Teaching Tuesday- Shop til ya Drop (holiday series final installment)

Since We are less than one week away from Christmas, yes folks, just four more days!, I am pretending that today is Wednesday instead of Tuesday! Don't worry, we will make Wednesday our Tuesday this week, and still get in an informative post! Since today is the last day that many shops will be shipping for your Christmas gift giving, I want to look at another place where you may find those last minute gifts. This site is actually a relatively new shopping site, with under one hundred vendors. What sets these vendors apart from the millions on other shopping sites, is that they consist of herbalists and naturalists.
The sites' name is Poppy Swap, and their tag line is, "we bring people herbs," which really says it all!  Aside from bath and body products, the shops at Poppy Swap offer herbal remedies, teas (yes, the drinking kind), pet products, foods, art inspired by nature, and many other unique items. Designed to be an on-line herbal market, the site supports herbalists and farmers, as well as promoting organic living. They are also big educational advocates, so be sure to check out the blog, as well as the  community forum. Plan on spending a bit of time clicking your way around, cuz there are many interesting shops, covering a variety of product categories. To make your search a bit easier, the main page has a list of product categories down its left side, so you can just click and go! Of course, if you are looking for a specific shop you can use the search bar or scroll through the shop names, which begin on the main page. Just want to play ennie meenie and try something new? There are a set of [rotating] featured shops on the main page, so be bold and click on one and go!

While Unique Garden Essences does have a Poppy Swap store front, it is not well populated. So, if you would like a product or a gift set, please contact me through this blog, email, or via the Etsy shop, where you can view more of my product line. Today will be the last day that I will accept Christmas orders, and all orders will be sent priority mail with delivery confirmation for the best chance of arriving on time.

Frankley Speaking Friday- Another Shop til ya Drop Installment!

Are you still hunting for that special, unique gift? Well, I have another great Etsy shop that just may solve your difficult to buy for problem! Michigan crafter, Michelle, offers some flair for the home in her shop, Amore Vivo. Among other things, she describes her shop as having unique gifts, gifts for wine lovers, home decor, Italian wine art, and silk floral arrangements. It really is an eclectic variety of decorative home accents, something for most everyone!

Just want to send flowers? Why not send ones that will last forever? Try these silk roses from Amore Vivo .

Or what about these decorative plaques? A bit of whimsy, they say "Live", "Laugh", and "Love" in Italian!

  I really like these sweet hearts. She has others, one even with red roses (if not for Christmas, plan ahead for Valentines day!)

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Or what about this "Love" wall plaque in Christmas red!                            

For more interesting gift ideas, check out the Amore Vivo shop! 

What;s Happening Wednesday-Shop til Ya Drop

We are happily at Wednesday again, another Shop til ya Drop day! And only eleven days until Christmas, which means only ten more shopping days! So are you stuck? Is there that one person that you still cannot find a gift for? Well how about putting together a gift pack so that they can make their own special something? I did this last year for my Grandson's Mother by purchasing her some cute, special paper, acid free glue sticks, and lots of embellishments. Put it all in a nice gift box, add a scrap book, and there you have an unique gift! Of course, you can always include a few pages that you make so that they will get a jump start on their album. They will always remember you starting them off on their new hobby, and when all is said and done, this type of gift keeps on giving for many years to come!

So now that you have the perfect gift in mind, where do you get find special items, just as special as your gift? At the Etsy shop,
Moment in Time, that's where!  You will find all sorts of pretty and unique papers,  embellishments, and fabrics at this Canadian shop. With almost a thousand sales, this shop has been open since 2007, and on my favorite list almost as long!

What;s Happening Wednesday-Shop til Ya Drop

Today's specialty shop for your Christmas shopping pleasure, is the Etsy store, (the) Little Diva. I found this shop several years ago, while shopping for the perfect gift for my niece. The tag line for this shop is "all things pretty for little girls", so what better place to shop for the girls in your life?  You will find a variety of handmade crocheted goodies here, from hats and headbands to gloves and purses. Don't see your favorite color or exactly what you want? Simply fixed, just drop the owner and designer, Jen, a note and ask about a custom order. You can have it your way without ever leaving your house!  This Wisconsin shop has over 100 sales with great reviews. And not only is Jen a school teacher by trade, but she is also the mother of her own two little divas, so she knows what little divas want!

For the baby diva, try this snugglie

Franley Speaking Friday- Another Shop til ya Drop Installment!

In our ongoing quest to provide everyone on our Christmas list with unique, handmade gifts, we are continuing the shop til you drop series. Every Wednesday and Friday until Christmas week check here for some diverse, interesting and unique places to shop! 
Today's shop, Living Glass Art,  is actually one that I found a few years ago. In fact, I have a lovely glass flower made by Anna, the owner and designer. This shop features original stained glass in abstract geometric, nature, wildlife and animal designs. They are made in the Tiffany copper foil method in her Tennessee studio, so another made in the USA gift, from an USA shop! And what a cool shop it is! So very beautiful and quite unique, in other words, everything I look for in a shop! With prices beginning at 25$, I am sure you can find an affordable work of art for someone special on your list. Not only does she have the panels and sun catchers, she also offers gift certificates. So if you aren't sure what to pick, get the gift certificate and let the recipient choose their own! 

What;s Happening Wednesday-Shop til Ya Drop

What's Happening this Wednesday is that I am preparing for the upcoming Christmas holiday! Business wise I am creating gift sets in these cute boxes for the Christmas cabin, as well as special orders.

This one matches my new labels, so I am quite excited by them. The large one is very heavy and very large! 

This one was a special purchase so when they are gone, they are gone.

This set is also a special purchase, and may be                               sold as a tower of gifts or individually. 

I am also finishing up some ornaments that are being made for personal gifts, as well as preparing to make a batch of liquid soap this week. Look for ornament pictures on tomorrow's Tripod Thursday post! 


Given that there are only 24 more shopping days until Christmas, I am going to step up my Indie shop postings. So today's shop is a really unique and cool Etsy shop. It is called The Magic Sleigh and you will find the cutest little porcelain dog statues there. Yes, they are handmade and just the sweetest little things you can imagine! But why imagine, go there and look! The owner and Artisan, Pamela, has  the dogs arranged alphabetically, and is currently sporting a whopping 329 statues in her inventory. She lives in Florida, so these are all made in the USA, and at just under twenty bucks,  they won't kill your pocket book either. These will make an excellent gift for all the dog lovers on your list, not to mention the all the hard to buy for's. Lol. She also makes many with angel wings and/or halos, so you can pay tribute to a lost friend as well. All in all, this looks like a wonderful place to shop!             

Franley Speaking Friday- Shop til ya Drop!

Here we are at Friday again, and as promised, here is another unique store front to check out for your shopping needs, and maybe even some holiday gift-giving ideas. I found this shop on Etsy about three years ago, when it was brought to my attention during a team meeting on charitable giving. ZaVi Baby
is a gift line of women and children's clothing (hand made, of course), but what drew me there was the chemo caps that Tara, the owner, makes for those in need. These hats are very cute and even reversible! And She only charges shipping, plus the twenty cent listing fee. Unfortunately my intended gift recipient passed right after I placed the order, but Tara agreed to gift it to the next person who needed one.  She was so kind when we spoke, it was immediately apparent to me that the caps, and I am sure her clothes too, are stitched together with lots of love.  So, when you are searching for an unique, quality outfit for your God-child, niece, or  your own child, make your first stop ZaVi Baby. And if you, or someone you know would benefit from a chemo cap, visit ZaVi Baby to check out Tara's little love hugs for your head!

Franley Speaking Friday- Shop til ya Drop!

It's Friday, and that means another installment of the Shopping review. Last week we found Pigatopia, where artist extraordinare, Shannon, recreates your beloved pets and family members on canvas, making a purchase from Pigatopia a truly unique gift.

Today's shop is also found on Etsy, and is also quite unique. Are you sensing a theme here for your holiday shopping? Lol. The Providence Art Glass company features hand blown glass by artists Rebecca Zhukov. You can read more about her here, and just wait until you see see who already owns some of her work!

When I visited Canada a several years ago I came upon what was called a "Witches Ball". It was a beautiful, hand blown orb, Christmas ornament style. But the witches ball doesnt get put away after the holidays, it stays out all year long. I even purchased a special stand for it to hang from. Why am I mentioning my nick knack? Well, there are a lot of these types of balls in the Providence shop, lovely, colorful orbs that are certainly worthy of being left out all year long, she just doesnt call them witches balls! Ornament, orb, ball, witches ball, whatever you call them, check them out for yourself!

Orbs not your deal? Well, dont despair, she has a number of other items to choose from!  There are lotion dispensers, glasses, ring holders, humming bird feeders, vases, vanity sets, sculptures and more! Feel free to contact the Artist through her Etsy link to discuss any special requests you may have. Hand blown glass, a one of a kind, truly unique gift that anyone on your list would be happy to receive!

Tripod Thursdays - uniqueXpressions

Can you believe the week is almost over? I can't, yet here we are at Tripod Thursday! Todays pictures are of crafts, jewelry and gifts that I have made. You can find some of these on Etsy, at my uniqueXpression shop. Afterall, I have to have something to keep occupied with while the soap cures! Lol.  I hope you enjoy!

We are moving on with Exotic Oils tomorrow, stop back to lear about calendula oil!

Tripod Thursdays

A few days ago I was notified that someone was following my Twitter posts (actually this always surprises me because I haven't really ever gotten the hang of Tweeting, but I do try once in a while). Anyway, I went to see who this person was and it turns out that she lives in Destin, Florida, which is where my Son got married last Valentine's day. I dropped her a quick personal note to tell her how much I liked her city and wished I was there since we were in the middle of a snowstorm. She, in turn, wrote me and said that she was actually from a town nearby my current home, and that she actually missed the snow. Of course I told her that I was open to trading homes for the winter. Sadly, she declined, stating that it wouldn't work well for her family. Actually, she was probably just thinking that I was crazed enough to do it! Lol., but I told her that in lieu of the house exchange, I'd be happy to send her dreams of cold and snow. She immediately responded that she would be happy to send me dreams of beaches and palm trees.

Well, here are some pictures of cold and snow, especially for my new, displaced Buck

eye friend, and I have also included some pictures of beaches and palm trees for other cold-a-phobes, like me. In other words, I am hoping that these pictures contain something for everyone....and just to make sure, I included all Ohio seasons. Enjoy! Of course, I had to also include my own personal ray of sunshine, my first Grandchild, Braidon!

What's Happening Wednesday

Wednesday, hump day, so I have decided to dedicate Wednesdays to whatever is happening. This will not always be work related, rather, whatever I happen to be up to that day.

Today, as part of my new years' goals mandate, I have been working on organizing and executing my work, in particularly for my on-line shops. To that end, I finished a new pair of earrings the other day, as well as a pre-designed, mini scrapbook. I had not, however, taken the pictures to list them yet. Since both of these items need to go into my uniqueXpression shop, they would never make it there if I didn't get down to business and get those pictures. Soooooo, as of this posting, I have 3/4 of my task completed! The pictures are all taken (of course I allowed myself to get side-tracked and uploaded several holiday pictures and organized some folders) and I have completed the listing for the scrapbook, but the earrings listing is now pushed to the top of my Thursday to do list. I am so out of practice (and maybe a bit unfocused), it seemed to take me most of the day just to complete these few things, lol! Oh well, practice should make perfect, and I expect that I will soon be cranking out the on-line work again, I have confidence....deserved or not, I guess we will soon see!

Since the pictures are all done, even though they are not yet listed, I will share them with you.

These are 19g, sterling silver w/ ball, shepherds hooks, with a Swarovski crystal-studded chandelier. They have champaign and clear crystals and are about a 1 1/2" drop. They are quite lovely, and can be easily incorporated into a more dressy outfit or just used to dress up a casual look.

This is the front of the 8"x8", pre-designed scrap book that I did. The front has a picture frame, and it contains 24 more pages for pictures (for a minimum of 25 pictures, although the framework is set for additional ones). I made each page background either a winter or a Christmas theme, so it will be perfect for anyone who just wants to paste down their holiday and winter pictures and be done with it! Hmmm, maybe I should keep this! LOL Here are some more views of the earrings, as well as all of the individual page pictures of the scrapbook. I hope you enjoy them!

So what have you been up to this Wednesday? Comment and share, maybe you will inspire us all!

Hemp is for More Than Smoking!

Hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of Cannabis Sativa, or what we commonly call the marijuana plant. This plant, of course, cannot be legally grown in the U.S., but it is commercially grown in many countries, for many uses. One of its largest uses is the production of oil, both for food use (yes, you can eat it!), and for cosmetics. It is also used to make a good quality paper, sewing material (fabric, thread, string, and rope) , and is even being experimented with as an alternative fuel source. Perhaps the largest advantage to growing Hemp is the fact that the Hemp plant is quick and easy to grow and to harvest. When compared to cotton, the Hemp plant is much more easily managed. It doesn't require pesticides for a healthy crop, doesn't need a warm climate to grow/produce well, and the Hemp needs very little rainfall to grow well. When compared to tree production, the Hemp plant yields eight times more paper producing material than trees on the same amount of land, acre for acre. Then, of course, there is also the fact that the Hemp grows to maturity in 4 months, versus the years that the trees will take. Because Hemp is illegal to grow in the USA, all Hemp materials have to be imported from other countries. We are legally allowed to have the oil and other materials because, once processed, Hemp no longer contains THC, that active property that provides the "high" when marijuana is smoked. So, no, giving your teenager a Hemp tee-shirt or bracelet won't contribute to their delinquency, just like using a Hemp oil cosmetically will not get you high! [Even though my products have been known to cause mood alterations] ! lol Hemp oil contains many proteins, natural fatty acids, vitamins and enzymes, making it a good choice for cooking. As a topical, it is easily absorbed through the skin and leaves your skin feeling very soft without feeling too greasy. Hemp oil is gentle, healing, good for sensitive skin, and protects skin from moisture loss, making it a good choice for lotions, soaps and balms.

Prize Pack Sent Out!

Miss Jeanan, from Florida, won the "Name this Bath Soak Contest" for her entry, "Raphael's Healing Garden Bath Soak". Above you can see the product labeled. Raphael is the angel of healing, I am told, and although there were many good entries, I believe this one is the perfect fit. Since her prize pack is on its merry way, I thought that I'd share its contents with everyone. It contains a 16oz jar of Raphael's Healing Garden Bath Soak, a bar of Bug Be Gone soap, a bag of Cleo's Bath Soak (for normal to oily skin), and a trial size Heel and Elbow Cream, along with an Unique Treat Dig Bones pin and a pretty floral Gift Tag. I hope that Jeanan like everything and I especially hope that she feels my bath soak deserves the name she provided!

For everyone else that entered, thank you again and keep watching because I have a few more items that need named!

Face Mask for Mature and/or Dry Skin

Yesterday my Mother had a very bad day. After several misshapes she ended her day by splashing a swimming pool chemical in her eye. Needless to say, after the necessary flushing, hours in the ER, and the medicine to save her eye, she ended up with a red, swollen eye. Additionally she was extremely worn out and it really showed on her face, so I decided that I would treat her to a face mask. Specifically, a new clay based mask that I just created a recipe for. I figured that this would give me a guinea pig and I would also be doing something nice for her. I love two birds with one stone deals, but I made a huge mistake. My mistake? I didn't take a before, during, and after picture! I really was just thinking she would either say that it felt bad, good, or great, and that afterwords her skin felt okay, good, or great. I watched as she rinsed off the mask, after only 10 minutes and I was completely taken aback when her skin showed marked and visible signs of improvement. Her under and supra orbital swelling was decreased, the redness of the skin, and even facial wrinkles were decreased. We immediately could SEE a big difference her skin tone. We were really both blown away as we examined her skin. The first thing she said was, "you should have taken a before and after picture!" Of course the second thing she said was, "when can I do another one?" lol.

I always love it when a recipe comes together, but it amazes me to know that these small wonders still amaze me!

Get Ready To Bear Some Skin!

Summer is officially here, so make sure that you are ready to bear your skin in those sleeveless tops and skimpy sandals. Try these quick and easy recipes to help you put your best skin forward, then remember to protect yourself with sunscreen and daily moisturizing. Not caring for your skin will result in drying, premature aging, and may even cause severe issues such as cancer, so take a few minutes to care for yourself! Any skin treatment needs to begin with a good exfoliating scrub. Here two simple recipes that rid your hands and feet dead, dry, tough, and unsightly areas. Use as often as necessary, but regular treatments of once a week will make a great addition to your beauty care regimen.

FOOT SCRUB

Mix 1/2 cup of dry cornmeal with 2 TBS. of avocado oil (if you are in a hurry to use and don't have avocado oil on hand, substitute olive oil). Spread on your feet and then rub with a pumice stone. Make sure that you concentrate on the heels and any calloused areas. Rinse with warm water and pat dry, then moisturize.

HAND EXFOLIATOR

Take 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 TBS. apricot oil, and the juice of 1/2 of a lemon and mix together, then immediately rub the mixture on hands. Rinse with warm water, pat dry and moisturize. The sugar works to slightly abrade the skin, while cleansing and stimulating it. The apricot oil is a natural lubricant that moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin. Together, these ingredients make a great treatment to rid your hands of dead, dry skin. Exfoliated skin is soft, clean and healthy!

More Shopping

Here are this weeks specity shops to check out!

Monday- www.littlediva.etsy.com

Tuesday- www.allaboutyoshi.etsy.com

Wednesday- www.pickleberries.etsy.com

Thursday- www.softpencil.etsy.com

Friday- www.solojewellery.etsy.com

Saturday- www.cropinggal.etsy.com

Sunday- www.fiazco.etsy.com

Shop til ya drop at these great on line stores

Here are this weeks Neat-O marketing shops, please check them out! Since I have been off line (see my previous post) I have missed out on at least two weeks of this marketing exchange, and I am soooo sorry for that! I hope that everyone will understand and forgive me! Since I am still a bit tired from my prolonged illness and it is already Tuesday, I am posting a few days together here. Please check out these shops and support the handmade revolution! (Mon) For vinatge collectables check out www.retroclassics.etsy.com

(Tue) For jewelry, paintings and felted pieces be sure to visit www.5erg.etsy.com

(Wed) For all kinds of crocheted items visit www.flutterbuggcreations.etsy.com

(Thur) For weird, wild and pretty vintage be sure and stop by www.theabomb.etsy.com

Tis the Season

Tis past the season for my computer to be fixed, yet it still sits on a shelf somewhere. I certainly hope that Santa has an elf or two to see his way to clear to put a computer fix on my horizon, but til then, I am having to list the Neat-O shops all together again. I am sooooooooo sorry, but the new year will bring new posts, I am determined!!!!!!!!!

Til then, Merry Christmas or merry whatever you celebrate, but for me and my house, we are celebrating the birth of our Lord! I hope that all of you and yours have a blessed season and remember the reason for that season! While giving of yourself is certainly not limited to one day or even one month, this is the time to remember why we do what we do, and to consider whom we are doing it all for. So peace, love and joy to you all! I also wish happiness and health to everyone for the coming new year!

Due to Christmas, there will only be 4 days of promoting this week, here are those companies; Monday- www.bluetricycle.etsy.com Tuesday- www.pearlsquiltedcrafts.etsy.com Saturday- www.npsunshine.etsy.com Sunday- www.bythewayside.etsy.com

Hi Everyone, I am still disconnected from the world, with mty computer in the shop. I have borrowed this one for a few minutes to list the Neat-O shops for the week, please be sure and check them out! I will, hopefully, have my computer back this week sometime! Even if not, I will have access to one long enough to post a time or two later this week, so please be patient with me! I never would have believed that I would be so computer dependant, but look at me now! lol.

Anywho, ya'll have a great week and I promise to get you something new to read by Wednesday! Thanks for all your well wishes and keep on prayin' for a speedy and inexpensive fix for my computer will ya?! Lol, thanks!

Tammy www.eviestoolemporium.etsy.com Monday www.foofooandmore.etsy.com Tuesday www.WhimsicalStar.etsy.com Wednesday www.housewifecollection.etsy.com Thursday www.lynniebbags.etsy.com Friday www.vixenware.etsy.com Saturday www.doreenbatesart.etsy.com Sunday

Houston, I have a problem here!

I am in the midst of a nightmare! My computer has crashed. I am not one of those fortunate people who have more than one, and I was stupid enough to not have uploaded all my business items to a zip file or other such ingenious device. So, to say that I am in a huge state of panic, is putting things rather mildly! I am currently on a borrowed laptop to update this and check emails, but I will soon be without computer again. Once you are use to having it on daily, and talking to all your new-found friends across the world, being subjugated to the non techy world again is really a trip.....and a bad one at that! If you would have told me four or five years ago that I would rely so heavily upon this world wide web thing, I would have laughed at you and told you that I preferred the REAL world! Now the LOL is on me! I am a web addict and I admit it, now how will I get my computer back up and running? I hope that the Geek Squad will take pity on me and not clean out my meager bank balance, but I must have my computer back!

Since I have no idea if/when I will be saved, I am putting up the neat-o list for the week. I am sorry for the few ones I missed, believe me, I would have LOVED being connected so I could have written about them! I will add them to my featured shops as soon as I get back up and running. Meanwhile, please visit these fine shops and pray for a speedy, inexpensive fix for my laptop! The essential oils are completed now, so next time I post we will be looking at items you can use to make your home more spa like!

Monday- www.gaiatrovechicago.etsy.com Tuesday- www.crostini.etsy.com Wednesday- www.batfineart.etsy.com Thursday- www.abbadabbabags.etsy.com Friday- www.mixit.etsy.com Saturday- www.myrecordpurse.etsy.com Sunday- www.paperaffection.etsy.com