November 29, 2011

What DOES Handmade Mean?

I recently interviewed an artist friend of mine, for an artist profile type blog post that I help out with from time to time. The following is the answer she gave to the question "What does handmade mean to you?"-I thought her answer was perfect.

What does handmade mean to you?
 
"I think of a "handmade" item as something that is infused with the spirit of individual people. Whether an item is made through an individual or small group process, there is an extra care given to detail. There may even be some machinery involved in its making, but the mechanical processes are individually governed by the human heart. There is a saying that "God is in the details," in a similar line of thought, I think that the human soul is in the handmade."

On the Fifth Day of Giveaways...


You can win a $20 Tierra Verde gift certificate...over at IndieSpotting. Stop by and check out the IndieSpotting "12 Days of Giveaways" where you can win a $20 dollar gift certificate from two new handmade shops each day.

November 27, 2011

Mixed Bag of Nuts + Cyber Monday

"Holiday Blend" Artisan Blended Potpourri- $15.00

Introducing my new "Holiday Blend" artisan blended potpourri. A blend of mixed nuts,star anise,Mexican cinnamon,nutmeg and cloves-scented with a traditional"Holiday Blend"of essential oils. This blend conjures up memories of cozy fires,family,Christmas trees and the anticipation of Christmas morning. Potpourri comes beautifully packaged in a 1 pint mason (product wt. approximately 8oz.) jar with bow. This potpourri will be a "limited edition" available only online or at market. $15.00- This item is not yet listed-please drop me a line if you are interested in purchasing during our Cyber Monday sale.-These will go quickly and there are only a few.

Oh! and by the way  please enjoy 10% off  your total order along with our already great offering of $7.00 flat rate shipping for November 28-Cyber Monday!! Use discount code cybermonday to receive 10% off. Shop Now!

November 25, 2011

Saturday Nov. 26-Shop Small



"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. On November 26, make a pledge to shop small on Small Business Saturday. If millions of people shop small, it will be huge."

Help small businesses flourish. Shop small-November 26 and every day...

If you're looking to pick up some Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps, don't forget you can show some love by picking some up at Hodgepodge Design. Love your community.

On The First Day...

" The 12 Days of Giveaways"
Nov. 25-Dec. 6

Enter to win a $20 gift certificate-two new artisan shops will be featured daily.

Hint-Keep an eye out each day for a little something soapy...

November 22, 2011

Handwashing 101

With flu season right here upon us, handwashing is an important and vital step in the fight against that nasty flu bug. Here are the steps as recommended by the CDC for proper handwashing technique.

What is the right way to wash your hands?

  • Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
  • Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  • Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
  • Rinse your hands well under running water.
  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them.

Scource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

November 20, 2011

Six More Days......

Until the IndieSpotting 12 Days of Giveaways begins - for 12 days beginning November 26 there will be a $20 gift certificate given away from each featured indie artist. Featured artisans include-Horsefeathers Gifts,Beadsphere,Lil Burrito,June Shin,Zoe Girl Designs, Pressed,Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps and many, many more.... Don't miss this chance to browse the shops of talented artists before the Christmas rush begins

Help support indie artisans this holiday season- buy handmade!

November 18, 2011

PSA- Fires and Winter Chill

I'm not really sure why such a burden has been placed on my heart for the past month or two, but I can't seem to just go about my merry way without sharing this with you.

Some of you who know me, know that my husband is in a line of work in which he sees a lot of senseless tragedy occur. As he goes off to work yet another tragic event-I would like to appeal to you all to take care of your neighbors. You see, for the second time this month a child has died in a fire within just miles from our home. Often times a fire is preventable, if we take extra vigilant measures. We can service our heaters, make sure our portable heaters have 3' of clearance and have auto shut off, we can make sure we don't overload power strips/circuits and all those sorts of things,but what if you're living in poverty? What if using the oven as a heat source is your only means of heating your home at night with below freezing temps, what if  a frayed extension cord is all you have to run to an aged portable heat source,what if you had to make the choice to put food on the table or buy batteries for the smoke detector? These are the choices some people have to make.It is our responsibility to take care of each other and in this depressed economy it is dire that we look out for each other.$20 can buy a very effective space heater with auto shut off-and often these tragedies occur in smaller older homes or older trailer homes in which a good space heater could easily provide heat.

Not always, but often the common thread in these senseless tragedies is poverty. If you know someone who is struggling with making ends meet-please be extra vigilant. Be aware that often people who are struggling are forced to take dangerous measures just to stay warm. Please look to see if they are running dangerous extension cords to older space heaters, or if perhaps they are using a oven to heat the home(or even an outdoor grill-this is a very dangerous thing due to the threat of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning) and lastly, please look to see if there are working smoke detectors in the home. Obviously, a smoke detector does not prevent a fire,but it does make a difference in the time allowed for egress. Almost always in the course of investigating these horrible tragedies the common denominator is the lack of a  smoke detector. So, it is with a very heavy heart that I plead for you to check on your neighbors-make sure they have a safe way to stay warm and if you do not have a smoke detector or you haven't changed the batteries out in quite awhile please, please, take the time to obtain and to service your smoke detectors-they can save the lives of the people you love most-your children.* note- if you do not have a smoke detector, please contact your local Fire Department/or Volunteer Fire Department often they have smoke detectors available to give out to people in need-if by chance they do not have detectors available they can instruct you where to get one.

On a different note-please remember it's the time of year in which the elements can be very harsh for the homeless. Things we take for granted like a warm coat, blanket or sleeping bag can make a big difference.If you are blessed with the basics of a roof over your head and a warm bed-please think about donating blankets, coats that are heading out to donation, sleeping bags etc. These items can make a big difference to those who are in need. If you are local and would like to donate time,money,clothing,sleeping bags,coats etc. please contact lburrus@linkministries.com.

 I'm sorry, I know this was a pretty "heavy" blog post today,but occasionally there are things more important than soap.

November 17, 2011

It was 1970 Something

Me-1979

Haha! Get a load of the terry/velour short set and braces. Generally, I don't like to post photos of myself-I don't consider myself very photogenic, but this just cried out to be posted.lol! Seems my cousin was going through some photos and ran across this one (that's my cousin in my lap-she's grown with two precious boys of her own.)

November 16, 2011

Coffee, Wine, Conversation and the Arts...


Coffee,wine, conversation and art come together this Thursday night-head on over to the The Buzz Coffee and Wine Bar  606 West Loop 289(westbound frontage road between 4th street and Frankford Ave.) This Thursday marks the beginning of a new and unique art venue "The Third Thursday Thing" - where featured artists will showcase their original handcrafted works of various styles and mediums. Each month featured artists will change bringing a wide range of talent and handcrafted works to you.

This Thursday Nov. 17 from 5-9 P.M. features the inspirational paper art by Dollmark, crocheted items by The Dapple Apple, and amazing shaving gift sets for men by Dirty Deeds Soap as well as works by Patches of Peace.

Also of note - The Buzz is a big supporter of local musicians featuring live music most weekends. See their  event calender for more information

Keep the Faith and Shop Handmade.

November 14, 2011

Pink Grapefruit and Ginger- Wash Away Those Winter Blues!

Pink Grapefruit and Ginger


Pink Grapefruit and Ginger

Fresh clean Pink Grapefruit complimented with the earthy goodness of Ginger equals a great pick me bar of soap! These bars will be read to go just in time to wash away those winter blues. Pink Grapefruit is believed by aromatherapists to be a spiritual up-lifter making it a great choice for those cold, wet days of winter. The sweet pink color is derived from Aussie Pastel Pink clay-a perfectly fitting color choice.

November 7, 2011

It's Time to Load Up

Citrus Honey Hand Balms - 1oz. $7.00 in re-usable metal tin

A pile of fresh all natural hand balms ready to go! These all natural hand balms come in four delicious scents- Lemon Honey, Citrus Honey, Lavender Honey and Honey. Give Santa a hand by taking advantage of our $7.00 flat rate shipping.

Hand Balms are made with fabulously moisturizing and nutritive ingredients to take care of hands in urgent need of moisture and repair.Great for travel, the office or your purse. Simply warm between hands and apply to areas that need special attention-beeswax forms a protective seal to hold in moisture.These balms are also great for your lips, elbows, feet and cuticles.


November 3, 2011

The Money Tree



One of the fb pages that I "like" posted the following on their status. I wanted to share it with you.

Source-"Life Set to Words" on fb  
"How often do we not even notice the gifts and abundant blessings right in front of us? Watch this and be inspired to stop and take notice of the gifts all around you today..."

You'll be surprised at how the people responded to a blessing placed right in front of their eyes! Sometimes blessings don't come in a large or grandiose package-but they are right there in front of us.

Have an abundant day!

November 1, 2011

Just Listed!

Tree Hugger - 4.5 ounces $6.00

Tree Hugger- an arboreal blend of eucalyptus and cedar perfect for any tree hugger. This blend smells like cedar after a rain; smoky, spicy and slightly sweet with a hint of camphor.Unisex


 Barley and Hops-Fall Edition 2011 4.5 ounces $6.00

Barley and Hops- Fall Edition- Autumn-the season for tailgating, football games, the glowing orange orb of the Harvest Moon, bon fires that light up the West Texas sky, and the crackle of fallen leaves. The nutty maltiness of a fine Nut Brown Ale is complimented with an earthy yet zesty blend of  Lime, Patcholi and Clove- a perfect expression of Autumn.


Cinnamon Cajeta-4.5 ounces $6.00

Cinnamon Cajeta - a rich caramelly goat's milk base with a decadent speckling of vanilla bean aromatically complimented with hint of cinnamon. Perfectly delicious!

Just listed and there are only a few! Pick yours up today-remember that now through January we have $7.00 flat rate shipping making it easy to load up on bar soaps, shave rounds and all natural hand balms! Shop now!