Herbes d'un vert tendre

Bonjour, mes amis!

So I promised you a post about my wonderful invasive weeds...em...herbs!  I've been wanting to create a wonderful baby soap made with green herbs found locally.  I have a  recipe and it looks ever so luscious. It would aid in diaper rash burns and a host of other maladies.  Yep, It would have.  But.....

But I have been horrible at doing infused oils.   Namely, I gather them, I dry them, I get expensive oil, I pack them in sterile mason jars and cover them with oil.   But something always goes awry.   That something would be ME.  Yours truly.

Either I put them it too cool a clime, or too hot a clime, or I forget to shake them, or put them in the sun, or take them out of the sun, or take them out of the oil or WHATEVER.

This last time was no exception.   Every morning for DAYS I went out to gather herbs in the fresh morning dew.  I gently rinsed them, snipped and cut away any bad parts or roots.  Picked pine needles out of their tender entwines.   Gently laid them on fresh tissue paper for them to evaporate most of their moisture.  Gently turned them every day until they diminished in mass and water content.

Went out and purchased some extra virgin olive oil.  Placed them lovingly in the crock pot.  Which has two temps: low and high.

Covered them in the olive oil, set my timer to about 10 minutes, placed the crock pot on LOW, and walked away for 10 minutes, after which the timer notified me to turn crockpot off.

Here is a picture of them, freshly gathered:

If you are imagining that they are fragrant, then you are right.  More about these weeds/useful medicinal herbs later.  My daughter Casey is who informed me of this particular wee/useful herb; and that it should be used in our endeavors.  That in itself made me glow with pride.  Hehe....

So last night was the end of a long day of multitasking at it's finest.  I had been carefully adding herbs to my crockpot for a couple of days.   Setting the timer for 10 minutes, dutifully turning it off to steep, on and off, several times a day for about 3 days.   Turning it, basting the precious herbs in the expensive olive oil.   It was turning into a  fine, BEAUTFUL emulsion.

Last night, however, I said to myself:  "OK,  Let me saute this chicken for ข้าวผัดไก่, affectionately and phonetically pronounced Cow Pot Guy.    I would not forget to shut the timer off.  Nope, not me".  It was all under control.

At about 9:00 PM I heard a popping in the kitchen.   The dogs' ears perked up; we all glanced that way but "Nah.....what could it be"?  we surmised.

About 15 minutes later I heard a pop sufficiently loud enough to get me off the couch and bounding into the adjoining kitchen.  "Cranky old hot water heater," I thought.   But then the lid on the crock pot was cheerfully emitting a steady green-smelling vaporous steam into the kitchen, and I heard the weeds/useful medicinal herbs not simmering, or poaching, but BOILING, and I mean boiling loudly.  A raging, full ROLLING boil, as they say.

So sad at my own ineptness, I turned the crock pot off and lifted the lid.  A nice herbal spa treatment greeted my curious visage, and only about 10 seconds later, Joe asked me, "WHAT'S that smell????"  To which I replied, "Another experiment, FAILED....." simpering soflty...

I just wanted to update you as promised.   I will toss this oily mess into the garbage and start over.   I will  not be foiled.   Even if I have to stand there every 10 minutes, not diverting my gaze, and wait.   I will prevail!

Ha! So THERE!

In other news, I read this most interesting article today on Etsy.   I try to read as much as I can but thought this was of particular interest, and something for all of us who produce handmade goods to think about it.
Why not take a read:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/noted-can-local-manufacturing-make-a-difference-12575/?ref=fp_blog_title


So then, dear one, I so love that you take time out of your busy schedule to read my posts!
You have no idea how much that means to me!


Toodles!

Reporting for duty, the rogue reporter from CassiasGarden! Ladies, I'm having SO much fun interviewing my Busy Moms of Etsy Team and other personal friends and fellow women artsists and business owners! Each of you is a treasure; kind of like a gift just waiting to be opened, or like a flower, just like the ones budding in our yards this time of year! I absolutely can't wait to follow you and your businesses and to see where we all go one year from now! Isn't it exciting?

Today we have a new team member; Kathy Cherry from Kathy Cherry Designs! So that means, time to grab a coffee break if just for a few to get to know this lovely Busy Mom of Etsy. Enjoy!

What a radiant picture of Kathy and her darling little boy!

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

Kathy: Thank you for interviewing me! I really appreciate it. I’m 37 years old.

Kelly: What is the name of your business?

Kathy: It’s called Kathy Cherry Designs and I make handmade greeting cards.

Kelly: When did you begin?

Kathy: I officially launched the business in October 2009, but have been making cards for several years for friends, family and my own use. In 2004, I even made my own wedding invitations, programs, and placecards.

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

Kathy: I have over 15 years of business experience and have a Masters of Science in Public Services Management and been working for nonprofit organizations in leadership roles.


Kelly: What motivated you to start Kathy Cherry Designs What inspires you to create?

Kathy: I was motivated to launch Kathy Cherry Designs after selling some of handmade cards as a fundraiser for my organization. They sold really well and received great feedback and thought why not?! Everything inspires me to create – colors, nature, objects, great pieces of paper and many other things. Also, my son inspires daily to create and just be an overall stronger, happier person.

Kelly: What is your favorite product?

Kathy: One of my favorite items for sale right now is this hug card:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41406378

Kelly: What are the special Features?

Kathy: I really love the two pieces of paper and also how the brad attaching the tag matched so perfectly. The different components just fell together in a beautiful mix of pink.

Kelly: What are your business goals this year?

Kathy: My business goal for the year is to improve my marketing efforts and increase sales.

Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?

Kathy: I’ve been trying different methods like my Facebook fan page and Twitter. I can definitely improve in this area and welcome any suggestions!

Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a day job and a small infant boy. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?

Kathy: I work 30 hours a week as director of human resources for a great nonprofit organization called Breast Cancer Network of Strength. I also have a great husband, adorable almost 2 year old boy, and very loving big dog. I usually do my creations in the evenings after bedtime or on my off days during naptimes. My husband works odd hours, so I have time when it’s just me and the pup to focus on creating new cards.

Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?

Kathy: My greatest frustration has been with my camera and taking decent photos of my products. It’s a learning process, but I have days when I might toss the camera in the backyard.  I have definitely received some great feedback on how to improve the photos to really show my cards better.

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

Kathy: I learned to stay organized with my finances which really helped me out with my 2009 taxes. It’s easy to focus only on the creating and neglect the business stuff, but that business stuff is very important.

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

Kathy: Be willing to try new methods and be open to advice from others. I’m learning each day from my fellow Etsy creators and love the team networking.

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

Kathy: Yes! A promotion at my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathyCherryDesigns! Buy 2 cards, get one card free promotion! Use the word Cassia during checkout to denote the promotion.

Etsy shop: http://www.kathycherrydesigns.etsy.com
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/kathycherrydesigns
Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/kcherrydesigns
Web site: http://www.kathycherrydesigns.com/

A few fun facts about Kathy:
~ loves hiking, biking and camping
~ loves traveling
~ enjoying microbrew beers
~ loves to read a good book
 ~ really enjoys her time with her family
~ really, really loves making cards especially for you

Spotlight Interview: Joy Charde from The Art of Joy

Hi Ladies!  Welcome to Friday Spotlight Interview.

I had so much fun doing this post, now I am really psychedabout getting to know each one of The Busy Moms of Etsy!  These interview are dedicated especially to women, mothers, busy and yet industrious.   That's the way we should be, right?

Is she a rock star?  

 

Addicted to sweets just a tad, maybe?

 

She describes a perfect evening as....

a good book, mug of hot chocolate on one hand and a glazed donut on the other...

Clearly the love of her life and constant sidekick! aka "The Munchkin"...

 

Working with Mommy.....awwww!

She loves to spend time with the family camping

 

Her home studio in the kitchen! 

Wow. She does commissioned art too! 

Oh, Me, Oh My, I Love Pie!

Some of you might think that I'm being partial to our fearless leader,

but that is not the case!  I had sent this interview to her 2 months ago, and 

just decided to use it first.

Let's get down to it, shall we?  Grab a cup of coffee, and maybe even a doughnut LOL.

Meet our Fearless Leader.....Joy Charde of TheArtofJoy  

Kelly:  Hello, Joy! Thank you for interviewing with us!  Tell us, how young are you? 

Joy:  I am 33 years old.
 
Kelly:  What is the name of your business?  

 

Joy:  The Art Of Joy on Etsy   http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofJoy

Kelly: When did you begin?

Joy: I started the business on July 31, 2009

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

Joy:  I don't formally have a background in art, but I have always doodled, etc. ever since I can remember!  I was also a teacher for 10 years and taught art then.  Currently, I'm the business manager for our public library... so I guess, that counts as experience?

 
Kelly:  What motivated you to start The Art of Joy  ?

Joy:  I really needed to find an alternative for using toxic paints since I just recently had a baby.  I decided to go back to paper and doodling  What inspires you to create?  Things that I see around me.  
 

Kelly: What is your favorite product?  

Joy:   Fun 2010 Write In Calendar - 12 months and 40 mini stickers

Kelly:  What are the Features? 

 Joy:  Here are the specs:

Calendar with stickers

12 write in months - Approximately 5.25 x 8.5"

40 trim and stick stickers (10 of each: Fun Time, Day Off, Don't Forget, Special Day)

* Some of the US holidays are printed on the calendar (New Years, Valentines, St. Patrick's, Mom's Day, Dad Day, Easter, Independence, Veterans, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas)

Illustration: printed with my original design 110 lb. bright white cardstock and the sticker are printed on adhesive paper

For your personal use, gift giving, and more...

I also love to make these stickers!  Here is the link to the stickers section: 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtOfJoy?section_id=6523448

Kelly:  What are your business goals this year? 

Joy:  To just have fun with the whole creating aspect.  The business side is a bonus.
 
Kelly:  How do you get traffic to your website? 

Joy:  I participate in teams and forums

 
Kelly:  How do you juggle work/life balance?  For instance, you have a day job and a small infant boy. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?  

Joy:  It's a definite balancing act.  My day job is really a night job :).  I work from 1pm - 8pm.  Fortunately, my baby loves to nap, so I can get some stuff done at home. 

 
Kelly:  Can you share some of your frustrations?  

Joy:  Finding time to do everything!  I clearly need more than 24 hours.

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

Joy:  To try to be patient about the whole selling business.  I really can't control what people like or want to buy from me... I just need to put relevant products out there. 

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

Joy:  Try to list things as often as you can, and be patient.  

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

Joy:  I think that's all I have for now...

 Kelly:   That concludes our interview!   I want to thank you Joy, for all you do to promote our Busy Moms of Etsy team and the hard work and effort you put forth.  We all wish you much much success!  I like to use your Thank You stickers on my package and in notes to customers to thank them for their purchase!   Why don't some of us go on over to Joy shop and get some of her fabulous cards, sticker and art?   You'll be glad you did!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28647334

Or, how about these:  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34000800

 Clearly delightful!  And oh so joyful!

Au revoir, mes amis!

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

A Penitent Heart

So guys, here is the Deal:

Previously, in http://multi%20tasking%20is%20a%20misnomer;%20aka%20shop%20vacs%20are%20wonderful!/ TASKING IS A MISNOMER; aka shop vacs are wonderful! you will see that I basically
am a failure at multi tasking. especially as I age somewhat. OK, there, I said it.

So, here it is: now that tax day has come and gone, and the angels are singin in heaven, and the stress of being behind is behind me, HalleLuJah! I will be posting more often. Not as prolifically as some I know and admire: yablonski , or soap queen, yet, more frequently.

As much as we are maligned by people with "real jobs" (they do not have a clue, by the way)
this is the smart thing both business wise and because as Jessica says, most of her friends live
IN the internet, so social networking is not overrated.

Nonetheless. I must be inspired, whether by expediency or by a fleeting whimsy, or by the things that trouble, or inspire me.

All this a very rough way of saying, I am on the onramp and ready to go. So stay tuned and I so welcome and love anyone who wants to be in my readership! Thanks for being my friend and I appreciate you so! Happy Friday to you my friend!

The things that I want to accomplish, and you are most welcome to keep me accountable on this are: I) personally, 1)tithe of my time and resources into the kingdom of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2) get my house and office in order 3) plant some flowers outside and weed my beds, 3) execute my pest control of premises II) financially, execute the instructions in Dave Ramsey's FPU, together with my spouse III) start working out (yuck)(dancing would be my pick...not boring and very fun and energizing IV) continue to execute the business plan drafted in January of this year. Projects include: selling to local retailers, continuing to trouble shoot labels, continuing to strive for branding and beautiful packaging, continue to photograph and upload products to website, implementing a new bathroom trio, soapmaking and bath and body to supplement candle and perfume line.

Is that enough? You betcha! Because I am also a mom, a wife, a neighbor, a citizen, and a very busy member of a local congregation where I participate and serve in my realm of giftings and responsibilities in excess of 4 nights a week. Oh, and I almost forgot....I DO have a day job: i run and administrate for my husband a construction office M-F 8-5 and sometimes beyond. How is that for a "stay at homer" as they say?