Spotted Cow Soaps

Time To Say Good-Bye

2011-07-30T10:08:00.004-04:00

Shop & blog is officially closed!

I have struggled for some time with this decision, but it is for the best. In addition to working full-time, I am now enrolled as a full-time student working towards BS in Nutrition Science. With my family raised, I no longer need to supplement my income, and can focus on future career goals. I have a deep rooted passion to see radical changes with School Foodservice, and am thrilled with the impending changes from the USDA and the National Farm to School movement that has been gaining momentum in Vermont for several years. My role is such that I am educating students to make healthier food choices, and changing the way they perceive food.

I have met some wonderful people, and have had a great customer base. I will miss you all.

Sandy Beach Breezes Seashell Soaps

2011-04-10T15:53:00.006-04:00

There is this place that I like to go to. A place where I can be alone in the bright sunlight. A place where I can sit and listen to the waves of water crashing a long the shore. The Smell of salt consumes me as the water splashes along the sandy shores. This place is a wonderful luxurious place called the beach.

The nice weather this past weekend has made me a bit stir crazy, anxious for summer to arrive. I've been itching for months to make these soaps, the molds sitting in the soap room waiting for the iron to strike...and today was THE day it happened.

And they are already listed in our online shop!

Fun In The Snow But Looking Forward to Spring

2011-01-17T17:27:00.015-05:00

I'm not a huge fan of the cold or the snow that goes with it...give me the sand, beach and hot sun! But here's a face that sure does enjoy the snow! Christina is inching right up on 2 years of age, and it is a constant battle...boots on, coat on and then it is boots off, coat off (by herself, of course) as she tools around the house begging to go outside. She knows exactly what to do when the sled is put on the ground...in she goes and waits to be pulled around. Baby sister is almost 6 months old and hasn't been introduced to snow angels or sleds just yet.

Christina's favorite Aunty taught her how to make snow angels as she tested out the new snow suit that was given to her for Christmas. And not a moment too soon, we finally had enough snow for her to get out and enjoy.

The only snow I enjoy are days when a call comes in the wee hours that we have no school due to inclement weather. This Grammy gets all giddy with excitement and the creative soap making juices flow. Several new batches of spring soap are currently on the curing rack, and will make a debut in our online store later this month.

Meet Pruitt Creations

2010-12-31T08:36:00.015-05:00

Baby It's Cold outside! And I'm thinking back to warmer days this past late spring/early summer when Linda aka Pruitt Creations, Pruitt Designs, and Pruitt Supplies paid me a visit. It was exciting indeed to meet one of my blogger friends live and in person because we live on opposite sides of the States!

Here we are along with my son, the nervous boy who was worried about his mom meeting a "stranger" from the Internet. Did you know that Linda?

I knew exactly where to take Linda so she could capture the real feel of rural Vermont. Two Linda's meeting for the first time, and I took her to meet my friend at Neighborly Farms, who also happens to also be a Linda.

Spending a few hours with Linda made me realize how close we've become in the virtual world and in particular, the EtsyBlogger Team. Online we are pictures, shops and chats in the forums...but we've become a real part of each other's lives. A day doesn't go by that I don't stop to think about my Blogger friends. Linda, a Breast Cancer survivor, is now a Blessed Grandma times 25! I felt like I have known her forever in the few short hours we spent together.

Before Linda departed she gifted me a beautiful cup cozy and even sent me another one for my husband to use. They are great, and a real life saver when we out on the road. Makes holding a hot cup of coffee so much nicer, and they are reusable!

Linda's talents amaze me. Not only does she make beautiful fabric creations, but she also makes gorgeous jewelry. She will be closing Pruitt Designs soon and is holding a sale until Jan. 15 so be sure to visit that shop soon!

Be sure to visit Linda's Blog, Pruitt Handcrafts, to keep up on her shops, creations, and family news.

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Holiday Sale

2010-11-25T23:10:00.000-05:00

Starting NOW and all weekend long we are discounting items in our online shop. New items will be listed throughout the weekend.

If you want a larger quantity of a particular item than what is listed we can set up a private listing for you.

Orders placed during this sale will ship out by no later than Tuesday, November 30.

All items/quantities listed in our online shop are in-stock and ready to ship.

Please note that with some items there is a limited in supply. While we are happy to make more product where supplies are limited, keep in mind this will increase the number of days before your order will ship.

Need a gift basket put together, or need an order shipped directly to the recipient? No problem. We love special requests and are happy to make your shopping experience easier.

Meet Devine Designs ~ Where Bending and Twisting of Metal into Unique Metal Designs is Abundant

2010-11-20T17:24:00.008-05:00

Striving for perfection, Devine Designs uses wire to make twists and coils that adds greatly to her original art jewelry designs. A mostly self-taught wire and cold forged metal jewelry artist, Devine comes from a family of creativity.

She has studied under local artist, Stacy Perry, as well as learning from books and video tutorials. She has also gained a wealth of knowledge from other jewelry artists and instructors that include Sharilyn Miller and Lisa Niven Kelly, who are considered among the best wire jewelry artists.

Take a visit of her shop and you will be amazed with her work. I personally love the Goddess Spirals in copper. The bracelet and earring set is very reasonably priced.

Devine also maintains an informative blog where she shares the highlights of her metal jewelry artistic moments. You can also follow her on Facebook!

Congratulations, Devine Designs Jewelry, our Etsyblogger Featured Artist for the Month of November, 2010!

Early Bird Holiday Sale

2010-11-20T00:08:00.003-05:00

Everything in our online store is on sale!

20% off AND remember free shipping within the USA!

Inspired By Food

2010-11-14T16:01:00.005-05:00

For the November 19th Blog Carnival hosted by PatchFirstShop she asked us to:

Talk about your inspirations!!

1) What item are you working on?? What is your inspiration for this piece??
2) What is always inspiring you for your shops, your works, or anything in your life??

I am often told by customers that my products make them hungry and those that know me well say they should have guessed that my products look good enough to eat (I manage a school kitchen where we cook from scratch and use a lot of local produce). A lot of my soapy inspiration comes from my passion for cooking foods that not only smell good, but have great eye appeal and the same rings true with my soapy projects.

Whipped Sugar Scrub Sale

2010-11-14T08:36:00.001-05:00

SUNDAY ONLY!

Online Sales only!

20% off our Whipped Sugar Scrubs

Free shipping within the USA!

Sale ends at 11 PM Eastern Time.

I've Been Tagged and Asked Four Questions

2010-10-25T19:47:00.007-04:00

My friend Deb, from Stroll Through Storyland, tagged me and asked me four questions.

1. What's your favorite store to go into?

Ok... hands down it is the King Arthur Flour Store. I know ~ lots of jealous folks out there ~ because I live so close and can go anytime I choose. I could spend hours in that store looking at all of the baking supplies and ingredients... and tasting all sorts of bakery treats while I shop. What can I say? I love to cook and I love to eat.

2. Do you keep a journal or diary?

No, I never really got into that sort of thing.

3. What time do you go to bed?

Most nights it is 10:30 or 11 PM when I fall into bed for the first time. Then it has been 2 or 3 AM after feeding grand baby while her momma is working the graveyard shift then I go back to bed for the second time. We've had a couple nights of no waking up, so that is good for me.

4. How many hours, on average, do you spend on the computer?

Hmmmm...if you count the number of hours I sit at the computer at work ~ lots...but it is work and no fun. At home it greatly depends on what is going on. Two grand babies keep me pretty busy in the evenings so some days I never even log on to the computer and use the cell phone to check out what's going on. I'm finding the traveling Internet on the cell is a golden highway as it reduces the amount of time spent sitting at a computer....but the down side is that I can't do as much online with the cell.

Now it is my turn to tag four people. Mountain Woman from Red Pine Mountain, Teresa from Life, Homesteading and Everything, MamaZ from Two Zany Zebras and Lily my dear friend over at Fusion Art Jewelry that I'm hoping will come out of hiding for a little bit of bloggy fun.

Should you accept, Here are you're Four Questions:

1. What is your favorite season and why?

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

3. What is your least favorite household chore?

4. Do you like your toilet paper hanging over or under the roll?

EtsyBloggers October 11 Blog Carnival

2010-10-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the October 11th, 2010 edition of the EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival!

Here are this edition's themes:

1. What are some fun activities you like to do in the fall. (travel, apple
picking, etc)

2. Show us some awesome photos of autumn in and around where you live.

Enjoy!

Laurie Jackson presents Fall in Colorado posted at Indulge Your Shelf.

gilliauna presents Seattle in the Fall and Steve Raley Photography - A Rare Post by Leal posted at The Meandering Musings of a Consummate Shopper.

TiLTcreations presents Etsyblogger Carnival: Fall Fun posted at Crafts, kids, home and life.

Linda B presents October 8 Blog Carnival - Autumn the Season posted at Linda B's Blog.

Patti presents MMM...Mustard! posted at peacoxcreations.

Jessica presents Blog Carnival: Fall Fun posted at Cut Your Heart Out.

Jordan Pulliam presents Finally Fall posted at Jordan Necessities.

cindy devine presents My favorite time of the year posted at Devine Designs Jewelry.

Charity presents BlogCarnival – Fall Activities posted at Eternal Stardust Jewelry, saying, "Sorry it's kind of short. "

Erika presents Here Comes the Fair posted at NICO* Designs.

Alicia Mae presents The leaves, the leaves posted at Crafts and Cooking.

storybeader presents Etsybloggers Carnival - fall in Oklahoma posted at Stroll Through Storyland.

Linda Wheelock presents The Roads Less Traveled posted at Spotted Cow Soaps.

Lydia Schrandt presents Where are you autumn?? posted at Glowbug Design.

Joey & Aleethea presents apple picking time posted at J o e y & A l e e t h e a.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of etsybloggers
using our carnival submission form.

Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

The Roads Less Traveled

2010-10-07T21:44:00.009-04:00

The grand display of colors this time of year is breathtaking, indeed. Along any road in Vermont there is a photo opportunity waiting to be captured. Here is a road less traveled in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont where the wildlife is plentiful. Ever been along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire? Keep watch and I will share some photos of our trip. It is an amazing stretch of road that draws thousands of tourists (leaf peepers) each year.

Time for the Chocoholics to Unite!

2010-10-04T18:35:00.005-04:00

Today's flavor of the day is all about chocolate. I love chocolate anything, and this scrumptious Chocoholics Unite Sugar Scrub is sure to bring decadence and delight to your bathing experience. This scrub is a truly euphoric adventure to be explored. Bubbling with excitement that one experiences with an intense chocolate explosion from the world's best chocolatier. This is definitely not for the faint at heart. Let the adventure begin!

Never leave home without our scrubs. We now package them in a convenient 4 ounce jar. These also make great stocking stuffers for the Holiday's. And, if you reside within the US you will enjoying FREE Shipping on our regularly priced products. Each of these chocolate explosions will ship for free if you reside within the US.

Maple Sugar Heaven

2010-10-03T16:34:00.008-04:00

I just love Maple Sugar....Yummy Maple Sugar dripping all over pancakes or poured over snow, maple cream on toast, or perhaps a candy treat....and now, you can bathe and scrub in the essence of Maple Sugar year round. There's nothing like the smell of boiling sap in a sugar house each spring and these products capture that essence dead on! Great gift idea for the Maple Sugar lovers in your life.

We've taken our Whipped Soap and combined it with some sugar ~ creating a fabulous exfoliating scrub! Leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and moisturized. Best of all, this product is Paraben Free. A little goes a long way with this fabulous Whipped Sugar Scrub. Simply remove desired amount of Whipped Sugar Scrub from jar. Rub into skin; add water to create a delightful bubbly sugar lather and rinse off.

Our Maple Sugar Whipped Sugar Scrub comes in two convenient sizes. If you are not quite sure about our Whipped Sugar Scrubs, the 4 ounce jar is perfect for you! This size also makes for great stocking stuffers ~ hint, hint! :) If you have come to love our Whipped Sugar Scrubs or you are a Sugar Scrub "Junkie", then the 8 ounce jar is just the ticket.

We certainly could not make a scrub without offering a luxurious bar of Maple Sugar Handcrafted Soap. This superfatted soap formula is made with Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Shea Butter. It will leave your skin feeling extra pampered and loved. Each handsome handcrafted bar of soap weighs between 4.5 to 5 ounces.

Best of all, our US customers have really been enjoying FREE Shipping on our regularly priced products. Yes, I said FREE Shipping! Each of these Maple delights will ship for free if you reside within the US.

It's Autumn in Vermont!

2010-09-20T21:19:00.008-04:00

It's fall in Vermont. Fall colors have slowly been emerging and it looks to be yet another spectacular show of colors, as always. This Autumn Leaf Soap is one of many new creations I've been working on this past month.

I know it has been a while since I last wrote on my blog, but that's life sometimes. In the past month I've spent a great deal of time processing fresh local veggies for the school...tomatoes, corn, peppers, melon, green beans...and the fall crops are coming in shortly. The freezer is really bursting with the bounty from area farmers and growers. We've helped the local economy by purchasing the produce, but the farmers and growers have been so generous and we've had an equal amount of produce donated by these same folks. It has been awesome! The kids at my school are getting the best of the best, and I'm proud of that.

I've also been working on preserving the bounty from my own garden at home. The tomatoes have gone crazy this year and made up for last year when all of my 20+ vines were stricken with early end blight. The tomatoes this year are going bonkers and I have been giving the excess bounty away to anyone that will take them. My freezers at home are filling right up!

Big changes with a toddler and a newborn in the house. And even bigger changes for their mom when she returned to work after maternity leave. The shift she had been working was eliminated and she's on a 3rd shift position. The grandbabies keep me busy in the evenings, and it's a small miracle if we have dinner before 7 PM. Then it is baths, bottles, diapers...and just when you think you about blogging you realize it is bedtime once again.

Back to School with a Freezer Full of Local Produce

2010-08-10T07:22:00.020-04:00

It's that time of year where preparations are well underway for the new school year. No backpacks, notebooks, crayons and pencils for this chick! Managing a Food Service program for a school is a never ending job well after the students leave for the summer and before students return in the fall.

I feel privileged to be among the leaders in this country that are making positive changes for their students that participate in the National School Lunch program. Many Vermont schools are already cooking healthier. Prepared spaghetti sauce from a can? Not in my school kitchen ~ scratch cooking is the thing to do! Not only is it cheaper, but it is healthier for the kids. No concerns over sodium laden sauces, added sugars, dyes, preservatives, etc.

A culmination of planning and efforts between myself, farmers and interested community members is now reality. This year I am extremely excited that we are taking some of the scratch cooking back to the roots and closer to the vines where food grows. Farmers and interested families within the school community have agreed to "grow a row" for the school.
Produce Processing Parties have been planned where volunteers will (under my direction) assist with the washing, peeling, chopping, blanching and freezing the bounty of local produce. Students will enjoy that bounty over the course of the upcoming school year....corn, beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash, root veggies, and more. None of this would be possible without the generosity from within the community and the passion I hold for true cooking from scratch.

Last spring the 3rd grade class planted some heirloom tomatoes along an old flower bed behind the school. Students enrolled in summer programs have been maintaining the garden over the summer. How exciting it will be to have students pick the tomatoes in the morning that will be served on the salad bar for lunch!

Free Shipping Within USA

2010-08-09T09:23:00.007-04:00

How many times have you been shopping online, only to abort the shopping cart because the shipping fees were too high?

We are thrilled to offer a new way of shopping to our customers within the USA. Most every item in our shop has been updated to reflect Free Shipping to customers that reside within the USA! No more waiting for a refund for excess shipping fees, or freaking out because the shipping fees seem too high.

Deal of the Day ~ August 8

2010-08-08T00:08:00.003-04:00

Sunday August 8 Deal of the Day ~ FREE Spa Washcloth with purchase of the Butterfly Kisses Gift Set. Spa Washcloth is made with 100% cotton yarn which I have crocheted with lots of love. Offer ends 6 AM Eastern Time on Monday, August 9.

This set captures the essence of lovely sweet smelling flowers that attract butterflies.

It comes to you in the beautiful painted butterfly tin bucket and includes ONE(1) bar of soap, FOUR (4)differently decorated bars of Butterfly Glycerin Soap (with mica for coloring) weighing in at approximately 1 ounce each, ONE (1) Loofah surrounded in a skin delicious pool of glycerin soap, and one (1) 4 ounce bottle of Butterfly Kisses Body Lotion.

Deal of the Day ~ August 7

2010-08-07T00:15:00.001-04:00

Saturday August 7 Deal of the Day ~ free shipping within the USA! Offer ends 6 AM Eastern Time on Sunday, August 8.

This spa set is lovingly put together as a royal pampering treat. Perfect gift for that special person in your life ~ Mom, Grandma, Daughter, Wife, Special Friend ~ or an indulgence for yourself.

Looking for a creative idea for that next gathering with close friends? This spa set helps to set the stage for a great spa party with friends.

Wishing you could spend the day at a spa, but can't afford it? Here's the perfect solution at a fraction of the cost.

Tranquil Spa is a clean and intoxicating fragrance oozing with the freshness and essence of a royal pampering treatment at a day spa.

Deal of the Day ~ August 6

2010-08-06T08:22:00.003-04:00

Friday August 6 Deal of the Day ~ when you order one jar, we'll send a second jar for free! Offer ends 6 AM Eastern Time on Saturday August 7.

Our made from scratch whipped soap by itself is a fabulous treat for the skin but with the addition of sugar it offers a royal pampering treat that will leave your skin soft and nourished. Product testers have indicated their skin feels like it has been cleansed, buffed, and moisturized at the same time.

Unlike oil scrubs that leave you reaching for help to get out of the tub or shower, our whipped soap delivers the sugar scrubbing treatment to your skin with a softening touch without that slippery oily residue.

This awesome sugar scrub is bursting with Blackberry Sage ~ The sage tones down the sweet of the blackberry, making it the perfect blackberry fragrance.

Hailley Lynn ~ Our Newest Family Member

2010-08-03T00:18:00.007-04:00

July 27 we welcomed our second Grandbaby, Hailley Lynn, into our hearts and arms. She is joined by big sister Christina, who is now 18 months old! Christina is absolutely smitten with her baby sister (check out the photo on the right side of this blog).

This is one very proud Grammy. We're celebrating so join with us and share in our delight...we have extended the summer sale in our shop until August 8, 2010.

It's a Summer Sale!

2010-07-23T21:21:00.009-04:00

After two false alarms where we thought Grandbaby # 2 would arrive way early, all is well. Momma to be is holding up well, back to work to wait it out, AND the baby is healthy and continues to grow. All has been quiet for a couple weeks and I've been able to tackle some much needed cleaning and organizing in the soap room!

I've been working on new products as well as streamlining and revamping my soap business. The exciting details will be announced at a later date. Just know that I am jazzed up and super excited to take the next step to grow this business into something much larger than it has been.

As a result of all this cleaning and desperate need to make room for the new, this calls for a sale to clear out these awesome goodies. Which means.... I have put them all on sale! This sale will run from now until 8/1/10. There is quite a few items in the shop that are already marked down, with more to follow in the coming days. Discounted prices, BOGO, Half Price Items, and Free Domestic Shipping on some items.

Learning to Roll with the Punches Life Deals Me

2010-06-17T12:38:00.005-04:00

Sometimes our dreams and goals are changed due to life experiences. Over the past 16 months (or so), a lot has happened and changed in my life. Becoming a first time Grammy, enduring a house fire and clean up 2 weeks before my second child graduated High School, experiencing the beginnings of becoming empty nesters and then suddenly having 7 adults, 1 baby, 3 cats and 2 rabbits under one roof. What can I say, life got hectic. In about two months we'll be welcoming Grandbaby #2 into our hearts, arms, and home.

At times I do get frustrated with all of the extra work but at the end of the day I'm thankful that we have been blessed with this awesome large home to accommodate the needs of our growing family. I may not be able to tackle the projects I had before (when I want to), but seeing that smiling precious grandbaby looking up at me as she toddles into the kitchen to "help" her Grammy is far more important than the project I thought I needed to do.

This summer I plan on enjoying every moment of every day with my precious Grandbaby and soon love on her new baby sister. Not to worry, I will have 2 days each week while Christina is in Day Care to tackle the projects I need to accomplish...and ramp up my products for this fall and into the Christmas season. A happy compromise where we all win in the end.

Sunday Silence ~ Christina's First Pet

2010-05-30T10:47:00.003-04:00

Sunday Silence ~ Calf at Neighborly Farm

2010-05-23T07:28:00.004-04:00

Sunday Silence ~ Mother's Day Gift From The Kids

2010-05-16T09:07:00.003-04:00

Tranquil Spa Gift Set

2010-05-15T18:06:00.004-04:00

Wishing you could spend the day at a spa, but can't afford it? Here's the perfect solution at a fraction of the cost.

Tranquil Spa is a clean and intoxicating fragrance oozing with the freshness and essence of a royal pampering treatment at a day spa.

This set comes to you in the adorable trunk style box and includes:
8 ounce jar of Whipped Sea Salt Scrub
8 ounce bottle of Bubble Bath (can also be used as Shower Gel)
4 ounce bottle of Body Lotion
1 Spa Salt Bar
1 Loofah Soap
1 Spa Washcloth

This spa set is lovingly put together as a royal pampering treat for that special person in your life ~ Mom, Grandma, Daughter, Wife, Special Friend ~ or an indulgence for yourself.

Looking for a creative idea for that next gathering with close friends? This spa set helps to set the stage for a great spa party with friends.

Gift Baskets ~ Blackberry Sage

2010-04-22T06:53:00.003-04:00

I have been in love with this fragrance for several years and so have many of my customers. The sage tones down the sweet of the blackberry, making it the perfect blackberry fragrance to present in a gift set just in time for Mother's Day!

This Bath Set includes one (1) 8-ounce bottle of bubble bath one (1) 8-ounce bottle of body lotion, one (1) 8-ounce jar of Whipped Sugar Scrub, and one (1) Loofah swimming in a pool of glycerin soap.

Butterfly Kisses

2010-03-20T13:15:00.007-04:00

On this first day of Spring we've captured some lovely Butterflies and have an ample supply to share with your children! Perfect size set to include in an Easter Basket, or help encourage cleanliness now that spring and mud is here. Our Butterfly Kisses scent will leave your little one smelling like a sweet butterfly.

This Butterfly Kisses Set includes one (1) bar of Butterfly Glycerin Soap weighing in at approximately 1 ounces and one (1) 4 ounce bottle of Butterfly Kisses Body Lotion.

Invaded by Ladybugs!

2010-03-18T14:39:00.004-04:00

We've been invaded by Ladybugs and have an ample supply to share with your children! Perfect size set to include in an Easter Basket, or help encourage cleanliness now that spring and mud is on its way. Our Ladybugs scent will leave your child smelling all fruity and clean.

This set includes one (1) bar of Ladybugs Glycerin Soap weighing in at approximately 1.5 ounces and one (1) 4 ounce bottle of Ladybugs Body Lotion.

Feeling Springy

2010-03-17T20:14:00.003-04:00

The weather has been absolutely glorious this week! It is rare in Vermont to see so much ground and so little snow this time of year. My lilacs are budding out (YIPPEE), and I see signs of my herb plants in the garden poking their noses through the soil once again. I ditched my trip to the exercise room this afternoon in favor of getting outdoors to enjoy the fresh air. It was delightful, indeed! With the ground warming up, any snowfall that might come our way is sure to melt quickly, which warms my spirits.

Spa Bath Accessories in Sea Glass

2010-03-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Made with 100% cotton yarn, a renewable resource, makes this Spa Bath Accessories Set an Eco Friendly option. Colors may fade and shrink slightly on the first wash, but gets softer and more absorbent the longer you use it. Machine wash and dry.

This set includes 1 (one) bath puff, 1 (one) spa washcloth (approximately 8 inches square), and 2 (two) face washers (approximately 2 inches square). The washcloth and face washers come with hanging loops to make it easier for drying out between use.

Happy Birthday Christina!

2010-03-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that one year ago today we welcomed Christina into the world. A precious miracle that immediately won the hearts and love of her family.

At 6 months of age, the independence was starting. Her personality beginning to come to the forefront.

Today she's a ham and three quarters. The big smile is just a glimpse of the sweet baby she has become.

Citrus Treasury Curated by Leyton Smiles

2010-03-09T04:30:00.002-05:00

I woke up yesterday to find that I was featured in this awesome Citrus Treasury. I just love the various citrus colors, they are so cheery and bright. Clicking on the image will take you to the treasury, but hurry because it is only there until tomorrow afternoon....

This fabulous treasury was curated by:

The woman behind Leyton Smiles is a mom to two boys. She enjoys making homemade baby items for her own children as well as friends and family. It's a good thing she opened up a shop on Etsy. Each of her products are chic and eye catching, indeed. Who says baby stuff has to look like the traditional baby gear.
Check out this adorable Baby Swaddling Blanket in Chocolate Brown and Blue Polka Dot! Quoted from her listing: Every baby needs tons of swaddling blankets! This perfect blanket is a mod chocolate brown and blue polka dot cotton print, backed in a super soft white flannel. (And the flannel just gets softer every time you wash it!) It's large size allows for many years of use for numerous purposes - swaddling, staying warm in the car, stroller, play time on the floor, etc! This swaddling blanket would be a wonderful gift for any Mom and baby, or keep it for yourself!

♥ This swaddling blanket is a larger size than normal, measuring approximately 32.5 x 32 inches. It's also topstitched for long-lasting durability.

♥ This swaddling blanket comes tied in a cute chocolate brown grosgrain ribbon and is ready to give! Pair it with the matching burp cloth set for the perfect baby gift! See the matching burp cloth set here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40717876

♥ All fabrics have been prewashed to prevent shrinkage. Machine wash cold and tumble dry low.

The Tulips Are Here!

2010-03-08T09:00:00.007-05:00

Vibrant and beautiful tulips...a sign that spring is around the corner. Up here in Vermont the weather has been absolutely splendid. We still have plenty of snow laying around but it is melting, and that is a good sign. I'm anxious to see my flowers blooming once again.

I've created this trio of soaps in anticipation of spring. The purple tulip is scented with Lavender Essential Oil. The pink tulip is scented with Pink Jasmine Musk. The yellow tulip is scented with Honeysuckle. Share the essence of spring with your friends and loved ones. These make great "pick me up" gifts for those who are still burdened under the weight of winter.

Meet Dizzy Dragonflies ~ Where Spinning and Yarn are Abundant

2010-03-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

Vicki is the woman behind Dizzy Dragonglies and Knitting Dragonflies. She states on her shop that she has always loved creating items. While her passion is yarn, knitting and crocheting, she has branched out with spinning, and hand dyeing yarn.

By accident she started selling her hand knit items when people offered to pay her to make them something.

In my journey to become better acquainted with Vicki, I found her photostream on Flickr to be the best resource where she is showcasing various projects. I am in awe of the detail on this particular project...

In addition to running two online shops, Vicki also maintains Knitting Dragonflies Blog.

Congratulations, Vicki on being the Featured Etsyblogger for the Month of March 2010!

Snuggles Reluctantly Shares His "Nest" With Nicky

2010-03-06T09:09:00.004-05:00

Making Liquid Soap from Scratch

2010-03-05T09:00:00.010-05:00

I've been playing again. This time, the end result is an amazing liquid soap that is "Just Peachy"! I'm totally hooked on the process so you will be finding more natural liquid soap products in the coming weeks. I just absolutely love the feel of this soap on my skin and we are sure you will love it, too. From now through March 15, 2010, we are offering this amazing Just Peachy Natural Liquid Soap at an introductory half price sale.

Lilacs ~ My favorite flower of Spring

2010-03-04T09:00:00.016-05:00

I have always dreamed of having lilacs growing outside my bedroom window. When we moved into our house, the first thing I bought was a lilac bush and I planted it between my bedroom and bathroom window. Each spring I look forward to the smell of lilac wafting through the windows. I also love to take photos of the lilacs when they are starting to bud out and as they come into full bloom.

In anxious anticipation of spring, Lilac products are making their way into our shop.

Lilac Soap

Lilac Shower Gel

Look for more Lilac products to make their way to our shop in the near future.

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Chocolate Monster

2010-03-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

Whipped Sea Salt Scrub

2010-03-02T09:00:00.005-05:00

Our made from scratch whipped soap by itself is a fabulous treat for the skin but with the addition of sea salt it offers a royal pampering treat that will leave your skin soft and nourished. Product testers have indicated their skin feels like it has been cleansed, buffed, and moisturized at the same time.

Sea Salt is beneficial to the skin. Skin absorbs sea salts, vitamins and any other substances it comes into contact with. Bathing in high quality sea salts could replenish the minerals vital to our skin metabolism.

Unlike oil scrubs that leave you reaching for help to get out of the tub or shower, our whipped soap delivers the sea salt treatment to your skin with a softening touch without that slippery oily residue.

We've enhanced the greatness of this Whipped Sea Salt Scrub with Tranquil Spa ~ a clean and intoxicating fragrance oozing with the freshness and essence of a royal pampering treatment at a day spa.

Introducing Goat Milk Soaps ~ A new product line for 2010

2010-03-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is an unscented bar of soap that has been enhanced with the addition of goat milk. No colorant has been added to this soap, the color is a natural result of the soap making process.

Goat milk protein contains essential amino acids as well as vitamins A and B and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. With its natural emollients, goat milk soap can relieve dryness and leave your skin feeling silky soft. Goat milk soap is often recommended by dermatologists for their patients who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.

Scented Goat Milk Soaps will be appearing soon!

Meet TiLT Creations

2010-02-28T13:41:00.010-05:00

Teresa is the woman behind TiLT Creations. A stay at home mom to two, Teresa has been sewing and crafting for years and now shares that talent with others through her online store.

Handbag in Brown and Pink Blooms is one the newest additions to TiLT Creations. I just love the pink and brown combo. Here is the low down on this beauty...

This mid sized Janet handbag fits great on both your arm or in your hands.
The exterior is a cotton shirting fabric with brown blooms that have a pink center on a cream background.
The lining is an ivory silk twill ~ the lining is interfaced to give some shape and stability.
The closure is a magnetic snap. There are no interior pockets.
There is rose colored 7/8" grosgrain ribbon sewn around the bag's exterior. There is a vintage styled antiqued bronze stamped metal floral filigree attached to a gathering of the rose ribbon on the front of the bag.
The strap is the same rose ribbon, stuffed with polar fleece to make them soft to grip. It is one loop that is held at the sides under a pocket of sorts inside each side of the bag. These "pockets" are made from the same fabric as the exterior, giving a pop of contrast on the interior.

approximate size:
11 1/2" wide
6" top to bottom at the center
2 1/2" deep

You can't beat the reasonable price on this gorgeous handbag. I have a feeling it won't be in her shop for long.

Teresa also has a destash shop, TiLT Too!, along with FOUR blogs! It's all I can do to keep up with one, I don't know how she does it with four!

TiLT Creations Blog
Crafts, Kids, Home and Life
TiLT Treasures
TiLT's Giveaway Finds

Become a fan of TiLT Creations on Facebook to receive late breaking news, hear about new additions, what Teresa is working on, and more!

Congratulations, Teresa, for being the Etsyblogger of the Month for February!

A Tropical Oasis

2010-02-18T19:11:00.007-05:00

I take a deep breath and smell the salty air coming off the ocean through the open doorway as warm breezes kiss my skin. I quickly open my eyes to take in the views of the tropical oasis when reality sets in...I'm laying in my own bed, buried underneath a mountain of blankets to keep warm, hear my husband snoring next to me and the furnace clunking in the basement as a blast of warm air pours from the register. Sigh....It's that time of year when winter begins to wear on me and I dream of warmer climate. Most of the snow has stayed south, pushed further north, or missed us entirely...so far this winter. I'm not missing the snow all that much, but I sure am missing the warmer weather. I'm all for ditching the coats, scarves and gloves in favor of shorts and tank tops. This year I feel more cabin fever than I've felt in the years before, most likely because last summer we didn't have much of a summer to speak of. The yearning for warm tropical air is beckoning me. I hope the lack of snow means an early spring and nice warm (and long) summer. But until then, my tropical oasis will have to greet me in my dreams.

Chocomint Soap

2010-02-14T13:59:00.004-05:00

Cool and refreshing peppermint drowning in a pool of chocolate is exactly what this soap is all about. This bar of soap is dressed up with curls of chocolate soap on top. Smells delicious enough to eat (although we do not recommend eating) and feels great on the skin. You will find some of these fabulous bars of soap in our shop.

It's Been A While

2010-02-07T10:33:00.004-05:00

Time has managed to slip away from me the past several months, and blogging has had to take a back seat. I found my soaping groove which means the blogging groove is coming back, also. :) Here is one of my newest creations ~

Purple Mountain Majesty ~ This is the epitome of clean and crisp. It's the ultimate water scent with the freshness of an icy mountain lake packed into one single bar of soap. This is sure to please both men and women alike. You can find some of this fabulous soap here!

On another note...I have had to put the comments on this blog under moderation due to the excessive amount of spam and obscene comments that have been left in recent months.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-10T19:33:00.004-05:00

Snuggles was sitting on the bench. Christina crawled over to him and just before she pulled herself up on the bench to play with him, he took off under the table. As she was lifting the table cloth to find him, Snuggles casually poked his head out by the bench and walked over to me. I wasn't fast enough to capture the entire moment, but I did capture a great moment of Christina. :)

Last Minute Gift Ideas

2009-12-13T07:55:00.008-05:00

If you are still in need of stocking stuffers, look no further. We have many stocking stuffers to choose from, both in our regular line of products as well as Holiday themed products. There is still time to ship domestic orders and receive them before December 24. All orders placed by Thursday, December 17 will ship priority mail and should be delivered within 2-3 business days within the US. Starting December 18, to guarantee delivery by December 24 you must request a shipping upgrade for Express Mail.

Snowflake Soaps ~ Premium Glycerin Soap scented in three favorite fragrances ~ Candy Cane, Rosemary Mint, and Eucalyptus. Comes to you as a set of three and perfect for a last minute stocking stuffer. This could be divided up for three smaller gifts.

Lemongrass Sage Bath Set ~ This duo is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer. Includes 4 oz. bottle of Shower Gel and Body Lotion. Also available in other fragrances, which you will find in our Stocking Stuffer Section.
Sparkling Champagne Bubble Bath ~ it smells yummy, and perfect for New Years Celebrations.
Bay Rum ~ our best selling Men's fragrance soap. Your guy will smell awesome after they bathe with this one!

Blessings for Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T20:42:00.009-05:00

It's been a while since I last posted anything on my blog, and for good reasons. I took a mini vacation and jumped on a plane to surprise my dad for his 70th Birthday. Josh and Ashley went with, and Ashley's BF went with us as well. Mom and I managed to pull it off and boy was my father ever surprised. It was a great extended weekend and I would do it again!

The day after we returned from our trip Josh had an accident with his truck...the tree stopped him.
Thankfully no one was seriously injured in the accident. He's been sharing my car until he found a replacement (which is going to be on the road this weekend...YEAH!!!)

Thanksgiving is one of those Holiday's that hasn't become overly commercialized. I have much to be thankful for each and every day and Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on all of the bounty and blessings in my life ~ my family, my health, my friends, my job, a roof over my head, and food on the table each night. I am also thankful for all of my faithful customers this past year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hanukkah Celebration Soap

2009-10-12T08:06:00.001-04:00

Our Hanukkah Celebration Soaps make the perfect gift for Hanukkah. They are made with an all natural glycerin soap base that is SLS free. The soap is scented with frankincense and myrrh essential oils.

The set includes the five (5) bars shown, weighing a total of 8 ounces. Two rectangle soaps bearing the image of a Menorah, and three round soaps donning the Star of David.

We are happy to accommodate order requests for multiple sets.

Sunday Silence

2009-10-11T09:00:00.002-04:00

Sunday Silence

2009-09-27T09:00:00.004-04:00

Meet Designs by Vanessa ~ Where Every Birdie is Welcome!

2009-09-26T19:35:00.004-04:00

And where handmade jewelry, paper goods, and more abound. You will notice first off the cute little birdie theme throughout her shop. The birdie theme is just a "tiny" obsession of Designs by Vanessa. Since childhood the crafty bug has been in her veins and it shows in her artistic abilities.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
designsbyvanessa.etsy.com

If you have the opportunity, check out the Designs by Vanessa Blog.

Congratulations on being our EtsyBlogger of the Month!

Welcome to My Mess(es)!

2009-09-25T18:40:00.010-04:00

A Soapers favorite safety tools...

Pouring Chocoholics Unite soap into the mold...as you can see my soapy messes interrupt cooking messes...and actually, I'm accused of taking over the entire house, so I really should have just taken a photo of the exterior of the house and posted that, instead. Please note that this photo was taken a long time ago before I cut off all of my hair.

Soap all cut and ready for the curing rack...

Cured soap awaiting packaging...

Packaged soap waiting for new homes...

Orange Energy - "Vitamin C" For Your Skin

2009-09-21T20:05:00.008-04:00

Need some Energy? How about a dose of "Vitamin C" for your skin with this fabulous glycerin soap. Looks just like an orange, but it's really soap that we've infused with the awesome essence of Energy ~ An exciting and eye awakening citrus blend. Bottom of soap is flat so the soap won't roll away on you.

These make great hostess gifts, favors, stocking stuffers, and more. Need more than one, just drop us a message and we'll be happy to work with you.

Get yours today!

Sunday Silence

2009-09-20T11:46:00.002-04:00

Sunday Silence

2009-09-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Inspirational Soap Stones

2009-09-08T20:39:00.006-04:00

These realistic looking soap stones make a great Feng Shui addition to any bath. We've scented them with the rich, earthy, woody aroma of Patchouli. Six soap stones are included with each set, each one with a different inspirational word ~ Love, Peace, Fortune, Happiness, Harmony, Luck.

Much to our delight, one set sold shortly after it was listed for sale. We would be happy to make these in a scent of your chosing if you are not a fan of Patchouli.

Rich and Creamy Vanilla Buttercream Collection

2009-09-07T08:16:00.011-04:00

It's a yummy addiction for your skin like no other...

Body Lotion ~ This is the perfect formula that leaves your skin feeling soft without that greasy slimey after touch.
Loofah Soap ~ Your feet are going to Thank You! We've taken a generous slice of loofah and submerged it in a luxurious helping of 100% Vegan Friendly Glycerin Soap. What can be better than a nice bar of scented soap that will both exfoliate and cleanse those rough, stinky feet?
Body Lotion Parfait ~ This is a very yummy Body Lotion Parfait. Smells every bit as yummy as it looks (but we don't advise eating this). Chock full of skin loving goodies and layered with aloe vera gel...what can be better than that?
Bubble Bath ~ This Bubble Bath offers loads of bubbles to enjoy alone, or with someone special. So unique in that you could use the product as a shower gel. Versatile and full of awesomeness!
Natural Soap ~ This soap is dripping with the essence of rich and creamy Vanilla Buttercream and we've tossed in some brown sugar for exfoliation. The superfatted soap formula is my own signature formula. It will leave your skin feeling extra pampered and loved.
Whipped Sugar Scrub ~ This is some great stuff! We've taken our Whipped Soap and combined it with some sugar ~ creating a fabulous scrub! Leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and moisturized. Best of all, this product is Paraben Free. A little goes a long way with this fabulous Whipped Sugar Scrub.

Sunday Silence

2009-09-06T09:20:00.001-04:00

Red Pine Mountain: It's That Time Again; Let's Support Our Troops

2009-09-05T20:01:00.000-04:00

Red Pine Mountain: It's That Time Again; Let's Support Our Troops

Giving Thanks to Those That Serve Our Country

2009-09-05T19:47:00.004-04:00

One of my online friends and neighbor (literally ~ we live just one hour from each other), Sara, from Red Pine Mountain is putting together another box for Operation Shoebox. She is collecting comments and words of encouragement through her blog that will be included with items in the package. Let's help Sara send off a great big box of Thank You's to those serving overseas...and just in time for Thanksgiving. I am honored and thrilled to be part of this awesome opportunity.

Sunday Silence

2009-08-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

Sunday Silence

2009-08-23T14:00:00.000-04:00

Going Back to School

2009-08-23T07:34:00.012-04:00

What does that mean to me? It means the lazy days of summer are over and back to full-time work as a School Food Service Manager in a K-12 school. That's me holding the largest bowl in my hands. My staff and sub were all present when this photo was taken this past spring.

I'm particularly excited about this school year because it will be the first year we will not have to share our cafeteria space with grade school PE classes. No longer will we have to haul in tables and all pertinent cafeteria equipment in a "10 Minute Sprint", as it had not so affectionately become known as. And we will no longer need to clear the room in a repeat demonstration at the conclusion of lunch.

Over the past year the school has been in the middle of construction of a new gymnasium and school beautification project. An Open House/Picnic and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new gymnasium will take place this week. My staff and I are asked to cater the annual Open House which typically is held 2 weeks after the school year begins. It is particularly exciting this year that the Open House is taking place before the first day of school so we aren't rushed to prepare the food. Held two weeks into the school year means we have to prepare school meals and Open House food at the same time, resulting in several hectic days.

In early July I was excited to learn the application submitted in early June for Federal Stimulus money to purchase kitchen equipment had been granted. At the time the application had been submitted I didn't think we stood a chance of becoming a recipient as this was a highly competitive grant and I was asking for almost 1/5 of the monies that came to Vermont to install a new walk-in refrigerator/freezer unit. The school was not required to come up with matching funds for this grant, which was a great plus. With this grant money we were able to solve many of the underlying issues with water leaking into the lower level of the school, repair some structural damage, address some mold issues, and at the same time install an energy efficient unit that is state of the art with sprinklers and safety features that prevent anyone from being locked inside.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho it's back to work I go....

Ship More for Less

2009-08-17T14:26:00.004-04:00

Stocking up for the Holiday's just got cheaper at Spotted Cow Soaps. We are pleased to announce that with our new packaging design we can fit up to 12 (TWELVE) bars of soap in a flat rate envelope. Stocking up will cost you less now that we can fit more bars of soap in the flat rate envelopes.

Sunday Silence

2009-08-16T09:00:00.002-04:00

Inspired by Summer Beaches

2009-08-14T18:42:00.012-04:00

Summer is winding down and we're finally feeling some summer heat up here in Vermont. A trip to the ocean this time of year is always a lot of fun. That is out of the question for me this year as I am deep in back to school preparations, and up to my eyeballs in the installation of a new walk-in refrigerator and deep freeze unit with funds I was lucky enough to snag from a federal stimulus grant. I can't help but dream of lazy days lounging around the beach, and thus the inspiration for today.

Stroll on the Beach is a unique blend of ocean breezes, coconut, and sandy beaches. This lotion does not leave you feeling greasy or slimey after applying to your skin. This is the perfect formula that quenches thirsty skin but also leaves it feeling soft and smooth. Best of all, it can be used from head to toe!

This Spa Bath Accessories Set in Sea Glass is made with 100% cotton yarn, a renewable resource, making this an Eco Friendly option. These can be safely machine washed and dried. Colors may fade and shrink slightly on the first wash, but gets softer and more absorbent the longer you use it. This set includes 1 (one) bath puff, 1 (one) spa washcloth (approximately 8 inches square), and 2 (two) face washers (approximately 2 inches square). The washcloth and face washers come with hanging loops making it easier for drying out between use.

Monday Mystery Mission (on Tuesday)

2009-08-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

Before I get on with this week's fun & winner for July, I have a bit of business to take care of. Back in May (before fire consumed the shed attached to our house & life got hectic) I announced a contest on my blog regarding a Top Secret Mission I was working on. In July I did share about The Power Of Pink Trunk Show that I participated in but never did announce who, if anyone, participating in the contest had won. I am please to say that my dear Etsyblogger friend, and faithful customer, TiLT, guessed Breast Cancer Awareness. She has won a shopping trip in my store. TiLT, convo me and I'll get you all set up. Congratulations!

And now on to the Monday Mystery Mission 2 weeks ago. The correct answer is: SHEER CURTAIN. Several guessed close enough with fabric or tulle and I let it go...except for my mother on Facebook. She doesn't count in my giveaways, sorry Mom.

And, we have a winner for the month of July ~ drum roll please ~~~~~ Beaded Tail ~~~~~ Please contact me ASAP via convo and we'll get you set up with some skin loving goodies!

And now ~ our August fun begins. This week we have an entirely new Monday Mystery Mission, if you choose to accept it...WHAT AM I?
Post your answers as a comment to this post and you will be entered into a monthly drawing for some yummy skin loving goodies. If your guess is correct, you will gain 5 extra entries into the monthly drawing. Let's have some more fun!

Sunday Silence

2009-08-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

More Autumn Goodness for Your Skin

2009-08-08T15:40:00.001-04:00

We've captured a breath of Autumn in Vermont and put it in this delightful Whipped Sugar Scrub! It's a crisp autumn morning in Vermont. Take a deep breath as you stroll along the mountain road and take in the picturesque views of the foliage. This soap fragrance captures a hint of apples sprinkled with cinnamon and cloves, add in a dash of balsam fir and cedar and then mellow it out with a touch of vanilla. Smells so yummy!

The foliage is already starting to change over on some trees. Very early this year, partly because of the vast number of rainy days and lack of sun this summer. When we woke up this morning it was feeling like Vermont Foliage in the air. This soap fragrance is the next best thing to curling up by a warm cozy fire after a walk through the woods on a crisp autumn day. This blend is all about the country woods of Vermont with a splash of spices, and a dash of patchouli and vanilla to round it out.

We've suspended a silk autumn leaf inside of an awesome bar of glycerin soap. This is also infused with the same essence ~ Vermont Foliage ~ as the soap bar above.

We've taken another generous slice of loofah and submerged it in a luxurious helping of 100% Vegan Friendly Glycerin Soap infused with Autumn in Vermont. Oh, and just so you know...these work great not just on feet, but elbows and problematic areas that need exfoliation. Your skin feels so polished and smooth aftewards.

After all of that bathing, treat your skin to a special dose of Autumn in Vermont Body Lotion. It will leave your skin feeling soft without that greasy slimey after touch. Best of all, it can be used from head to toe!

Meet Edi from Memories for Life Scrapbooks

2009-08-06T06:50:00.031-04:00

Edi got her start and gained her love for paper crafting from being involved in a 4-H program. Today she gives demonstrations and teaches her craft to girls in 4-H and she's recently been invited to judge the historian book category at a local county fair.

At Memories for Life Scrapbooks you will find an assortment of Scrapbooks in pre-designed words.

Or how about a unique shape Scrapbook like this Star?

Don't you just love these Flip Flop Albums? So unique, so original, so cool!

Be sure to drop on by the Memories for Life Scrapbooks Blog where you will find some of her work in progress, where she finds inspiration, and more.

Sunday Silence

2009-08-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Special Thanks to Winklepots

2009-08-01T08:37:00.014-04:00

We're sending out a Special Thanks to Winklepots(where cute is an understatement)
Winklepots is the mother to two and lives in the Pacific NW. On her shop profile she states, "I started painting children's clothing in March of 2006 when I came to the realization that the world of accounting just wasn't for me. Inspired by my eldest child, I began painting clothing for her. I designed pieces that I couldn't find in stores and were unique to her wardrobe.
After creating a few custom pieces for friends, I decided to open my own store. In an effort to keep the right side of my brain alive and thriving, I give you Winklepots."

She also maintains a super cool blog that I am now happily following.

Winklepots ~~~ We appreciate you featuring our Organic Cotton Spa Waschcloths in your most recent Treasury. This awesome treasury expires on Sunday, Aug. 2 at 12:35 AM (Eastern Time).

Blue Ribbon State Fair--Blueberry Surprise French Toast Casserole

2009-07-30T07:28:00.007-04:00

This recipe comes from my favorite source to find recipes ~ Taste of Home. You can find the recipe here. It's been a while since I had made this delightful dish so when I found blueberries on sale...
And then it was on to the oven....

And then on our plates ready to eat...

Monday Mystery Mission

2009-07-27T09:00:00.007-04:00

This is the last week for the month of July Monday Mystery Mission. Next week I will draw one lucky name out of my hat and someone will be receiving some yummy skin loving goodies! I had several correct guesses for last week. Each person with the correct guess earned 5 extra entries in the July drawing. The correct answer for last week: NOTEBOOK PAPER.

This week we have an entirely new Monday Mystery Mission, if you choose to accept it...WHAT AM I? This one is really hard, it's not what you think it is! Put on those thinking caps...
Post your answers as a comment to this post (and be sure we know how to contact you should you win) and you will be entered into a monthly drawing for some yummy skin loving goodies. I accept guesses both on this blog and the blog feed on Facebook. If your guess is correct, you will gain 5 extra entries into the monthly drawing. Let's have some fun!

Sunday Silence

2009-07-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

Autumn Goodness For Your Skin

2009-07-25T08:34:00.017-04:00

Autumn in Vermont Soap ~ It's a crisp autumn morning in Vermont. Take a deep breath as you stroll along the mountain road and take in the picturesque views of the foliage. This soap fragrance captures a hint of apples sprinkled with cinnamon and cloves, add in a dash of balsam fir and cedar and then mellow it out with a touch of vanilla. Smells so yummy!

Speaking of Yummy! Your feet will be Lovin' our Loofah Soap in Perfect Pumpkin. We've taken a generous slice of loofah and submerged it in a luxurious helping of 100% Vegan Friendly Glycerin Soap. What can be better than a nice bar of scented soap that will both exfoliate and cleanse those rough, stinky feet? We've infused the soap with the essence of Perfect Pumpkin. Reminiscent of Pumpkin Pie coming out of the oven. What can be better than that?

How cute would this Perfect Pumpkin Air Freshener look on a shelf or in a powder room? This Perfect Pumpkin is lovingly hand crocheted with 100% Crochet Cotton Thread. We've stuffed this little guy full of soft fiber fill and scented him heavily with a Premium Quality Fragrance Oil ~ Perfect Pumpkin. Perfect Pumpkin is approximately 2 inches wide X 2 1/2 inches tall (including stem).

All American Mom

2009-07-22T07:21:00.019-04:00

Earlier this month in celebration of my Birthday I was given this awesome Teddy Bear ~ The All American Mom Bear ~ my FIRST EVER Vermont Teddy Bear! Back track to the last week in June when we had a friend fly in for a week and took her to see the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. See that big Teddy Bear she's cuddling up to?
Now, I've been to this factory MANY times over the years without buying a bear, but this time I immediately fell in love with one of the bears on display because of the Patriotic dress she was wearing. She would fit right in with my kitchen decor and jokingly told Ashley the bear would make a great Birthday present (hint, hint), never dreaming she would actually purchase one for me.

These Vermont Made bears are the bomb! Very well constructed and come with a lifetime guarantee. If anything ever happens to your bear, just fill out the hospital admission papers and in a few weeks the bear will come back to you all fixed up and ready for more years of loving. These Teddy Bears come in a box with an air hole, so they can breathe. A snack in case they get hungry on the way to their new home, and some road trip games stamped on the inside of the box in case the bear gets bored. Here's a Question ~ What's the official beverage of Vermont? Answer ~ If you guessed Maple Syrup you are correct! The inside of the box is also stamped with the History of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, and also some alternative uses for the box. One suggestion is to use it as a fish tank but warns it may only last 10 minutes, 15 if you plug the hole in the box.

As further proof that this is indeed an authentic Vermont Teddy Bear, you have to look very deeply into her eyes...
Yup, she was "Born in Vermont", which means she's the real deal!

Monday Mystery Mission

2009-07-20T09:00:00.002-04:00

It was a lot of fun reading all of the guesses for last week's Monday Mystery Mission. Everyone has been entered into the monthly drawing. The correct answer for last week: KLEENEX TISSUE Creepy, huh???

This week we have an entirely new Monday Mystery Mission, if you choose to accept it...WHAT AM I?
Post your answers as a comment to this post and you will be entered into a monthly drawing for some yummy skin loving goodies. If your guess is correct, you will gain 5 extra entries into the monthly drawing. Let's have some fun!

Sunday Silence

2009-07-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

Lemon Sunshine

2009-07-16T07:35:00.012-04:00

Don't be fooled by this realistic looking lemon ~ it's really soap! So unique, so different and very popular this summer. Cheerful and lemony all wrapped up in a special bar of glycerin soap that looks great next to your sink and the awesome lemony scent will freshen the air.

You can find them here.

Lavender Twist Makes Its Debut

2009-07-15T07:03:00.005-04:00

Lavender is best known for its Aromatherapy benefit of balance & relaxation. Made with a 100% pure and undiluted essential oil that originates in France this superfatted soap will leave your skin feeling extra pampered and loved. Fresh off the curing rack and ready to ship.

It's Christmas In July

2009-07-13T11:30:00.000-04:00

We've devoted an entire section of our shop to Christmas and we've discounted those items by 20%. Yup, that's right! No need to wait for a revised invoice, just check out as you would normally. Get a head start on your Holiday shopping. But hurry, because the sale only lasts until July 22, 2009 and some items are in short supply!

Monday Mystery Mission Begins

2009-07-13T09:00:00.003-04:00

Monday's have a bad wrap...1st day of the work week, Monday Blues, etc. But we're going to kick it up a notch and put some fun into Monday's. It's been a while since I held an active contest on my blog and as some of you may already know...life has been super crazy around this cow house for a couple months now. After catching my breath, I'm ready to roll full steam ahead once again. And with that comes a bit of whimsy and fun coming to you every Monday.

Every once in a while I take photos of items laying around the house and yard. The camera I use has an awesome super macro setting that brings out details you can't see with the naked eye, which intrigues me ~ I know it doesn't take much to entertain this cow. And so, this is where the fun begins...starting today, and every Monday after, I will be posting an image on my blog. It is up to you to figure out what the image is...some are really hard, others deceiving, and every once in a while there might be an easy one to figure out. One thing you can be sure of, each item is something found in and around most households. Post your answers as a comment to this post and you will be entered into a monthly drawing for some yummy skin loving goodies. If your guess is correct, you will gain 5 extra entries into the monthly drawing. At any rate, it will always be fun!

Here is your first Monday Mystery Mission, if you choose to accept it.... WHAT AM I?
Next week I will post the answer to this week's mystery image, along with a new Monday Mystery Mission.

Sunday Silence

2009-07-12T09:00:00.004-04:00

Meet Miesmama...where Handmade Goodness Abounds

2009-07-11T13:32:00.009-04:00

Miesmama is a mother to two who loves to be creative. She is also a fellow Etsyblogger, and my "neighbor" over in the Adirondack Mountains. I have had my eye on this stunning Strawberries and Cream Handbag listed in her Shop. Not only is it super cute, but its size is perfect for holding all of the summer extras one needs to carry around with them....towel, suntan lotion, etc.

Miesmama says ~ "my goal is to spread a little handmade goodness and personally try to be more self-sustaining. Each item is imagined and handmade by myself with love."

In addition to her shop, Miesmama maintains a blog you really must check out!

The Power of Pink

2009-07-10T08:04:00.017-04:00

The past two days I've been enjoying the gorgeous views from yet another location on Lake Champlain. This time, the Basin Harbor Club.I was invited to participate in the Power of Pink Trunk Show that ran in conjunction with the Power of Pink Luncheon. 20% of sales were donated to benefit Ladies First in Vermont and the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer research. I was thrilled to be included in this fabulous event and had a great deal of fun creating these ribbon soaps.
I caught my "helper" snoozing on the job. LOL She is 4 months old today! I can't believe how fast she's growing already.

Cruising Lake Champlain

2009-07-06T07:28:00.009-04:00

For the 4th of July we attended a lovely wedding on board a dinner cruise boat on Lake Champlain, Vermont. The dock where we boarded the boat was the same dock used by one of the ferries that goes between Vermont and New York. We watched several ferries coming in and out before we were permitted to board the boat. It was cold, windy and we were dodging raindrops but spirits weren't dampened by the weather. Fortunately they found a location somewhat secluded from the wind to set anchor for the ceremony. After dusk there were several firework displays around the lake that we were able to view from the boat. Here are some of the views of the lake from the window inside the boat while we were having dinner.

Grilled Potatoes

2009-07-02T06:58:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite dishes for the summertime is a recipe I posted last year ~ Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Today I would like to share with you a side dish that I serve quite frequently throughout the summer ~ Grilled Potatoes. You will need aluminum foil, potatoes, onions, spices of choice, and a fat of choices (olive oil, bacon grease, butter, etc.), pan spray, hot grill, grill mitts, and a hearty appetite.

You can make small individual packets, or a couple large packets if preparing for a large group.

Wash the potatoes and slice thin ~ skin and all! If you aren't into eating the skins, then peel them before slicing. Put potato in bowl. Slice onion (if you dice they will over cook too fast) and add to potato. Add spices of choice (now would be a good time to add salt & pepper, too). I prefer Mrs. Dash because it is salt-free and I strive to limit my sodium intake because of hypertension. Add fat of choice (olive oil, bacon grease, butter, etc.) and mix together.

I prefer to spray the tin foil before placing potatoes and forming packets. HINT: Shiny side of tin foil IN helps radiate the heat through the food. :) To form packets I place one sheet of tin foil shiny side up, spray with cooking spray, add potatoes, place another sheet of foil shiny side down that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Then I begin to fold in sides until the packet is sealed up nicely. Smaller packets will take less time to cook than larger packets.

After all of the packets are ready, it's off to the hot grill (I prefer the old fashioned charcoal grills, not the gas grills but you can achieve the same results on a gas grill with a little tweaking). You will want to turn the packets every 10 minutes. These cook up relatively quickly ~ 20-30 minutes. I pull a packet off the grill and give a gently squeeze with the mitts to see if the potatoes are soft yet. These packets can be set aside while you cook the meat of choice.

You can add other veggies to the potatoes (peppers, peas, etc.) ~ experiment and have fun! I have found that cheese melts and holds up better when sprinkled as a garnish after the spuds have been cooked. Cooking the potatoes this way keeps the heat out of the kitchen, and you can personalize each packet for individual preferences (ie: onions or no onions).

Happy Grilling!

Handmade Items Masterfully Created with Yarn

2009-06-30T08:09:00.011-04:00

Meet Tricia from LazyT Crochet.

She loves working with yarn, especially hand-spun wool and cotton in order to offer affordable, handmade items to the marketplace. Not only does she create modern and original designs but also traditional, old-world styles in knit and crochet. Tricia specializes in custom orders, too.

Tricia's quality and workmanship is top notch, and it is visibly seen in her products. I am the proud owner of this gorgeous hat, and I absolutely LOVE it! Please take a moment and visit her shop and blog. And, I just discovered she's got a cool Destash Shop ~ Lazy Stuff!

Summer in Vermont

2009-06-19T09:31:00.006-04:00

Summer is here! The school where I work has been out for a week, now. YEAH! Time to get down to some fun in the summer sun....wait, we haven't had much sun or heat yet!

In a nutshell, summer in Vermont is never warm enough or long enough to appease me. But, I didn't move here on account of the weather, it came with the package so to speak. While most of the south is sweltering and stuck indoors with air conditioning, just last week we were still running the woodstove to take the chill out of the air indoors.

Ponds, lakes and even the ocean in nearby New Hampshire and Maine is never warm enough to suit me. First time I took the kids to Hampton Beach, NH the natives of this region were walking in and out of the water as though it was a tropical beach. I was fooled...you know it is cold when you take a step into the icy water and your toes cramp up immediately. We're talking skin is red from the icy cold. No comparison to warmer climates where the ocean waters are warmer. Despite the cold water, it is always great fun to hang out on the beach for a day.

My favorite beachy place to visit is Old Orchard Beach in Maine. The family fun atmosphere includes an amusement park, lots of eating establishments and live entertainment. The Pier is awesome, and one often hears live music from establishments within the pier while hanging out on the beach.

Tapping toes, anxiously awaiting the arrival of some sun and heat so we can get out and enjoy our summer of fun!

Busy Times...

2009-06-18T14:38:00.006-04:00

She was one of the speakers...

Then she graduated....

Our Growing Family....

And on this cold, rainy day in Vermont ~ a bit of Lemon Sunshine...
Don't be fooled by this realistic looking lemon ~ it's really soap! You can find it here.

Cleaning Up

2009-06-03T18:12:00.005-04:00

With just a little over a week before Graduation, clean up from last Friday's fire is going well. Two rooms remain to be cleaned up from smoke damage. I am deeply blessed by the cleaning angels (as I refer to them) that have done an outstanding job on my house while I've been at work! Every wall, ceiling, corner, nook, window, has been cleaned of the smoke smell. The laundry room clean up/repairs and shed will be dealt with after Graduation. It does not appear that any of my soap was affected by the smoke damage in the house. However, my shop will remain closed until after Graduation, as my family is coming for an extended visit and I fully intend on enjoying the time we have together.

My Friday Afternoon...

2009-05-29T21:01:00.008-04:00

Fire started in the lower left hand corner INSIDE the shed ~ away from any source of heat or electricity. How it started is as much a puzzle as where it started. Very strange, indeed!

Looking inside the shed you can see the tremendous char in the area where the fire broke out.

These last two photos are taken inside the house in the laundry room. You can see the wood is charred. Had there been no insulation between this wall and the wallboard we installed 2 years ago, things would look entirely different today.

Had it been another 10-20 minutes and the house would have become victim to this fire. We are so thankful for the wonderful fire department we have ~ they saved our home from devastation. The house was filled with smoke, so we do have smoke damage, some rooms more than others. Everyone is safe, the cat is safe...Ashley's prom dress for this weekend smells like smoke, but it is fine.

The upside in all of this....I finally get my house really deep cleaned...and I don't have to do it! :) Unfortunately, my business is going to have to take a back seat until everything is "back to normal" again.

Top Secret Mission

2009-05-22T21:08:00.004-04:00

This Momma/Grammy Cow has accepted an invitation to be part of a very special event this summer and she's working her fingers, hooves and toenails to the bone getting ready with some top secret soapy creations. This top secret mission is for a wonderful cause that has me absolutely tickled pink! I will reveal this top secret mission and soapy creations real soon....In the meantime, I'm up for guesses as to what this top secret mission is about. If you think you know, leave a comment here on this post. On or after June 15, I will reveal this top secret mission and if YOU guess what it is (or a good close guess), I will let you enjoy a shopping spree in my shop! My dear blogger friend (and partner in crime) Lily aka Hot Lips is the only person who cannot guess ~ only because I shared with her a month or so ago about this top secret mission...so Lily ~ mum's the word (and no fair accepting bribes, either!), got it? LOL Oh...you guys want clues? I've given enough clues already...just reread this post if you have to, it'll bite you in the nose!

It's That Time of Year Again

2009-05-09T09:39:00.007-04:00

I'm anxious to get my garden planted. This year we had a friend come in with his tractor to expand the garden to 3 times the size it was last year. In 20 minutes time the job was done ~ what would have taken me days/weeks to complete by hand. I resist planting too early up here in Vermont because we still have some frosty mornings.

Even though I use gloves when I garden, there are just some gardening chores I prefer to use my bare hands to take care of. That is where this handy dandy soap comes into play....
I have developed this soap for those who have a love for digging in the dirt. The ground luffa is added for exfoliation. The super-fatted soap is formulated to aid in bringing moisture back into those dry hands after gardening. Delicate lettuce and rain combines with soft spearmint and is presented to you in a luxurious experience for gardener's everywhere. This is sure to be a hit with your hands and your gardening friends. Stop on by my shop to get yours today!

Mama Z of Two Zany Zebras

2009-05-03T20:03:00.012-04:00

Mama Z of Two Zany Zebras always keeps me in stitches with the stories she shares on her blog of being a mother to two zany children. I laugh at her life experiences because my 3 children were monkeys when they were little, and pulled a lot of similar stunts over the years. And when she's on the brink of insanity, I can totally relate...been there! :)

Two Zany Zebras Shop "is home of the Zarkles. Wondering what in the world is a Zarkle? They are whimsical creatures that are part of the Zarkle family. Each Zarkle has their own unique name, personality, and Zany Pocket Blankie to sleep in. They can also be a comfort at night and help keep all the scary things at bay. Two Zany Zebras also specialize in the Zany Cuddle Blankie, Super Zany Blankie, and Zany Pocket Blankie."

Aren't they cute? Oh, you know you want one, so get over to the Zany shop and grab yours today!

My Dream Backyard Oasis

2009-04-22T12:32:00.008-04:00

If I ever win the lottery my Dream Backyard Oasis would look something like this...

Over in the far left corner you will find this gorgeous pond.

And in the center of the yard you will find this awesome entertainment area.

Any my favorite spot in the yard, the outdoor kitchen.

But of course, this backyard dream is just that. I don't buy lottery tickets so my chances of winning are pretty bleak. I will continue to dream....

What a Beautiful Sight in My Flower Bed Today

2009-04-16T19:17:00.003-04:00