Jovia Life

Alchemic Muse Handmade Soaps

2009-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was browsing through Etsy and decided I needed to purchase some soap. You're probably thinking..."Doesn't she make soap already? Why would she buy it if she can make it?" You're right...I could make soap....in fact, I make a lot of soap...but I don't make this particular soap!

You see, each soap maker has a different imagination and uses different ingredients. If you truly love soap, you feel the need to smell and experience ALL kinds of soap. And lots of it!

I ended up ordering from three companies and one of them was Alchemic Muse.

Well! Once again, I wasn't disappointed. When I ordered, I couldn't decide which ones to pick so I asked Karen to pick for me. The order was for 4 quarter size bars but Karen threw in a couple of slivers of some others as well. I'm so glad she did because my two favorites are from the little slivers...don't get me wrong...they are all fantastic! But Loukoum and Ginger Cake...well, they take the cake!! I just love the smell of those two. Yummy!

Now about the lather. Another Wow! It starts off with some big bubbles and then progresses into a thick frothy foam. Very rich and creamy. To die for actually!

I like that her labels list all the ingredients and I noticed that all the soaps I received are palm free. Instead she uses cocoa, mango and shea butters. No wonder they feel so great!

Mouse in the house!

2009-11-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just so there's no confusion...I do not like rodents! Sorry, but I really don't....at least not as pets. When I was 7, a girlfriend put her pet...something...gerbil I think, up to my big toe while I wasn't looking and the little monster bit me! Made me bleed and everything.

Lately, a mouse has been getting into one of the cupboards in our house. How do I know? Because it has been leaving little presents behind for me to find in the morning. Yuck!

We bought some traps. We set the traps. No mice. Nothing. Figures, right?

Then the other night while my husband was out by the garbage cans, he hears this rustling sound. He looks in the can and sure enough there are two little creatures sitting in the bottom. And darn it, they are alive!! And they look cute!! Smelly, but cute.

It's one thing to dispose of a dead little creature once you have trapped it. It's another thing entirely to have to actually kill something that looks at you like this. Not going to happen.

Even my big, gruff, tree climbing man didn't even consider disposing of these two little guys. Nope....gave them some toilet paper to cuddle up in. A dog biscuit...just in case they got hungry. Some water of course. Oh...and brought the whole garbage can into the mud room so they wouldn't get too cold. He's such a sweetheart!

Yesterday we took them to a nearby field and let them go free. Run little mice, run free. I tried to take pictures of them leaving the garbage can but they were way to fast for me.

I guess I'll throw away the traps now...maybe I can find a live trap somewhere and put it in the crawlspace under the house...maybe we'll catch some more...I sure hope not!

Mad Hatter Soap

2009-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

You know how exciting it is when you go to the post office and find a parcel of treats has arrived? I could barely contain myself until I got home to open this little package.

Part of Mad Hatter Soaps appeal is the entertainment factor she has managed to incorporate into her products. Each soap sample I ordered has a awesome name like Mephisto, Superstition, Kashmir and Moonstruck. On top of that her descriptions are wonderfully intriguing...."The scent of mystery and myth, dark and foreboding at the core, soft and sultry around the edges, tinged in sweet irrationality"....that alone made me instantly want to try "Supersition"!

Each soap sample was nicely labeled with a full description of both the scent and the ingredients. And the ingredients!!!! Goodness gratious....we're talking upscale here! Chock full of silk and exotic butters...I feel tempted to either wear or eat these soaps.

As soon as I was finished taking the above picture, I ran upstairs to our bathroom to try these babies out....and I tried all of them!! Each and every one has a fantastically exotic scent that is geared to those who prefer a more sophisticated scent. There is absolutely nothing ordinary about how they smell.
Lathering action on all the bars was above par...huge fluffy bubbles and the bars glided exceptionally well across my skin.

I haven't made a final decision yet as to my absolute favorite out of the four bars but I think I'm leaning toward "Moonstruck"! If you go and check out her shop, you'll see that I'm not the only one who likes her products....she's had to close shop until December 1/09 to restock her shelves. To see the sort of stock she usually carries, just click on '1340 sales' under 'other items' on the right hand side.

Enjoy browsing...make a list...you'll be glad you did!!

Pink Glove Dance!

2009-11-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

I love this...it gave me the giggles!!

Sunday Drive on Saturday

2009-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

We decided to take a little drive yesterday. A cruise into the hills to go find some snow. It wasn't hard. Within a half hour there it was...everywhere! The kids and the dog had a bit of fun with the toboggan and I had some fun with the camera.

Soap Making Business

2009-11-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

Has the idea to start a soap making business been sneaking into your thoughts, haunting your dreams?

You, like many others, probably feel overwhelmed and excited all at the same time. Excited is good....overwhelmed is not!

Go slow, do your research, make a list of 'to do's' and then break each task down into smaller chunks.

Small challenges are easier to accomplish and give you a sense of achievement....of progressing forward.

I am not by any means an accomplished business woman! I tend to be scatterbrained...always thinking ahead to the next project before finishing the one at hand. Building myself a soap making business is a challenging task....mostly because I keep changing my mind on where I want to go with it!

Read on....

Craft Project - Pillow Box Tutorial

2009-11-17T10:31:00.001-08:00

Give this easy craft project tutorial a try. Make these cute pillow boxes and use them for packaging up your handmade soaps or other bath and body products.

Seagrass Handmade Soap Recipe

2009-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Check out this wonderful seagrass handmade soap recipe.

Bright, fresh and uplifting, this soap is made with a blend of Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Lemon and Lavender essential oils.

Fashion Statement

2009-11-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

Came across this while poking around facebook....too funny! My personal favorite is Granny with the tattoo!

Here's the original link for those interested in purchasing a set of these beauties!

Give the Gift of Gluten Free

2009-11-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

Holiday time can be somewhat depressing for those unable to eat gluten rich foods. It's so sad really....think holiday goodies and you'll probably have a hard time coming up with many that don't involve wheat flour.

I love holiday baked goods! Actually, I adore them! When I realized that I couldn't eat flour anymore, my main thought next to not eating bread was "What about the Christmas baking?"

I've yet been able to replace sandwich bread to my satisfaction but I have found that sweets like cakes, brownies and cookies can be very good indeed. In fact, I have found some recipes that are definitely just as good as wheat flour baking.

Previously, I blogged a brownie recipe that I really love. There's only one problem ....I hate getting all the ingredients out to make it. So much work and such a huge mess for one tray of brownies.

With that thought in mind, I reworked my favorite brownie recipe into a mix. Now I just have to pull the ingredients out once in awhile, make up a bunch of mixes and put them away until the urge for brownies hits. When it does, all I have to do is grab a mix, add eggs, vanilla and oil and cook. How easy is that? Really easy...the only thing easier would be for someone to make the mixes for me!

Which is where giving the gift of gluten free comes in. If you know someone (or are someone) who can't have gluten, I bet they would love to receive a gift that not only feeds their cravings for baked goods but is fast and easy as well.

This recipe is a little different than the original recipe I posted and I like it even more...the brownies are thicker and the texture is smoother.

Gluten Free Brownie Mix

1 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Tapioca Flour/Starch
1/4 Cup Corn Starch
1/4 Cup Gluten Free Flour (I use Sweet Sorghum or Brown Rice)
1/3 Cup Cocoa Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips or Chopped Nuts (optional)

Place all ingredients into containers and seal. I line up large plastic cups on the counter and place a cellophane bag into each cup. I then measure out the sugar into each bag and then follow with the rest of the ingredients. Once you've measured out all the ingredients add a tag giving the directions as follows.

Chocolate Brownies

Add ½ cup melted margarine or oil, 2 lightly beaten eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract to contents of package. Mix. Pour into greased 8 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Do not overcook. Cool and slice.

I serve these brownies with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce...sooooo good!

Here's the hot fudge sauce recipe. It's very tasty and will keep for quite a few days in the fridge...if it's around that long!

Hot Fudge Sauce

In a small sauce pan combine the following:

4 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
6 Tbsp Water
1/2 Cup Sugar
3 Tbsp Butter/Margarine

Bring mixture to a full boil and remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly then add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract.

Enjoy!!
PS...the tags in the picture mention that the brownies will fall...not anymore...not since I reworked the recipe. Good and thick they are now!

Packaging Your Soapy Creations

2009-11-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

Are you in need of some soap packaging ideas?

You've made your lovely soaps and now they sit there....naked....bare for all the world to see! What next? Should they be elaborately dressed in silk and all manor of things elegant? Or would a modest look be more appropriate?

With the vast array of packaging and wrapping options available, you shouldn't have any trouble finding some great soap packaging ideas. The only trouble will be trying to decide which one to use.

Packaging your soaps can accomplish many things.

If you plan on selling your soaps, labels provide an area for listing ingredients and displaying information about your product and company.

Many countries either require this to be done already or are heading in that direction.

For more information visit Health Canada or US Food and Drug Administration.

Even if you just give away your soaps, it's not a bad idea to list the ingredients...you never know what people are allergic to.

Your soap packaging can also help to create an overall look or 'brand' for your products making them instantly recognizable as yours.

Wrappings keep the soaps clean and can help to protect them from deterioration due to environmental elements.

And my favorite reason for wrapping up soaps....it looks great and can be such fun to do! Visit my new Packaging Ideas page on Soap Making Essentials to see some great packaging ideas you could use for wrapping up your soapy treasures.

The Girls Sleepover

2009-09-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Silliness reigned supreme last night as three high energy girls ate, bounced, laughed, talked, squealed and generally had a ball.

My daughter, Brianna invited 2 of her friends to sleep over last night and as you can see, they definitely had a good time.

Where does the energy come from....or rather...where did mine go to? I could barely keep up just taking the pictures.

Lots of funny, goofy faces....

Plenty of smiles and giggles....

Yup....

They're wonderful nut balls!

This was one of the first shots I took while trying to figure out how to take pictures at night. I added it because it's pretty neat....especially for a mistake.

Gluten Free Pizza

2009-09-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone loves a good pizza. So you can imagine how depressing it is when you can't just order one anymore....and when every recipe you come across tastes like either mush or cardboard.

Well not anymore! I've found the perfect recipe for a great tasting gluten free pizza crust. The picture above does not do the pizza justice, I'm afraid. It smelled soooo tasty that I didn't spend much time trying to take a good photo. The kids and I pretty much just dove in and devoured it rather quickly.

While I was making the crust (my counters scattered to the brim with ingredients) I got to thinking. How often am I going to make this if I have to make such a mess every time? Not often I'd bet. So my next thought was, "Why not just measure out a couple of batches and ziplock them for later?" Like a mix. Yeah! Great idea! So that's what I did.

Here is the recipe, slightly changed from the original as usual.

Gluten Free Pizza Crust

Place these ingredients in a ziplock bag for later use. I suggest marking the bag with the date and using within a month or two.

• 1/3 cup brown rice flour
• 1/3 cup sweet sorgham flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour or potato starch
• 2 tablespoons flax meal (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon garlic seasoning (or other seasoning of choice)

When you're ready to make pizza, place the contents of the ziplock bag into a bowl and add the following ingredients.

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons milk powder (dairy, coconut, nondairy)
• 2/3 cup water (110 degrees F)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar

Directions:

o Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
o Mix all ingredients on low speed until blended.
o Scrape down sides and beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
o The dough should be soft and sticky, much like cookie dough.
o Place the mixture on a lightly greased pizza pan and sprinkle with rice flour.
o Press the dough flat until it covers the pan, continuing to sprinkle with flour if needed.
o Make the edges slightly thicker to hold in the toppings.
o Bake the pizza crust for 10 - 15 minutes.
o Remove from oven and spread with sauce and toppings.
o Bake another 10 - 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is nicely browned.

Enjoy!

It's Apple Season

2009-09-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Lately, apples have been featured in our local grocery store fliers at much more affordable prices. For some reason, when food is on sale, I feel the need to stock up and I usually end up with a bit of a surplus.

Thankfully I have a couple of handy dandy gadgets that make processing apples a snap. The first gadget would be the apple peeler/corer pictured above. My mother-in-law gave this too me when my daughter (now 15) was first born. If you don't have one....get one! I mean it! You won't know how you lived without it.

The second gadget is a dehydrator. I must admit that I don't use this for a lot of things but I do use it a lot for ONE thing. Making apple chips. My family loves them. Quite often I'll open up the dehydrator and half the apple chips are gone before they are even done!

It's a good thing they are so easy to make! Simply peel and core the apples with gadget #1, cut in half and place on the drying racks. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon for variety if you like and turn the dehydrator on.

Then you just walk away for the next 6 hours or so. Once the apple slices have a leathery feel to them (some like to dehydrate until they are crispy), turn off the machine and allow them to cool. To store the apple chips, place them in a Ziploc bag or airtight container.

You can use apple chips in a variety of ways. I cut them up and add them to granola bars, cereal and trail mix. You could put them in cookies, slices or cakes like you do with raisins. Or just eat them straight out of the bag!

My biggest problem with apple chips is keeping them around long enough to put them into anything....not such a bad problem, huh?

Treasure Hunting!!

2009-09-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Recently, I made an expensive purchase. It's something I've wanted for quite some time but kept putting off due to the high cost. Well, now that I've got it, I'm not sorry what so ever. This little gadget is a GPS or Global Positioning System.

Hmmmm, you're wondering? Why on earth would she want something like that?

To go treasure hunting of course! Or more accurately Geocaching.

"Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache’s existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then try to locate the geocache."

Basically, you plug in the co-ordinates for a cache into your GPS and then go find it. The GPS unit has a compass on it that points you in the direction you need to go. Mine tells you how far you need to go and how long it will take you. Once you find the treasure, you sign the log book and then trade a small trinket in the box for one you've brought with you.

Check out the Geocaching website and click on "Hide & Seek a Cache". Do a search in your area to see how many there are. Lots probably. I was shocked to see that I walked by a number of them every day. Little treasure boxes hidden all over the world.

So far I've taken the kids on 6 searches and they love it. Not only are they getting outside for some exercise but they are also getting away from the TV, computer and video games. See their smiling faces!

This is one of the trails we found a cache on.

We even took the dog. No amount of coaxing would get him to go near the water! He's such a baby.

Nick, of course, had to practically get in. If the water hadn't been so cold, he probably would have.

Growing Calendula for Health and Home

2009-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Each month, members of the EGCG team are asked to submit an article for the team's blog site. I thought since I went to the effort to write this, I would share it on my blog as well!

Last month we introduced you to the delightful benefits of using bath and body products containing the herb 'Calendula Officinalis' otherwise known as Pot Marigold. This month we would like to encourage you to try growing this versatile herb in your own garden.

Part of the Daisy family, this annual plant has beautiful sunny yellow or orange flowers that bloom from mid-summer until the first frost and can grow to heights of 60 centimeters.

As you can see from the picture above, it makes a lovely, vibrant addition to any garden. It's also relatively easy to grow...simply plant your seeds in early spring by covering them lightly with one-quarter inch of garden soil or compost. Try to pick a spot where the Calendula plant can re-seed itself. Provide a space of 12 inches between your Calendula plants to allow for growth expansion and water the plants regularly. For optimum growth, a dose of fertilizer or compost once a month is beneficial.

Once your flowers have opened you can harvest some of them for use in your home. Did you know that drinking Calendula tea is said to help fight many illnesses and improve overall health?

To make a tea, pour boiling water over two or three teaspoons of Calendula petals. Let the mixture steep for about 15 minutes. Calendula tea can be consumed up to 3 times a day and is believed to be beneficial for the following when taken internally:

* To detoxify and protect the liver, gallbladder and other organs from long-term damage or failure.

* To reducing fever and sore throat associated with the common cold or other viral infections.

* To relieve gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, as well as stomach ulcers and other digestive problems.

* To clear or prevent symptoms of conjunctivitis, or "pink eye" internally.

* To reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps as well as easing hot flashes.

* To help repair skin damage and fight aging.

The tea can also be used as a natural wash for wounds and skin ailments because of its amazing ability to speed up the natural healing process. Bruises, cuts, scrapes, minor burns, eczema, athlete's foot, diaper rash, cradle cap in babies, sore nipples in nursing mothers and sunburns can benefit from the use of a Calendula wash.

Calendula flowers can be used as food additive as well. They add flavour and colour to cereals, rice, soups and the petals are delightful in salads.

With so many uses and benefits, a Calendula plant or 3 in the garden would definitely be a positive addition.

Here are a few (of the many) bath and body products containing Calendula that are available in our members shops.

Calendula and Chamomile Oil by Aromaherbals

Orange Blossom Spa - Natural Handmade Soap by AlcamicMuse

Calendula Infused Lip Balm by PixieSoap

Shea Butter Coconut Milk Handmade Soap by JoviaSoap

Facial Mask and Exfoliant with Organic Kelp and Calendula by DressGreen

Sweet Orange Calendula Cream with organic oils by MirasolFarm

Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2189664_improve-health-calendula-tea.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2098659_grow-calendula.html
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/calendula.php
http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.ca/calendula-herbal-oil-organic-p-1529.html

Resistance is Futile!!!

2009-06-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

As with soooo many other things, I truly tried to resist ever owning one of these. Unfortunately, just like the video games and the pellet guns....I was foiled!!

For years I got away with statements like this "Sorry kids but we just can't afford to buy a trampoline". So what do they do? They get one given to them for FREE!

My husband met a nice man who's children are all grown up and they no longer want to have this infernal contraption in their yard. So now it's in mine....sigh....these things terrify me. I did get on and give it a jump or two though. You know how after being on a boat for awhile and you get off onto shore you still feel like you are on the water? Yeah....same concept except it feels like your going up and down instead of side to side...kind of nauseating, actually.

The kids have no such problems and are thrilled, as you can see from the following pictures of the set-up process. I have to admit, it is wonderful to see them so excited and happy!!

Etsy Green and Clean Guild Treasure Hunt!

2009-06-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I am a member of an Etsy group called the EGCG (Etsy Green and Clean Guild). This weekend some members are having a treasure hunt and you can find some fantastic deals on a huge selection of bath and body products. Here's the post from the EGCG's Blog.

This weekend, select EGCG members will have treasure chests hidden in their Etsy shops. Find the treasure chest and save big!

Here's how to participate:

Browse through the list of EGCG shops below and search their listings for the hidden treasure chest graphic. When you find it, you may take advantage of that seller's special offer listed in their shop announcement and/or the product listing where the graphic was hidden. The promotion runs from Friday, June 26 at 12:00 pm EST to Sunday, June 28 at 11:59pm midnight EST.

And don't forget about the extra bonus! For each purchase you make from one of the participating EGCG shops shown below, you will be given one entry into a drawing to win a $15 gift certificate to the participating shop of your choice. Winner will be drawn and announced on Monday June 29th. **Please include the code word “treasure” in the Notes to Seller at checkout so we can count your purchase as an entry**

Arrrrr, Cap'n Clean commands you to "stay clean and be moisturized!"

Participating EGCG Shops
1. http://jadewicks.etsy.com
2. http://RightAsRainCreations.etsy.com
3. http://urbbody.etsy.com
4. http://InseineCreations.etsy.com
5. http://sweetcreekherbs.etsy.com
6. http://IluminatedPerfume.etsy.com
7. http://showertreatsoap.etsy.com
8. http://Joviasoap.etsy.com
9. http://SpaTherapy.etsy.com
10. http://SkinJourney.etsy.com
11. http://DressGreen.etsy.com
12. http://AlchemicMuse.etsy.com
13. http://dirtygirlsoaps.etsy.com

Cute Little Guest Soap Samplers

2009-06-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Aren't these just the cutest little sampler sets? I've put them together to sell at the Farmers Markets and I think I'll make a bunch for the Filberg Festival as well.

These little treasures will make wonderful hostess or thank you gifts. Perfect for packing into holiday luggage as well....at $3.50 each, they are an affordable gift to bring back for family and friends!

Each set consists of 3 different one ounce guest sized bars put together with raffia and a hang tag. I was having way too much fun photographing them!

I wonder if I should list them on Etsy too? What do you think?

Words Escape Me....

2009-06-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say that it's only today that my minds a blank.....however, that's not the case. Lately, I just can't think of anything to say. I'm tired (my husband would call this 'cranky') and my allergies have been acting up...these are my excuses. Pretty lame but they're all I've got.

Today I wandered around coming up with all sorts of great ideas that I can't really do anything about yet. One idea is to make little mini tote bags with my Jovia logo on it to put soaps and other goodies in. This idea lead to the 'other goodies' idea. I would love to add body sprays and foaming body butters to my line of soaps but until this crazy market season is over, I doubt I'll have the time.

So what did I actually accomplish today? Nothing! This is what happens when you allow your mind to take over when it's in overdrive.

I did manage to take a few pictures...not just the ones I'm sharing with you...some were of soap so that counts as work...sort of! Perhaps I'll even get some of those soaps listed on Etsy. If I can get my butt (& brain) in gear that is.....

May's Jovia Soap Contest Winner

2009-05-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Anh Nguyen of Halifax on winning 2 bars of Jovia Handmade Soap. Anh picked these two bars for her prize.

Romance
Peach Mango
Thank you everyone for participating in May's contest. Stay tuned for June's contest coming soon!

Jovia Soaps in Treasuries

2009-05-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! White Sands Jovia Soap made it to Etsy's front page.

Lately my shop felt like it was floating out in the great big beyond....far, far away from anywhere and anyone. Just when you start to wonder if it's all worth the effort, something comes along to give you a boost and keep you going.

For me it was a couple of things.

One was having a customer come to one of the markets I do and purchase 25 bars of soap for the ladies in her office. It's such an uplifting feeling to have things like that happen.

The second thing was having my soaps featured in a few treasuries during the last week.....and such beautiful treasuries as well!

I'm so happy, I think I'll go make soap!

This one is featuring my Tropical Green Tea soap.
And this one is showing off my Red Current and Champagne soap.

Tasty Gluten-Free Granola Bars

2009-05-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Over the past month I've been finding it rather hard to eat breakfast. Three to five days a week I'm up at 4:30 - 5:00 in the morning, I pack my truck with my soapy goodies and I'm on the road headed to a farmers' market by 6:00 - 6:30. About the only thing I can stomach at that time of the morning is a cup of coffee or tea.

Being on a gluten-free diet seriously reduces my choices in snack-like breakfast fare. All the breakfast bars available at the grocery stores seem to contain wheat (like most packaged foods) and the GF versions....yeah, complete cardboard in terms of taste...sorry but I'd rather starve.

Last year I came across this granola bar recipe and have been baking them weekly for my snack and breakfast fare. They taste great, are easy to carry with me, and they are good for me too! My only problem is keeping them in the house. My son and husband, who can eat anything wheat filled, are quite enjoying my gluten-free granola bars and they disappear far too quickly.

Here's my version of the recipe...I double it every time!

Gluten Free Granola Bars

1 Cup Oats, GF
2 Cups Gluten-Free Cereal (rice crisp or high fiber)
1 Cup Nut mixture, chopped (pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds)
1 Cup Dried Fruit (berries, raisins, cranberries, apricots, apples)
1/4 Cup Sesame Seeds
1/4 Cup Flax Seeds (must be ground since your body won't digest them whole)
1/2 Cup Coconut (sweet or not...your choice)
1 - 2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips (totally optional...this just satisfies my extreme sweet tooth)

Blend all ingredients well and set aside.

1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 - 2/3 Cup Sugar (honey, rice syrup, raw sugar...whatever type you like)

Combine the above two ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Pour over granola mixture and blend until the granola is completely covered in the sugar mix.

Press firmly into a 9 x 13 greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 - 15 minutes or until golden. Careful not to burn it. Let it cool completely (overnight) and then cut into bars with a sharp knife. Enjoy!!

Joanna from Product Body recently posted about loosing weight eating specific foods and this recipe actually covers 4 out of the 7 listed. My recipe might be a little too high in the sugar department but you can fix that if you like :)....or not!

Calendula Topped Herbaceous Soap

2009-05-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to do some 'topped' soaps'....you know, the ones with oats, flowers, coffee beans, dried orange slices, etc. on the top. It can be hard to try new things sometimes since experimenting can take quite a bit of time.

Well, this experiment didn't take anymore time than usual and I'm quite happy with the results. The green is coloured using parsley powder and calendula powder. Such a lovely green it is too! I've added some unscented bits to the green as well.

The scent of this bar is sooo fresh and wonderful too! Of course it's one of those one's that can't be repeated....I've had quite a few very small bottles of herbaceous essential and fragrance oils lying around and decided to use them all up in one soap. I just madly mixed them all up willy nilly and now I'm really, really sad that I didn't take notes! Sigh...it'll take me forever to figure this scent out again. Learn from my mistakes....no matter what...take notes!

On another note, my daughter and I are going to play hookie today. We're having a Mother Daughter day and I'm taking her down to Vernon so we can check out the Thursday Farmer's Market and go out to lunch.

So far I'm doing great at the Armstrong Market but the Salmon Arm Market (especially on Tuesday) is extremely slow yet. There's quite a few vendors...just not too many customers. I'm thinking of attending Vernon on Monday and Thursday, Salmon Arm on Friday and Armstrong on Saturday. Four days too much do you think? I figure you make hay when the sun is shining and markets are only for a few months of the year. Might as well take advantage of it....after all, I can always sleep all winter, right?

Finally!! Another Contest!

2009-05-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

I apologize....I've been very slack in keeping the monthly contests going! Here's May's contest and it's really simple. Visit my Etsy shop and check out the different catagories....ie. "Definitely for Him"

Do you love foody scents like the coconut, vanilla, and buttercreams? Or do you prefer floral scents like lavender and rose? Perhaps fruity is more your style.

Whatever your preference is, just add it to the contest ballot and you're entered for a chance to win your choice of two Jovia Handmade Soaps from my Etsy shop.

Good luck!!

Contest closes at 11:00 pm EDT on May 24, 2009.

Monthly Jovia Newsletter

2009-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you signed up for the Jovia Monthly Newsletter yet? If not, you could be missing out on some great specials, discounts and contests that are exclusive to Newsletter recipients.

Take a peek at this months edition by clicking on the picture below. If this is something you would like to receive every one or two months, the sign up form is in the right hand column.

Whoa!!! Soap Overload!!!

2009-05-07T10:27:00.001-07:00

Just a couple more soaps that are currently curing on the Jovia Soap racks right now. Thought you might like a peek.

Shea Butter Coconut Milk

White Sands

Seagrass

Ruby Grapefruit

Red Current and Champagne

Powder Puff

Patchouli Lavender

Orange Creamsicle

Margarita

Lumberjack

Java Jumpstart

Camellia Coconut Milk

Bamboo and Teak

Aphrodite

Lots, huh? Alas, there's no rest for the wicked...and I must be very bad indeed since I have sooooo much more work to do!!

HI HO, HI HO....it's off to work I go!

Ya right...you know how much I love it!! :)

Smart Cookie

2009-05-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note....Nick's had his Medieval Castle graded and the teacher gave him an 'A'. But not just an 'A'....he got 100% on it!!! How cool is that?

I wonder who's kid he is?? Who cares since I've no intension of giving him back!

Medieval Castle Project

2009-04-30T19:29:00.001-07:00

My son is in Grade 8 and was assigned this project for his Humanities class. At first, I have to admit, I didn't appreciate his teacher very much for sending this sort of assignment home. And by home I mean....the whole project was to be done at home....which basically translates into me getting to teach my son all about a subject I know nothing about.

Thankfully, the teacher sent home detailed instructions. I was also grateful that it was a crafty type of project since I can handle those.

So Nick and I surfed the Net for some ideas to try and get motivated. We found quite a bit of information and once we got started, it was actually quite fun. I think we might have gotten carried away.

Here are a couple of Knights jousting in front of the castles portcullis (the gate looking thing). I learned a thing or two about castles while helping Nick...:)

Here is the Lord of the Castle observing his domain.

And the Lady of the Castle is reclining in her chamber.

A Knight, Squire and Page are conversing in the corner by the mew which is filled with birds.

Over here we have the stable and the Farrier. Notice the man up in the cage? Hmmm...I wonder what he did to deserve that? He must have been very naughty indeed.

One must not forget to include the Garderobe pipe (drain pipe for the toilet) and of course the poor unfortunate soul who got trapped there trying to infiltrate the castle during the last siege. What a terrible way to go.

I hope you enjoyed the tour!!

Fat Lips Abound!!

2009-04-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

My husband and I look like Botox experiments gone wrong.

I had this brilliant idea last night to demonstrate to my husband this hilarious game my daughter taught our dog, Brock. For those of you who are unfamiliar with our dog...he's a Doberman cross mutt. He's quite tall and seems to have legs that never end.

Anyway, the game goes like this.

Kneel on the floor in front of Brock. You need to be in an area that is narrow...about 6 - 7 feet wide that you can defend. Take one NylaBone, Brocks favorite chew toy, wave it in front of his face and then drop it behind your back.

The object of the game is for Brock to sneak by you and grab the bone. Your job is to launch your body at his and pin him down.....or at the very least block him from going by.

One tends to forget that as we get older, our bodies do not respond quite like they used too. What my 15 year old daughter can do and makes look easy, isn't!!

After a couple of hysterical body launches by me...giggles from my husband and successful retrievals by Brock, I decided to try one more time. Big. Mistake.

My lip connected with Brocks (very hard) head. The left side of my top lip is now macerated on the inside and blown up on the outside. OUCH!! Game. Over. For. Me!!

Not to be left out, my husband decided to give this a go.....hehe!! He too had a little fun before the damage was done. Brocks paw connected with Darrell's lip. A nice, neat little slice on the top lip and a blood blister on the bottom lip. Game. Over. For. Him.

So now we both look like we either had unsuccessful Botox or spent the weekend duking it out...sigh....oh, well...it was fun for a minute or two!!

Sorry...no pictures...I'm far too vain.....

First Market Days

2009-04-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

Brrrrrrr! The first markets days for Salmon Arm and Armstrong where this Friday and Saturday and I can honestly say, it was quite chilly! At least the sun came out from time to time to give a little relief from the biting cold wind that kept whistling through my booth at both markets. My face is suffering from a slight wind burn but at least I have some colour on my skin now. :)

My daughter was wonderful and got up at 5am to come to both the markets with me. Such a trooper...though she did escape into the truck (where it was nice and toasty warm) to read her books for awhile.

Business was fairly slow but that is to be expected at the beginning of the season. I'll be doing both the Tuesday and the Friday at the Salmon Arm Market and the Saturday at the Armstrong Market. Would love to be able to do the Vernon Market as well....but that doesn't leave any time for actually making the soap so I guess I'll have to just visit instead.

Here are a few pictures of my display. It needs a little work yet but it's a start. I think it would be better if I put up the back wall of the tent to give a plain backdrop to the soap.

Anybody got any ideas as to how to improve the display...I'd love to hear them.

Build a Soap Curing Rack

2009-04-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

Recently I've received some requests for instructions on how to build this lovely drying rack my Dad made for me. There really aren't any but I'll explain it the best I can.

1. Pick up one of those cheap pine build-it-yourself shelving units from Walmart, Zellers, Canadian Tire, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

2. Build it.

3. Cut rectangles of 3/8 plywood that measure the inner length and width of each shelf. Cut about 12 of them.

4. Cut slats of wood to fasten on the shelves and on the shelving unit to support the extra shelves. I have some slats that are made of metal as well.

5. Attach the slats to the inside of the shelving unit so that the soap trays will be able to slide on them and be supported. (look at the bottom picture to see where they are located).

6. Build the soap trays using the rectangular plywood pieces and the remaining slats of wood. Each rectangle will have a slat fixed to the short edge and then across the front edge. The front slats will be raised off of the plywood and fixed to the side slats....see the slat picture.

Slide the shelves in and that's it. My directions are crappy, I know, but hopefully you can tell by looking at the pictures what I'm talking about.

I can't even begin to describe how wonderful this shelf is. It saves space and the shelves come off so you can take them to where you are working and then return them full of soaps.

Hopefully you'll enjoy them as much as I do.

Went for a Sunday Drive...on Saturday.

2009-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

My Husband and I took a drive on Saturday. Just the two of us spending some quality time together. Here are a couple of things we saw along the way.

Don't you just love this melon farms sign? It's priceless. Way off the beaten track is this shop and you have to admit, with this sign, you're bound to stop just to see if the shop is as interesting as the sign. Unfortunately it was a little (lot) early in the season for the shop to be open. My husband was very disappointed since he was keen to meet "Mabel".

Our drive took us through Trinity Valley which is south-east of Enderby, then down to Lumby, through Vernon and back home again. The valley is full of farms. I was sad to see that so many of them were up for sale. I would imagine it's pretty hard to make a decent living as a farmer these days.

Here is one interesting little hut that we drove by. It looks like someone spent a lot of time decorating it. Not sure what it's function is....it probably doesn't have one and is just for fun.

This fellow was enjoying the morning sunshine so I decided to stop and take his picture.

We saw lots more but I keep forgetting to ask my husband to stop the truck so I can take a picture. I'm getting better though. At least I remember to bring the camera along.

As I write this, I realize that my writing skills are a bit lacking. We had to be up at 3:30am this morning to get my husband off to work for the week. I suspect the rest of my day is going to be unorganized and fuzzy. Oh well, I'll drink lots of coffee this morning and go to be really early tonight.

Here's hoping you had a great weekend!

Etsy Green and Clean Guild Swag Bags

2009-04-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

These really cool bags of goodies are on sale now on Etsy. I missed out on participating in this event but next time I'm signing up and donating some of my soaps. The wonderful women who put this whole thing together have done a really great job....I'm very impressed with their professional presentation.

What IS EGCG Swag Bags?
The Swag bags are a collection of 18 generous sample-sized products from different Bath & Body shops - all members of EGCG ( Etsy Green & Clean Guild!) It's a great way to try different products from different shops at the same time. It's also a great Mother's Day gift idea!
Another awesome feature is that your EGCG Swag Bag is a special reusable, eco-friendly shopping bag! So make sure you put it to good use long after you use the products.

What's IN it?
This round, we have a variarity of handmade bath soaps, lip balms, lotions, facial soaps, laundry soap, candles, bath fizzy, body mist, sugar cube scrub....wonderful goodies!

Where to get them?
Swag Bags will be available on April 15th on EGCG Etsy's shop.

Participating shops:
Morgan Street.
Bunny Butt Apothecary.
Spa Therapy Works.
Right As Rain Creations.
The Bath Project
DressGreen
Jadewicks
You Stink Soap
Shower Treat Soap
Sweet Creek Herbs
Farnham Soaps
Kelle's Kitchen
Mea Culpa Body and Bath
Inseine Creations
Rachel Rene
Grumpy Girl
SudzNThings
Mirasolfarm

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

Aren't these little guys so cute? I just hate to think of how they became so colourful. I mean really...what did they do? Dip these newborn chicks in dye like you would an egg? I'm hoping it's the graphics that's been messed with and not the actual birds!!

Like for many of you, we will be having our Easter dinner tonight. Ham, scalloped potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, etc. Yummy stuff...just have to figure out what to have for dessert!

I've already put the kids Easter treats in their rooms but they have yet to wake up. Teenagers don't get quite as excited about receiving treats as little ones do but they sure pout if they don't get them. This will be the first year that I haven't put on an Easter Egg Hunt....last years hunt lacked the enthusiasm of previous years. It's so sad to see them grow up sometimes.

I've still not quite woken up yet and need more coffee. I just wanted to check in and wish you all a Happy Easter and apologize for not blogging more. The days (and my mind) seem to be filled to the top with soapy stuff and I've little room for much else right now. Hopefully I'll find my rhythm soon.

Have a great Easter filled with lots of good food and great company!

Sneak Peek at New Jovia Soaps

2009-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a little peek at some of the new soaps I've made lately. Having a little bit of fun with design and color. The scents are amazing. I can't wait until they are done curing so I get to use some!

Very Berry

Rosemary Lemongrass

Romance

Pomegranate Mango

Lavender Serenity

Lemon Twist

Honey Nut

Femininity

Coconut Cream

Rose Geranium

Weekend Yard Work

2009-04-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is what my husband does for a living. Insane isn't it? And this is mild. Mostly he works around the power lines while doing this sort of thing. Thankfully he does a lot of supervising these days and not so much climbing.

Since moving here our elderly neighbours have hinted at having this tree removed. It blocks all the morning sunshine in their yard and basically leaves a huge mess of needles and cones. They must be in their late 70's and aren't really up to all the work these days.

So instead of making soap and goofing off we're doing yard work. Theirs. And you should have seen our neighbours face when he saw what we were doing. If his smile got any bigger, his face would crack!

Happy neighbours make good neighbours!

7 Pounds - An Incredible Movie

2009-04-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband insisted that we watch this movie....even though he knew it was a tear jerker!

I admit that I can be a little over-sensitive when it comes to movies. I cry during many of them. But this was different.

I had the overwhelming desire to sob! Great big hiccuping, tear jerking, shoulders shaking, sobbing. By the time this movie was over, my nose was purple, my eyes were squinty and bloodshot....I was a mess!

And yet, I must insist that if you haven't seen this movie, you have to do so! Yes you will cry. But it's worth it. The story it tells is about sacrifice. About being responsible for your actions. About giving back. And about love.

An incredible movie to say the least.

The Filberg Festival

2009-03-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

Back in January, my Mother and I decided to apply for 'the cream' of all craft fairs in British Columbia (in our opinion).

The annual four-day Filberg Festival is held each BC Day long weekend and features more than 120 artisans, great food and lively entertainment for all ages on the beautiful 9-acre waterfront Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park. Over 20,000 visitors came to the 2008 festival...this event is huge!

Entry into the festival as an artisan is decided by a jury of volunteers from the Craft Association of British Columbia and industry professionals. The application process is quite involved and the number of applicants each year is very large.

Guess what? Both my Mother and I were accepted and invited to attend as vendors for the 2009 show!!! We can't even begin to describe how excited we are. And the thought..."Oh goodness....I sure have a lot of work to do!" keeps running through my head. So much to do and so little time!!

This is really going to be a lesson in time management for me...and my Mother since I'm so like her!! I might just make myself up a schedule of daily duties to keep me focused.

I applied to the Festival under the Soap category..of course! My Mother entered in the most sought after category of all. Jewelry! Making the cut in this category is definitely a coup since the competition is brutal. But I'm not surprised that she did! Everything my Mother tackles, she does wholeheartedly. She always thoroughly studies what she attempts and then lets her creative talent take over. Here is a sampling of her lampwork jewelry.

Have a great day!!! It's time for me to get to work!!

Keeping Busy

2009-03-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking in terms of blogging. Here's a quick peak at what's been keeping me busy during Spring Break.

My son's room is finished (for now) and he's moved back in. You can see the nice laminate flooring he and I put in all by ourselves. It was recycled from another room where it had been incorrectly installed. The crown moldings and baseboard moldings aren't in yet but that will wait a little while.....I'm tired of being a handyman and would like to take a break from it.

The soap studio has now been expanded from this.......

and now includes this as well. Plenty of space to cut and package my soaps. Yeah!!

With the extra space, I was able to put up this lovely curing rack my Dad made for me. This rack, my curing closet and one of those cheap white pantry cupboards should be plenty of space to cure my soaps on for the two farmer's markets I'm in this year.

Speaking of which....it's time to go make more soap!

Demon Dog on the Rampage!

2009-03-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

What the heck is wrong with this mutt you ask? Why is he walking on two legs and looking so 'gremlin' like? Probably because in this shot he is actually air born.

Brock loves games. Flashlights are wonderful! He tries to eat the little dot of light on the floor. Laser pointers are even better. This game however, involves balloons. Wonderful floaty, squeaky balloons.

The kids tied a balloon to a string and hung it from the ceiling. Then they let Brock at it. The balloon is so light that it bounces off his nose and is too big to get his mouth around.

So basically he jumps, whines, squeals, barks.....goes on a rampage and tries to eat the balloon. It's a great way to get a giggle and exercise the dog at the same time.

After 15 minutes of this, we gave Brock the balloon which he promptly popped. He then drank a full bowl of water and went to bed.....he was exhausted!

Spring is in the Air!!

2009-03-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, I agree....it's not much in the way of evidence that Spring has sprung but quite frankly, after more than 4 months of snow covered everything, I'll take it!! This picture is actually only a small portion of an approximately 4 foot span of grass.

The sun is shining and the grass is emerging. Warm and wonderfully flower filled days are right around the corner. I can't wait.

In honour of this coming season, I've redecorated this blog with Springtime. I've also made a few soaps that have a Spring feel to them. These are pictures of what's new and curing on my shelves. They'll be ready around mid April.

Peach Mango Handmade Jovia Soap

Clean Cotton Handmade Jovia Soap

Tropical Green Tea Handmade Jovia Soap

Saint Patrick's Day Shopping Spree

2009-03-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

The kids are modelling their new purchases from our fun Saint Patrick's day shopping spree. They were in need of some new clothes....darn offspring keep growing! I think I might just stop feeding them since they are getting much too expensive.

You know that 'family bonus' the government gives you? The one based on income and the child's age. Who in all their wisdom came up with the idea that children under 7 are more expensive that teenagers? Someone without kids I guess.

But I digress....

Our shopping day began at 8:30 in the morning and was a little rocky to start. Crabby kids squabbling about who gets 'shotgun'...you know...the front seat of the truck! Good grief! I almost lost it right there. Like who cares when each gets to sit in the front? It's not like they won't get a turn.

This grumpiness lasted until the boring shopping was taken care of. The Superstore purchases...food in other words.

Once we hit the Kelowna mall though, everything was sunshine and roses. Of course it was...that's when the shopping became all about them! We found the most amazing sales on clothes. Makes the long drive worth it. Most of the items were less than half the price of our limited selection at home.

Once our feet were too tired to continue we went for lunch at Milestones restaurant. Much better than food court food and more relaxing. After our lovely lunch we headed home. Two hours of virtual silence. Shopped out teens tend to be quiet. It was lovely.

Now all I have to do is figure out what to do with the two of them for the rest of Spring Break!

Think Before You Speak!

2009-03-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share with you one of my "life's most embarrassing moments".

When I was about 20 years old, I worked in a local grocery store as a cashier. This was back before scanners were popular and our store didn't have any. Often, items would be without a price tag and you would have to call for a price check. The system at this store was one of those that projected your voice throughout the entire store, stockrooms, offices, bathrooms, lunchroom....basically everywhere.

When doing a price check it is advisable to think carefully about what you are going to say and to make sure you pronunciate your words properly.

On this particular busy day I was 'in the zone'. Tons of customers and I was having no problem keeping up. Perfectly good day, really.

Until this particular item came through and I had to call for that price check. Did I slow down and think first, run what I was going to say through my head just to make sure I got it right....heck no! I just picked up the intercom and jumped right in.

Here is what I said "Could I please have a price check on 'Country Cock' margarine?"

I groaned as soon as I realized what I had said and then hung up the intercom in complete embarrassment. The store was very quiet for about 10 seconds and then the laughter started...not just one or two people but I swear the whole store, staff and customers alike all started to laugh until it seemed everyone was enjoying themselves at my expense.

I was about 12 shades redder but thankfully still able to smile and chuckle while waiting for my 'price check' to arrive. And yes, I was the butt of many a joke for some time after.

To this day I still seem to have trouble with talking too quickly and saying the wrong things but at least I'm not anywhere near an intercom that will announce my humiliating mistakes to the rest of the world.

Hairdressing Isn't My Thing

2009-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was reading Mary Moore's blog Holy Mackerel yesterday about the lopsided haircut she gave her husband and it reminded me of one such haircut I gave to my own husband.

It was at least 4 months ago and every time I think of it I still start to giggle. Not very nice, I know, but it was sooo very funny.

My husband often likes to use the electric trimmer to basically shave his hair quite short. Not bald but about 3/4 inch long. He sometimes gets me to help him out, especially with trimming the back of his head and neck.

This particular time I had some things on my mind and I was preoccupied. My husband asked me to shorten up the back and passed me the trimmer. It had the 3/4 inch guard on it and I trimmed away while talking about what was bothering me. Once that was done I left him to go do something....can't remember what.

Anyways, he called me back to help him finish up by trimming up the back of his neck and this is where I really wasn't paying attention. When he passed me the trimmer I was still talking and carrying on and I ran the trimmer straight up the back of his head.

That's when it dawned on me....oh god....the 3/4 inch guard wasn't there anymore and I've just buzzed a 2 inch bald stripe up the back of his head. The room was very silent for the next minute. Do you know there are times when one minute is very, very long?

My next reaction was to burst into loud, uncontrollable, hiccuping laughter! The kind I haven't experienced since...well...I can't even remember. I'm desperately trying to explain myself to my husband through the laughter but not much is getting out. Thankfully, all he did was start to laugh as well, though he wasn't laughing at his hair. He was laughing at me and the hysterical state I was in.

Here we both are almost peeing ourselves in the bathroom, tears running down our faces, hair all over the floor, kids staring at us like we've flipped and all I could think was "I sure love this guy."

Once we had ourselves under control, we shaved the rest off and my poor husband had to go teaching without hair. He was such a good sport about it....even now when it comes up and I start laughing again he doesn't get mad but just smiles and shakes his head. And he still gets me to trim his hair...though he does make sure I'm paying attention and explains exactly what he wants done.

Honey Handmade Jovia Soap

2009-03-12T08:34:00.001-07:00

My mother is on my case complaining that "Enough with Bambie...write something new!"

Lately I've had a case of blogger's block.....or perhaps it's just that nothing remotely exciting has occurred in my life.

I look outside and yup, it's still cold and white out there so I haven't had any outdoor adventures. Cooking hasn't had any appeal for me. My diet, well, let's not go there since I didn't! My kids are being good so nothing to report there. I've got nothing to say....

I lied about nothing exciting happening. Well maybe not since it's exciting to me but probably not to you. :) Earlier in February I sent in an application for a Farmer's Market in Armstrong, BC. It's about 45 minutes away from my house and is held on Saturdays. I got accepted and the first market is on April 25.

The pictures above and below are of the first larger batch of soap I have made in a long time. It's 40 bars which is quite a bit bigger than the 10 bar batches of late. This soap is a simple one. Scented with a honey fragrance and decorated with the honeycomb design. The scent is unbelievable! Very edible smelling.

I'm going to be very busy for the next while. I need to make lots and lots of soap. A table, sign and tent need to be purchased. My display needs to be figured out. And of course I will have to make all the labels for the soap as well. Yikes!! I only have 6 weeks to get it all done and four of them are for curing the soap. That leaves 2 weeks to make the soap!

I think I had better get back to work.....see ya!

Playing Hooke

2009-03-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

This morning started out like most other mornings. I got up at 6:30 and put the kettle on for tea. Let the dog out and started to prepare his breakfast. Let the dog in and fed him. Took my tea down to the computer and goofed off for about 1/2 hour while I woke up.

And then things started to go a little differently. When I asked my husband to call me this afternoon, his answer was....."Yes, you can come with me today." Huh?

I had grand intentions of tackling that fun job called income taxes and playing Hooke wasn't on my agenda at all. When I asked my husband what on earth he was talking about, he just looked at me and started to play video games. I think he likes seeing me off balance and completely confused. I'm sure he silently chuckles to himself while I babble on asking question after question. "Where are we going?"..."What are we doing?"...."You want me to come with you?"

After receiving 'nil' in terms of a proper answer, I figured, what the heck....taxes aren't really that fun anyway and went for my shower. We were on the road by about 8:45 and heading to Kelowna, which is about 2 hours south of our home in Sicamous. Turns out he needed to finish up a bid he was doing and wanted my lovely company. Awwwwe. Gotta love that.

On our journey through the back roads of Kelowna we saw some wildlife. Aren't they gorgeous? I bet we saw about 20 deer today.

We also saw some interesting houses. An adobe style home is pretty much out of place up here but looked cool.

We liked this new subdivision of summer cottages that's being built here. Needs some trees but the homes are sure cute and colorful....and I love color.

The scenery was quite lovely too. Some areas still had plenty of snow, while others were looking ready for spring.

All in all, I had a wonderful day with my husband. Finally getting to spend a little quality time together. Of course those taxes are still waiting for me.

I wonder if my husbands employers would consider hiring me on as his side kick? You know, like a portable secretary. That would be cool....getting paid to spend time with my husband!! Lol....I'd probably drive him crazy!!

Profound Words from a Child

2009-03-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

Severn Suzuki gave this speech to world leaders at 1992's UN Earth Summit when she was 12 years old. I completely missed it. How sad.

In 1992 I was a self absorbed 24 year old....not much has changed really, except my age and my circle of absorption includes family. This child who was half my age felt so passionate about our planet that she was able to get up in front of the most powerful people in this world and tell them what a crappy job they were doing. Wow!!

Time to re-evaluate how I manage my little world and see what small things I can do to make a difference.

New Jovia Handmade Soaps for March

2009-03-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

February has been a busy month. Between my son's room being redone, making soap, bookkeeping for taxes, applying for shows, my website, my family, this blog and life in general, I've had so much to do that I sometimes feel lost.

You know those days where the number of things to do is so long that you get stuck and end up accomplishing nothing? I think I need to start making a 'to do' list and just try to take one thing off of it each day. Maybe that way I won't feeling like I'm drowning. You should see my house....kidding....it's such a mess you don't actually want to see it. The only organized spot is my soap room. The rest has piles of stuff that needs to be put away. And dusted!! I hate dusting....I need a dusting fairy. :)

I did manage to get a few things done last month...my bookkeeping is mostly done, I made some new soaps, my son's room is painted (though not finished) and I've applied for markets and a summer show.

Now I need to make labels, design some more new soaps, do my husbands bookkeeping, finish my son's room....I think I'll stop there since that's quite a bit of work already. Time to stop overwhelming myself.

Here's a little sneak peak at some of the new soaps that will become available for purchase in my Etsy shop this month.

Vanilla Macaroon Handmade Jovia Soap

Surf's Up Handmade Jovia Soap

PunkinPeach Handmade Jovia Soap

Mountain Laurel Handmade Jovia Soap

Margarita Ville Handmade Jovia Soap

Mango Mai Tai Handmade Jovia Soap

Hippie Hippie Shake Handmade Jovia Soap

Frangipani Handmade Jovia Soap

Acaimaretto Handmade Jovia Soap

And February's Winner is.....

2009-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Contest Machine has drawn a winner for the Champagne & Roses and the Oak & Ivy bars of Jovia Handmade Soaps.

The winner is...... Karin Aaberg of Tenstrike, Minnesota!

Congratulations Karin! Your soaps will be shipped via Canada Post tomorrow.

Bedroom Makeover

2009-02-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

My sons room was in dire need of an upgrade. When we first moved in the room was wallpapered in a very nice safari/African themed paper. Unfortunately, like everything else the previous owners did to the house, it wasn't done very well and it wasn't finished.

The carpet was a scrap that was too small for the room. The wallpaper wasn't glued down properly and they left one corner unfinished to show the pale yellow paint below. Very irritating.

It's taken us a while but we finally peeled all the paper off and have started painting. My son picked out the paint which is a pumpkin pie color and will go very nicely with his belongings.

Lucky for us, the previous owners left some laminate flooring that we're almost certain will be enough to do his floor with. A little crown molding and some baseboards and the room will look wonderful.

My husband and I are planning to get this done this week if at all possible and move our boy back in. Then I get to start working on my soap room! Yeah! :)

Quick Tip of the Day - Stick Blenders

2009-02-24T10:25:00.001-08:00

Stick Blenders. Immersion Blenders. Handheld Blenders.....Whatever the heck you want to call them! I've got a few un-bloggable names for them right now.

Do not under any circumstance clean a stick blender with one finger on the blade and the other on the power button!

Even with rubber gloves on, it hurts like the devil bit you when you accidentally press on that said 'power button'!

Ouch! Sniffle. I'm a idiot!

My Own Special Weight Loss Program

2009-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm on a diet....you know the kind where you say "I'm on a diet" and then eat everything in sight?

Seriously though, I am trying to at least eat more fruit and veggies. At first I was going to try and actually skip on the sweets but who am I kidding. My sweet tooth is so large it barely fits in my mouth.

When I was little (OK, I was about 14 so not really little) my mother and I stayed at my Grandparents house while they were in England. My Grandfather has an even larger sweet tooth than the rest of us, which must be where my family gets it from.

Anyways, their fridge always has chocolate in it. Talk about temptation. Every day I would walk up to the fridge and tell myself "You will not eat all of Grandpa's chocolates!" and then I would take an After Eight, stuff it in my mouth and leave the envelope behind in the box...to hide the evidence of course.

Well, by the time they got back from England there wasn't an After Eight to be found in that box....nope.....just a whole lot of empty envelopes hiding nothing....absolutely nothing. Totally Busted!!

My Mother is just as bad. As a joke my Dad once hid a chocolate dessert out in the garage before he went to work. What do you think happened? She sniffed it out!! That's right, my Mom found that dessert and of course ate some. Good work Mom!! I think I would have pretended to have eaten the whole thing.

My husband doesn't think I should diet because..... his words.... "I like you soft and squishy." (Hmmmm...I'm not sure that's a compliment) My kids feel the same way.

So okay, maybe I don't need to lose too much weight but just eat healthier. That's probably a more realistic goal for now.

See....Salad for lunch!! A whole 260 calories of rabbity goodness...with a smidgen of beef and blue cheese.

I'll have mixed berries for dessert.....and some chocolate. :)

Dreaming of Summer Days

2009-02-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning dreaming of days such as these. Days we spent on Newcastle Island just off of Vancouver Island in British Columbia on our holidays last summer.

For me these pictures are like comfort food. Giving me that warm and fuzzy feeling. Not to mention a longing for this years holidays. Which can't come soon enough!

When I was taking this picture my bare feet were buried in the hot rocks and a gentle warm breeze was blowing in my face.

My boy, my man and my dog.....

My girl and my dog....

Newcastle Island is such a beautiful place and it's a must visit every time we venture back home.

You can see why I may have been somewhat disappointed this morning when I realized that this is what I faced....more cold, snowy days rather than sunlit warm ocean breezes.

It's hard to see in this picture but there are huge, fat flakes of snow coming down in droves.....yet again. Never ending it seems. I'm tired of staying indoors. I think I have the winter blues.

Ah well....soon enough the green will come forth and spring will have sprung. I guess I'll have to learn to be patient.

Instant Gratification...I want it 'now' syndrome.

2009-02-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

The following video pretty much sums up our expectations of the world we live in. It seems the faster and more efficient the world becomes, the more we expect everything to happen yesterday. Instant gratification has become normal and patience has flown out the window.

I admit to acting ridiculously impatient myself and this video makes you sit back and think for a minute. Wouldn't it be nice if we actually appreciated the what we have rather than just expected it as our due?

I tried to put in the shorter version of this video but unfortunately it wouldn't work. The center part of the interview is the part I'm refering to.

Out of Commission.....

2009-02-21T07:16:00.001-08:00

This is not me. She looks fine.....I do not. I'm sick and I look horrible, feel horrible and am going back to bed.

See you in a couple of days...after I recover from this lovely gift of a cold my children were kind enough to share.

My dog is bored!

2009-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Lately Brock has been coming to me while I'm on the computer and he sits and stares at me. Just sits there. Staring. Sometimes he whines.

I ask him if he wants out....nothing. If I was to say "Want a cookie?" I already know the answer. I'll trudge upstairs and get him one and then once he's done he will follow me back downstairs and he'll resume his place. Just sitting there. Staring.

He's driving me crazy! So the last time he did that, I played a trick on him....I'm so mean! As soon as I got up from my chair, he was off like a shot to the fridge (where the cookies are). I however, did not follow. I snuck into my soap room and hid in my curing closet. It's just like a broom closet but has a glass door with privacy glass. He can't see me but I can see him.

It took him a minute but he soon realized that I wasn't coming upstairs. It was very hard to watch him running like a crazy dog round and round the basement trying to find me....The hard part being to not laugh and give myself away. You see, he used to play hide and seek with the kids a couple of years ago and he loves it. One child would hide and the other would seek with the dog.

So I'm standing in amongst my soaps and they're masking my scent...for awhile at least. He must have run about the basement a good 8 times but he did end up finding me. And he just stood there outside the door staring at it....yup, just staring. I sure wish he could talk sometimes. The staring makes me nuts.

Anyways, since it was obvious that what he needed was some play time, we went upstairs to go kill the snake. He really likes to shake the heck out of this thing. And he nips it until he pops the seams and pulls out the stuffing. Hence all the knots...trying to make snake last longer.

Once he got bored of the snake, I sent him out to go get the "kitty". He'll race all over the yard energetically bounding through the snow hunting for the cat. That we don't have. In the summer the odd cat ventures into our yard and he'll chase it but he'd never hurt one. I think he just likes the chase and misses our old kitty who passed away last year. One of the times I saw him chase a kitty, the cat just sat there and our dog ran right up to it and sat down.......and stared at it. Weirdo.

I guess I'm not the only one longing for springtime and green grass. Poor dog has cabin fever. He could probably use a buddy but no way am I cooking dog food for two dogs. One is enough thank you very much. Sure the new dog probably wouldn't need the homemade food but what are you going to say to it....Sorry, you get the crap food cause you don't have allergies.....right.

Brock promptly fell asleep after the fun and games. He left me alone for about two hours. And then came back to stare. It was 1/2 hour away from his dinner time. Fun....a whole 1/2 hour of staring.

Barcardi Peach Cake

2009-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

A few years ago my Auntie Sally made a cake that I absolutely love. I think it's original name is Fruit Cocktail Cake and it is incredibly simple to make.

Since realizing I couldn't eat gluten anymore, I haven't made this cake and I miss it very much. The other night I decided to see what I could do about making it gluten free. I did a couple of searches online but unfortunately the only thing I found that appealed to me was the Bacardi Rum Cake which of course is gluten-full!

I then pulled out the original recipe and decided to just run with it. This is the resulting recipe.

Bacardi Peach Cake

1/2 Cup Tapioca flour *(replace tapioca flour, cornstarch and rice flour with 1 3/4 Cups regular flour for a non-gluten free cake)
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
3/4 Cup Rice flour
1 tsp xanthan gum *(omit if using regular flour)
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 Cups sugar
1 14 oz. can peaches, diced (including the juice)
2 eggs

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour cake batter into 2 lightly greased round cake pans (you can use a 9 x 13 for the regular flour cake). Allow to sit for 15 minutes while heating the oven. Bake cake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 - 40 minutes or until it tests done. Be careful with the gluten free version...opening and closing the oven door can make the cake fall.

Cool cake in the pan.

I deviated from the original recipe here because I felt like that Bacardi Rum cake!

1/2 Cup butter or margarine
1/4 Cup orange juice concentrate
1 Cup sugar
1/3 Cup of Bacardi Rum

Place all ingredients into a pot and cook over medium heat until it boils. Prick holes into the top of the cakes and slowly pour this mixture over them. Don't worry that it feels like your drowning them. They soak everything up very nicely.

Leave the cake to cool completely...it tastes best the next day. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Here is the original glaze which is very yummy as well.

1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup butter
2/3 Cup evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Follow the same cooking instructions as the Bacardi glaze.

Makes 12 servings.

We've already eaten one of the cakes and my daughter and I quite enjoyed it. My son however (13 years old) said that the rum tasted too strong and likes the old glaze better.

Funny...at 13 I would have loved a cake soaked in rum....wonder what that says about me? Who cares...the cakes great! Enjoy.

Melt and Pour Shaving Soaps...So Fun to Make!

2009-02-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

Over the last year I have continually read soap makers going on and on and on about how much fun melt and pour soap making is!

I'm a die hard cold process soap maker and have been making my soaps for 10 years without ever considering going over to melt and pour. A couple of weeks ago I thought "what the heck" and ordered some so I could give it a try.

Ohhhh Dear! It was sooo much fun! Look at these cute little shaving soaps. I think I'm in love. Sigh.....now I'm going to have to source out a reasonably priced supplier! Since I'm pretty sure I'm hooked on this form of soap making as well!

Since I had never attempted melt and pour before, I had to do a little research first. That called for a visit to Teach Soap, Anne-Marie Faiola's website on soap making.

I kept it simple for my first try. After ordering the melt and pour soap, I started saving our fruit cup containers to use as molds. Once the soap arrived I made some curls out of my regular white soap (it was a little too cured so it cracked on some pieces) and put them in the mold containers.

I decided to make each soap a different color and scent since I had only ordered 2 lbs of the shaving soap. I cubed up the soap, weighed out 110 grams, added some mica and melted it in the microwave. Once it was melted, mixed and cooled I added the scent.

The next step seemed to be the hardest for me.....I kept forgetting to spritz the embeds with rubbing alcohol! Darn it! I'd say 2 or 3 of these little cuties might fall apart on me later but I don't care. Live and learn.

I also sprayed the tops with the alcohol to get rid of the bubbles. Once I was done making all eight soaps, I put them on a tray and left them overnight to harden. When I got up this morning, they were the first thing I went too! I was that excited.

I grabbed the first one I made and it popped right out of the mold. Yeah! So I grabbed the second...hmmmm.....not budging....the third....nope....and so on! Nuts! None of the rest would come out of the molds. Fine! I tossed them in the freezer for about a 1/2 hour.

Once I took them out I left them on the counter for about 10 minutes so they could warm slightly. I think it's the temperature change that helps to release them. I still had to run a knife around the top edge but they all came out great after that.

I could probably ramble on some more but I think I'd rather go take a bath and try out my new soaps!

Have a great day everyone!

Who's a Dumb Bunny?

2009-02-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it's not Easter yet, it's Valentines Day. So why the bunny?

Why I'm going to tell you this is beyond me but I guess it's good to be able to laugh at yourself and let everyone else laugh (at you) with you.

On my way to the grocery store this morning, I realized I was seriously short on gas. I drove into the gas station, hopped out and using my debit card on the pump, started the process of prepaying for my gas. While the machine was verifying my request for a fill-up, I turned around to open the gas tank.

Which wasn't there.

Duh! I've had this car for about 10 years now and I almost always fill the car myself. You would think by now I'd know how to pull into the gas station with the tank on the correct side.

I'm standing there in shock wondering what to do. I've already got the pump ready to go. Oh damn I thought. Jumped in the car and did the drive away only to do a "U" turn in the parking lot and return to the pump. Pretty sure everyone was looking at me by now!

Yup, they're saying, She's one Dumb bunny!

I guess I would have to agree with them. Oh well....we can't be brilliant all of the time!

Romance and Roses

2009-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'd had grand intentions of making a treasury on Etsy in honour of Valentines Day. Something romantic. Unfortunately, I missed the treasury opening and had to make a 'fake' miniature treasury for your viewing pleasure. I admit, it was a bit tedious to create this little beauty but I managed and made it click able as well.

For those of you unfamiliar with Etsy....Etsy has a feature called treasuries that are compiled by shoppers and vendors and consist of items for sale that the creator finds appealing. Sometimes they are based on a theme like color or function or object.

You're probably wondering why anyone would want to make one....the reason is to help promote fellow vendors and Etsy. The more people who know about Etsy, the more people there will be shopping for great handmade products.

Happy Valentines Day! May it be filled with Romance and Roses....

Washing Wonders Never Cease

2009-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just like most North Americans we have a washer and a dryer. Lucky for us it's a nice one and it came with the house when we bought it.

I'm fairly certain the people who sold us the house would have taken it with them or swapped it for a crappy set (like they did with the fridge and stove) but this washer and dryer can't leave. Nope.....they built the walls in after the machines were in place. Thank goodness they're Maytag! They may be old but the commercials tell me they will last forever...sure hope so since we're going to have to enlarge the doorways in order to replace them.

I can still remember when my husband and I first moved out on our own and had to visit the laundry mat once a week. Our choices were really limited ....they all smelt like stale old urine and cigarette smoke, yuck. We finally signed up for our first credit card (Sears Canada) and bought a new washer and dryer. Instead of paying the laundry mat for clean clothes, we just sent the money to Sears. That set lasted for 12 years and they were the cheapest Kenmore washers we could find. Not too bad an investment!

So the point of all of this rambling is this.....we have a perfectly good clothes dryer in our house and this is the scene I am presented with this morning. My daughter in all her teenage wisdom is drying her t-shirt with her hair dryer!

I decided not to question her this time (trying to pick my battles) and just grabbed the camera to take a picture. I couldn't help commenting about 'planning ahead' and 'thinking things through' but left it at that. Not to wish away our lives but I really can't wait until the grandchildren come along and my children finally "get it".

Feeding the Eagles!

2009-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Comox, B.C., Vancouver Island , Jan. 2009I was born and raised on Vancouver Island in British Columbia and to this day I love everything about it!

It's a must do visit every year and here is one reason why. Eagles.....lots of big, beautiful Bald Eagles. Aren't they magnificent?

I received these pictures in an email and it seems our overly cold winter is taking a toll on the eagles.

Thankfully some kind souls have taken pity on them and set up a feed station at Goose Spit in Comox. I've never been to Goose Spit but now I think I'll have to search it out on our next visit.

They're fighting over some fish in this picture. Many times I've watched them battle it out in mid flight and it's awe inspiring.

It seems odd looking at the beach and seeing snow on it. Vancouver Island gets snow every year but it doesn't usually stick around for very long....guess I haven't been hanging out at the beach in the winter!

They look so majestic perched there in the early morning awaiting the arrival of breakfast.

Thank goodness there are people out there who not only notice the need for action but actually jump right in and do something about it!

***UPDATE***

The email I received about these pictures turns out to have been incorrect. These pictures were taken in Homer, Alaska and the lady responsible for the feeding was Jean Keene. Here is a little bit of info I found after a quick 'google'.

Jean Keene, the "Eagle Lady" passed away January 13, 2009. She was 85.

Jean lived in a campground on the Homer Spit since her relocation to Alaska in 1977. Jean began feeding a pair of eagles on the Spit shortly after her arrival. She worked for a seafood plant where she had permission to gather surplus and freezer burned fish for the eagles. After ten years, more than 200 eagles were coming by Jean's place for breakfast. Jean loaded fish into barrels and then into her pickup for the short drive home. Before she doled out fish to the eagles, she chopped them into smaller chunks making it easier for them to carry. Jean fed 200 to 300 eagles about 500 lbs. of fish daily from late December through mid April.

The Price of Children

2009-02-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

I found the following while checking my Facebook account and I absolutely love it. It made me teary eyed (not hard to do since I'm such a mush) and I thought you might like to get mushy with me!

"Copied from Facebook"

This is just too good not to pass on to all. Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.

But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:

* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month, or
* $171.08 a week.
* That's a mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140.00?

* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:

* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.

You have an excuse to:

* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect! spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:

* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

My Soaping Spaces...current and future.

2009-02-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

I'm probably getting ahead of myself but I decided to do some spring cleaning this evening...at least in regards to my soaping spaces. We won't discuss the rest of the house.

This is a wall I have confiscated for my soap making bench and all my soapy supplies. At some point I have high hopes of grabbing the other 3 walls as well!

It doesn't usually look this clean and tidy but I thought it might be nice to spruce it up a little for 'picture day'. Most days you would find various soap recipes with all the additives waiting to be made. A block of soap would be on one end waiting to be cut up....pretty much creative chaos in the raw.

That's a skill my mother taught me. If there is a surface to fill, one must fill it. Even if it's the dining room table!

Here is my photography, packing and shipping table. All of my photo props, labels, bags and camera supplies are kept here.

Up above I have all my kids colouring and craft supplies. My daughter likes to draw and paint so we keep her supplies up there....when they aren't in her room that is! She takes the cake when it comes to messy. Her room is usually a whirl wind of disaster. Clothes everywhere. And nothing to wear of course. She's 15 so I guess she's normal!

Now this wonderful little building is my absolute dream of a soap studio. This is where I want to be eventually. Like when it's properly insulated and has a heating system. Since that takes money we don't currently have, my cute little 'studio to be' will wait patiently for me until we can afford to finish it.

There you have it. My short and long term goals for my soaping space. First steal the rest of the room I'm in and then get to work on the outside studio. Once that's done, move everything out there. Sounds so easy but it'll probably take quite a few years before I make it out there.

I can picture myself sitting on the patio (currently buried under 3 feet of snow) in front of the double doors sipping a cup of tea on my break while enjoying some sunshine. How's that for motivation?

Fast Family Fondue

2009-02-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Plans of having a boring dinner of tuna on toast were quickly forgotten when my husband called to let me know he was coming home for a surprise visit.

He has been working out of town and wasn't expected home for two more weeks. Just so happens he had to pick up a new crew member who lives nearby which gave him the opportunity to come home for the night.

Well I wasn't going to feed him tuna on toast! Special occasions deserve special treatment. I quickly blasted out to the store and picked up a couple of ingredients to make a cheese fondue. My family loves finger foods and snack-like meals so this was perfect.

The kids helped me with cutting up the fruit, bread and veggies while I made the cheese fondue and cooked the chicken. Usually we have a communal pot for the fondue but this time it seemed easier to just divide the cheese up and keep the rest of it on platters.

We had a lovely dinner, everyone at the table together chatting and catching up. Once everyone was stuffed beyond belief, we retired to the living room to watch "The Titanic". I cried....again....like I do every time I watch it.

Our visit is over now and my husband is back off to work again but that's okay. We might not get to spend all our nights together but when we do, we try to make it count...to make it a little bit special for each other.

Bath and Body Skin Care Recipes

2009-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Finally I've managed to get another page up on my Soap Making Essentials website.

If you enjoy bath and body products as much as my daughter and I do and would like to try making some of your own, visit the new Bath and Body page of Soap Making Essentials for a selection of super easy recipes that you can make right in your own kitchen.

In addition to the previously posted Whipped Shea Butter recipe, I've included such items as body scrub, foaming bath butter, body salve, lip balm, lip gloss, body spray and solid perfume.

All of these recipes would be loads of fun to do for a birthday party or girls/ladies spa night. I can picture it now....giggling girls/ladies :) scurrying around in their pj's while sipping on mocktails/cocktails, mixing and blending luxury bath and body goodies.

Hmmmm....might be a good idea if the guys found something else to do for the night!

Whose Kids Are They?

2009-02-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, report card day.....a day that strikes terror into many a teenager. That day in our house was yesterday.

For the past few weeks my daughter has been, shall we say, a little on the emotional side. Her performance during the first term of the year was a bit under par compared to past years and she was quite nervous that her report card at the end of the semester was going to suffer because of it. She need not have worried!

At 3:30 yesterday afternoon, I received a call from the school. It was the kids demanding...yes, they actually did...that I come and pick them up from school.

Ummm....excuse me? Why would I do that? They were laughing and giggling so I knew they were OK, therefore why the need for transport? Feet work just fine. (typical Mom comment)

No, no they giggled. You really, really want to pick us up so you can see our report cards!

They refused to tell me what grades they got on the phone but did mention something about deserving cake and could we go get some?

Funny how the 'not so little' terrors know just what to say to make me smile....I swear they're much smarter than they look! As their report cards can verify....both received Honor Roll and Merit Roll...A's and B's....like I said, Whose kids are they?

We got cake! I let them lead the way in the grocery store and they each picked out a slice which they promptly gobbled up as soon as we got home.

When I called their father and told him about it, I could practically feel his pride through the phone. Such good kids....I think they should always eat cake!

Heroic Dog Saves Friends Life

2009-02-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

This video has been around for a while but I've just discovered it and wanted to share it with you.

It's a heartwarming story to say the least and makes you realize that there is much more going on in an 'animals' mind than many people think. I suspect that they are much more humane than many humans.

Hero Dog Tries To Help Wounded Dog - Watch the best video clips here

I just love stories like this....makes me all warm and fuzzy inside!

Double Chocolate Brownie Bites

2009-02-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days have not been very productive for me. For some reason my energy levels have dipped to an all time low and I've occupied my time with sleeping and reading. Basically doing nothing!

So this morning when I got up I decided that some sort of project was in order. I settled on baking some cookies and I started whipping up a batch. The trouble started when I decided to get creative, replacing this ingredient with that ingredient. Mixing and blending with great flourish as though I was some wannabe gourmet chef attempting to attain fame on "Hell's Kitchen". Big Mistake!! Gordon Ramsay would have had a field day!

Yuck is about all I can say about those "cookies". Back to the drawing board. I really need to curb my creative side sometimes....it gets far too expensive to experiment all the time. I have to keep focused on taking baby steps rather than hurdling by leaps and bounds into unknown territory. A chef I am NOT.

Out came the cookbooks and with only a few (fairly minor) ingredient swaps, I produced these tasty little morsels that are quite reminiscent of brownies...hence the name I dubbed them with.

These cookies are gluten-free as usual but feel free to replace the flours with that gluey wheat stuff that is more commonly used.

Double Chocolate Brownie Bites

1 Cup brown rice flour
1/2 Cup all purpose GF flour blend (Bob's Redmill was my choice)
1/2 Cup ground almonds
1/4 Cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp xanthan gum (omit if using regular flour)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Tablespoon instant coffee (optional)

Combine above ingredients and set aside.

1 Cup margarine, shortening or butter
1-1/3 Cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 Cup chocolate chips
3/4 Cup raisins

Cream margarine, add sugar and mix until smooth. Blend in eggs, one at a time until incorporated. Add in extract, chips and raisins.

Slowly blend the two mixes together until flour is fully mixed in. Drop by spoon fulls onto lined or greased cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets and cool on racks. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

I've now eaten 3 cookies and no breakfast so I'm off to nibble on something healthy like an orange.

Have a great day! :)

February's Jovia Soap Contest

2009-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

With the arrival of a new month comes a new Jovia Soap Contest. This months prize will be one bar each of the two new soaps featured in this post. Champagne & Roses above and Oak & Ivy below. These brand new soaps will be available for purchase in my etsy shop at the end of February.

Champagne & Roses isn't your typical rose scented soap. It's a complex blend of essential and fragrance oils that result in a scent that is decidedly feminine. Rosewood, Rose Geranium and Palmarosa essential oils combine with effervescent champagne and a touch of strawberry and current creating a softly feminine floral that lightly tickles the senses.

Oak & Ivy is a masculine scent created by blending oakmoss essential oil with wood and floral fragrances. Sandalwood, musk, cedar, oakmoss and exotic florals give this bar its masculine 'woodsman' scent.

To enter this contest, visit Jovia Soap and find the soap that is "An enticing blend of tart and sexy all in one little package." You'll find this quote by reading the descriptions of the soaps. Enter the name of the soap in the entry form below.

Good Luck!!

Winter Just Won't Go Away!!

2009-02-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

My mood this morning is decidedly sour. Mother nature was kind enough to grant us another foot of snow last night just to remind us that winter is nowhere near finished.

Though I find this winter wonderland very beautiful, my body is groaning in protest from shoveling the snow from the driveway. My children couldn't help...they had to go to school. My husband couldn't help....he had to drive his mother to Kelowna to pick up his brother at the airport.

Our driveway has gotten much narrower with 4 foot piles of snow on either side. Where I'm going to put the snow the next time is beyond me. I'm longing for spring with crocuses and snowdrops popping up. Green grass and warm spring showers. Alas, that is not to be....not for some time yet.

I now sit here waiting for the snow plow to come along and leave a 2 foot pile of snow at the end of the driveway so that I can go out and shovel that as well. I know that the plow guy is just doing his job but when you watch him dump all that snow in your driveway, you can't help but dislike him immensely.

I've lost all ambition for the projects I set out for the day, though I suppose I will plod along and do them anyway just with less enthusiasm.

Oh woe is me I want to whine but in my mind I can hear my Mother kindly saying "Suck it up Cupcake".

Maybe I'll have a nice hot shower and THEN I'll suck it up!!

And the Winner is......

2009-02-01T09:58:00.000-08:00

January's winner of the Jovia Soap Giveaway is......Alex C.

Once Alex contacts me with mailing details I'll be popping the prize in the mail.

Congratulations Alex!

Country Bumpkin Heads to the Big City!

2009-01-31T09:22:00.000-08:00

No posts today folks....this girl's ditching this little one horse town and heading off to the big city for a day of shopping! Watch out Kamloops, here I come!

I'll check out the mall and Michael's crafts, perhaps a nice lunch.....I'll let you know if I find anything exciting.

See you tomorrow...:)

Creamy Lemon Bars

2009-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have a weakness for lemons and this Christmas I tried to make some lemon bars that were gluten free.

I failed miserably!! They had an awful after-taste, probably because I made the shortbread crust with a bean based flour.....not good. I threw them all out. What a waste of lemons!

Not one to give up, I came across a recipe in one of Martha's Everyday Food magazines and decided to give it a go gluten free style.

Well to say the least, they were a complete success. Everyone loved them and they were completely gone by the next day! Yummy lemony goodness!

Creamy Lemon Bars

1/2 Cup margarine, softened
1/2 Cup icing sugar
1/4 tsp salt
Zest of one lemon
1 Cup Gluten free flour (I used 1/4 Cup tapioca flour and 3/4 cup brown rice flour)
**Note - sub in regular flour if you don't need gluten free.

Combine above ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Press into a square 8 x 8inch cake pan that has been lined with parchment paper and greased with cooking spray. Prick all over with a fork and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

2 large eggs, beaten well with a fork
1 can sweetened condensed milk (300 ml)
3/4 Cup lemon juice (approx. the juice of 2 lemons - top up with bottled if you don't have enough)
Zest of one lemon

Combine next 4 ingredients and mix well. Pour mixture over the hot shortbread crust and return to the oven for another 30 minutes or so....until the custard begins to crack.

Remove lemon bars from oven and allow to cool in the pan. Leave in the pan and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight. Remove from pan and carefully cut into 9 - 16 squares (we cut into 9). Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve.

Enjoy! I ate 3 of them :)

Artistic Talent Abounds - Part 3

2009-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

To continue (and I think finish) my family bragging session, I'm showcasing the artistic talents of two Aunts and my Grandfather.

The painting above was done by my Auntie Berta who is my fathers twin. She's retired now and has decided to take up painting again and is quite enjoying it.

This piece was painted by my Auntie Sally who is my mothers sister. She was having such fun one year making all sorts of Christmas presents and I was lucky enough to receive this lovely cupboard.

And finally, this extra-ordinary piece was carved by my Grandfather, my mothers Dad. I'm amazed that anyone can take a chunk of wood, cut pieces off and end up with this! Unfortunately the horse isn't mine....:(....it's my Moms and she was kind enough to take the picture for me.

Baked Bruschetta Chicken

2009-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is a super easy yet delicious meal to prepare.

It uses a few simple ingredients and most of the cooking time is in the oven leaving you free to relax while dinner readies itself. It's also very economical.

Baked Bruschetta Chicken

1 - 28 fl oz. can diced tomatoes, drained of juice
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 tsp crushed garlic
1/4 cup diced onion (I used 2 diced shallots)
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar (this is optional and you can sub in wine or sherry)
8 Chicken thighs (skins removed and fat trimmed)
1 Cup grated cheese of choice

Brown the chicken pieces on both sides in a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Place browned chicken pieces in a casserole dish in a single layer.

Mix all other ingredients together (except cheese) and toss well. Spread the bruscetta mixture over the chicken and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until chicken tests done. Sprinkle the cheese on the bruscetta and return to the oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese.

This recipe serves 4 people.

Note* - you can substitute the 8 chicken thighs with 4 - 6 chicken breasts.

Newsletters Are Great!

2009-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

The other day my Mom checked her email and in it was a newsletter she had signed up for.

This particular newsletter was from Carrie Hamilton of The Bead Tree and Carrie was inviting her readers to visit her blog and sign up for a contest she was holding.

Guess What? Mom won the beads in the picture above. How cool is that?

I've decided that I like the idea of having a newsletter and have added a sign up form to the side column.

The Jovia Life Newsletter will be sent out approximately once a month to let readers know about Jovia Soap giveaways exclusive to my mailing list subscribers. The newsletter may also contain special coupons for sales discounts or free soaps with purchase.

Have any ideas about what you would like to see in a newsletter? Write a comment and let me know what your thoughts are.

Artistic Talent Abounds - Part 2

2009-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

My subject for today's bragging session is my 15 year old daughter, Brianna.

Since an early age, Brianna has had a pencil, crayon, felt or some sort of writing implement in her hands. Even when she is watching TV, my daughter is usually drawing at the same time.

I've picked a couple of paintings from her sketch book that I have found to be particularly interesting.

The top picture was a gift to her father for Christmas 2007. If you look carefully at the bottom of the picture (sorry for the glare from the camera flash), you can see a trail of footsteps....as though a lone individual has travelled through this pristine valley just before our arrival.

I've picked this picture because it's so fun and bright. The way she uses colour just amazes me....of course being her Mom, everything she does amazes me!

Now this painting! This one makes me feel like Alice in Wonderland and I've just dropped down a really weird rabbit hole!

As each year goes by I see so much change in my daughter and in the things she does. She's slowly stretching her wings and soon she will be flying from my little nest. I sure hope she keeps up with her art even if it's just for her own enjoyment.

Well...for me too....I plan to fill my walls with her artwork!

Avocado Dip with Gluten-Free Crackers

2009-01-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

I absolutely adore avocados!

There's something about them that makes my taste buds sing and I can't seem to get enough. I would probably eat them everyday if they didn't cost so much!

This little recipe is great as a dip for crackers, veggies or chips and would also work wonderfully as a dressing.....just add a little milk to make it pourable.

Avocado Dip

1 large avocado, mashed
3/4 Cup Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt (light varieties work well but fat-free tends to make the dip runny...use those to make this a dressing instead)
1/4 Cup Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing (light varieties work well)
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp each of Celery Salt, Onion Powder and Dried Dill
1 tsp Dried Parsley

Combine all ingredients until well blended and refridgerate for 1 hour to blend the flavours.

I made up some crakers from a recipe I found on Bob's Red Mill. Many gluten-free baking recipes I have come across just don't taste quite right but this is one worth making.....even my daughter likes it....the fusspot!

*Note - For the 'normal' people, this recipe can be made with regular wheat flours as well.

Gluten-free Crackers

1/4 Cup Brown Rice Flour or the Hearty Whole Grain Bread Mix by Bob's Red Mill (any GF flour would do)
1/2 Cup All Purpose GF flour
1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum (only if making the GF version)
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp each dried Dill, Thyme, Celery Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbsp Margarine or Butter, softened
3 Tbsp Sesame Seeds or Ground Almonds
2 Tbsp Milk
1 tsp Vinegar (cider or wine)
1 Tbsp Honey

Combine together all flours, powders, cheese and nuts. Blend in the honey and margarine until mix resembles course crumbs. Add the milk and vinegar and form into a ball.

I used a teaspoon measure to scoop out small balls of dough onto lined cookie sheets. I then used a flat bottomed glass dusted with flour to squish the balls flat. About 1/8" thick works great. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or lightly golden. Flip all crackers and bake an additional 5 minutes or until deeply golden. Keep a watch on them as they can burn quickly.

Cool slightly on pans then remove to racks to finish. Store in a sealed container. These are great since they can be frozen and still taste wonderful.

Enjoy!

♥♥♥ SUNDAY NIGHT SPECIAL ♥♥♥

2009-01-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

Once in a while I will be holding a 'Timed Sale' in my Etsy Shop, Jovia Soap.

Today from 12 noon PST until 8 pm PST all purchases of Jovia Soap will receive 25% off. The rebate will be refunded back to your Paypal account along with any shipping refunds (overcharges or Jovia's Best Buy).

Yes...offers can be combined! Purchasing during the sale gets you the 25% off AND if you buy 6 or more, you also get the $5 shipping rebate.

Happy Shopping!

Artistic Talent Abounds - Part 1

2009-01-24T21:11:00.000-08:00

Pottery by Jane Perala
It dawned on me the other day that my family is riddled with artistically talented people. Funny that I never thought about it before but it has always been that way.

I've always loved to create things....be it sewing, crafting, cooking, gardening or soaping and I now I can see why.

Over the next few days I will showcase a few of my families artistic talents. I'm sure I will be missing some very talented members but alas I do not have pictures of everyones wonderful creations. (This is a hint to anyone in my family who has something to show off....now would be the time!)

I'm going to start off with the most talented person I know.....My Mother, Jane Perala. As you can see by the photos on this page, she is very artistic and it shows in all forms of media she pursues.

Pottery by Jane Perala
As a child growing up, I remember my mother sewing things for me quite often. In particular I remember a nightie, a dressing gown, a suit (didn't like it!) and a lovely doll that only recently gave in to the ravages of playful children.

Later my Mom took up the hobby of Pottery. In no time at all her talent exceeded that of her teacher and she was asked by the Community College (where the classes were held) to take over and teach the class.

Over the years, my Mother took her hobby and turned it into a thriving business. Our back yard sported a large propane tank and massive fire brick kiln. My Mom doesn't do things in a 'Small' way!

Mohair Teddy Bear by Jane Perala
Eventually she lost the desire to pot and developed an interest in collectible mohair teddy bears. Far be it for my Mother to just make up a couple with pre-made patterns....no...she had to develop and design her own versions.

She soon was selling the bears and the patterns in magazines, online and at specialty craft fairs. Her bears have also been featured in a couple of beautiful coffee table books (of which I have my own copies!)

Lampwork Bead by Jane Perala
During her teddy bears years she persuaded me to join her in making handmade soaps. She took a one year hiatus from the bears and we went crazy...did I mention that she doesn't do 'small'.

We made so much soap that we ended up starting a soap making business which I took over when she went back to her bears.

Lampwork Bead by Jane Perala
Jump forward many years and many bears later.

Lampwork is the new black and my Mother has invested herself fully into this new passion. As you can see, her talent is evident in pretty much anything she applies herself too. This art form should keep her busy until it's time for her to retire and take up a different challenge.

Wonder what that will be? Painting? Nah.......probably metalwork!! She'd get to play with bigger flames.

Another Good Morning.

2009-01-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

My daughter was a tad bit vexed with me this morning!

I had the audacity to say no when she asked for a ride to school this morning so that she could wear high heeled shoes. I told her to wear runners and change into the heels once she got to school. My reward for this ingenious thought was an "I hate you" as she flounced off. It's a good thing I don't take comments like that personally or my self esteem would be next to nil with the amount of times I've heard that one!

I think I fight back pretty well though. My response is always..."I know honey but I love you anyway." This of course ticks her off even more.

But why stop there? A mom needs to irritate her children once in awhile just to keep the balance even. So I started following her around with the camera trying to get shots of her temper tantrum just like we used to do when she was little. (sure wish I had a scanner to show you those pics...they're priceless)

Talk about stepping it up a notch! I am now the meanest mom and everyone else gets rides to school. Though...even with all her huffing, puffing and grumbling she was wearing a semi-smile. As you can see, she was really good at hiding her face. I didn't get a single picture of her face. Her ducking and twirling to avoid the camera was very well executed...I didn't have a hope. She even walked down the stairs backwards. By this time it's a bit of a game and we're both giggling.

You have got to give the girl credit for perseverance as well. Her next ploy was...."I'll let you take my picture if you give me a ride." And she's not dumb either. She didn't fall for my..."Turn around and I'll think about it!".

Nope. My daughter laughingly responded with..."No way! You're sooo bad! You're lying. How does that feel, knowing that you're lying to your daughter?" I grinned at her and said that I was okay with it!

Well, she got her shoes on (the flat ones), grabbed her backpack and in a little whirlwind, flew out the door....but not before leaving me with an "I love you Mom".

Another good day started. :)

Swiss Cheese Salmon Dip

2009-01-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

I have got to say that this dip is to die for! So yummy and quite rich.

You may have noticed that most of my blogs seem to be about food. I've gotten in a little bit of trouble because of this!

I'm afraid my Mother has voiced her displeasure. She has informed me that she finds my blog rather difficult to read since she has decided to try to trim up a little and my recipes aren't helping her at all! I have been requested to please either blog about some other topics or about recipes that are a little more calorie reduced. (She's only teasing me by the way....she actually loves my blog).

Unfortunately this next recipe doesn't fall into that category at all! Calorie increased maybe....but definitely not reduced.

I found this one on the ever popular Kraft Canada Website and it's original name is Hot Crab Dip. It no longer is a crab dip since I had salmon and not crab!

Swiss Cheese Salmon Dip

1 250 gram pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened (try the light one Mom)
1-1/2 Cups of Swiss Cheese, grated (does Swiss Cheese come in a light version?)
1/3 Cup Miracle Whip Salad Dressing or Mayonnaise (once again feel free to use the light versions)
1/2 Cup Baked Salmon (1 tin of canned salmon would work as well...or any other seafood for that matter)
1 Green Onion, chopped
1 tsp. crushed Garlic

Slowly blend the Miracle Whip or Dressing into the cream cheese one tablespoon at a time making sure to mix well with each addition. If you don't do this you'll have lumps of cream cheese in the dip...not a bad thing if that's what you would like :)

Add the remaining ingredients and blend until fully incorporated. Place mixture into an oven proof dish and bake at 350 degrees until heated through (about 15 - 20 minutes) and the Swiss cheese is melted. I placed mine into 4 Pyrex ramekins thinking to save a couple for the next day. With two teenagers in the house, I should have known better!

I served this with cheese bread chunks for the rest of the family and gluten-free crackers for myself. It also happens that this dip is very tasty spread on top of steak or chicken.

Enjoy those calories!

Great Finds - Retro Kitty

2009-01-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

Just a quick moment to share a little bit of wonderful!

Karingrow's Shop on Etsy has these fantastic prints. I just love the Retro Kitty especially....makes me think of the Disney Movie 'The Aristocats'.

Here's a little quote from Karin's profile...."A perfect day in "Karin-ville" would start off with me working in my garden, creating a new art piece, then finishing the day lounging under the palm trees in my hammock with a fruity cocktail."

Sounds like something I could easily get used too!

White Chocolate Orange Macaroons

2009-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well....the truffles are all gone now :( so I had to make something else to satisfy my sweet cravings. Thank goodness I didn't make any New Years resolutions!!

This is an ultra easy recipe that I found in the "Style at Home" magazine May 2005. I did of course mess with it a little. I substituted the flour with Bob's Redmill Gluten Free All Purpose, added white chocolate chips and instead of vanilla extract, used orange extract.

White Chocolate Orange Macaroons

2 1/2 Cups shredded coconut
1/3 Cup gluten-free flour (or regular for you normal folks)
2/3 Cups sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp orange extract (or sub in 1 Tbsp orange zest)
2/3 Cup white chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients, mixing well until the coconut forms a sticky mess. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment or silicon lined cookie sheet (or coat with cooking spray). Squish them together a little to form more solid mounds.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden. You may want to watch them since they can burn easily. Lightly golden and they will be nice and moist. Let cool for about 10 minutes and remove to a cooling rack.

Try drizzling dark chocolate over the cookies for a more upscale look.

Makes about 24 delicious macaroons.

Avocado Cucumber Salad with Baked Salmon

2009-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

The other day I found some wild salmon on sale at the grocery store and instantly had a craving for a salmon salad of some kind.

I decided on a mix of avocado, cucumber and baked salmon because it seems like a meal made for springtime. I've grown weary of these long winter days and really would like to feel like spring is right around the corner....it's not of course, but I can fool myself into believing it!

This salad is great served with fresh bread and a hot bowl of soup.

Avocado Cucumber Salad with Baked Salmon

1 piece salmon fillet (about 4" x 6" or however much you want)

Season the salmon fillet with your favorite seasoning (I used a lemon herb seasoning) and bake at 350 degrees until it is flaky and cooked through. Time will depend on the size of fillet used...mine took about 20 minutes.

Dressing

1/3 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (fat free versions if you like)
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp dried dill
1/4 tsp crushed garlic
1/4 tsp onion powder

Combine all of the dressing ingredients and put into the fridge to allow the flavours to blend while the salmon cooks.

1 long English cucumber, sliced
2 avocados, sliced

Once the salmon has cooked, use a fork to flake it apart into bite size pieces. Layer the cucumber, avocado and salmon on individual plates (cherry tomatoes would go nicely as well) and then drizzle with the dressing.

This dish serves 4 as a side dish and two as a main dish. Enjoy.

Coolest Valentine's Day Card Ever!

2009-01-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

This wonderfully fun card is my latest Etsy purchase.

My husband will be the lucky recipient of this little treasure on Valentines Day and I hope he likes it as much as I do.

Not only does this card look great but it has the added bonus of an activity! Inside is a secret message (you can even pick your own) that must be decoded using the decoder ring. Now how fun is that?

I highly recommend a visit to Crankbunny's Etsy Shop where you'll find a fantastic selection of magical pop-up greeting cards.

Etsy Treasury Showcase - Sambuca Rose

2009-01-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

How cool is this? Another feature in a treasury!

Faye is the creator of this lovely treasury and the owner of thesilverpumpkin etsy shop. Faye makes these wonderful sock totes which are designed for carrying your knitting but I think they would be great for filling with all sorts of goodies!

You could use it as a makeup bag, really cool lunch bag, small purse, or just fill it with your treasures.

Safari Handmade Jovia Soap

2009-01-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

'Safari' is a special order soap that I've just finished making for my Auntie Berta. After having ordered a boat load of scented bars from me, she discovered that her allergies weren't going to co-operate.

Since Auntie Berta had ordered so many different looking soaps, my dilemma was to create a batch that had some variety and were unscented. These colorful bars are the results of my endeavors and I designed them with an African theme in mind since that is the look of her powder room.....hopefully they'll match!

I think I might just explore the idea of making some decorative soaps that are unscented for my Etsy shop since so many people have scent allergies these days. I did a search on Etsy and discovered that most unscented bars weren't very colorful. The majority were very plain...either completely uncolored or with added herbs and spices.

What do you think? I know most people would still prefer deliciously lovely scents but are you one of those who just can't tolerate scented products? What would you prefer....colorful designer soaps or the crisp clean look of plain soaps?

Etsy Treasury Showcase - Knockout

2009-01-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

My Jovia Soap Knockout has been featured in an Etsy Treasury!!!

Kristin, the owner of Etsy shop SewnSunday was kind enough to include me in her selection of wonderful items. Kristin's shop specializes in sewn items using bright and fun cotton prints and recycled felted wool sweaters.

Turquoise Garden Clutch
Thanks for including me Kristin!!

Great Finds - Display Pieces for Shows

2009-01-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was at the local Bargain Shop (that's actually the stores name for those who don't have one) and found these wonderful dishes. As soon as I saw them I knew exactly what I wanted my display theme for craft fairs and markets to look like. I can picture my soaps piled high on each piece looking like exotic treats being served up for tea.

Obviously I bought the dishes....can you blame me? They were pretty cheap too! For the three pieces I paid a total of $35 and I'm contemplating going back for another cake stand and platter.

Now all I have to do is find some white, mini wooden pantry shelves to put on the tables as well. And of course apply for some craft shows!

Chocoholic Cravings

2009-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

The Christmas stash of chocolate goodies is long gone and I've been battling the urge to get some more for about a week now. I finally decided today to try out a Chocolate Truffle recipe that I found on the Food Network.

Here's the thing about me and recipes....I like to use them but I always corrupt them. I seem to have this desire to deviate from the tried and true to see what I come up with. Sometimes this works really well and sometimes it doesn't. Today's results are still undecided. While the end product is wonderful, the trial of getting there was a little more adventuresome than I had planned.

My first deviation was substituting Kahlua liquor for the brandy. Now this was a good thing since I think the brandy would have been way too strong.

My second deviation occurred when the recipe called to chill the chocolate mixture and then use a melon baller to scoop out balls to roll in your hands. This sounded far too messy and I figured I had a brilliant idea. I would pour the mixture into these cute little ice cube trays and freeze them. Once they had frozen hard, I could then just pop them out. Sounds reasonable, right? Wrong!

Hours later I am at a loss as to how on earth I'm going to get the chocolates out of the tray. It seems I didn't take into account the Kahlua....alcohol doesn't freeze very well! Something I inconveniently forgot.

So here I am melting the mix in the microwave and scooping it out with a baby spoon into a measuring cup. I'm pretty much covered in chocolate by now and not quite sure what to do.

Along comes the next idea...thankfully this one works. I lined a small rectangular pan with foil and poured the mixture into that. Then I placed it into the fridge until it was firm. Once it was hard enough to cut, I cubed it up into bite size squares and froze them.

I didn't want to cover the truffles in both chocolate and cocoa powder/nuts,etc. as the recipe called for....I wanted them covered in just plain chocolate with a sprinkle of raw sugar. So that's what I did.

Once again, I deviated. The maker of the recipe talks about making sure the chocolate will 'snap' when you bite into it but to be honest, I hate that. When I bite into a chocolate, I don't want to be worried about all the outside pieces flying off and onto the floor. I just melted it with 2 tablespoons of butter until it was glossy and started dipping.

By the time I was done, I was again covered in chocolate. I won't lie....since these were just for us, I licked my fingers....a lot! My kids don't care and if they had been there, there would have been quite a bit of chocolate sneaking going on.

As a result of all that finger licking, I now feel quite ill. I couldn't even eat one of the finished truffles but I am assured that they are Divine. My teenagers are currently eating them all up!!

**Note - If you're feeling up to making Chocolate Truffles, just follow the link at the beginning of this entry.

Review by Casual Lavish

2009-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I sent some soaps to Casual Lavish and Vanessa, the owner, was kind enough to do a review for me. After trying my soaps she asked if I would be willing to do a giveaway. Of course I said yes and so starting today (Sunday) and ending Monday night, you have another opportunity to win 3 bars of my soap. Just click on the link above and fill in her entry form.

Good luck!

***UPDATE*** And the winner is - Inge Maygind Jensen of Denmark!

Cookies for the Pooch

2009-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Brock really, really likes his cookies. As you can see, he is licking his lips in anticipation while waiting at the freezer door.

Yesterday I ran out of Brock's cookies and decided to try a couple of new flavours. Cranberry Carrot and Pumpkin Peanut butter sounded interesting and I just happened to have the ingredients necessary.

I make Brock's cookies quite large since he is a big dog and will swallow little ones without chewing at all. I also store the cookies in the freezer so that they are hard, crunchy and last a long time.

Cranberry Carrot Dog Cookies

5 Cups Flour (whole wheat, rye, buckwheat...try a variety)
1 Cup Rolled Oats
2 Eggs
1 Carrot, grated
1-10 oz can Cranberry Sauce
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and blend until completely mixed. Knead dough, adding more flour if dough is too sticky. You can either roll out the dough and cut out shapes or make balls and flatten them. Bake the cookies on a lined or lightly greased cookie sheet at 250 degrees for about 1 hour or until hard and lightly browned. The length of time will depend on how large you make your biscuits.

Pumpkin Peanut butter Dog Cookies

4 Cups Flour
1 Cup Rolled Oats
2 Eggs
1-10 oz can Pumpkin
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
1/4 Cup Peanut Butter

Make in the same manner as the Cranberry Carrot Cookies.

Next time I think I might try something like Salmon and Seaweed or Bacon Cheeseburger Cookies. I know that no matter what sort I make, Brock will be quite happy to eat them!

Luxury Body Care - Whipped Shea Butter

2009-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Many of you may have noticed that with the cold weather comes that dreaded phenomenon.....scaly skin.

What is it about winter that turns our lovely summer flushed skin into something that should be in a horror movie? I have often thought that aside from the drying weather, it's the abundance of clothes we wear.

Longer socks, long pants, long sleeve shirts and sweaters and perhaps long underwear are rubbing against our skin all day long and many are made of absorbent materials like cotton. The idea, of course, is to wick away moisture from the skin to keep our bodies warm and dry. Unfortunately, our clothes don't know how to regulate the amount of moisture to remove and the result is flaky, alligator skin.

Whipped Shea Butter is one product that can help relieve dry, flaky skin and it is incredibly easy to make. The following recipe requires very few ingredients and only makes a small amount...about 1.5 cups....a little goes a long way with Shea butter and because it doesn't contain chemical preservatives, it's nice to have it as fresh as possible.

Whipped Shea Butter

1/2 Cup Shea Butter
1/3 Cup Carrier Oil* (sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, hemp seed, hazelnut, camellia, evening primrose, borage, or olive oil infused with calendula or chamomile are all good choices)
1/8 tsp Rosemary Extract or Vitamin E oil (optional but will help to prolong the life of the oils)
1 tsp Corn Starch (optional...makes the butter feel less greasy)
1/8 - 1/4 tsp essential or fragrance oil (optional)

Place the Shea butter in a mixing bowl and begin to beat with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer until the butter is creamy. Have patience...it may take awhile for the friction of the beaters to soften the butter. If the butter is too hard, soften slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds but do not melt. Gradually add the carrier oil a small amount at a time and blend completely between additions. This is important or you will get lumpy butter.

If you are adding Rosemary Extract or Vitamin E oil add it now. Once that has been blended in add the cornstarch and then the fragrance or essential oil. Blend the mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated and spoon into a wide mouth jar.

Whipped Shea butter resembles thick whipped cream. It will be light and fluffy and should absorb quite quickly. I find the best way to use it is to apply a small amount after a hot shower. Your skin is hydrated and the oils help to lock in the moisture.

Now go and enjoy a little do-it-yourself luxury that is inexpensive and fun.

*Visit Soap Making Essentials for information about the carrier oils and what they will do for your skin.

Jumbo Shrimp in Merlot Cheese Sauce

2009-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Trying to figure out what to have for dinner can be frustrating. Sometimes I feel like we have the same things all the time, over and over.

Roast chicken, pork butt roast, spaghetti, meatloaf, eggs, beans, yawn.....Don't get me wrong, I love all of those meals but I get a little bored with them at times.

So this morning when I went into the freezer to pull something out, I was quite excited to see a package of jumbo shrimp left over from Christmas. Yippee!

The following recipe took about 30 minutes to prepare. Basically as long as it took the rice to cook.

Jumbo Shrimp in Merlot Cheese Sauce

1 Cup rice
2 Cups water

Start rice cooking while you prepare the rest of the meal.

1 Tablespoon butter or margarine
1 Cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp crushed garlic

Saute mushrooms and garlic in butter until mushrooms are soft. Reduce the heat to medium.

125 grams (1/2 package) cream cheese, diced
1/4 Cup Merlot (red wine)

Add the cheese and wine and continue to heat until the cream cheese has almost melted.

1/4 Cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 Cup grated white cheddar (or other white cheese)
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 Cup milk

Add the above 5 ingredients and heat until cheese has melted. Do not boil or the milk will separate. Reduce heat to simmer.

1 Tablespoon butter or margarine
1 pound/454 grams cooked jumbo shrimp (tails removed and drained of water)
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 green onion, chopped

In another fry pan, melt the butter and saute the shrimp and garlic together until warm. Add to cheese sauce and stir. Sprinkle with green onion, serve on a bed of rice and with a side of veggies or a salad.

This dish makes 4 average servings.

Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract

2009-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Vanilla extract is one ingredient that we tend to use over and over in our kitchen. Flavoring whipped cream, cookies and fudge, even adding a smidge to some hot chocolate for that little something extra.

Last year I was given a gift of handmade vanilla extract and I am going to share that recipe with you. It's a snap to make and requires only a couple of ingredients. Vodka, vanilla beans, pretty bottles and patience are all you need and if you start now, you'll have some wonderful handmade gifts to give this next Christmas.

Vanilla Bean Extract

375 ml bottle of Vodka (or Rum for something different)
2 Vanilla Beans (preferably from the Health food shop for a better quality bean)

Pour 375 ml of Vodka into a decorative bottle that seals tightly. Slice the vanilla beans open lengthwise (no need to cut them in half) to expose the seeds and pulp. Slip the beans into the bottle and seal tightly. I also added about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar but it's not necessary.

All you have to do now is place the bottle in a cool dark place for 4 - 6 months and give it a shake every month or so. Once the vanilla bean extract is ready, just use it straight from the bottle leaving the beans inside.

As the extract is used up, you can top up the bottle with Vodka and give it a shake. This way your extract won't run out! The extract should last for many years since it is alcohol based but I recommend adding another vanilla bean every year or so to keep the flavour strong. The bottle I was given said it would last for 7 years.

For gift giving, add a nice label or hang tag with instructions and tie up with a ribbon.

Let it snow, Let it snow......

2009-01-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to wonder if the snow will ever stop! Even though the kids had to shovel the driveway, they seem to be having fun. The dog thinks he's gone to heaven!

Cinnamon Chocolate Brownies

2009-01-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Finding out that I wasn't able to eat anything with gluten in it was a bit of a shock. Do you know how many products contain gluten?

Wheat flour is the first ingredient that comes to mind and it's obviously a big one....bread, cakes, wraps, cookies, crackers, pastry...the list is huge. Consider pre-made products like gravies, sauces, pasta, cereal, candies, sandwich meats, soy sauce, fake crab and caramel flavourings. All of these are just a few of the items that often contain gluten and had to be eliminated from my diet.

Since I had to give up all of those carbs, I was bound to lose some weight, right? Not a chance. Once you're not able to have something (I'd almost kill for a plain old cheese sandwich) you discover how much you really want it. And when you want something bad enough, you're bound to find a replacement. The key, is to find one that rivals what you can no longer have.

Take brownies for instance. Oooey, gooey, soft and chewy. I don't know anyone who doesn't like a good brownie. Luckily, there are recipes out there that are gluten-free and delicious at the same time.

The following recipe has been adapted from one I found on Karina's Kitchen called Dark Chocolate Brownies. This recipe can be made with regular flour as well.

Cinnamon Chocolate Brownies

1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup margarine

Heat chips and margarine in microwave until just melted.

2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sugar (brown or white)

Whisk eggs, vanilla and sugar together until smooth. Add the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and stir until combined.

1/2 cup finely ground almonds or almond meal
1/4 cup gluten-free flour(I used Bob's Redmill All-Purpose)
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp xanthan gum (if using GF flour)
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

Combine all dry ingredients and stir into chocolate egg mixture. Mix until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour into greased 8 or 9 inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until it starts to brown. Do not overcook or it will be crisp and not chewy gooey. Don't be alarmed when the center falls after taking it out of the oven....even regular brownies do that.

Allow to cool and then cut into squares. For best flavour, chill the brownies. If you want to spruce them up a little more try adding 1 Tablespoon of instant coffee to the melted chocolate mixture for Mocha Brownies or add nuts and chocolate chips.

Enjoy!

PS...I ate a brownie while writing this blog...yummy!