Tales from the Tub

Coffee scrub

2012-02-11T15:29:00.001-08:00

Five tablespoons coffee grounds, half a cup sugar and oil of your choice till it's a paste or runny, your preference.

Enjoy,
Head Bather

Craving a caravan?

2012-01-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

Back to life

2012-01-02T20:29:00.001-08:00

Back to business!
Hope everyone had a great holiday season!

On to great things in the year ahead!

Head Bather

Holiday gift ideas for the seamstress or tailor

2011-11-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

I purchase two patterns of slipper/house shoes from this etsy seller and I love both. These have to be my favorite because they show off a great piece of fabric my mom found for me. In my haste to get them done they are starting to show wear on the seams (I trimmed too hastily) but aside from my botch job these patterns are great. Make them for someone or grab them the pattern and a couple of fat quarters in fun patterns.

Happy Holidays,
Head Bather

Holiday gift ideas

2011-11-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hmm could be trouble but I could see this being even better than my box wines while camping. I mean it looks like a purse think how much better the holiday "blockbusters" would be with a little vino?

Found on Uncommongoods.com

Head Bather

Halloween costumes

2011-11-01T12:30:00.001-07:00

I got started early. Found a pattern I liked, fabric, and finished before the middle of October. It was a huge accomplishment for me.

That can be a double edged sword though, will she change her mind, what if she has a growth spurt?

We lucked out.

I think the expression says it all.

Hope your Halloween was full of treats with very few tricks.

Happy harvest,
Head Bather

2011-10-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

Colette sewing book on amazon

I have sewn her patterns and love them, well designed, well written, and the fit is amazing. Definitely adding to my wish list for the holidays. Many best wishes to Sarai and the team at Colette patterns!

Head Bather

DIY Costumes

2011-10-25T09:51:00.001-07:00

DIY Costumes, a gallery by U.S. Yahoo! Editorial on Flickr.

Some great ideas and my little kid's from last year.
Happy Halloween!
Head Bather

Ahhhh

2011-10-06T08:50:00.001-07:00

Head Bather

Do you plan a menu, would you?

2011-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More food

Do you need recipes for this weeks menu, how about some vegetarian options?
Check out Chickpea magazine, I am one of the lovely bath and beauty lines featured in their product section.
Beautiful recipes, photos and stories.

Drooling,
Head Bather

Sewing tips

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Windmultiple bobbins to start a project. Or just use white or blackbobbin thread.

Ifyou are designing something with small pieces (like quilts or fiberart) warm and natural batting tacked to your wall makes for a greatdesign board. Cotton fabric just sticks to it.

Threadsnips are a great tool, even better if you can wear them around yourneck to trim seam tails.

Boxesof organized notions. I have one with zippers, another one withbuttons and fasteners, and another with piping, elastic and seambinding tape. I have them on a shelf over my head when I am at mysewing machine.

Vintage sewing kit at MmeRubys on Etsy

Boxesor shelves of fabric by kind. I have large opaque bins with labels onthem like, Shirting, Quilting, Upholstery, Suiting, and Knits. Yes Ihave that much fabric.

Patternsorganized by top or bottom, dress, kids, mens or sportswear ensembles.

Thingswill get messy every now an then, that's when it's time to reset your room and see if someorganizational tool isn't working for you (you find it difficult to accomplish, not just that you hate cleaning up, cause lets face it youhave to clean up every now an again when you are creative).I thought having my bins on a book shelf next to my sewing machinewould work but it didn't, I had to put up a wall shelf above mysewing table and now it's much more fluid and usable.

Enjoy,

Head Bather

Beauty Face Scrub

2011-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I had different labels and a product called Earth Face scrub. Earth line is designed to be closer to the earth, woody, and grounding. When I designed it every line had a scrub so Earth got one too, it was sugar and dead sea clay with some very earthy essential oils.

Then I discovered Beauty Face wash, and a facial line was born. It only made sense that it should have a scrub, and I needed a scrub for my skin. So I switched it.

Beauty Face Scrub is a version of what was Earth Face Scrub. I have lowered the oil and wax content because the previous formulation was just too moisturizing.

Now Beauty Face Scrub cleanse off dead skin, dirt and makeup with sugar, dead sea clay and the clarifying oils of cypress and rosemary. It feels like velvet sand, soft but grainy. I used it last night, it left my face feeling soft and lightly moisturized.

I'm so happy to have it back.
Head Bather

Be back soon

2011-09-28T16:42:00.001-07:00

Big Sur, CA
Head Bather

Sewing and being green

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love to sew. Sometimes more than other things.
I also love to find vintage supplies to use. Buttons are the most collectible, but I tend to find everyday things.

Zippers in fun retro colors, bias tape, hem lace or rickrack. All things can be used in their normal way or new fun ways.

An asymmetrical collar that opens with a zipper anyone? How about appliques with bias tape in fun shapes, maybe it wraps around a spot in something you can't get out.

So now we are using products that are old but still good and keeping items in our closet for longer.
Sounds very green.
Head Bather

I make the labels too!

2011-09-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

I tell myself that making my own labels helps save money, feeds the need to graphic design and enables me to try out new products in small runs.

That may be true, but it can back fire too.

Like when your labels aren't water proof, and you make bath products.

Yeah that was not ideal.

But now I have waterproof vinyl label paper that works with my printer! I think I have almost everything switched over.

They go on so smooth and matte that there is almost no difference, other than the not peeling in your shower part. It's kind of a big deal. To me anyway.

Love to you all,
Head Bather

Camping

2011-09-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

DSC00939
Originally uploaded by ritualbath

We have wanted to go see the coastal redwoods ever since we moved out west, and soon we will be sleeping among them.

I love camping. Yes it's not for everyone, but that dirt under my nails, fire smell in my hair and waking up with the sun, ahh, makes me feel good.

For me I need a fire, comfy inflatable bed, and tent large enough to stand up in. The rest is just bonus.

What do you need?
Getting ready for the woods,
Head Bather

2011-09-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

MmeRuby's Owl

Another path

2011-09-20T19:34:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by ritualbath

I have a love of treasure hunting, it's in my blood. I have always had some form of treasure window to house some of my most beloved memories in solid form. Often I go hunting and find great things but don't have a home for them. Now they are at MmeRubys on Etsy. Everything is one of a kind, never to be seen again, vintage or handmade or both. RitualBath is still my first love and continues to bring me joy, I just needed to add this as well. One step toward my apothecary/gift shop.
Happy hunting,
Head Bather

Last days of summer grilling

2011-09-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

Areyou hot yet? Has the last sweet, salty, sweat of summer descended yourback?

Yuphere too.

WhileI am glad my family is tied to the AC business, electricity to runthe dang thing is expensive. Even with the thing running 24hr a daythe house can't get to the lovely days of 75 degrees. Days like thisI don't want to use the oven or stove at all. Keep the heat outside.

I'mgrilling.

Oncethe sun goes down a bit.

IfI have a frosty beverage.

Hereis one of my favorite grilling recipes right now.

4small White fish of some kind fillets (I use Hake but you could sub,cod, flounder, just pay attention to the thickness and cooking time.It's a variable thing dependent on your grill and thickness of fish)

Freshherbs on the stem (tarragon, thyme, cilantro, lemon thyme, mint areall great)

A few lemons sliced medium thickness (this photo has about four lemons, but it's a lot of fish)

saltand pepper

~~Iuse a grill pan (the ones with the holes for using on the out doorgrill it's about 12"x12"), but I think a few layers ofheavy duty tin foil might work too~~. The lemons burned to the pan last time and was a pain to get clean, now I put the lemons right on the grill, no fuss no muss. No matter what you use coat it inoil, things are gonna get hot and sticky. Lay down your lemon slicesin a layer to lay the fish on, then lay the herbs (mix them up a bitbut leave on the stem) on top of the lemons, and follow with the fish fillets. Lightly salt and pepper the top of the fish, they are nowready for the grill. Your grill should be on medium low. Somewhere inthe 350 degree zone, I'm no grill master, again I just eyeball it.Lay your prepared ~~grill pan with~~ fish, lemon, and herbs in the middleof the grill and close the lid. Cook for about thirty minute butcheck on it after fifteen. Serve on plate without the herbs andlemon, they are usually charred a bit. If they are not feel free to squeeze a bit of the lemon juice (if there is any left) onto the fish.

Goesgreat with grilled asparagus, or tiny potatoes in a tinfoil bag with lemon, sweet paprika and herb butter!

Enjoy the last few days of summer!

Head Bather

Too hot in the kitchen?

2011-08-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

It's summer time and growing up in FL (as I did) that meant lots of heat and humidity. We rarely used the oven after May. Many times they were picked up dinner from somewhere else or only used one or two burners on the electric stove, we weren't much into salads at that time.

Now that I am older, have some experience in the kitchen, and a wealth of recipes (thanks to my personal library and the public) I tend to lean toward the "salad" category once it gets hot.

I don't like the hot. I don't particularly like sweating either. Both almost unavoidable in FL and SoCal in the summertime. So I eat cold things, and do more chopping and marinading than I do baking and sauteing.

One of my creations came about recently in a heat wave of 90 degrees (yes I know not that hot as I sit here in triple digits). I wanted something greek like and I had just made a trip to my favorite spice store Penezys where I got their Greek Spice blend.

Have you ever tried Persian cucumbers? I recently discovered them, as I was never much of a cucumber fan I wrote them off. Man was I wrong to do that.

So delicately crunchy, sweet, and cooling. Throw in some feta, klamata olives and a basic vinaigrette and it's cooling, sweet and salty.

Recipe:

Four Persian Cucumbers, Quartered then sliced

2oz of Feta cheese crumbled

1/4 cup of pitted klamata olives chopped.

3 Tablespoons of Extra virgin olive oil

3 Tablespoons of White wine vinegar or fruity vinegar

1 teaspoon of a greek seasoning blend (oregano,

1 teaspoon lemon juice

salt and pepper

Mix vinaigrette first in a small bowl or shaker (like a small mason jar), pour over the chopped olive, feta and cucumbers. Try not to devour all at once, it's even better when allowed to chill in the fridge.

Enjoy,

Head Bather

Balance Face Mask in Action!

2011-08-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Heartsy Deal!

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have a Heartsy.me feature going live this morning for their VIP's and everyone else tomorrow.

So stop by heartsy and get your voucher then stop by my shop and enjoy your bath!

Thank you!
Head Bather

And then I went pouf!

2011-07-23T16:36:00.001-07:00

I have wanted a pouf for so long, I finally made one.

It is the size of a small end table and I found the pattern from googling moroccan pouf.

It was fairly easy I mostly made this one as a prototype. The fabrics are bulk favorites from the late 90's so it was time to use them up.

I attempted to make it alternating colors but as per my usual backasswardness one of the panels didn't go in order.

No I could not have ripped it out because it was the last panel in, and the last project of the day. I was done, and so was the pouf dang it. Does that make me lazy, yeah probably does.

But now I have a cozy pouf filled with scrap fabric, old drapes, plastic grocery bags filled with fiber fill to go and put my feet up on. That makes me happy, and that's all that matters.

Head Bather

Nature

2011-07-17T09:51:00.001-07:00

DSC01036
Originally uploaded by ritualbath

I need some nature now. Maybe I should just hike the little canyon "stream" out here. Off to commune.
Head Bather

Oh how lovely

2011-07-11T13:33:00.001-07:00

A little zen

2011-06-21T16:55:00.001-07:00

Vacation is almost over. Enjoy the koi at our hotel till then.

Head Bather

Be back in two days

2011-06-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

We are on a little vacation.

Head Bather

What to do with vintage supplies

2011-06-15T09:18:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by ritualbath

My mother and I often pick up craft and sewing supplies at thrift stores. Sometimes I come across some gems, like the engraved pearl buttons that would be lovely on some elegant silk something.

Other times I get just regular supplies like buttons and zippers. I love finding fabric but with all the bad double knit out there it doesn't happen much any more.

Now I have this great heavy brass separating zipper.

I was going to make a great overnight bag with it but then noticed it was separating, and now I am wondering if it shouldn't be some garment to use that separating feature.

Its about sixteen inches long.

What do you think?

Head Bather

My craft/sewing room redo

2011-06-11T13:59:00.001-07:00

I rearranged things, still not like in the magazines but way more functional.

The work desk right next to the sewing machine so the kiddo can craft with me.

Shelves over my head while sewing have notions that I might need. While my patterns, books and magazines are all organized on the bookshelf.

My warm and natural up as a design wall, and all my rubbermaid bins have labels on them by fabric. There is one of each of quilting, upholstery, suiting, shirting, and knits.

I hope you get the chance to be creative this weekend,
Head Bather

I need a new hair cut

2011-06-09T10:51:00.001-07:00

Calm detangler spray 4oz 11
Originally uploaded by ritualbath

I have been hesitant to find a new stylist, which means I don't have one. But for now I can use my detangler spray to help comb the long mass of hair on my head. Soon soon my split ends will be trimmed away for a long layered mane.

ritualbath's photostream

2011-06-08T20:43:00.001-07:00

ritualbath's photostream on Flickr.

The new label and photo shoots.

I could live there

2011-06-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Source: deuxfilleslemercredisoir.wordpress.com via Serina on Pinterest

Head Bather

Are you a level four mage?

2011-06-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

Games are part of my life. My husband is a game designer, and I use the console to check Netflix. It’s a perfect balance of loves gaming, and “eh I’ll play you don’t know jack if you want”. I could take it or leave it. But I have been reading and listening lately and game theory is really starting to interest me. Not in a way that I will be creating a dark elf in WOW anytime soon, but using it in my business and mothering, heck even my marriage. Check out the book Forty Beads for the marriage one.

For my business it’s as easy as a shorter to do list. One that is accomplish able in a six hour work day (whatever day or hours that happens to be for your situation) being able to complete that list gives me a sense of defeating one level and moving to the next. Sure I have more things I could do, and sure I might continue to work after completing that to do list but having that list done is a great boost.

With my kid she is just now getting to the age of understanding you do X you get Y, though her understanding of money has not gone past “I need a quarter for a gum ball”. So maybe she gets a silly band, or new art supply when she accomplishes a agreed on goal. Like right now if she sleeps in her own room all night she can choose a reward, but I don’t reward her for making up her bed, that is just one of the chores she has as part of this family.

So look around you, you might be surprised at how many ways you use game theory in some for in your everyday life.
Head Bather
P.S. I have not read the book or affiliated in any way with the author or publisher, I was working on this post and the Today show was on and had a package about this "fun way to spice up your marriage". It was like a game! Kismet, love it!

Another way to use up old denim

2011-05-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

I heard cotton prices are going to continue to rise. Jean's are mostly cotton, the non-stretch variety any way time to re-purpose those jeans with wear in the un-patchable places.

Emily-Marie over at BurdaStyle did just this, such a great design. But the thought could be applied to a lot of patterns you may already have. Just use the different washes to your advantage.

I for one will be sewing up a storm tomorrow, culottes for the kid out of old tees (it's getting to hot for the lounge pants) Colette's bloomers (finally only had the pattern for a year!)

What will you be crafting this week's end.
Head Bather

My most favorite find at WorldFest 2011

2011-05-22T19:20:00.001-07:00

Ruffle Skirt Orange Cotton
Originally uploaded by Sri Lalita Clothing

Not only are the clothing by Sri Lalita well constructed but they are also just gorgeous. You feel like a goddess in these frocks. And she is just as nice as can be. My daughter asked "do you have ones for me?" to which Felicia so sweetly replied "I would love to make one for you" .

Check out her facebook page for local shows and ordering.
https://www.facebook.com/pages
/Sri-Lalita-Clothing/178617972172612

Head Bather

Oh what a lovely home

2011-05-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

Source: thebeldam.tumblr.com via Annalee on Pinterest

Lovely apothecary look

2011-05-20T09:19:00.001-07:00

Source: tumblr.com via Annalee on Pinterest

Working hard

2011-05-09T13:05:00.001-07:00

Melting and Mixing, hope you had a great weekend!

Head Bather

The best way to clean your bathroom

2011-05-04T16:23:00.001-07:00

While your wiping your counters and mirrors your Balance Face mask can be cleaning out your pores. I put it on before I started and washed it off when I did my last cleaning item the shower. Just incase you wanted to know what I clean with, what ever scent of Dr bronner's I have on hand and old washcloths.

Squeaky clean,
Head Bather

Sisters of the Black Moon

2011-05-03T13:55:00.001-07:00

Sisters of the Black Moon
Originally uploaded by blackmoonbobo

I love these ladies style. They have a great ebay store with all sorts of gems.

Are you having a problem with cystic acne?

2011-04-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

I have noticed things as I have aged, fine lines, sensitive stomach, general dislike of anything classified as tween. Yes I am half way to my crazy cat lady days, but I will survive.

I used to have great skin and good results with makeup (as long as it was the right shade) but lately my face has taken to looking like the ring of fire seen from space. Red cystic acne shows up when I least expect it. It used to follow hormones or stress but recently something else seems to be the culprit.

After some research and digging I think I may have found it, Bismuth Oxycloride. I have all ready gotten rid of silicone's in my hair and face products because I have become sensitive to it, now it's my makeup.

I say it's my makeup because the acne appears after using this one brand of makeup I have and not others I have sampled. I haven't been changing makeup recently, I rarely get around to putting on foundation so it was fairly easy to pinpoint the culprit.

Bismuth Oxycloride is a common filler, frequently found in mineral makeup because it is marketed as an "earth mineral" therefore natural. I have found that Bismuth is a mineral but it is not this natural form that is often used in cosmetics. More often than not it is a by product from smelting copper that is used in the cosmetic formulation, though in very small amounts. The mineral is considered heavy and requires lots of buffing to get it to settle into the pores, and gives the glow many of us love. However the MSDS (mineral safety data sheet) lists it as slightly hazardous to skin and irritating to the eye.

So it's time for me to change makeup, I have found some formulations of mineral makeup that don't have Bismuth Oxycloride as an ingredient and some liquids that I also like. I just dislike shopping for new cosmetics, yeah right.

Putting my shopping shoes on,
Head Bather

I a busy bee

2011-04-25T10:25:00.001-07:00

I found a table and chairs for cheap on good old craigslist. I finished painting the table last weekend, and began the chairs this weekend.

Sadly they are far from finished, and with that and regular job descriptions looks like it will take another weekend. Boo, oh how I wish I had a housekeeper, intern and masseuse! Another life perhaps.
Having fun creating,
Head Bather

Just a blast from my past.

2011-04-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Doing it all

That was me way back then the cabinet I painted in the background.

Have you ever met someone that just had this long laundry list of things they are working on, as well as a job, kids, love life, and hobbies? Well that's me, I just cannot seem to stand too still, and I love it.
I love the feeling of creating, things, moments, relationships, messes; you name it I am a creator. I often want to get more done than the clock will allow, however the affirmation "there is always enough time" seems to help me get done just what is destined to be done. I know it sounds too simple for some and "ah duh" for others, but it works for me.
This week’s laundry list: Data entry for the day job (check as of today), paint my new cabinet for that kitchen by Saturday, real laundry, a birthday party ready home, rebuild website, create blog (check as of today), build bath kits, test new bath recipes, laugh, and love.
There is always time to make a list but did you take the time to enjoy a moment today?

My moment of the day: Teenagers working together as a creative group of individuals, they just glow.

Today 2011's moment of the day: Watching my daughter's face light up at the sight of a bunny in our back yard.
Happy holidays,
Head Bather

Finally a men's line

2011-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

I spent last Wednesday evening at the Northridge Mall Farmers Market. I met some very lovely folks and enjoyed a great southern California evening. I will be vending there again this coming week, I'm debuting a few new things and restocking some others.

One of the new things is the men's body wash Release. This deep woody rich scented lather will clean and condition your skin while awakening your inner strength. With self confidence inducing civet, warm euphoric amber, earthy sweet vetiver, and aphrodisiac sandalwood. You just might attract attention. All set in a base of gentle foaming cleanser that is free of parabens and sulfates.

Affirmation: I am of the woods dark and deep. Called to appease my inner beast. Always protected and in perfect peace.

So if your local stop by and give a sniff to the new Release line.
Happy weekday,
Head Bather

Farmers Markets

2011-04-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

I love farmers markets, the small farms with fun colored carrots or the farm fresh eggs. So many fun food choices.
Some of the farmers even let you taste test your produce before buying, how great is that.

Balance Bath Kit

When we first moved to LA we went to the Hollywood Farmers Market, lots of fun vintage and artisans to feed your creative expression.

There are even farmers markets with petting zoos and rides for the kiddies. Northridge is one of them, every Wednesday from 5pm till 9pm vendors fill the parking lot in front of CPK and Boarders. There are produce stands with every thing you would expect, a few heirloom varieties, and some produce you might not see everywhere. For the under ten set there are pony rides, petting zoos, and inflatable fun. You can even have dinner there at one of the many food vendors.

Balance Shower kit

Starting Wednesday the 6th I will be selling at The Northridge mall farmers market on Tampa inbetween Macy's and Boarders from 5pm till 9pm.

Come out and shop!
Head Bather

Calm body lotion for those rough nerves

2011-03-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

What do you do when your kids don't nap and fight the bed time routine? Drink, yeah but how do you get them to sleep? Aromatherapy or an nice bath can work wonders, even a light massage at the end of a long day may get you or your family into the Land of Nod.

Calm Body Lotion 2oz by RitualBath

One of my good friends was having such a dilemma and trying to find ways to incorporate sleep nudging products into her nightly routine. She asked me for a bubble bath or lotion that would be great for boys, not too flowery but still with the soothing scents known to calm the spirit. I created Calm body lotion, it is made with natures oldest cosmetic olive oil, to moisturize the skin. Scented with stress releasing, bright chamomile, sweet, herbaceous lavender essential oils, and just a hint of the grounding scents of Frankincense, and Patchouli.

Calm body lotion was designed with children in mind, but can be worn by anyone wanting to calm their spirit.

Affirmation: My wild mind needs soothing. Be the balm that moves me to calm my mighty spirit.

And don't worry a body wash/ bubble bath is on it's way.
Head Bather

2011-03-30T21:43:00.001-07:00

Seven Flowers. Awesome Pop Up - Click here for more blooper videos

Japan Relief update

2011-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to send out a huge thank you I have raised over thirty dollars to donate to American Red Cross and their efforts to aid Japan.

Balance body wash 2oz by RitualBath

Earth body wash 2oz by RitualBath

Earth Face scrub 4oz by RitualBath

There are still more products in my Etsy store RitualBath from my previous label design, treat yourself and help others with your purchase.
Thank you,
Head Bather

A little box at my door

2011-03-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

Even a bath and body creator sometimes needs a bit of variety in her bathing lathers and ointments.

Mine has arrived in the lovely little cube from villainesse soaps! I have been eyeing her work for a while and had not yet indulged.

I am so in love with the packaging on the perfume oil! I just can't stop sniffing my wrist.

I think a second shower is needed, just to indulge in my new shower lovelies.

Check out how they "redefine bad" at:
http://www.villainess.net/soap/

Head Bather

Another lovely treasury

2011-03-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

Japan Relief Treasury

Just in time for lower temps

2011-03-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

I made them last weekend. They are very comfy, but need a few alterations to fit me perfectly. I need to use a stretch stitch and some how tack the lining with the exterior.

It will do, for now. I want to get back to RitualBath and some tops.

Head Bather

Japan Relief Treasuries and Etsy sellers

2011-03-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

All of the sellers in these treasuries are donating a varying percentage of sales in their shops. Some have offered specific items, others are donating a dollar amount. Every little bit helps the people of Japan and an independent artisan/business owner. Please give any way you can.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d7fae230dbe8eef2f293be6/japan-crys-tears-of-red

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d7fb08f57666d919881cb42/help-japan-shop-only-125-to-35

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d7fb7ac5ee28eef0caed8f1/to-japan-with-from-me

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d8033ed52516d91d2b9de56/japanese-whispers

Thank you,
Head Bather

Please help in any way you can

2011-03-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday night (the 10th of March) I was enjoying a fun night chatting and board gaming it with some of my fellow moms in arms. I had already dealt with the anxiety of a small earthquake rocking Japan the country my better half was visiting on business.

I try to take earthquakes in stride, I mean I live in earthquake country now. If you are wondering no, I don't think they are better than a hurricane. Been thru a few of those and they always included drinking and relaxing after the last swath of weather. But earthquakes no warning, nowhere to get shelter, because your shelter is shaking, not my cup-o-tea.

So when our friend and roommate who works for the same company as my better half came downstairs to tell us that Japan had just gotten hit with a 8.6 maybe a 9 earthquake. I got worried real quick. I don't do anything over a 4.0 thank you very much, check please, send him home.

A little while later (don't know the exact time, but it was long enough to have another beer, which I shouldn't have, but I was at home) I got the Skype call from him. He's ok, and yes he got under the desk, and he's "ok with that". He's from earthquake country and tends to take it better than this flatlander. They were at a co-workers flat and it was on the third floor. Out the window he saw the canal fill with water past it's high water mark in about twenty minutes. All things meat to allay my fears.

His voice and face were all that could do that, and if all I had was Skype then I would take it. Later he would tell me that some of our conversations were cut short because an earthquake was going on and he didn't want me to see it get worse. Then there was the word radioactive in the news.

He was on a bullet train heading out of the city because other countries were recommending their citizens leave Tokyo for fear of a fallout cloud. Again he was "safe" and my family and friends were keeping me busy and getting updates. The updates were the worst because yes he was safe but he wasn't really (safe meant home to me) and there were so many unknowns and the time difference, was he asleep? traveling again? was something happening?

Finally while out of town at a friend of a friend's apartment on Sunday we get his company's travel agency on the phone with me here in the USA while he is on Skype in-front of me on the computer. After some confusion (on my part) again on the time difference we get him booked and traveling back to his hotel, ready to get to the airport.

On his end there was quite a journey, thousands of people packed into a subway, was there going to be a bus for the ride to the airport? Would there be tickets? Traffic? Time? All these unknowns, but he made the best of it and made it home to us. There were so many more stories out of Japan that were far worse, my heart aches.

He slept for three hours (which hardly makes up for the three days of missed sleep) in the easy chair, we didn't leave the room because we just wanted to be near him, he didn't seem to mind.

So this brings me to my soap box, Please help Japan any way you can. Donate to relief efforts, buy goods supporting relief efforts, pray, send healing waves of energy, light a candle. What ever you can. They need it now.

Thank you,
Head Bather

The Neggroni

2011-03-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

The shirt came out so well I can't wait to find more fabric that the man will wear. He's a bit particular, no short sleeves (hmgh), maybe plaid, and mostly black and gray. I have been avoiding most linen blends as yours truly is the one to do most of the ironing.
Thanks Colette Patterns!

Head Bather

House slippers

2011-03-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

My home has lots of tile and stays fairly cool (though it's in the 80s in March that can change in a few days here) and my feet are always cold. It's almost a guarantee that I can get the mister to yell and shiver if I touch him with my feet under the covers. So I need slippers for around the house to warm my frigid toes. I have tried drafting my own pattern and with motherhood and a craft habit bordering on hoarding I decided not to reinvent the wheel. So I bought a pattern for fleece boots and house shoes (for warmer months that don't require calf warming) from SewingWithMe on Etsy.

I have come across the pattern many times and have cut it out but not assembled yet. I will get to it soon but have to first get some RitualBath products made.
Here are the cute house shoes that I will make in a few weeks, so cute too!

Happy Crafting,
Head Bather

Demeter's Closet: New Adventures in Personal Care Products

2011-03-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

A lovely feature in Demeter's Closet, Thank you!

Demeter's Closet: New Adventures in Personal Care Products: "Being new to the Etsy community, not just as a seller but also a shopper, I have spend mucho hours surfing and being totally delighted at wh..."

The best, I mean vest.

2011-02-17T00:14:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I have the best of intentions, like when I decided to use my left over scraps of wedding dress material to create a vest.

It's not turning out too well.

I haven't given up, but here's a vest that is better. Though you would never know because I have only gotten her to wear it once.

She loved to model, but promptly took it off when I said I was done. Oh well.

I even tried to get her into it by including some of her favorite stitches, no go.

Eh well, it's cute anyway.

Head Bather

I love my friends...

2011-02-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

Not only do they all have great taste that ranges from the dark to day glow, but they are super supportive. Thank you to every single one of you!
Here is a gorgeous Etsy Treasury curated by one such friend, Than you MamaFiendish.

The more people that view the treasury and click it's items the greater it's ranking will be in the list of treasuries, giving myself and all the other artisans in this little gallery more chance of exposure.

Thank you,
Head Bather

In progress.....

2011-01-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

Massage melts, to be listed soon!
Head Bather

Peek at the shirt

2011-01-29T10:48:00.001-08:00

I will get a better shot of this soon, it's drying now after it's first wash.

Head bather

Found: Lost Pictures of New York Blizzard

2011-01-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

Silicone, the good, the bad, and the oil free.

2011-01-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of talk about silicone in bath and beauty products in my world lately. Mostly as it relates to primers and facial lotions, so I began to do a little research. What are they, what do they do, the pros and cons of this very common ingredient. Silicone is often used as a generic term for nearly all substances that contain a silicon atom, commonly used as implants in cosmetic surgery because they resist body fluids, and are largely-inert, man-made compounds with a wide variety of forms and uses. Typically heat-resistant, nonstick, and rubber-like, they are commonly used in cookware, medical applications, sealants, adhesives, lubricants, and insulation. Silicone comes in many forms and in my searches I cam across this very comprehensive list of the names and properties of each. So thank you The Beauty Brains for your great list.

In facial products silicone can create a layer that smooths the skins surface, create a barrier to protect makeup and keep in moisture. Consumers have become accustomed to the silky feel that silicone can give a lotion or cream containing oils. In hair products they smooth down the cuticle and weight down the strand making hair heavier and less prone to flyway's and frizz.
Silicone and my skin don't seem to get along though, just my opinion. This barrier that protects your foundation can also trap oil on your skin and in your pores. I have found that some products that have silicone in them can cause me to break out more frequently (lovely cystic type acne, and annoying little white heads). I have tried drugstore and department store brands and if there is any silicone in there after a few days the breakouts start.

As for hair products, I am reluctant to give up the 'cones. I have thick, wavy, colored, long hair and silicone helps me tame the mane. Some of the con's that many people say about silicone's are just not true. For instance hair doesn't breath, it is a dead keratin cuticle, so silicone cannot suffocate your hair. It can however smooth together split ends a bit making it more difficult for you stylist to see the damage. Though I have been noticing more acne on my neck and back, leading me to think that I should lather rinse and repeat more often, and use my facial scrub on my neck and back to remove any stray products.

I have also read that oil based cleansers may help remove the silicone and remove the build up, which I would think would reduce the break outs as well. So this week I have begun using a cleansing oil, Jojoba mixed with some essential oils that I originally blended for my scalp. I will let you know how it goes. For me I will refrain from silicone in my everyday facial routine as much as possible, even if I have to deal with an oily feel every now and again. On the infrequent events where I need my makeup to last and last, I won't hesitate to use a primer with silicone because they do work, but I will be sure to remove with oil cleanser and may even use a little mask to clean up what ever is left in my pores.

Smart is beautiful,
Head Bather

Thanksgiving leftovers

2010-12-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

Yes I still have leftovers from the turkey day, from our Saturday feast. There are many good recipes out there for casseroles and stews but I am not in the mood for such things.
So today for lunch it's homemade gnocchi out of some of the mashed potatoes (I have a gallon freezer bag full, this only used half of it)

2 cups mashed potatoes
1 beaten egg
1 cup or more flour (I had to add more than a cup because my potatoes were very moist)
1/2 teaspoon salt
I mixed everything in the kitchenaid with a dough hook. Then on a floured surface I divided into four balls, and each ball was pinched and pulled into about a two inch thick row (nothing too neat). Take a fork and cut the row into half inch pillows. Toss into boiling water and remove after they float.

Now I know the right way to make them, and I can tell you from experience they do not taste any different, sorry food purists. I have also frequently bought the packaged variety, and they are good too, and when you just have to have them they are great. Homemade can be so tender and just like little clouds of deliciousness, and only took about fifteen minutes to make.

The sauce is just a jar variety with some diced leftover ham, yeah I'm not interested in authentic just taste.

Enjoy,
Head Bather

Earth Body Bar is here!

2010-11-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

Finally after a long week I have got something to show for my work, just in time to be thankful.

These body bar soaps are made with hemp seed oil, dead sea mud and the lovely scent of Nag Champa. Hemp seed oil is a great skin moisturizer with a light green tint, and dead sea mud is thought to have many healthful properties and adds a wonderful silky lather that is great for shaving.
All soon to be available on my zibbet and etsy stores.
Now to get ready for the holidays!
Head Bather

Little bits of beauty

2010-11-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite brands is Bare Escentuals and around the holidays they have great product that are perfect for travel or the gym bag. Last year I scored these cool eye shadows that are pressed on a card in coordinating pairs, no thicker than a credit card.

There were also small sizes of their plumping lip gloss.
The only bummer is that some things never come back into rotation. This year no eyeshadow cards, there are some cute shadow compacts this year, but still too bulky for my gym bag. They also have small eye liners that look great.

Hope your holidays are plump and bright!
Head Bather

P.S. I talk about their products because I like them, I was in no way paid by bare escentuals.

Trains

2010-11-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

Just a little of what I did today.

Hope you had a glorious day!
Head Bather

Spices

2010-11-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have always been attracted all things Indian. I think it started when my mother began cooking Indian food, all the spices were very interesting to me. Guess it goes with my herbalist tenancies, all the interesting seed pods, and ground herbs that tickle the senses. I even got my very own spice cabinet when I moved out, full of all the things I would need to make yummy curries, chutney, and korma.

I still love the smell of spices and recently took a trip to a spice store here in LA and oh my goodness I was in heaven. I would have loved to have one of everything, but went home with a select few to add or replace to my spice cabinet. I even bookmarked their catalog when there was a spice or blend that seemed perfect to me for addition to RitualBath.

Spices have also helped me save a little on our grocery bill this week. Add some paprika, sage, oregano, cumin, peppers to a few cans of tomatoes, beans, and lentils and you have a veggie chili that won't have you missing the meat. I am also planing on having egg salad sandwiches (our local super market had the 18 count for .99cents!) and changing the flavor with different spices sprinkled on top.

NomNom,
Head Bather

What happens when an old tee shirt meets a crafty lady?

2010-11-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Lots of new cloths for a toddler that's what! I spent most of yesterday sewing away, trying to make my scrap stash dissipate. There were tee shirts the hubby had spilled too much on or jeans that I could no longer mend or tank tops that just didn't do it for me anymore.

I knew I wanted to make lounge/jammie pants out of most of the tees for the kiddo, but there was an old calico skirt and some tanks that were the real conundrum. What to do with a tank when the kiddo is almost in 5t, there wasn't much fabric. Ruffle cuffed bloomers to the rescue!

The pants turned out great and the kiddo now has more play cloths to run around in. I made a car blanket out of the old jeans, it's not pretty so it will not be photographed but it's exactly what I needed.

Oh and I just had to share, ever since teaching the kiddo to dress herself she knows what the front or back of an article of clothing is by it's "bum tag" so she doesn't go walking around backwards looking. I sewed an inch of pink bias tape on the back of each pair just so she knows what's what.

Love y'all,
Head Bather

Bloomers

2010-11-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

Did you know I have a little girl? Well I do and she loves skirts and dresses, no problem there, but she also love to run around and do things that make gravity flip said skirts and dresses. Now at home this is no problem, she could run around in underwear at home I don't care. In public there is a different code and under ware should stay under what you're wearing.

So the girl is getting bloomers and not just any bloomers but ruffled cuff bloomers.

She loved these floral ones from Romeo and Mae on Etsy.
So not what I would have chosen, the floral I mean. Oh mom loves bloomers too, just more toned down, layers of earth tones that's me. Though I will say the colors do have me dreaming of spring and that's not right it's barely winter. Oh well I have some lovely fabric that I will make into a winter coat so that will bring me round as I watch my girl flip and twirl in her ruffle bloomers.

Head Bather

Rethread

2010-11-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

I have been severely lax about blogging, it's true. I don't find much inspiration around my computer these days, until I launch my reader. Inside there are such wonders that make me remember that I am a creative soul and am happiest doing.

So today I will just give you a link to a project that I will be doing for my holiday decorations, or a least using it as a starting point. I may just have to use what I have on hand, since that's how I roll.

Check out the tutorial from Paper Crave.

But I will not be doing that today, oh no, today is sewing! I have saved old tees, jeans and other odds and ends to make the kiddo lounge pants, or picnic blankets or yoga bags. What ever it is I am sewing today, the craft room that is a jumble and hardly inspirational will be infused with my spirit. And I will not get out of my jammies. That is all.

Head Bather

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T16:46:00.001-07:00

Guess what the hubby and I are dressed as for Halloween? After making the kiddo an avatar that was all I had the energy for.

Have a safe and fun weekend!

Head Bather

Ayurveda

2010-10-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

One of the healing methods I have been interested in for a long time is Ayurveda, It's a system of health through balance of the three humors or doshas. If there is imbalance in your doshas then illness or disease could follow, and imbalances can come from stress, environment, and diet to name a few.
Each of the three doshas is a combination of the five elements: Space/Spirit, Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. You can be dominant in one dosha more than another or a balance between two. They are Vatha, Pitta, and Kapha, and each one has a body type that you can use to physically see what dosha you may be.

Vatha: Air and Spirit, is a slender frame, with dry, rough and possibly dark skin, with brown or black hair color (natural of course) small thin lips and dark eyes.
Pitta: Fire with some Water, is of a medium height with fair to reddish completion and hair, green to grayish eye color and an average size mouth.
Kapha: Mostly water with some Earth, is a larger frame, tends to be over weight, thick and pale oily skin, and strong white teeth behind a large mouth.

Your dosha or doshas can be out of balance just due to living your life and can be brought back in balance with yoga, breathing exercises, diet, (my favorite) massage, and ayurvedic medicine. You can also work on your chakra's to restore balance, I have found that guided meditations on CD to be very helpful to lead me through the process. There are even some free pod casts to download, though it had taken some hunting to find one that works for me.

I use this knowledge of my dosha to help me understand what types of food to eat (though I still have a hard time letting go of my breads) and what kind of skin care to use on my body. I have always known I felt better after a good yoga series and continue to use it to release tension and bring me back to center. Next time lets talk about what types of skin care your dosha craves, till then remember to breathe and drink your water.

Head Bather

Comic relief Thursday

2010-10-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

I needed a little comic relief today. Just one of those days, where everything gets on your nerves and you just need to laugh. So here is what made me laugh and bring back my smile.

Love, Laughter, and Light
Head Bather

10% off sale at RitualBath on Etsy!

2010-10-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

RitualBath on Etsy with the sale prices or on Etsyonsale.com

Weekly Wrap up

2010-10-16T14:40:00.001-07:00

This past week has been a whirl wind of fun! We spent the first half of it in the Washington DC area for a wedding, and reunion with some college friends. Our daughter cut a rug at the reception in a last minute fabulous find dress, and my hubby took one for the team bruising his chest during the chair dance.

Some tips to share for traveling with toddlers:

Find an airline with a tv for each seat.
The CARES harness system is FAA approved and so much easier than the car seat ( if you have to take the car seat, check it doesn't cost anything if you travel with a kid).
Stroller them if you can check it at the boarding gate.
Bring food but don't freak if a strict security checker makes you throw away the juice boxes (LAX let em through, IAD wouldn't makes me wonder if they would have let me keep the capri salad that I made for the trip out, it was so yummy).

While traveling our schedule goes out the window, but we communicate with our kiddo at every step of the way. Before the trip we tell her what we might do or see, then during we take breaks, snack and talk about our adventures. While there she had her first experience riding a subway and learned how to behave, we taught her how to ride the escalator (staying on the right so others could pass on the left), how to ride standing without falling down, and what was an appropriate talking volume. Amazing what kids will enjoy, the huge dinosaurs in the Museum of Natural History not so much. It was the first trip where I was not itching to get home, I was glad to be back but I had so much fun hanging out with old friends and their families that I had begun to forget we are all scattered around the US.

Now back home, and the daily routines, clean house, laundry and the like are done for the week. I have uploaded and edited most of my new Zibbet store. I haven't upgraded to a premium account yet, that would give me the features I wanted that Etsy was lacking, like coupons and store discounts. I have purchased a book about the craft business and hope to finish it this weekend. This evening I am hosting a craft night with some lovely mama's and look forward to all the crafty fun that will bring. I have thoughts about making it a regular thing but with a theme, topic or project, who knows. Off to make homemade ricotta (thanks Mom) and get the house ready for guests.

What are you planning with the rest of your weekend?
Head Bather

I wish my space was this awesome!

2010-09-30T15:15:00.001-07:00

My creative space
Originally uploaded by *jenny b allsorts

This is from Jenny B Allsorts on flickr.
Doesn't looking at it just make you want to create!

Back to designing,
Head Bather

Another lovely treasury!

2010-09-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about selling in a venue like Etsy is the connection around the world to other sellers and buyers. This treasury comes from a lovely woman named Vaida check out her shop here. She is in Lithuania a place I may never see in this lifetime, but through her shop, flickr and blog I get to see some parts of the world that are just magical in their beauty.

Thank you Vaida. I hope you all enjoy!

Happy Friday!
Head Bather

Strange and Inappropriate column

2010-09-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

On the way home from a play date today (it's how I keep my sanity and get the kiddo socialized) I saw some quirky things. I wanted to take pictures but since I was driving and didn't want to cause any accidents I will just have to describe the two things that made this dreary day some what sillier.

Item 1: On the back of a large fancy SUV was the advertisement : Straight Up Bail Bonds with the tag line "We get to you before your cell mate does"
I just don't want to know.

Item 2: To preface this it is important to know that it is very overcast and 65 degrees in the Valley today. On the side of a busy road in a somewhat country setting (horse trails on the side of the road) a girl is in a pair of short jean shorts and bikini top, riding a bike very carefully. I mean She is making sure she gets a full rotation on each pedal, which I think is weird until I see the guy further up the hill sitting on the ground with a small camcorder.

Only in the Valley.

Night night,
Head Bather.

A new treasury!

2010-09-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

My Balance bath tablets were included in the treasury below! Thanks Sydney for including me!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c859ee51d7a8eef12cd5647/lemongrass-sage-bamboo

Rich beautiful shades of green, so lovely. Makes me wish for greener lands, here's hoping I find it camping in the Sequoias in a few weeks.

Hope you enjoy,
Head Bather

Bone health

2010-08-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

I know we don't often think about our bones, until we break them or someone is diagnosed with osteoporosis around us. Here is an interesting article from one of my Wise Woman resources.

Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD, the osteoporosis nutritionist, offers information on bone health at any age and natural ways to build bone strength, reduce fracture risk, and prevent osteoporosis.
http://www.wisewomantradition.com

Some greens

2010-08-10T16:34:00.001-07:00

So my computer is still in the shop, no word yet. So I am reduced to finding things on my phone to post about. Here is one of my best greens dinner in a while. It was just a bunch of collard greens, Swiss chard cut up and thrown in the crock pot with some turkey kilbasa and chicken stock.

I set it to one of the second lowest settings and dished it up with hot sauce and rice, so easy and tasted like home.

I am waiting on the crock pot now for some baked sweet potatoes for dinner. They smell great, I might serve them with a little cooked bacon and light sour cream. What would you put on yours?

Health and happiness to you and yours,
Head Bather

Very easy veggie lunch!

2010-08-08T20:04:00.001-07:00

So you may or may not know this but I am trying to increase the amount of I eat veggies and decrease simple carbs. Nothing extreme it's just every time I eat bread or regular pasta I bloat, tmi but hey, I wouldn't want anyone to think I went to strict, I mean I married an Italian I can't get away from pasta completely.

I love mushrooms and if they are stuffed even better. I have a great (but highly caloric) sausage stuffed mushroom recipe, but that's not this, I give ya that recipe next time I make it. No this is a bit more healthy and quick enough to have for lunch.

I started with medium cremini mushrooms but portobellas and large white would be just fine. I then add a small nugget of frozen spinach directly out of the bag no defrosting, with me so far, easy. Then I placed a tablespoon of a Parmesan artichoke spread bought at a favorite grocery store and topped with Parmesan cheese.

Then into the toaster oven at 350 for about thirty minutes. Then take them out and enjoy their melty meaty yumminess!

Enjoy!
Head Bather

Love Lip Balm Review from another great blog!

2010-08-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Love Lip Balm has lots of good for your skin oils like apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and coffee butter. With a touch of natural beeswax for a solid but not waxy feeling stick. With a slight scent of coffee and mint.
Enjoy this moisturizing, velvety feeling lip balm.

I am so thrilled to share with you a lovely review from Susieqtpies for her month of coffee on her blog here.
Love Lip Balm has been a favorite of my friends and family for a few years now, I am so glad someone else loves it as much as we do.

Thank You!

Head Bather

Lunch anyone?

2010-08-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

I just love the color of my lunch grilled snapper on a bed of red cabbage slaw (blitz half red onion, two cloves garlic, handful of cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil in blender or processor and toss it with shredded read cabbage that is size small to medium) with a really good store bought corn tortilla and a little bit of green taco sauce. Oh my goodness so yummy even as left overs!

What are you doing for lunch today?
Head Bather

Lip balm as wedding favors.

2010-08-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

So this is not the greatest of photos but being the Matron of Honor had me moving quite a bit. For my sister's wedding the Love Lip Balm was altered to have more of a rose scent (no coffee butter) and the labels were customized for the couple. We then stamped wax bags with a customized rubber stamp in gold ink and attached it to a muslin bag also stamped with a piece of linen twine. I made the wedding programs as well in the colors of the wedding, printed and bound just in time for the wedding. My good friend's are getting maried this weekend and it had me thinking of all the fun decorations that go into the event.

I hope you enjoy,

Head Bather

Help with your voice!

2010-07-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Oppose HR 5786: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010, That doesn't mean I want unsafe cosmetics around, like the "natural" lotion I bought that caused a rash, but that the over regulation will kill our freedom of choice in bath and beauty products. Many of you may be completely unaware of this bill and that's ok, it's not like we all sit around watching CSPAN, but making bath products one of the things I do and want to continue doing in the future. Making bath and beauty products on small scale business or hobby would be nearly impossible if this were to pass. Here is what some of my mentors and peers in the herbal and bath and beauty communities are saying:

"The FDA already requires all ingredients to be listed. This bill however
requires those ingredients to be broken down and include all chemicals and
'contaminants' to be listed. So instead of writing 'water' on your ingredient
list you might write:
Aqua (lead, acrylamine, alachlor, alpha/photon emitters, antimony, asbestos,
arsenic, atrazine, barium, benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, beta photon emitters,
beryllium, bromated, cadmium, carbofuran, carbon tetrachloride, chloramines,
chlordane, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, chlorite, chlorobenzene, chromium,
copper, cyanide, 2,4-D, dalapon, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene,
1,1-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene,
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, dinoseb, diquat, endothall, endrin, ethylbenzene,
fluoride, glyphosate, hexachlorocyclopentadiene…mercury….radium….uranium, vinyl
chloride, xylenes.) "
Cindy Jones
http://www.sagescript.com

"it would mean that everything would have to be tested and registered
with the government. Each product would cost thousands of dollars to put up for
sale - each variation of a product would need the same expensive pre-market
testing and registration.
Most small businesses don't even make that much on a given product in a year.
Then let's say you decide to tweak your formula and add a little chickweed.
Back to square one, with all the costs and red tape. It would destroy cottage
industries. No more herbalists at farm markets, no more hand made herbal
products. Nobody could afford to jump through the hoops involved."
Tina
http://www.essentialherbal.com

Small companies are the backbone of our nation's economy. In fact, today, they
are sustaining it almost single-handedly. As unemployment figures continue to
rise, small companies are hiring employees, contractors, vendors and other small
scale service providers to help their businesses grow.
Consumer Choice at farmer's markets, locally owned spas and boutiques and in the retail stores
that small cosmetics manufacturers are opening everywhere, consumers are able to
choose to buy a wide and appealing variety of cosmetics to suit their personal
needs. They can choose from products made by big companies and they can choose
from products made by smaller companies. That choice will be removed if HR 5786
becomes law. if that happens, consumers will be left with a small selection of
products sold only by our nation's largest retail chains.
America is filled with talented innovators and entrepreneurs who don't need a
big bank loan or a huge line of credit to manage a profitable business.
Small cosmetics companies can continue to do their share to carry this nation,
but not if HR 5786 passes.
It is the duty of our Congressional representatives to pass laws that are
carefully tailored to deal with specific problems that need to be addressed on a
national scale. HR 5786 is not carefully tailored to help anyone.
If HR 5786 as drafted becomes law, it will close multiple thousands of small
companies immediately and in one fell swoop.
Oppose HR 5786
We, the nation's small cosmetics manufacturers, their customers, vendors,
suppliers and other supporters, urge you to vote against HR 5786.
The previous excerpt was written by Donna Maria Coles Johnson of the Indie Beauty
Network

Please help us keep our choices when shopping the bath and beauty isle and sign the or contact your representatives:

You can view this petition at:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/7553846

The bill was introduced and Co-sponsored by:
Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc. As of the publication of this petition, the bill is new co-sponsored by Reps. John Conyers, D-Mi, Diane DeGette, D-Co, Alcee Hastings, D-Fl, Barbara Lee, D-Ca and James Moran, D-Va.

Thank you,
Head Bather

2010-07-27T22:26:00.001-07:00

Night all!

Fun kid toys or something out of the Beetlejuice set!

2010-07-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.kidsmodern.com/gallery/1000096/
I just found this kids website and while I'm not modern in design preference (I'm more old Victorian with a dash of bright color) I do love the functionality of a lot of modern kid furniture design. It helps that this looks like something out of a "Tim Burton" style kids room. I love it!

Off to do some decorating,
Head Bather

Calling all Etsy'ians in LA and SF

2010-07-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

There are two meet and greets in the California area if you are a fellow Etsy seller check out this article and plan on meeting up!

Head Bather

Here comes the heat!

2010-07-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

I know many of my family and friends have been experiencing high heat and humidity but here in So Cal it has been mild, up until now. We are projected to reach our own triple digits by the end of the week, which has me adjusting my menu plans. Lots of crock-pot, salads, cold soups, and frozen treats are in my households future, here is just one of the recipes I collected and adapted to fit our pantry. Check out Cafe Fernando's blog not only delicious sounding food but gorgeous pictures as well.

Pomegranate Frozen Yogurt : Cafe Fernando – Food Blog - frozen yogurt - pomegranate - Ice Cream & Sorbet: "Pomegranate Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients
2 cups POM wonderful juice
1+ 1/2 cup plain, whole milk Greek style yogurt
2/3 cup Grenadine (pomegranate syrup)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
Method
Stir pomegranate juice and sugar over moderate heat until the sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and let cool to room temperature.
In a bowl, combine yogurt, pomegranate juice and pomegranate syrup and whisk until completely combined.
Chill the mixture thoroughly (3 hours in the freezer works for me), then freeze it in your ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Adapted from: Pomegranate Frozen Yogurt from Cafe Fernando - Food Blog

Putting the ice cream maker in the freezer,
Head Bather

Oh.My.Goodness! Carrot salad? Oh yes Carrot salad.

2010-06-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to this recipe!
I was recently told to eat more veggies and one serving or less of grains for a little while, for health reasons. This is really difficult once you look at what you eat with a critical eye, at least for me. So I got to reading all my cookbooks for salads I could keep on hand and this is one that doesn't stay in the fridge for more than a day. Thank you Nigella Lawson and your Forever Summer cookbook, I bought it ages ago when I could catch her program on Food Network. I love how easy and yummy this recipe is, and if you don't have peanut oil olive works just fine.

4 medium carrots, peeled
1/3 cup salted peanuts
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons peanut oil
few drops sesame oil
Nigella says: Grate the carrots very coarsely, push them through the french-fry cutter blade in the food processor, or just cut them into skinny batons or sticks. In a bowl, combine them with the peanuts and then add the remaining ingredients. I like to eat this, straight out of the Pyrex bowl I mix it in, held up high, under my chin, for ease of eating-action. In fact, the only way I stop eating it is by having someone prise the bowl out of my hands.
Serves 1-2, depending on your compulsiveness or generosity.
Forever Summer by Nigella Lawson Hyperion April 2003

Recycle clothing, Do you?

2010-06-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

My Mom is the queen of finding me cool little things and she recently sent me a care package from FL (yes I'm an adult with a family and my Mommy still sends me care packages and I love it). Inside there were some new sewing notions to try out so I am dedicating this post to her, thank you for supporting all my crafts, even if they aren't quilts! I love you Mom.

My toddler is now potty trained but not button/zipper trained therefor when she goes to the bathroom by herself she needed to be able to pull her shorts up and down on her own. It's tough because I know she needs to learn how to use buttons and zippers it is more important to me that she is able to use the restroom on her own. So I made her elastic waist shorts that are stylish and a re-purposing of an item of clothing I already had but didn't use.

She seemed to like them!
Step one gather all needed materials: men's polo shirt, tailors chalk or something to trace with, pair of knit shorts that fit the kiddo now, scissors, sewing machine and thread. Extra: contrast color for heart pocket.

Step two trace the current pair of shorts against the right side, side seams. Make sure to get enough extra for your seam allowance and elastic casing at the top. I used the original hem and side seams to save myself some work.

Step three: flip the shorts over and repeat on the other side or use your new cut out leg as your pattern and carefully cut against it's edge.

Step four: turn your new legs inside out so that you can first stitch the inseam, Then put one leg inside the other right sides of fabric together and stitch the crotch seam. Turn the pants inside out and stitch a casing that will fit whatever elastic you have available, this about recycling and re-purposing so get creative if you have to. I didn't have white elastic so I used 3/4 inch black knit elastic, and black thread, not because I didn't have white but because it was already on my machine. I know kind of lazy, but it work out for me because.

I then stitched a decorative edge around a purple heart pocket (so the kiddo would know what side was front and what side was back) and a black heart deco stitch on the hem.

I love it so much I made a matching tank top out of the old tank top that I cut up for the pocket. I'm still not sure how much I like the tank so it may become a tutorial or may not. I don't have a serger and my abilities with the kind of fine knit the tank top is made from is not up to par, so it's ok but not oh la la like the shorts.
Thanks for checking it out and I hope this project inspired you to make something fabulous with your stash!

Signing off,
Head Bather

Camping in California

2010-06-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Recently we went camping with some friends and I just wanted to share the differences from FL to CA.

Florida

Gators
Rivers with lots of mud
Canoe in all equipment
Nature toilet
Mostly the same temp, warm and humid
Lots of grass and vegetation
No kids (at least at that time)

California

Streams with rocks
Not much grass (the kind underfoot of course)
Vault toilets
Drive in camping
Hot to cold weather in one day
Kids (we have them now)

Both are dirty, fun and on of my favorite spring past times.
What are your favorite things to do in the spring?

Head Bather

Do you have a dry nose?

2010-06-01T13:01:00.001-07:00

Photo credit: D Sharon Pruitt

In this dry air sometimes my nose gets so dry and the saline/neti pot just won't cut it. On days like that I dip a cotton swab or my finger in a little veggie oil and just lightly rub it inside my nostrils. Not too much just enough to ease the dryness.
So go ahead mine for green gold with a little natural oil if your nose is a bit dry.

Head Bather

Thank you to all who serve the USA

2010-05-31T21:22:00.001-07:00

Women at work on bomber, Douglas Aircraft Company, Long Beach, Calif. (LOC)
Originally uploaded by The Library of Congress

We all do our part in some way.

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T16:44:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone is having a great holiday or Monday depending where you are.

Head Bather

Scoot in style

2010-04-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

I have a familial connection to the Amish, and visited our distant cousins on a beautiful farm many moons ago. I remember bikes but this scooter would have definitly caught my attention!

These puppies can turn on a dime! With ball bearing wheels, high speed aluminum racing rims, air tires, welded steel construction and a rear foot brake... No wonder it's so hard to put these scooters down. Manufactured right here in the U.S.A on an Amish farm. Scooters come in 3 sizes. 16", 20" & 24". The 16" is recommended for kids ages 6 to 12. The 20" for young teens to adult and the 24" for those of you 6ft and over. All sizes capable of carrying up to 350 pounds. Found at www.reformschool.com

Dreams of scooting away,
Head Bather

In honor of Earth day!

2010-04-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite places on the web to inspire me to be better to the Earth.

The Dervaes Family and how they are living their best life possible for the earth. This was also the site that inspired me back in FL to create my "yarden" on our suburban lot.
Path to freedom

A great resource for mom's, and many chapters all over so there is likely to be one near you.
Holistic Moms network

Susan Weed, wise woman, herbalist, green witch, whatever title you choose she has some wonderful insights and even a youtube channel.
Wisewoman tradition healing

This weekend in the San Fernando Valley there is a great expo going on in Northridge, if your local head out and say hi to my friend Heather.
Whole child whole parent expo

Dance to heal the earth. Not just when you're dancing, but always. Live the dance, whenever you move, in all you do, dance to heal the earth. ~ Dee Smith

XOXO

Head Bather

The new gypsy wagon

2010-03-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

The store on wheels is not new. In the past there were traveling stores, peddlers traveled across the country selling things that people might need, or they thought they might need. Now I love to shop and the idea that my new favorite store might not be there tomorrow is a bummer to me, but heck I remember what a party line is and still send things via snail mail. I just realized the other day my kid may never know how to operate a rotary phone, but plays video games better than her mama. So I might be a bit of a stick in the mud around change, I get that.

But I could totally see traveling like this from show to show. Though I think this is more a permanent solution and not a road heavy home, like a small airstream.
But the people at the Tiny House Blog have some great gypsy wagons and small home plans, some so nice I just can't believe it!

Enjoy,
Head Bather

Earth best seller Ritual Kit

2010-02-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

Do you need to feel more grounded, closer to the earth? Then the my Earth line may be just what you need.

Each gift size kit contains a face scrub to apply as you begin the ritual, a body wash scented with the lovely unisex scent of nag champa, and after the shower a moisturizer for protection from the dry wintry air with the same sweet and earthy incense as the body wash.
It’s a perfect prepackaged gift, or treat for yourself or someone you love.

Contents:
½ oz Earth Face Scrub Organic cane sugar creates a gentle scrub and the sea clay helps draw out toxins.
Oils of cypress and rosemary help clean away bacteria.
1oz Earth Body wash paraben free shower jel with the scents of nag champa style inscents.
1oz Earth Body lotion a base of Aloe juice, coconut oil and vegetable glycerin moisturizes your entire body with out feeling greasy.

Enjoy,
Head Bather