ended up in the ER about midnight and had to request that i be sent home instead of admitted to the hospital.    Even got two shots in the butt and a script to fill today.

ok back to resting now, just thought i'd let ya'll know that i haven't been on because i've been sick, and only checking my email 2 times a day and doing what i need to.  Otherwise i'm resting trying to get better.

gawd i feel horrid....

One of my close friends from Australia sent me the link to this, and I wanted to share it with others.   It's a video about how one made such a huge difference in the life of another.  Between a teacher and a child. 

Please watch it......

http://www.makeadifferencemovie.com/org01/

just a word of warning, you may want a tissue or two in hand, as it's a bit emotional, in a good way !!!

I got my RED star today !!! And my DSR is looking awesome, and my customer comments are amazing !!!  (I'm proud of myself !!!!)

Just thought i would share that i rolled over into the tripple zeros now !!!

And I've already sent the customer an email who was kind enough to be that 1000th person to leave me feedback an email to let them know a special package will be arriving for them as my way of saying thanks.

A few of my eBay items - qsell

White Gerber Formula Milk Bottle Reborn Baby Play Doll

This is a 5 ounce Gerber bottle that is complete and matching. It has a white nipple ring and cap along with a brown infant sized nipple.

For the photo it has been filled with my faux standard formula that is creamy ivory in color. Not to light and not to dark, just the perfect shade.

However the buyer may customize the contents to meet their needs. My Faux RTF formula may be used as well as milk. Or if a juice is prefered my apple juice, pear juice, orange juice or cherry juice may also be chosen.

The nipple may also be swapped out for a clear one as well, if that is prefered or it may be made magnetic with a sealing disk in place of a nipple.

All my bottles are completely sealed and filled with non-toxic child safe ingredients. See my listing for more details about what it does not contain and why. And more about my bottles.

All my soaps are made using the cold process method from start to finish. But I have adopted a modern day twist to my technique. This method still produces the same high high quality soap, but it's a lot safer to make for several reasons.

I start the process out by gathering and weighing each ingredient out. I don't begin making soap until this step is done. All the oils are weighed in one container and the lye is carefully weighed as so are my choice of liquids. If I am adding any fragrance or other ingredients those are weighed out as well on a digital scale.





And all my oils are weighed out and ready to begin the process.



I have several recipes that I use. I never use soap recipes that I find on the internet because I have found most of them to be off balance in the amount of oils used. Some are even unsafe with to much lye used! Or others not enough lye is used to complete the chemical reaction needed to make soap.

I spent a lot of time learning about soap making. I'm not talking about the process of soap making but instead on how to formulate good soap recipes. Some soap makers do not realize that the oils are not created equally and that they can't all be interchanged. But you need to have the right balance of the oils to get specific qualities. And you can tweak the amounts and oils to get different results. Which is why I have several recipes that I use, each used for a different purpose.

Once I have all my ingredients weighed and ready I begin mixing and blending.

In the photo below you see that the mixture is now blended and in this case essential oil has been added and it's ready to be poured into the mold. The soap looks orange in color because the liquid used in this particular batch is tomato juice.





Then the soap is poured into the mold. Covered with plastic and ready to be put to sleep wrapped up in a quilt. Ready to go into the next phase.



The next phase is the one that is responsible for making soap. Soap making is all chemistry. Lye is dissolved into a liquid so it can be used to be mixed together with the oils. That is when the magic happens and the chemical reaction takes place to turn the mixed ingredients into soap. I unwrapped this soap to peek and to take this picture of the gelling phase. When the process is complete you have soap and there is no lye left in the finished product. (Unless the soaper wasn't careful in their recipe or in their weighing and the soap is lye heavy, meaning to much lye was used.)



And later once the process is complete the soap can be cut into bars and left to cure.





Most soaps need 3-6 weeks to cure. However if the batch has a large amount of olive oil used then it will need a longer time to cure to get hard.

One thing that is misunderstood about soap is about the cure time. The process saponification process is actually complete in about 24-48 hours, and you have soap. However it will be softer than what it would be if you wanted till the end of the cure time. But still very usable. The benefit to waiting for the cure time to complete is that the soap has had time for the extra liquids to evaporate and produce a harder bar of soap. Which in turn will last longer when it's being used. 

I call *most* of my soaps 99% natural because I do use a fragrance oil that is man made. However some do use essential oils and others are left unscented.

Soap made using the cold process method has the naturally occurring glycerin in it. What most call soap and is mass produced commercially has had any glycerin removed for resale or to be used in other products by the company. Those “soaps” are also made of many synthetic products. Some which do come from nature but that doesn't make them natural ingredients like many believe they are. They also depend on detergents and chemicals to do the cleaning instead of a natural process. Thus they save money on an inferior product.

If you have not used a soap that is made from scratch you don't know what you are missing. The thing that surprise most people is that they are shocked to find how clean they really feel. They find their skin feeling soft and not dry like it had been using a store bought product that strips away the skins natural oils.

So it doesn't matter if your looking for a product that is better for your skin or if you want to get away from the chemicals and detergents used in commercial soap products or if you are wanting to "go green". Because a soap that is made from scratch is better for the environment as well. Give it a try your skin will thank you.

One thing that I have noticed is the number of sellers who are using the term “handmade”. So before you purchase any soap, it's best to make sure the seller has used the term cold processed or even hot processed (just a slightly different technique) in their write up as the description of the process used to make their soap. Many sellers use a melt and pour base to make their soaps and call them handmade. Because after all they did melt down the product, add a scent or maybe a few extra ingredients and pour it into a mold, so they justify using the term handmade.

So do your homework before buying handmade soap. Many melt and pour soap makers are now using the loaf style molds that cold process soap makers have been using for a long time so it's hard to tell the difference. And the only way is by reading the write up, asking questions or even looking at the list of ingredients if the sellers give that information. But even then the list of ingredients can fool you if the seller doesn't include all the ingredients.

I hope you have found this information informative and if you have any questions please do ask.

Oh heck this is perfect for the non-beer drinking man as well.

*Manly GRUNT Here*

Classic "Fougere" for men with bergamont, geranium, lavender, cedarwood and oak.

This is made from scratch soap using my knowledge on how to get the right balance of oils. It's made with BEER, yes I snitched a can of my hubbies beer to make this soap !!! But it's also got aloe and silk in it as well. And you won't believe how silky soap bubbles can feel until you have used this soap.  (but it doesn't smell like beer, so your safe going to work or even being stopped by a cop!!!  But you can smile knowing you bathed with your favorite beverage !!!)

Take a look your skin will thank you.

A few of my eBay items - qsell

1 LB Handmade Cold Process Soap 4 bars COOL SPRING

If this scent doesn't strike your fancy, take a look at my store for other great options. PLUS I still have a few more scents to list. And my fisherman's soap as well as my tomato w/ tea tree essential oil facial soap.

This mysterious, alluring blend is difficult to describe. With warming notes of amber, incense, Madagascar vanilla and patchouli, this dragon's blood is lightened up with layers of romantic notes such as rose, jasmine and lilac. Finally this sensual, deep blend is topped off with the colorful, light touches of blood orange and grapefruit.

It reminds me of old spice cologne.

This is made from scratch soap using my knowledge on how to get the right balance of oils. It's made with goat's milk, aloe, unrefined shea butter among other awesome oils. Oh and it's also has raw silk fibers for an awesome silky feel when you use it.

Take a look your skin will thank you.

A few of my eBay items - qsell

1 LB Handmade Goats Milk Shea SILK Soap DRAGONS BLOOD

If this scent doesn't strike your fancy, take a look at my store for other great options. PLUS I still have a few more scents to list. And my fisherman's soap as well as my tomato w/ tea tree essential oil facial soap.

A tropical paradise blend of coconut, fresh sliced pineapple, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This is made from scratch soap using my knowledge on how to get the right balance of oils. It's made with heavy whipping cream, aloe vera and mango butter among other awesome oils. Oh and it's also has raw silk fibers for an awesome silky feel when you use it.

Take a look your skin will thank you.

A few of my eBay items - qsell

1 LB Handmade CP Goats Milk Shea Soap TROPICAL Scent

If this scent doesn't strike your fancy, take a look at my store for other great options. PLUS I still have a few more scents to list. And my fisherman's soap as well as my tomato w/ tea tree essential oil facial soap.

Want to feel refreshed and invigorated?   Our Watercress & Aloe fragrance will put a spring in your step!   Unique blend beginning with subtle top notes of lemon rind and fresh palm leaves, followed by fresh watercress and aloe notes and finishing with jasmine and eucalyptus.  Great Spa Type Aroma!

This is a handmade soap made with goat's milk, aloe vera, shea butter and raw silk fibers.  I formuated this recipe using very particular oils to get the qualities i was looking for !!!

A few of my eBay items - qsell

15 oz Handmade CP Soap Goats Milk Shea WATERCRESS ALOE

Plus don't forget that I have lots of other scents listed AND more to be listed soon !!!  (i'm working on them)

Newly Listed :  A sweet floral combination of jasmine, lilac, rose and lilly of the valley with light fruity notes of peach, lemon, lime and tart green apples.

This is made from scratch soap using my knowledge on how to get the right balance of oils.   It's made with heavy whipping cream, aloe vera and mango butter among other awesome oils.   Oh and it's also has raw silk fibers for an awesome silky feel when you use it.

Take a look your skin will thank you.

A few of my eBay items - qsell

17 oz Handmade CP Soap Mango Butter Silk Aloe PLUMERIA

If this scent doesn't strike your fancy, take a look at my store for other great options.  And I'm listing several others tonight !!! 

And if your a man, then peek at my "Cool Spring" scent this is a scent designed for men.  Or one of the others that are for both men or women.

So what do you think of the new blog template design?

it's a bit softer as well..........................

oh and just to put a bug in your ear about the following items I have listed and tonight I'll be listing lots of 1 pound listings of soap in the following scents.   So if your interested in those scents watch for them !!!   

1) oatmeal milk and honey

2) Chamomile & Lavender

3) Bubble Gum

4) Plumeria

5) Dragons Blood

6) Fisherman's Soap

7) Tomato Facial Soap with Tea Tree Essential Oil

!!! FREE GIFTS WITH PURCHASE FOR BLOGGERS !!!

A few of my eBay items - qsell

15 oz Handmade CP Soap Goats Milk Shea WATERCRESS ALOE 1 LB Handmade CP Goats Milk Shea SILK Soap CLEAN BREEZE 1 LB Handmade CP Goats Milk Shea Soap TROPICAL Scent 1 LB Handmade Cold Process Soap 4 bars COOL SPRING 4 lb 64 oz Coconut Oil 76 degree 4 soapmaking soap 30 ounces CASTOR OIL carrier soapmaking soap lotion 29 ounces RICE BRAN OIL carrier massage soap lotion 1 lb raw UNREFINED SHEA BUTTER from Ghana soap lotion 15 lbs Washing Soda Ash Sodium Carbonate laundry soap 12 GIRLS Playtex Nurser Bottles 8oz 8 oz DROP IN liners 4 lb 64 oz PALM OIL 4 soapmaking soap making vegan Mineral Rich Epson Salt BATH SALTS Soak U PICK SCENT 12oz Handmade Sugar Scrub Polish Creamy Non Oily 1 lb Juniper Breeze Handmade Butter Silk Soap 3 Bars First Kiss Goats Milk Shea Butter Aloe Silk SOAP SOOTHING colloidal OATMEAL MILK BATH U Pick Scent

A few of my eBay items - qsell

1 LB Handmade CP Goats Milk Shea SILK Soap CLEAN BREEZE 1 LB Handmade CP Goats Milk Shea Soap TROPICAL Scent 1 LB Handmade Cold Process Soap 4 bars COOL SPRING 4 lb 64 oz Coconut Oil 76 degree 4 soapmaking soap PINK evenflo Bottle Pacifier SET 4 Reborn Baby Doll 30 ounces CASTOR OIL carrier soapmaking soap lotion 29 ounces RICE BRAN OIL carrier massage soap lotion 1 lb raw UNREFINED SHEA BUTTER from Ghana soap lotion 15 lbs Washing Soda Ash Sodium Carbonate laundry soap 12 GIRLS Playtex Nurser Bottles 8oz 8 oz DROP IN liners 4 lb 64 oz PALM OIL 4 soapmaking soap making vegan Mineral Rich Epson Salt BATH SALTS Soak U PICK SCENT 12oz Handmade Sugar Scrub Polish Creamy Non Oily 1 lb Juniper Breeze Handmade Butter Silk Soap 3 Bars First Kiss Goats Milk Shea Butter Aloe Silk SOAP SOOTHING colloidal OATMEAL MILK BATH U Pick Scent

what do you feed your dogs/puppies?

 

we just got two new puppies and i'm learning a lot about nutrition and thought i would see what fellow bloggers use?

 

picts of puppies on previous blog thread.

A few of my eBay items - qsell

1 LB Handmade CP Goats Milk Shea SILK Soap CLEAN BREEZE 1 LB Handmade CP Goats Milk Shea Soap TROPICAL Scent 1 LB Handmade Cold Process Soap 4 bars COOL SPRING 4 lb 64 oz Coconut Oil 76 degree 4 soapmaking soap 30 ounces CASTOR OIL carrier soapmaking soap lotion 29 ounces RICE BRAN OIL carrier massage soap lotion 1 lb raw UNREFINED SHEA BUTTER from Ghana soap lotion 15 lbs Washing Soda Ash Sodium Carbonate laundry soap Lot 9 Assorted Western Cowboy Historical Romance Books 4 lb 64 oz PALM OIL 4 soapmaking soap making vegan Snowboard Academy 2003 DVD NEW private collection Mineral Rich Epson Salt BATH SALTS Soak U PICK SCENT 12oz Handmade Sugar Scrub Polish Creamy Non Oily 1 lb Juniper Breeze Handmade Butter Silk Soap 3 Bars First Kiss Goats Milk Shea Butter Aloe Silk SOAP SOOTHING colloidal OATMEAL MILK BATH U Pick Scent

This is Jack-Jack
He's so passive and sweet. And such a cuddler. But he does like to romp and play when it suits him. And he has the saddest eyes........  He's about 4 1/2 pounds right now.  But won't get much bigger than a cat.


This is Sophie.
She's a little cracker-jack. Sometimes I call her Sassy Sophie because she can be such a fireball. She loves to romp and play but at night she's also a cuddler.  She's just a hair over 4 pounds and will be about the size of a cat or a bit smaller.


So now I have been doing tons of research on puppy training and nutrition. And I've decided that I need to learn a bunch on puppy/dog nutrition to be able to make them their own food. Wow you would be amazed at how "most" brands aren't good for dogs and how much fills they add and how much grain is in them and so on and so forth. And how many dogs have side effects because of the grains used.

I haven't decided yet if i'm going to cook their food or go with RAW. So if you have experience with either one I'd love to talk with you.

 

One night we couldn't find Sophie and so we went on a hunt looking for her and found her laying down with with Alyssa. She went to our room to fall asleep (as usual) and Sophie learned to claw her way up the side of the bed to snuggle with her. This is how she can usually be found also with Willy late at night before I take them out for one last time for the night about midnight and before I put them into thir crates for the night so they can't wander around and get into trouble or make a mess. 

They are so much fun to have around !!!

i was relisting an unsold item, and the only thing i changed was the image used, (deleted the old one) and changed the write up with new HTML and before I clicked to submit, I noticed i was charged .75 cents for the picture pack apart from the .35 cent listing fee.

And no where did i have that picture pack added or used.  I use HTML so I have no need for a picture pack and have never used that option.  And no place to remove that glitch either.  Which was odd.

So if your listing, CHECK out the prices given at the bottom of the page before clicking to submit your listing.  

Least to say I didn't relist that item !!!!  And I can't connect with live help either..... for some odd reason....

 

I've got a buyer who recently outbid another buyer and that buyer has 0 feedback and has been an ebay member since Nov-22-05

Should I let it ride, email the buyer and ask them if they are an honest buyer or should i just cancle it and put them on my block list.

 

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr these new feedback rules are bringing out the worst in people.  Since the new rules i've had more than one customer that hasn't been active on ebay for quite some time, suddenly bid on items and not pay......