Love it.

Kelly: For all Viewers! VIEW special! Today, 9/14/09 - 9/28/09 Take 20% off your entire order enter code VIEW at http://www.lindentreeboutique.com/.

That concludes our Business Spotlight Interview #1

Thank you, Lindsay for joining us today, and may God prosper and grow your business according to His riches and glory!!!!

Cleaning Up My Act

Cleaning Up My Act.....A Work In Progress

Confessions of a messy worker, a messy housewife, a messy co-worker, and a messy manufacturer/artisan.

I successfully updated my growing fragrance listing, and put all my summer fragrances to sleep for the winter :(. It always ALWAYS makes me nervous to put things away; my dear mother and I share the same malady: it is called the fear of ......Outta Sight Out of Mind.

Somehow deep inside, I fear that if I put something away I will in fact forget that it exists.

Experience does bear this out as well.

The truth is, a messy workspace can and does hinder creativity. So why have I been in a funk, you ask? Is it merely slow sales? I think not. Things have to be straight and neat before creativity can really flow.

So I have been taking time to straighten. Planning for the busy holidays is underway and inventory must be taken for supplies to be ordered, projects to be created, etc etc.

But first things first.

This is boring, but freeing!

On another note, I am undertaking a new networking mission. Cassia's Kitchen will be interviewing local and some not so local friends! I am very very excited about this and believe it may be vital for exposure to some of us!

If you have a) a business b) a ministry, c) a band, d) a book, or e) a cause, I would like to interview you! Yes, you!

Please comment on my blog and ask me to send you an already written series of questions. Be prepared to send me graphics of your logo, your banner, any product graphics and weblinks you want listed on this blog! Depending upon your responses, I may elect to have a Park 1 and a Part 2 so you would then receive double exposure!

Then together, we will choose a day to post this interview! If you are selling product, you may give me codes to any discounts or specials you want to air on this day! Then together we will give this event exposure by Tweeting, facebooking, MySpacing, Emailing or even UTubing this event!

Cool?
I say, CCCCCOOOOOLLLL!
Let's Do It!

Love and Hugs!

Kelly

Lemon Verbena & Vetyver -

I made this on Saturday. I was sick with the flu but I had a bee in my bonnet;

after having completed the vision for the Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, I wanted a green, "swirly" creation that smelled of gardens, and greenery....

I looked in the Apothecary Cupboard, and found two fragrances; Lemon Verbena and Vetyver.

Have you ever smelled Lemon Verbena? You will love this old fashioned garden herb! Light, bright, lemony and just an enticing fresh and clean smell that makes you feel like you are on a picnic on a beautiful spring day!

The Vetyver, however, is a green fragrance! Bath & Body Works came out with this fragrance in 2003 and it was a truly beloved winner! It smells deep and mysterious; kind of like a jungle and very very Green!

The soap itself is a myriad of skin loving ingredients: sweet almond, olive, palm kernel, coconut. I added hydrolized oats, silk amino fibers, and aloe vera gel. For extra goodness, unrefined shea butter from Africa crowned the whole concoction with goodness for your skin!

These lovely bars are curing right now, but will be available for sale and use by September 30th!

This is a definite winner, and I will be making this again very soon! It is a prime candidate for my Bath trio sets: a soap, a spray and a candle all matching for your guest bath or your private bathing pleasure!

TTFN!

Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Extra-Ordinaire Soap!

Comfort Food

For Your Skin!

Guys, I am stinkin proud of myself today! I dreamed up this soap and finally put the fragrance I bought one, yes 1 year ago to good use! Now my kitchen smells full of comfort and goodness on a cold winter morn! Introducing Oatmeal Milk & Honey Cold Processed Soap with Spiced Apples and Pecan and Cinnamon on top! All that is missing is the gigantic melted pat of butter, but inside are so many awesome oils and skin lovin' ingredients that the butter is there, folks!

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Soybean Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Aloe Vera Juice, Hydrolyzed Oats, Ground Oats, Distilled Water, Fragrance Oils, Ground Cinnamon.

I have to put this loaf to bed with blankies for a day or so; then I will cut it and I can't wait to show you the "swirl" I did! It will have to cure and dry for 4 weeks; and will be available on my Etsy shop for $5.00 per 5.5 oz. slice!

My friends, I wish Your Life to be as fragrant as Cassia's Kitchen! Till tomorrow!

Thai Flied Lice aka "Cow Pot Guy"

Saaaa Wat De Kha!!! Phuan Phuan

Tee Rak Na Kha!

Some of you guys might not really share my fascination for soap or candles; but you may really dig the following! I haven't been cooking much in my kitchen lately, so last night I got out my wok and went to town on an old dish I used to eat nearly everyday in Thailand!

Thai Chicken Fried Rice, affectionately called "Cow Pot Guy" in Thailand!

Here is what you will need:

Pot of rice, approximately 3 1/2 cups; cooked and cooled (I use brown; it works fine)

Cabbage, coursely chopped (about 1 1/2 cup)

Carrots, cut diagonally (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)

White Onions

Green Onions

Garlic (duh!)

2 eggs, beaten

chicken, cooked or uncooked about 1 1/2 cups

fish sauce

ginger; fresh or powdered

green onions, whole with ends cut; enough for each person to have two

cucumber, 1 large cut diagonally in 1/3" slices

chopped peppers: jalapenos or real thai peppers

vinegar if desired

chopped peanuts, several tablespoons

wedges of lime already cut enough to give each person 2 wedges

Chopped, fresh cilantro

Cooking time: about 20 minutes if your rice and chicken is already cooked

You can go ahead and use those lovely delicatessen chickens and cut up if you prefer; or you can use chicken breasts, about 2. Slice these thinly and saute; set aside.

Saute the garlic and onions (i use about 1 small onion and about 3 medium cloves in olive oil until semi-translucent. Sprinkle in the ginger. Add the carrots and saute on high for about 1.5 minutes. Then add the cabbage; turn down heat to medium. Do not cover.

Add the cooked, cooled rice and the chicken, saute on medium heat and squirt in fish sauce and cook until rice is lightly browned. Fish sauce should very lightly moisten the whole batch.

Make a little hole in the bottom of your wok; pushing cooked ingredients up the sides of the wok and out of the fire. Add a tad more olive oil to the well; and quickly whisk two eggs together with more fish sauce; stir fry until cooked, then mix whole bunch together and continue to stir fry until thoroughly mixed. If desired, you may add one wedged tomato and continue to fry for about one minute.

Quickly call your family and put on plates. Place 2 wedges of lime; 2 green onions on the side as a garnish. Sprinkle top of dish with cilantro. You may if desired, slice the Thai peppers or jalapenos, and place in a cup with some fish sauce and vinegar for additional flavor.

I used crushed red pepper on top and then add the peanuts as the final topping for a really tasty, authentic and totally Thai dish!

This is a meal in itself, but you may also want to consider serving it with a small bowl of

Thom Yum Gung (Thai Hot Sour Shrimp Soup)

Thom Yum Guy (Thai Hot Sour Chicken Soup)

or Thom Kha Guy (a wonderful creamy chicken soup)

or even yet the green or red curried chicken dishes which Thai Kitchen produce really easy spice mixes for that all you do is add coconut cream milk and any number of meats or veggies to produce a wonderful curry!

A roy, mak mak, na kha!

Sa wat dee kha!

Enjoy friends!

Lovely Lovely Lavender!!!!!

Here it is, the end of August! I just realized that my blog activity has been, well, nill!

Those of you who keep up with me on facebook all know what I've been up to, etc etc.


This week I am busily beginning finalizing preparations for the busy holiday season. We have to be proactive or we will be left out!


I did another batch of cold processed soap this week: you see a quite un-glamorous self portrait of me in the kitchen with rubber gloves and eye goggles on: ready for any mishaps with the lye that is central to the soapmaking process!


I am writing an article on soapmaking and will post that soon! But until then, these lovely lavender essential oil soaps are a fresh batch. Made on August 25th, they must "cure" a good 4 weeks before I can sell them! The pH balance of these soaps right now is way too alkaline to even touch with bare hands. After curing, the bars will contract slightly while the water evaporates and the soap will be ready for use.


I have plenty more batches lined up: Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Frankincense & Myrrh and the traditional Hot Apple Pie, along with a host of herbal and essential oils soaps.


More on this later!


Recently received a great bolt of inspiration for this blog: I have a number of friends that are either in full time ministry or are entrepreneurs or small business owners. I am planning on hosting friends of mine on this blog once a week for an indefinite period. Topics will include small business, attitude, launching, faith, endurance, hope, creativity, being a woman in small business, how we got started, inspirations along the way, tips and some sage lessons learned along the way! Stay tuned!


In the meantime, my friends, be encouraged! This is a season of preparation, so be diligent, steadfast, and abouding in faith, hope and love!


Until next time... My wish for you is that your life will be as fragrant as Cassia's Kitchen.

Starbucks, Anyone?

Well, guys, my poor old body is in bad shape today, after working really REALLY hard on all these things last week, having a show in The Woodlands, TX and not skipping a beat with my very busy personal life. But I wanted to post what I have been "cooking" in my kitchen and show it to all of you! I am loving all the colors and flavor and bold brightness in these summer products! And below, for some of my Facebook Mommy Friends, is a wonderful new soap that I created on a whim on Friday.......I called it "Starbucks in the Shower"! It smells deeply of fresh ground, fresh roasted coffeee with a double shot of cappucino and whipped cream with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top! I put freshly ground beans and alot of sea salt into some of the layers; so it is exfoliating and stimulating to polish you all into a glow! Plus, doesn't it look.......

"designer"? I love the colors! Get your fresh slice for $3.50 today while they last!

All the Colors of the Rainbow

When I was a little girl, I used to play with color. Color fascinated me. No, I would absolutely NOT accept a box of 8 Crayolas, or 16 Crayolas, or 24 Crayolas, or even 48. It HAD to be the 64 Crayolas! With hawk like precision, I studied their myriad of names, colors, effects and even placement in the 3 tiered box. Memorizing the names and placing them lovingly back into their box; back into the order and placement of the manufacturer, they HAD to be in perfect order.

A tad obsessive, no? Well, maybe, but I love Color! Later, in teen years that translated over into makeup, of course. Hours and hours perusing, devouring beauty magazines. Studying, gazing at all the pretty hues, variants, effects, of the color spectrum.

One of my first jobs in high school was working in an art studio. I got to meet lots and lots of artists and we sold all the acrylic paints and watercolors and brushes that they used in painting.

Then I graduated into sewing; making wall hangings and using fabrics at my church in pageantry. I loved to go to the fabric store and look at all the pretty colors! Sometimes I would buy the fabric just because it was so dang pretty!

Then I faux painted two bathrooms. Well that was an experiment in color, and light, and sheen, and texture! Oh, what fun an artist must surely have!

Now, I am making soap. And this has stirred the love of color in me, and together with the love of fragrance, and the love of light, and the love of texture, the art of making soap has captured my heart! I never understood the magic until well, just recently. And, now I am forever hooked. All kinds of projects are up my sleeve, and I have only to get into my kitchen and begin making all the different "scapes" that have come to my imagination. Sea scapes. Food scapes, botanical garden scapes. Well, you get the idea!

Today I finally made this project that has been bugging me for about 4 months. It took me the greater portion of the afternoon making and coloring and scenting and pouring and testing all the different layers. I searched for a fragrance that would depict the joy of color and the joy of summer in a cohesive theme and came up with Banana, Strawberry and Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice. It smells magical! And, I am pleased.

The rainbow, my friend, is a symbol placed in the Middle Eastern skies over Noah as he disembarked the ark so long ago. It is a symbol of God's patience and covenant with man; and a promise that He would never again flood the earth! Don't we all smile when we see a rainbow, after nature has washed our world with the needed rains!

Today, my friend, I wish you color, and fragrance, and joy, and most of all, God's Love shining down on your life and radiating to you and enfolding you in His everlasting Arms. May you catch the rainbow that is hung at the end of every storm that shows itself in this short life that we share!


Get your fresh slice of the rainbow in my Esty.com shop for $3.00 through the 24th, or $4.50 regular price. Special for you: 3 for $10.00

Shine, Grow, Reach, Flower, Fruit, Shine.......

Marnin' all! It is glorious here in south-eastern Texas, with a promise for Rain later today and scattered rain for the rest of the week. I was just on my front porch, talking to my husband, reading, considering, praying, reading, walking.... Such a wonderful wonderful time to be alive!

I wanted to share my thoughts and musings on this glorious morning. In the photos you can see two basic things: A) I am not a good photographer :) although I aspire to be, and B) I love plants and God's creation.

You know, they speak to me! Yes, they do. In fact, Psalm 19 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the expanse shows His handiwork. Day to day utters speech and night to night reveals knowledge." I love this! because it is true in my life. For me there is nothing better than to sit, quietly, and just look at nature which in this case would either be my front yard, my back yard, or wherever I happen to be driving at any given moment.

Today I was strolling my 12 x 40 front porch considering what I just read in Matthew 16 where Jesus so powerfully spoke to Peter who had just declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of God", and Jesus (who I am sure was filled with joy at Peter's declaration of faith), said to Peter...... "And on this rock (Myself) I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail". In the next sentence He then said, "And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven".

I sat there, reading, meditating, and had to get up and process. So much truth in such a few words. Worthy, my friend of meditating on! We are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus and I feel like the Church is only dimly and distantly aware of this.

I looked up and saw the lowly trumpet vine, an indigenous plant here in Texas. I have viewed it as an invasive weed in that it is everywhere....and just will not die. If I ever can find the root, it is hard to both discover and pull out.

But I keep it around for a couple of reasons: A) I at this time have not the inclination to do the work necessary, and B) when it blooms, the flower is such a beautiful orange, that I think, OK, well, there is beauty in this creation of God.

Today I observed it's tenacity; ever reach, ever climing, ever pushing towards the light which causes it to bloom. It never is content with the lower atmosphere; it seek the heights and the light and will not stop until it gets to the top. From there it blooms, flowers, and then the flowers fall to the earth far below and only then we look up and see how far it has come!

Her name is the Trumpet Vine, and lowly she be, yet tenacious, invasive, and would be ever filling this earth! We are called to be the same, my friend. Trumpeting the sound of the kingdom of God filling this earth realm, "On earth as it is in heaven". Let us take her example to heart.

Also notice my little tomato plants. I found a spot in my 1 acre kingdom, where the sun is strong enough, the duration is long enough, and the plants get what they need in that duration to flower, fruit and give me the delights of their produce.

The seed thought is this. Find a place where you will receive the light; long enough, strong enough, and of a duration where YOU will flower, blossom and then fruit. Be NOT content with the lowly estate of others around you; climb for the heights you were destined to attain! From there, flower, blossom, fruit and let your light so shine that others will also aspire to the light that you have beheld.

Finally, there is my lone hibiscus plant that bears these lovely colors. She is stationed at the northeastern corner of my front porch; a northern exposure. Separated from all others, she stands and puts forth the most exquisite colors and blossoms to delight me; her only admirer. In the winter she never freezes. In the summer she beholds her peers who are in a kinder location than she. She is spindly, with only 5 or 6 branches. She flowers according to the light that she has received. I will create a soap or a candle or something to emulate the beauty she has shown me! How could you ever get any more beautiful than something the Creator has made?

Today, my friend I want to encourage you to look for the things around you that edify, beautify, and endure in the midst of trial. Take them for examples as you reach for the light that your soul needs to flourish in these times.

Be blessed!

OK, technorati, this one is for you! bmcr6gsy24

Cassia's Kitchen: The Day After....Behind the Scenes

Cassia's Kitchen: The Day After....Behind the Scenes

The Day After....Behind the Scenes

Here are some pictures of what my kitchen looks like today. After the party. It was a great success and alot alot of fun. I do believe alot will come out of it. Several school teachers were there who want to help me promote my products at their schools for corporate gift programs. A cheerleader who stated her school is looking for a fundraiser, a bride to be who is excited about wedding favors, and close friends who encouraged me and were excited about my "refill candle" program as an environmental measure. Every guest filled out an feedback sheet and signed up for my email newsletter permission list, and I do feel more parties are coming! So, it is worth the mess and I think I worked harder than I ever have. I see where I can make improvements and next time will be even better.

Labels still need a little tweaking but they are looking good. And a friend of mine got so excited about my Original Fragrance Blend #1.....I called it Siam Sunrise. Stay tuned for more infomation about this exciting breakthrough which is more in line with my original vision for Cassia Candle & Fragrance!

But meanwhile, I need to spend time with my Kitten, and since there is no food in my house and I am tired and even if I wasn't, there is not a square inch of counter space in my 16x40 kitchen to make anything......so, I am outta here and going to go have some Mexican Food and recharge a little.

And, then, back to float in the pool and recharge sufficiently to be able to finally......

Clean Cassia's Kitchen!

Until next time, Au Revoir, mes amis extraordinaire!

Ciao!

"Hallow" said Wabbit to Pooh, "Are you Home?"

I guess I could never be a real author. Cause I just don't have that much to say.
You know, since I quit multi tasking and all. It seems I can really only just cook
or....blog. My husband calls the PC my blue eyed lover and I do not blame him. But I keep trying to convince him that I am... working...kind of. Mostly, really.

I am getting ready for a Big Party tonight in which I am not yet ready and have stayed up until 3 AM two nights ago, and this morning until 4 something.

Maybe I will have something to say tomorrow. Last night it was so precious; it was about 10:30 and my Daughter and my Husband and I were all together in the kitchen and my husband was actually helping me. He is all about efficiency so he analyzed the situation and then got to work. It was so funny to watch him try to fill lotion bottles and all but he really helped me, and what is more, his help really gave me a boost emotionally. I wanted to take a pic, but I kind of felt like it was taking advantage of a celebrity by a papparazzi during a private moment so I didn't.

But until then, I am at the last minute printing out brochures, order forms, looking at "fun" party games, wrapping soaps, worrying over my cupcakes which are still "drying" out and in general all a flutter!

In the meantime, I am all into color and this season. So everything I make it seems is a fruit or wildly colorful. I love summer! I made this yesterday: (among alot of other things.. but this is the most colorful so far!)

So, dear friend, as the Aussies say... Ta Ta For Now....and we will see you again soon after it occurs to me what content to add to this site which might either, 1) amuse you, 2) inspire you, 3) move you to tears in shock and awe or 4) add valuable information to your life! In either case, I so value you and welcome you to come stop in and say Hallo Pooh!

Strawberry Shortcake, Anyone?

The Joys of This Season
Strawberry Shortcake, Anyone?

I don't know about you, but every time the season changes, I think....."now, This is My FAVORITE season! God is so good to change the times and the seasons; it displays His infinite wisdom and grandeur and the fact that He delights in all the creativity we see and so much more.

But there is just something about summer. I get fresh and new, invigorating energy when the sun is shining in it's strength. God made all creatures to respond to the Light that He gave us! He gave all living things seed to reproduce, and that seed is in us. The light generates all things to flower and then fruit.

Here in Texas, we have had strawberries, and we have had peaches, and now we are enjoying the abundance of blueberries. This is a delightful time to go outside and enjoy all that God has created for us to enjoy. It brings Him pleasure, and it will delight you as well.

My favorite thing to do is to get up while the dew is still on the ground and sparkling like diamonds in the newly rising sun. Drink a Gigantic Cup of Hot Steaming Coffee, and listen to the myriad of birds that inhabit this glorious territory. Each morning they sing for joy to God their Creator. To hear them sends thrills of joy to the core of my being. The sense of peace that settles over my soul at this point rivals none.

Then in the evening, the same thing. To watch and savor, from my 12 x40 porch the splendours of God's creation and to enjoy from my vantage point, just sitting....a savoring....and listening...and contemplating.....

I am so happy to have my beautiful daughter Casey (who I affectionately dub "kitten") (me, being katw0man, you know) I am so happy to have her at home. She has been so helpful to me and I have enjoyed a slower pace.

We have been enjoying our little puppies and we take them swimming with us too and they like that!

This week I am very busy getting ready for a Big Party...and I have 6 days to get ready.

I just wanted to update all of you and remind you to savor this season in the Son and enjoy all the fruits of your labor and His in providing it for you to enjoy!

Grace and Peace to you!

The Strawberry Shortcake Slices smell delectable! And they would be a Fabulous Hostess gift for your 4th of July visit to Grannies, Aunties, Neighbors, or Friends homes!

Try a fresh slice today! $4.75 per 5.5 oz. slice or 3 for $12.00

Time Out

"Honey, will you PLEASE take some time and straighten up this office?"

Well, I knew it was coming. Conscience told me. Even Common Sense told me. Finally my husband told me, "Please take some time and straighten up this office!" To which, I sweetly and readily, even enthusiastically concurred, "Yes!".

As office manager of this work space, it is my responsibility to keep order, propriety and peace in this small area we call our HeadQuarters. Unfortunately, three small puppies and an illustrious 11 year old also frequent the space.... especially since My Business Laptop crashed and burned last month. I will call her kitten, my 11 year old tries to monopolize the space where I now spend most of my time.
Here is my mail "Center". Ah-Hem! Not.

Every day I gather mail and stuff it here.

Usually once a month I go through it, open it, file it and trash the rest. I absolutely HATE mail.

But that's not the object of this post.






So I took the necessary time, all day yesterday to work on this space. It is still not finished, but peace is again reigning supreme in my heart. Did I mention, my 11 year old is away at a friend's house? Kitten, are you perhaps reading this post?

So now, here is the project at 50% completion. I can once again think clearly! Clutter is the conspirator against creativity.

Here is my desk:

Here is my husband's desk.

You might think, "What a silly post!" Well, I just became an author on another crafting site, and let me tell you, it is hilarious! I tell you, we creative people really do know how to make messes! Because when the creative mood strikes, watch out! It just keeps evolving and evolving and evolving. All consuming in nature, when creativity strikes, you have to strike out.

After all, leave all the orderliness for the left brain people who punch holes and use paper clips for a living!

Oh yeah, I are one of those too! And as my dear husband tells me, that is what pays the bills.
So cowgirl up katw0man and get a punchin' and a clippin' and an organization on!

Just had to post this. Progress, one day at a time!

Be blessed and enjoy this wonderful season of the Son!

On another good UpNote.....My labels from OnlineLabels.com came today. Yay! Now I really have my work cut out for me!

Sea Slices......I'm Dreamin' of the Car-i-bbean!

Summer Blues.....underwater seascape. Sea Slices

I guess I am having a dose of Summer Fever these Days!

I am dreaming of the Caribbean! Or the west coast where my

beloved Pacific thundering ocean is

or the Gulf of Thailand

or the Maldive Islands

or even Hawaii

OK OK,

I would even settle for the

murky, ankle washer, hurricane prone

Gulf of Texas. Deep Deep Sigh...

so yesterday I went into the kitchen

and made these sea slices!

For a first time, this advanced project turned out pretty good,

not perfect, but pretty good

Aren't they cute! They have sand, little embedded sea creatures, and even a top dressing of sea foam! Fragranced in Coconut Lime Verbena, and the Sea Foam is Salty Mariner!

Price: $4.75 by the slice

Or, 3 for $10.00

Wouldn't they be cute wedding or party favors?

Welcome to Erma Bombeck's Kitchen.....

(Previously on Survivor), in Cassia's Kitchen: MULTI TASKING IS A MISNOMER; aka shop vacs are wonderful in I discussed conceding in the area of multitasking. Today, I throw in the towel. Not the Towel, mind you, just my Multi Tasking Towel!!!!! it is over rated, you know!

Here are two, count 'em, (2) devices which we had on hand in case of imminent demise. Post danger, I found out that they needed to be examined and re-activated, or re-compressend or, re-charged periodically. On a yearly basis. They are sitting by my front door, reminding me to actually stop and go and have them recharged.



Here is a picture of my computer technician guy, Tim: Is he, in this picture, fixing my fried computers, either one of them? No, he is putting out a fire, in Cassia's Kitchen. Thank God he was there!





Here is a picture of your all purposes household item. In a 5 pound bag size. Notice the little blue letters: HUNDREDS OF USES!!!! I keep this on hand for my fabulous bath bomb cupcakes. But today, I used it to put out a fire in Cassia's Kitchen.


Here's how it went down: We had been having tremendous technical difficulties in our business office for unknown reasons. I have had to call Tim out on more than one occasion when the IP address had been thrown offline and there were network conflicts which my ISP service could not figure it out, even when the trouble calls were escalated to Level 2 Technical Support.


On this particular day, Tim finally could make it out to our office where we had already 1) had my business laptop burn up last month, 2) our HP Photosmart all in one ceased to print, scan, copy and fax, and now 3) we had lost connectivity with the beloved world wide web.


We had already purchased a new Epson work force machine (me begging my husband to purchase me a laser printer for labeling purposes) (he saying, no, we are losing business by the day due to no FAXing capabilities, and laser printers had to be ordered online) and me conceding, heavy sighs all the way.


Our ISP announced to us that there was nothing more that they could do and we needed to go to Best Buy and get a new network adapter. This, however failed, so trusty Tim came to our rescue.


I was in the kitchen, just happily making my wholesale order #1; just a cookin', and a cuttin', and a singin' and having a generally joyous time! I had just put a small batch of soap base in the microwave and pressed 33... OR SO I THOUGHT........


(Do you ever do that? At the checkout counter when swiping your card? Do you ever so lightly push those 4 digit numbers and they don't take right away so you push again and then the clerk has to clear the transaction and you start all over? Riiiiiight.....that was just what happened. )


I must have pushed 3:33 as I sometimes do, and did not notice. Tim comes in to the kitchen, and announces he is ready to give me stats on the fix........ I go into the office and sit here while he draws charts and graphs, and IP addresses and DUNS gateway addresses, and start/run/cmd/ipscan/........ad infinitum.


It must have been approximately 3.3something minutes later when my daughter and her best friend Gabriela run soaking wet into the kitchen through the back door. Screaming bloody, I Mean Bloody Curdling Friday the 13th Murder!!!!!!!!! Tim and I run into the kitchen, in an alert phase adrenal reaction ready to fight off a:



water mocassin in my kitchen, or one of my puppies inside the mouth of one or something like that. Instead, no word could come out of their mouths as they pointed at my beautiful Kenmore deluxe microwave that was now ON FIRE. Smoke alarm, still sleeping right next door and no silence until we opened the door, grabbed the dysfunctional fire extinguishers and began throwing handfuls of Baking Soda into the flaming device. Luckily Tim had the presence of mind, due to the flaming plastic which would not be satisfied . The ceiling of the microwave fell into the flaming Pyrex dish of soap base. He grabbed a towel and threw the Pyrex into my sink.

Tim, like a champ, stayed there well past the call of duty, after having disconnecting the vented microwave from the power source, pulling off the facing and opening the adjoining upper cabinet to make sure that no wood was burning or no plastic pieces still smoldering. THANKS TIM! You are a peach of a guy!

I learned a valuable lesson that day. Number one, I was under pressure to get my order done and so I was hurrying. Number Two: I had over committed myself to taking my daughter's friend home and had hastily said I would get her home by noon that day. So the multi tasking factor along with the time pressure and the other extenuating circumstances caused me to make rash promises that were not easily fulfilled. Number 3: My attention to details and safety were deplorable, and that needs to be a factor in all future manufacturing processes. Number 4: Do not be disgruntled with the results when you trust communication with a child's best friends' parent to child's best friend to daughter's phone conversation when you are too lazy or preoccupied to take the call yourself to state your own terms for return of said child back to her domicile of record. But that is another story for another day.

But the silver lining is this: (thanks, Anne-Marie!) (you are a Peach!) at the time I was suffering this loss, and it was a financial loss that I have yet to sit down and tally up....perhaps I am afraid to do so? The silver lining is this: I am becoming a stronger person. Who said this: that which does not kill us makes us stronger? My usual Modus Apparendi is to somehow emotionally cave when I have done something dumb, stupid, inane or ridiculous. This time I, yes I, katw0man! I laughed in the face of adversity. I laughed with all the joy and peace in my heart that was already resounding. I laughed in that I will not back down. I laughed in that
all was well in my soul. After all, the house could have burned down. Or someone hurt. But I laughed in the face of fear, and that, my friend, was a victory, even though costly.

I miss my microwave and all it 's time saving, ventilating, exhaust fan, instantaneous and fun things which you can do with this fabulous invention. Humbly, I am heating up all things microwaveable the old fashioned way. It will cost approximately $500 or more to replace with another Kenmore appliance.

I hope I have learned my lesson. And I hope that my countenance will reflect light as we continue in the fires of trial and proving the metal which is in our souls. Perseverence is won through adversity. And hope triumphs by love over fear, doubt and insecurity.

Chronicling all these fun, dumb, silly, trying, triumphant things is good for the soul. We all have these stories, and one day we will tell them to our children and their children. We will be wiser and more careful. And we will be better, stronger, and able to encourage the next generation. Let us not give up our hope which has a great reward!

Ultimately, I finished my first wholesale order. It turned out beautifully, and I cannot wait to create more things that will bring fragrance, and luminous beauty to friends, family and future customers from far and near! Be encouraged, dear reader!

For a great article on fear, dealing with or succombing or even acknowledging it, please refer to:http://soap-queen.blogspot.com/2009/05/putting-fear-in-its-place.html

They are Here! Bath Trio Sets......

There's just something about this weather that has turned me suddenly

"Whimsical" as they say! At about 94 degrees in the shade and about that much

percentage in humidity, a gal just has to get clean, you know!

I have been working on this idea for awhile now,

and my daughter's graduation from 5th grade seemed

just the occasion to "make it happen, No. 1! "

So, in an effort to make up "sets" of products that will go together in

a seamless way for today's gal who is on the go and

wants things easy....Here they are

The amazing Bath Trio Sets.

This set includes an 8 oz. soy candle

a 4.5 oz. glycerin soap

and a 4 oz. room/linen/body or even pet spray!

I have plans to do my pump lotion, but am looking for a basket that will fit all items neatly and still look great! Always on the prowl for packaging, I am still searching.

I do not even have a price for this product yet, but as soon as I find the "formula" I will post it for sale on my website. Each of my 185 different fragrances will have a matching color

for any bathroom and any taste. Pictured here is Peach Mango Salsa

but it could just as easily be my Papaya Mango, Caribbean Dreams, Papaya Basil Lime,

or Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice.

Also I made this lovely green basket in Lime Basil:

but it could just as easily have been any other "green" fragrance that I have in my arsenal!
This product will be sold as a trio and will be packaged and wrapped and all ready for gift giving or hostess gifts. Get one today!

I am totally excited because one of my daughter's teachers, Miss Tammy, has a mom who has a gift shop in Louisiana. Miss Tammy said her mom loved my basket, and now she is inquiring if I have a wholesale price list for her shop! So, I better move it, because I need to get one together and email it by tomorrow! I am so thankful!

Tomorrow I am back to working on the citrus project! Stay tuned for more!

My Mother

A picture of our surviving family members after my mom passed away.
Memorial service for my mom was held on Memorial Day Weekend, 2004. Venue, Quincy California, the home of my mom's eldest brother, Bud Green.

I know we had digital photos before my beloved mother passed...but where are they?

That was two computers ago, and a house relocation ago, and 5 years ago.

I want to write about my mom even though I have not seen her or talked to her since March 25, 2004 when she passed into eternity.

She was the one in our house who appreciated beauty. She was the one who always decorated. It was her dream to always beautify her surroundings and she finally did it before leaving this world to her new life beyond.

I am proud of my mom. She was brave, strong, soft, industrious, kind hearted, hard working, thrifty and emotional. Passion drove her every day of her 77 years on earth. Life was not easy for her and marriage not always rewarding; she saw two of her children die in early childhood and she fought cancer twice. She saw the Great Depression and World War II. She was the third of 7 children, and her single mother and had to raise 7 children on her own after her husband left her for another woman. My mother helped raise her other siblings and never complained.

What I remember about my mom was her sacrificial love. Her selfless devotion and her undying passion for her children. She was a zealous Catholic and went to church almost every single day. She slept little and worked much.

When my mom finally got her wish and remodeled her home after my father passed away, she was in earnest in preparing a legacy for her children. Remodeling helped her deal with the grief and abandonment of the death of a spouse. It took her over 2 years and she did much of the labor herself. When she finally was through, we children will never forget her new set of house rules: "Put your surgical booties on before entering my house." We hated that rule but obeyed nonetheless.

One of the things I remember about her "new" house was the big kitchen window and she had yellow orchids and yellow daffodils gracing and beautifying the view of the backyard. Outside was a statue of St. Francis with an open hand, and in this hand a little indentation for bird seed.

While my mother was dying, I used to go outside and look at her small garden and her statue and her orchids. One day, while looking upward through this window, I spied out a tiny hummingbird inside her miniscule nest. Watching, looking, ever vigilant, protective. That, my friend, was my mother.

When she died, I know she rested at the feet of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Tears streamed down her face and her grateful heart leapt as He welcomed her into His eternal abode.

I know.....I saw her there.

Today, there are orchids sitting in pretty pink pots in my garden window. Every so often when I see them, I remember my dearly beloved mother. Sometimes I even smile, look up, and say to her, "Mommy, see my new house! Mom, do you like my orchids? They remind me of you!"

My mother left a legacy of beauty and motherhood to me. What she is doing in heaven, that place of infinite peace and beauty, I can only imagine. Often I muse that she might even be in on the design team for the coronation robes for the Lord Jesus when He returns to rule the nations. I smile when I think of that. Or, she might be designing alabaster pilasters, capitals, halls and courtyards where the kings of the earth will one day bring Him tribute. I do not know, only I cannot imagine her not busy!

Today, whoever you are that might read this post, honor your mother! Cherish her, and relegate to her all the affection your heart can muster! She will not always be here, but she is right now! Shower the people you love with love!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY