Hand Dyed Socks

During the last couple of months, I have been hopping around from one blog & Etsy shop to the next.  I can't recall how I stumbled upon Splendid Little Stars, but I'm glad I did!  My friend's twin girls turned 2 last month and I wanted to find a special (yet inexpensive) gift for them.  Margaret, the shop owner, worked with me to design the perfect little socks for Emily & Sarah.  When they arrived, they were wrapped in white tissue paper with a raffia bow and gift tag.  I didn't even want to open them!  Of course, I had to take a few pictures!  Also, here's a picture of the girls.....adorable!  Thanks Margaret!  The girls loved their socks...

Winter Safety!

Seriously, more snow?  I can't take it anymore!  Yesterday, I had two appointments that I was not willing to cancel---regardless of the weather forecast.  I have to admit that my first appointment was for my hair.  I know that might sound vain, but I had already rescheduled once and we all know the importance of good hair!

On the way to my second appointment, I saw quite a few cars sliding across the road, stuck in a ditch or simply stalled for one reason or another.  I am very blessed to have a reliable vehicle with 4WD--a true godsend during bad weather.  Despite the reliability of your vehicle, it is still important to carry a few essential items in your vehicle during the winter season.  Winter can be treacherous and deceptive, so BE PREPARED! 

According to the state of MN Winter Survival Awareness guide, here is a list of items you might want to carry in your vehicle:

◦Pencil and paper


◦First aid kit, including any essential medications


◦Plastic flashlight with spare batteries (reverse the batteries to avoid accidental switching and burnout, and replace batteries yearly)


◦Two large plastic garbage bags, safety pins (bags are for insulation for feet, safety pins keep the bags together)


◦Snack foods for energy, such as candy bars.


•Some other items that you should carry include gloves or mittens, winter boots, a blanket and/or sleeping bag, jumper cables, a basic toolbox, shovel, bag of sand or other grit for traction, tow cable or chain, road flares and reflectors. You could also consider an extra set of dry clothing or a snowmobile suit.


•Whenever traveling in winter, call ahead to your destination and tell when you intend to leave, your travel route, and your expected time of arrival.


•If you become stranded, never leave your vehicle. Your chances of survival greatly increase if you stay put.


•Consider carrying a cellular phone for use during emergencies. Find a safe place to pull off the road when you need to make a call.

Until spring...

Etsy Carnival

This is my first post for the monthly Etsy Blog Carnival! I am supposed to share my favorite childhood memory from Valentine's Day. This is soooo easy for me because the memory is amazingly simple.  Growing up, I was never a Daddy's girl. That was my sister's job. I was a Mommy's girl...and still am. However, Valentine's Day was the one "Holiday" in which my Father would branch out and purchase something for all of his "girls". He wasn't a sentimental man, but then again, you really never know what's in a person's heart. You can only make a judgment based on his or her actions. At any rate, my Dad would always get Esther Price candy (usually shaped in heart box) and a card, which he signed "Pop". Now, I never called my dad "Pop", so I have no clue why he signed the card this way. Now, I think it must have been his own special way of saying "I Love You". Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly when I was in high school, so this simple memory of Valentine's Day is near and dear to my heart. I am so thankful for that little reminder that my "Dad" was a little bit quirky...oops, I mean my "Pop". Happy Valentine's Day!

I know it's not spring yet, BUT...

I am growing pretty tired of all this snow, so I am going to "think spring".  Our first glimpse of spring is usually in a store display (for me, that's Target).  What items call my name?  Well, it's definitely NOT the bikini bathing suits...YUCK!  Instead, it's all those fabulous, fun new PURSES!  I love the fabric, style and variety that pops out for spring...


This month's featured Etsy Blogger is TiLT Creations.  I had my first visit to this lovely Etsy shop today, and I was inspired by the glimpse of spring hiding inside.  This little shop is perfect if you are looking for new clutch, purse or wristlet.  Don't let spring come to you....find spring! 

                                             Wristlet in Pink Shadow Gold

                                                         Lime Pink Paisley Metal Frame Clutch 

                                                         Beaded Pink Ribbon Wristlet

If you want to know more about TiLT creations, you can visit the shop owner's blog, as well! Happy Shopping! 

Peppermint Essential Oil

I am intrigued by the healing aspects of essential oils.  Therefore, once a week, I am going to provide information about the benefits of a specific oil.  However, before you begin working with essential oils, it is really important to review the potential hazards of working with the natural substance.  


We have only experimented with 5 of the essential oils, so I thought I would start with those scents.  As promised, here is a picture of our aromatherapy travel candles.  I love our new labels!

PEPPERMINT ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL


Common Uses: Organic Peppermint Essential Oil has long been credited as being useful in combating stomach ailments. It is also viewed as an antispasmodic and antimicrobial agent. Of course, most people will associate it with being a flavoring or scenting agent in foods, beverages, skin and hair care products (where it has a cooling effect by constricting capillaries and helping with bruises and sore joints), as well as soaps and candles. This is largely due to its menthol content – typically 85%.

Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Cajeput, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram, Niaouli, Pine, Rosemary, Spearmint and Thyme.

Aromatic Scent: Organic Peppermint Essential Oil has a sharp, penetrating mint scent based on its high menthol content. The sweetness of the vapor makes it easy to see why it is such a common flavoring and scenting agent.

Cautions: Organic Peppermint Essential Oil can be sensitizing due to the menthol content. Avoid use during pregnancy.

This information was gathered from New Directions Aromatics

My Grandmother...

I recently became a member of the The EtsyBloggers Team, which led me to the very quaint Etsy shop known as Nico Designs.  I was browsing the items for sale, and found myself drawn to the Be Mine Love Bird Pincushion in her shop.

After looking at it for a while, I realized that it reminded my of my Grandmother.  She used to looooovve to sew!  She was an amazing quilter and crafter.  In fact, she was "crafting" long before crafting was cool!  I only wish I had been more attentive to her skills while I was growing up.  Unfortunately, she passed away last year.  However, our family is blessed to have such personal reminders of her time with us.  :)

Here's a picture of my Grandma on her last Birthday!  She was a February baby, so I think this little Love Bird Pincushion is perfect for the woman that loved to sew.

50th Fan on Facebook

Starwick Candles is hoping to reach 50 fans by the end of this week!  I just added a post to FB......our 50th fan will receive a free aromatherapy travel candle.  I will post a picture of our travel candle to the blog ASAP :)

Sure, I'll become a fan!