Interview and Giveaway!

Hi everyone, its give away time again and who will the lucky winner be?  I also did an interview with Sampler Village that you can read here and have a sale going on.  So, come check it out!  

http://samplervillage.blogspot.com/2013/08/villager-voices-interview-giveaway.html?m=1

New Soaps

The new year brings up-coming festivals and making new soaps.  Sadly the last few festivals have rained either one or both days.  But that doesn't stop me from making soap and coming up with new ideas for products to include in my shop.  I love making soap and always thinking of new ideas for this one or that one.  Sometimes I will wake up from my sleep with an idea for a new soap, how sad it that, lol.  this year will mark me making soap for almost 7 years.  I can't believe it has been that long.  I can still remember my first batch and last year I used the last of it.  Who would've thought that I would love doing what I do.  I am still holding out on my dream to have an actual store and I have a vision of the design and layout and dying to see it come to fruition.  I will continue to strive and work towards that goal.  In the meantime, my presence will continue on-line and social media.  Here are some of the soaps that I have made in the last few months. 

Lemon Berry Ice Cream Soap

Appollo for Him with Poppy Seeds

Strawberries and Cream Cupcake Soaps

Unscented Goat's Milk Soap

Banana Facial Bar

Fresh Linen

Opening My Door to Another World

It has been a busy year for me this year and I really can't see many accomplishments.  Last year I began working for the EF Foundation as an IEC (International Exchange Coordinator).  I find host families who are willing to host an exchange student from another country.  Students come from Germany, Norway, Taiwan, Sweden; just to name a few.  I hosted a student this year; Aron from Germany.  Aron came to us in August of last year, he attended school with my son Ryon and we have grown attached and love him dearly.  He will be leaving us soon and I hate to see him go, but I'm very sure that his mother father and siblings will be so very happy to see him.  He has changed so much from when he first came here, they are not going to recognize him.  We've been though good times and bad, and I wouldn't change any of it for the world.  Aron was able to experience some of the American culture, like fast food, country living, Disney World,  high school (prom and sports) Southern hospitality and so much more.  He made many friends and all the girls were crazy about him.  He has such a charming personality and if he read what I was saying, he would be embarrassed.  It will be failry quiet without him and I know that Ryon will be lost without his "brother" being here.  He has made a friend for life and had new experiences that he will treasure.  Aron, we love you and are going to miss you dearly.  Thankful for Skype and Facebook so that we can continue to stay in touch. 

Soccer

Playing Soccer

Halloween Party

Aron and Tabitha at Prom

2012-2013 Exchange Students

Happy New Year!!

Well, how is everyone doing?  I know, I know, it has been a while since I have posted and I say that I am going to do better.  Well, as you can see, I haven't been doing so well.  I have been so looking forward to this year in hopes that it will be bigger and brighter for everyone.  Last year was an emotional roller coaster.  My son has been in the service for a year now and in December, he deployed to Afghanistan and will be there for nine months.  It was our first Christmas apart and boy did  I have a heavy heart; and still do.  I finally got to speak with him over the phone a couple of days ago and he sounded so good, it truly set my heart at ease and I can sleep a little easier at night.  As long as I am able to communicate with him, I am happy.  I was out of work for five months to tend to my mother while she was recovering, so getting back into the swing of things at work took some time, lol.  I've lost loved ones last year and heard of so many others who have lost loved ones.  It truly causes you to re-evaluaate your life and definitely not to take things for granted.  I have an exchange student from Germany and he will be with us until June. He has been wonderful while he has been here.  He and my son get along and we have learned alot from one another. 

On the business side of things, I have been disappointed with the lack of sales over the past year and I have been wresting with whether or not I should just close up shop and count my losses.  I know the economy is having a big impact on us small businesses everywhere and that I am not the only effected.  I made the decision to try one more year and see if things will improve.  Financially, it has been a strain; but I am thankful that I have a full-time job to keep me afloat.  I participated in several craft fairs and festivals in Georgia and Alabama and for the most part, I did fairly well.  There were a few shows that were truly disappointing.  I've done better in Georgia than I did in Alabama and not quite sure why that is.  I've branched out with some of my products and added handmade pendants, altered art and more handmade greeting cards.  Let's hope for a prosperous new year and let's see what it brings to my personal and business life.  Hope to see you around.