pinkcloudsandangels.artfire.com

Last minute gifts! Free same day shipping to USA!

2011-12-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Have you been procrastinating on your Christmas holiday shopping and now you need to take action? I have affordable quality unique gift items available. Choose from handmade crocheted winter hats, earwarmers, cowls, neck warmers, and scarves, jewelry, lanyard id name badge holders, rosaries, chainmaille, and more.

If you're looking for last minutes gifts that ship same day and with free shipping to USA address, don't miss my shop, PinkCloudsAndAngels.com.

There are gifts for babies, toddlers, girls, boys, teens, tweens, ladies, and men.

This free shipping promotion ends on December, 20, 2011, so hurry!

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Peggi

Annual Free Shipping on USA Purchases Now in Effect!

2011-11-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays!

Every year, I offer free USA holiday shipping on everything in this studio. This is a true gift to you, my customers. I do not inflate the prices on anything. The free shipping is available through December 20, 2011.
I know times are hard right now and I hope this will help you purchase a really unique gift for someone special. Especially, you!

This offer is for USPS first class mail. Expedited shipping is available for the holidays, too. You can contact me through any page. Just go to the bottom right of the page and click on the contact seller button. Or, you can email me for the information and rates, at pinkspleasures@hotmail.com.

I will be happy to gift wrap your package and will mail it out to the recipient. How's that for easy?

I am wishing you, and yours, a wonderful, happy and safe holiday season!

Peggi

Reduced Prices on Bath and Body!

2011-10-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

I have reduced prices across the board on my bath and body studio for the Christmas and holiday season. Handmade soaps and skin moisturizers make a really thoughtful and unique gift for that hard to buy for person on your list.

I will make handmade soaps, body butters, Dead Sea salt soaks, body scrubs, sugar scrubs, and more, to your custom color and fragrance.

I have a line of mens fragrances available, too. They really enjoy having their own bar of soap.

You can mix and match for your own unique scent. There's no additional charge. Please visit my studio to see the many, many oils available. If I don't have the fragrance you're looking for, just let me know and I'll try and find it for you.

The pomegranate and black currant fragrance is just amazing!

I have many different styles available, from marijuana to roses.

Choose from organic, shea butter, glycerin, or goats milk soap.

Artfire Commercial Seller Early Bird Special Ends 10/31/11!

2011-10-18T17:58:00.002-07:00

Get 12 Months for $100

The Early Bird Special offer ends on October 31st.

For a limited time only, you have the chance to get your next full year of ArtFire for just $100 when you pre-pay during the Early Bird Special. You can take the offer anytime between now and October 31st.
That's equivalent to just $8.33/month!
To sign-up visit your My Billing page now >>

Don't Wait!
This offer expires on October 31st or once 1000 sellers take it.

If you're paying $9.95 or more per month this is a deal for you!

This deal will not affect a locked in rate. If you take the deal our system extends your existing subscription by 12 months so you don't lose even one day of pre-paid time and your normal subscription resumes after 12 months.
ArtFire recently launched the new Commercial Marketplace. To encourage new Commercial sellers to "get in early" and help build the category, we're offering an Early Bird Special to get new Commercial sellers in the door.
We realized that many of our Traditional sellers (that's you!) might want the chance to lock in a great deal for next year as well, and thus, the Early Bird Special is open to all.
You can find out more information in this Staff Announcement.

Artfire opens new commercial seller section! Early bird special pricing!

2011-10-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

This week we are excited to announce the launch of the newest top-level marketplace at ArtFire, the “Commercial Marketplace” (a marketplace is a top-level category like Handmade or Vintage). The new Commercial Marketplace creates a space for sellers with items that do not otherwise meet the criteria of our existing marketplaces. There are still some product restrictions for commercial which you can read about here.

As part of the grand opening of the Commercial Marketplace (and to help get it off the ground) we're offering a one-time-only Early Bird Special to new Commercial sellers who get in on the ground level of the new category: US $100.00 for 12 Months; that's over 30% off the current rate!

Due to the nature of the differences between the Commercial Marketplace and our Traditional Marketplaces (Handmade, Fine Art, Media, Design, Vintage, and Supplies), shops will not be able to list in both. We are introducing a new Commercial seller account type that has the ability to list products in the Commercial Marketplace and is restricted from listing in the Traditional Marketplaces.

Shops in the new Commercial Marketplace will be clearly marked as being Commercial; items will be marked and separately categorized from the other marketplace categories. Commercial items will not be included in on-site search results by default; a shopper will need to choose to include them. Commercial items are also not eligible for the Front Page or the Collection of the Day email.

To be 100% clear: Commercial shops can only list in the Commercial category. Traditional shops can only list in the Traditional categories.

Because opening the Commercial Marketplace means introducing a new account type, and because only the new Commercial accounts can list in the new category, we want to jump-start the new marketplace and get it on the right track. That's why we’re offering up to 1000 new commercial sellers that want to help us build the new category an Early Bird Special: US $100.00 for one year. That's over 30% off the current rate!

The current Seller account rate to sell in the Traditional Marketplaces is US $11.95/mo. The starting monthly rate for the new Commercial account will be the same US $11.95/mo, however, we anticipate raising the Commercial account rate once the category is more established.

One hundred dollars for one year. This offer will run until October 31st or until all 1000 seller accounts are claimed, which ever comes first. To get in on the Early Bird Special with a new commercial account, you can visit this page to sign up for a new account and get the 12 months for $100 Early Bird Deal. You'll need to be logged out to visit this new account registration page.

Existing Members in the Traditional Marketplaces

Before we get any questions on this: Yes, if you're an existing seller and you want the same "Early Bird" discount you can pay US $100.00 for the next 12 months of your Seller account subscription and still keep your Traditional account. It does not matter what rate you're currently paying (US $9.95 or US $11.95) or whether it's locked or not; you can get the next 12 months for just US $100.00. The offer is only available to existing ArtFire sellers and new Commercial sellers. It ends on October 31st or when 1000 commercial sellers have gotten the deal. At the end of this term your rate will revert to the same status (locked or variable) that it is now and at the current rate (locked or current).

The US $100.00 for 12 months deal is available via your Billing Info page and is only available to members who pay via credit card with Braintree (Braintree is our credit card processor).

How can YOU get this deal?

If you have a Traditional Seller Account that you pay for via credit card, you'll find an option to "sign-up" for the $100 deal on your Billing Info page.

If you have a buyer only account, you can use the "Upgrade" button in your My ArtFire to upgrade to a Seller account. As a buyer, you'll be able to choose between a Traditional account or a Commercial account.

If you don't have an account, or if you want to sign up a new account to get this deal, you can go to this page and click the "Start Selling in Commercial" button (don't worry, you'll be able to choose a traditional account). When you go to register via this page, you get the option to sign up for an account and get the US $100.00 for 12 month deal at the same time.

For new Traditional account sign-ups, you'll need to choose between a 30-day trial or the US $100.00 for 12 months Early Bird Special, the two deals are mutually exclusive.

Start shopping for your unique gifts for Christmas!

2011-09-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Do you have someone on your list that's hard to buy for every year? If so, don't stress out this year! Check out the unique gift guides at Artfire. You'll find gifts for everyone this holiday season.

Shop all the Artfire markets: Handmade, Design, Media, Supplies, Fine Art, and Vintage. You'll find a variety of handmade items by talented artisans ranging from jewelry, art, photography, bath and body, home decor, furniture, home accessories, pottery, ceramics, greeting cards, stationery, clothing, mens, womens, children, babies, Christmas ornaments, and much, much more.

Easy searches, secure checkout, one-stop shopping!

Watch for holiday specials at many of the studios.

I have two studios on Artfire. At PinkCloudsAndAngels, I sell custom lanyard id badge holders, artisan jewelry, and crocheted items from baby to adult.

At PinksPleasures, I sell handmade soap, bath and body products, and crocheted spa items. Be sure to check out the soaps, Dead Sea salt scrubs and soaks, body butters, lotion massage bars, sugar scrubs, and more. Your choice of colors and a ton of fragrances to choose from. Soaps in shea butter, white glycerin, clear glycerin, organic, and goats milk.

In my studios, I accept PayPal and Amazon checkouts. Also, all major credit cards without ever leaving the studio. You do not have to register to purchase on Artfire.

Take a look! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find there!

Do you need an easy affordable website for your business?

2011-09-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

I've been selling online for over seven years. I currently have shops on Zibbett, and two on Artfire, PinkCloudsAndAngels, and PinksPleasures.

I really wanted to have my own website, but just didn't want the hassle of the setup.

I found indiemade.com, through the forums at Artfire, and decided to look into what they have to offer.

Once I read everything and compared plans, I signed up immediately.

I've found the customer service support to be way beyond exceptional, the site is easy to use, and the features are great! They love feedback, positive and negative. They seem to be very open to suggestions and requests, too.

I think Artfire has wonderful admin and support, but I'm equally as impressed with indiemade.com.

Paypal cart is already set up, if you're a PayPal subscriber. There's a blog feature, you can add widgets to your studio, super easy listing feature, different plans for different sellers (I chose the premier plan at $19.95/month), SEO submission, Google Analytics, and lots more. You can even put active links in your listings! I love that feature!

I'm getting my website set up in time for the holiday season. There's currently no importer, but I believe they are looking into that. I was told by support that if I had a spreadsheet of my listings, they may be able to set them up for me. I wish I did because I have a lot of listings to put on.

I'm going to do 20 per day. That's the limit I set for myself.

I'm still pretty new to the site, but I'll be glad to answer any questions, if I can.

Check it out!

My New Website

2011-09-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I'm busy, busy, busy, getting my new website up and running.

I'm in the process of loading up the new site, but it's going to take me quite a long time doing it one listing at a time. I will persevere. Of course, my eyes will be crossed at the end of every day for the next month.

This new website is set up for PayPal payments. You don't have to have an account with PayPal to purchase. You can use your PP balance, or a major credit card. The site is completely secure.

If you see something that you would like, you can also go to my PinkCloudsAndAngels Artfire studio to make the purchase through PayPal, Amazon Checkout and use all major credit cards with a secure and easy checkout system.

I'm back to the grind now!

Get your pro account on Artfire before the rate increase!

2011-07-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to get your pro studio set up on Artfire. The current rate is $9.95/mo, but effective August 15, 2011, that rate goes to $11.95/mo. There are NO listing fees and NO final value fees.						There are many changes and updates coming soon to ArtFire (check out the new ArtFire Cart preview in the "Coming Soon" section below). Increasing the membership rate for new signups will allow us to continue investing in the growth and success of our sellers and the ArtFire marketplace. We're well aware that any time a change in the ArtFire Pro account subscription is brought up there will be a lot of questions. Allow us to try and answer a few of the frequent ones here: Will my rate go up? If you are an existing Pro member who has maintained a Pro membership, your rate will not be affected by this change. If you are a Basic seller and you upgrade your account to Pro any time between now and August 15th, your rate will be $9.95 and will not be increased by this change. If you are a new member to ArtFire and you sign up for a Pro account between now and August 15th, your rate will be $9.95 and will not be increased by this change. Who does this change affect? This change affects new Pro sellers who sign up after August 15th, as well as current Basic members who wait to start their free trial until after August 15th.
Don't Wait! Start Your Free Pro Trial Today There Are Only 20 Days Left Before August 15th

Artfire Basic Free Accounts Ending August 15, 2011.

2011-07-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

ArtFire is launching the new studio and overall design updates in the next few weeks.   Early next week we plan to begin publicly testing our new streamlined shopping cart and checkout process, along with a revamped Facebook Kiosk. There are a lot of changes coming to the look of ArtFire in the near future, and with those changes comes the need to rethink our current account tier structure.

These updates and changes to studios and features can no longer support a two tier account structure ( Basic and Pro).   They are designed for one seller type, a Pro seller, with full use of all features and tools on ArtFire.

The Basic Account: Historical Performance

In reviewing ArtFire's performance stats for different seller types we've found that Pro sellers still account for more than 85% of the total sales on ArtFire, even though they comprise just 25% of active sellers.

We've frequently seen members who signed up for basic accounts frustrated; their plan was to start with a basic account and upgrade to Pro after making sales. Unfortunately, the purpose of the basic account was not helping them reach this goal. By design, the basic account was created to let members get started in the ArtFire marketplace, completing set-up and listing product without paying anything upfront.

As the ArtFire marketplace has grown, the disparity between the opportunities for Basic vs. Pro members has as well. This has cost early-stage basic sellers a great deal in lost business opportunity as anyone who tested a Basic account without going Pro would never actually know if their business could have been successful.

Basic Accounts will be Replaced with Free Trials

With this information, and in our redesign process the ArtFire team made the decision to discontinue basic (free) accounts on ArtFire.

Current basic sellers on ArtFire now have an opportunity to initiate a free 30 day trial of the Pro account. Basic sellers have until 8/15/2011 to initiate that free trial. Beginning 8/16/2011 any basic account that is not in the free trial period will be converted to a buyer only account with inactive items.

We look forward to launching a series of major improvements to the ArtFire platform in the coming weeks and to expanding our services, reach, traffic and sales as a community in the second half of 2011.

Thanks.

Google+

2011-07-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just feel like I have to let everyone know!

I joined Google+ yesterday, and I am absolutely loving it! I have a feeling they could give Facebook a run for their money.

So easy to use, too!

Try it and I'll see you there!

New Artfire Studio for Crocheted Items

2011-06-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been really busy the last three months! Not a bad thing, though! I'm in the process of moving all of my crocheted baby hats, ladies hats, ear warmers, headbands, ski bands, dishcloths, washcloths, and aprons from my handmade soap studio, PinksPleasures, to my newest studio, PinksCrochetandMore. It's slow going, but I'm making progress.

I'm adding a new line of body butters, salt and sugar scrubs, and bath salts to PinksPleasures. I'm trying to get everything set up so I can be ready to start shipping these soon. I'm going to be redoing all the categories, too, as soon as the new studio format goes into effect in a few weeks. This will make finding just what you need a little easier.

I also have my crystal/beaded lanyards and artisan jewelry studio, PinkCloudsAndAngels. Business has been steady there and I've been trying to re-stock the "shelves."

All of this to say that I've been neglecting my blogging duties. That's why I'm taking time today to fill you in on the new happenings.

Be sure to watch for the new storefronts soon and if there's anything I can help you with, be sure to let me know!

Successful Selling On Artfire

2011-05-25T17:54:00.003-07:00

I have been selling online for almost seven years. I tried my own website, ebay, etsy, and Zibbet. I was quite successful on ebay, however, I decided that I didn't wish to give my work away and pay astronomical fees on top of it.   I found Artfire, quite by accident, in April, 2009.   I joined as a pro studio. At the time, it was $12.00/month. I couldn't believe how reasonable it was since there are no selling fees and no listings fees. It was a fraction of my ebay fees. I continued to list my work on etsy, my website, and Zibbet, all to no avail. I have since stopped listing on any other venue. Today, the monthly fee is even lower. Currently, it's $9.95 a month for a pro studio. The basic studio is absolutely free with unlimited listings. Keep in mind, though, that there are fewer features available. 87% of sales on Artfire go to pro studios. Pro studios come up first in searches. This is not to say that you can't make a basic studio work. If you're willing to promote your studio every day and get your name out there, you can do it.

I currently have three pro studios on Artfire. One is empty at the moment. It's a destash shop. I'm not giving it up because I don't want to lose my monthly subscription rate. You never know, right?

The whole concept behind Artfire is to help sellers succeed. They have published an Artfire 45 Day Success Guide. This is one of the first things a new seller should read. For sellers coming from etsy, they have an invaluable read titled If you're from etsy. The help guides are amazing.   There are guides on any subject you might have a question on. Artfire is always making changes and upgrades to benefit us, the sellers.

Searches on Artfire are based on SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Plenty of guides on this subject, too. Items are fed to Google Base and Google Shopping. That feature alone is enough for me!

The forums are friendly and you receive quick responses from the experienced sellers, fire mentors, and mavens, when you have a question. Don't be surprised to see a response from the staff and our CEO, Tony Ford. He's always popping in to help and to offer clarification. I am a member of the fire mentors and the mavens.

The mavens are a group of volunteers that work with Artfire on new developments by testing them out and offering opinions on how it will work better for us. Can you believe that??

Artfire has a market hub on your studio that you can post links to your other selling venues, twitter, facebook, etc. Isn't that a novel idea? You can post widgets to your front page. Never worry about having to relist your items. The longer they're listed, the higher up in searches. With a pro studio, you can post up to ten pictures.

On each item page, you can tweet, share on Facebook, add to an Amazon wish list, promote on StumbleUpon, and more.

Your homepage has quick links to frequently accessed pages that can be arranged to your preference. List a new item which is one page and extremely user friendly. You can access the forums, check your purchases and sold orders, your hotlist, the global editor tool, and lots more.

You have your own blog feature on Artfire, too. This is also searched by Google.

You can quickly access Google Analytics to see how and where the traffic is coming from. You can check your stats from your home page and see the incoming url's.

I could go on and on about the things I love about Artfire. I will be happy to answer any and all questions you have. Just post them here in the comments section.

Now, here's something for you! Sign up to receive the Artfire Collection of the Day email and you could win a $100 shopping spree to the studio of your choice!

Join Artfire as a seller and receive your third month free! Click here for details!

I hope this partial list of benefits to selling on Artfire has been helpful.

Peggi
PinkCloudsAndAngels on Artfire
PinksPleasures on Artfire

Island Time Collection on Artfire

2011-04-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Island Time

Curated By: PinksPleasures

Fine Art Photography

My Artfire collection has been nominated!!

2011-04-25T16:40:00.001-07:00

Yay! My collection won! Thanks to everyone that voted for me!!

My Artfire collection, "Mint", has been nominated in the weekly On Fire For Handmade Treasury and Collection weekly contest. I would be honored if you would take just a moment to vote for my collection this week. Just click on the link above, then click on Mint of the left hand side, and click submit. That's all there is to it! I really appreciate it!

Artfire has some very talented artisans that create just about any handcrafted item you want. Be sure to take a look around for the perfect Mother's Day or Father's Day gift!

I chose some beautiful items from different handmade studios on Artfire. You can take a look below to see them. If you click on the items, you will be taken to that artisan's studio.

Thanks so much!

Peggi

Mint!

Mint Green Cat N...
Texaswoman $20.00

Small Painted Ne...
CatnipStudio $4.75

Plectranthus Gre...
OldSchoolho... $7.00

Earrings Cupcake...
GlassRiverJ... $29.00

Refreshing Spear...
dreamweaver... $2.75

Willow Green Lin...
AnnyMay $9.00

Mint Green Milli...
squirlgirl $5.00

Light Green Leav...
RROFGraphics $8.00

6mm Czech Crysta...
BaubleBin $2.50

Women\'s Vintage...
RecyclingHi... $38.00

Macaron on Plate...
jojolarue $15.00

Handcrafted Moha...
joyceweaver $30.00

Our Little Rescue from FAIR - Max

2011-04-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

This is our latest little rescue, Max. We got him from F.A.I.R., on February 22. Found out 10 days later during a routine exam, that he had been either hit by a car or abused before we got him. His jaw had been broken, his hip fractured and his pelvis broken. None of the injuries had been treated.

We had a specialist review the very ugly x-rays, but there is nothing that can be done. It's just too late.

We were very sad that F.A.I.R., did not disclose this information. They told us that he had been brought in to a vet's office as a stray runaway. Even when we were having behavioral problems with him the first couple of weeks, went back to talk to them several times, they didn't tell us about his history. They told us that they had tracked his owner down through the microchip, and the owner just said he didn't want him anymore. They insinuated over and over that he had had dug out.

When we finally found out why he was so irritable (great pain), we went back to F.A.I.R. again. They told us that their vet never saw a problem. Funny, mine didn't even get him on the table before she knew from his snaggletooth and gait, that there were definite problems.

Our vet said that his prognosis isn't great, but there are options like laser therapy or acupuncture that we can try also. He is so sweet and on oral pain management every day. Finally peace in the house with our two other furbabies, Jack and Harley!

He is very, very loved and spoiled!

Newest Soap Fragrance - Dark Kiss BBW

2011-04-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

This is the description of the newest scent available in my studio. Be daring! Give it a try!

If you have stopped into a B&BW lately, this is the fragrance you already know and love..and we believe this fragrance rendition is the ultimate in feminine sensuality as well.

It was instantly my new favorite...envelop yourself in the hypnotic scent of this daring, seductive and complex blend of exotic Berries & Plums, combined with Amber, Geranium
Black Vanilla Beans, Vetiver, Dark Musk and so much more.

Only a master perfumer could design a fragrance such as one that whispers of forbidden primal love. I suspect it was intended for only the most daring.

Natural Mice, Rat, and Rodent Repellents

2011-03-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

This morning there was a post in the forums at Artfire.com.  Gabi, owner of Catfluff.artfire.com, has just moved into a flat in Delhi, India.  She found a mouse in her flat and posted a thread about it.  Not sure what the problem is, since she's a cat!!!

Anyway, she got all kinds of suggestions about what to do with her mouse.

Someone suggest the glue strips, but those little mice are so cute, and one of the other artisans brought up a story of one being caught in a glue strip at her house and chewing its own foot off, screaming.  Her husband had to bonk it on the head.

I hate those glue things, too.  But, did you know you can get a snake  off of one if you spray him with Pam?  Not just snakes, but everyone  knows how much they love me!!      Maybe this would work for mice, too.  

Okay, so I got out my handy dandy natural pest repellent book, 1001 All-Natural Secrets to Pest Control, by Dr. Myles H. Bader.  Here's what I found.

General Information

Mice,  while looking cute can cause damage to electrical wiring, clothing and  food stores.  The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one  pair of mice, in a six month period can consume about four pounds of  foodstuffs and contaminate another 40 pounds while leaving 20,000  droppings along the way.  A pair of mice can produce up to 50 young in a  one-year period.

A rat can fall 50 feet and land on its feet  with no injury and squeeze through a hole that is the size of a  quarter.  They can also tread water for 3 days without a life vest and  survive an atomic blast if they are not at ground zero.  Wow!

Rodent poison that is harmless to humans.  (I'm not saying poison them.  Just giving the information in the book.  Don't shoot the messenger!)

2 oz Barium Carbonate
1/2 oz Granulated Sugar
1/2 lb Bread Crumbs

Place  all ingredients into a bowl and mix well, then add a small amount of  water to dampen and allow the mixture to be made into small balls that  can be placed out for the rodents.

Trapping is the best method of getting rid of mice and rats.  If you have decided to trap the mice, use plenty of traps:  just keep them away from pets and children.  You  can bait the traps with cotton balls, which attrace the females who are  nest building or peanut better, which they really like.  If you want to  give them a real treat, mix the peanut butter with rolled oats and add a raisin.  Remember, mice travel along the edges of the wall.

Don't set the traps for a day or two, just set them out.  This really  fakes them out and you will get instant results when you do set them  with bait. 

Other foods that work well in traps are gumdrops and dried fruit.  If  you are bothered by Norway rats, just feed them hot dogs in the trap. 

Rodents and especially mice are allergic to oil of peppermint and will  not frequent a property where they can smell it.  If you place a few  drops of oil of peppermint on a piece of cotton and place it anywhere  you feel there is a mouse problem, you will never see them again.  Use  only the "real" oil of peppermint, not peppermint extract for best  results.  You can also plant peppermint in your garden to keep all types  of rodents away from the plants.  They are also repelled by camphor and  pine tar. 

Devices that emit ultrasonic sound waves have not been found to work very efficiently on rodents. 

Killer Mashed Potatoes

If you leave a bowl of potato flakes and a small bowl of water where  the mice can get to them, they will eat the flakes and drink the  water.  The flakes will expand and their stomach and will burst killing  them.  (Not very humane!)  

Dogs are great ratters

Dogs are better at catching rats than most cats.  In fact, the rat  terrier was named for the fact that it was a great rat catcher.  

Barn Owls

New York City had such a rat problem that they actually built  special nesting boxes for barn owls to attract them.  A family of 6 barn  owls can consume as many as 16 or more rats in one night.  This plan  didn't work very well because the nesting boxes were stolen!  

Plants that repel rodents

Rodents will avoid certain plants that give off repulsive scents.  These include daffodils, hyacinths and scillia.  

Catnip

A sure fire way of getting rid of rodents is to place a few drops of  "Nepeta" or catnip oil on a cotton ball and place it anywhere you have a  problem.

Happy Mousing!

Mens Soap, Handmade, Sensous, Sexy, And Sultry Scents!

2011-02-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

I just added some wonderfully scented soap for men in my studio. These handmade glycerin soap bars for men weigh in at 4.5 ounces each. Available in an array of colors and the fragrances are super manly! Here are some of the current fragrances in stock for men:

Barbershop 1920's

This fragrance reminds me of a beloved grandpa, after a shave and haircut at the barber shop! Heart notes of Amber and Rum with a light top note of musk and Bay make this irresistible! If you are a Bay Rum lover, we bet you will like how this complements Bay Rum blends. This brings back so many fond memories of my two grandpas that it made my eyes tear up. If you remember snuggling your nose into grandpa's collar as he gave you a big hug, and smelling his aftershave and hair tonic, this one is for you!

Cool Water type

A ravishing duplication of the in vogue mens cologne.

Green Irish Tweed

Creed's Green Irish Tweed was created for Cary Grant and later worn by Richard Gere, Robert Redford, Quincy Jones, Prince Charles and Clint Eastwood. This is an elegant, rich, sporty scent with notes of sandalwood, Florentine iris, herbaceous clover, French verbena, violet leaves and ambergris. It's simply what a well-dressed man ought to smell like!

Leather

Sexy. Sensual. Leather is a scent for the man's man. Deep and strong, leather is a wonderful scent for a man's room, library, or car air freshener. Even the most manly man will enjoy a soap made from this scent. Heavy and heady, you can't go wrong!

Madagascar Spice

If you love Oriental Seduction, you will flip over Madagascar Spice. This delightful blend is all those exotic spices rounded out with a very smooth vanilla. I detect subtle notes of saffron, allspice, nutmeg, clove, and more. Hot seller! Men especially like this complex and spicy blend. Some have reported aphrodisiac effects on their significant other.

Mountain Lake

If you are looking for Yankee-type Mountain Lake, this is it. A clean, fresh, masculine scent, yet not overpowering.

Redwood

A pert, bright, forest-wood scent.

I will be adding additional scents as time goes by. If you have any suggestions for future fragrances, please be sure and post them here!

Lanyard ID Badge Holders

2011-02-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

A lanyard is worn around the neck to hold your id badge, eyeglasses, keys, etc., to prevent loss and to display your work identification badge.

I always loved wearing different lanyards to work, from elegant to casual. Somehow, it made the workdays a little better. Everyone else wanted them, too.

I make high quality lanyards in a variety of styles using crystals, beads, silver findings, and more.

I am able to customize by profession, hobby, length, color, dress style, bead or crystal.

I have airline lanyards in stock, red, white, and blue. I can make them in any color needed. I can also add a watch to the lanyard.

These are also great for teachers, medical professionals, governments workers; anyone that needs to wear an id badge.

I also make them for men. I made one for my son in wood beads with a bear and a bull charm because he works for Charles Schwab. He loves it!

I use extremely strong (over 3000 gauss) magnetic breakaway clasps. These clasps are required by some professions and they help prevent breakage if you should catch your lanyard on something. I can also make them without the breakaway clasp, or with a toggle clasp, if you prefer.

The standard length is 19 inches from the back of the neck to the top of the jump ring that holds the lobster clasp. I don't add the clasps until the lanyard is sold, so changing the length is not a problem.

I love custom orders and gladly accept them!

Take a look at what's available in my studio. I stand behind each piece I make. Hope to see you there.

Artfire Number One on AuctionBytes Seller Survey Etsy Drops Way Down

2011-01-24T14:45:00.000-07:00


Sellers Choice Marketplace Ratings: Artfire By Ina & David Steiner AuctionBytes.com January 23, 2011 Share36
In January 2011, AuctionBytes surveyed almost 2,800 online sellers and asked them to rate the marketplaces on which they had experience selling. An introduction to the Sellers Choice survey along with a summary of the overall ratings can be found here, along with links to results for each of the 16 online marketplaces included in the survey. Profitability: 6.64 Customer Service: 8.57 Communication: 8.63 Ease of Use: 8.59 Would you recommend: 8.48 Artfire.com Year Established: 2008 Description: Handmade and vintage goods, fine art, digital arts and craft supplies ArtFire came in first place with an overall rating of 8.2 on a scale of 1 to 10. Its highest marks were for Communication (8.63).

Sellers Choice Marketplace Ratings: Etsy
By Ina & David Steiner
AuctionBytes.com
January 23, 2011

Share

In January 2011, AuctionBytes surveyed almost 2,800 online sellers and asked them to rate the marketplaces on which they had experience selling. An introduction to the Sellers Choice survey along with a summary of the overall ratings can be found here, along with links to results for each of the 16 online marketplaces included in the survey.

Profitability:
5.25
Customer Service:
5.08
Communication:
5.12
Ease of Use:
6.34
Would you recommend:
5.44
Etsy
Year Established: 2005
Description: Fixed price; handmade, vintage, and crafting supplies

Destash Jewelry Supply Studio is Closing

2010-11-18T13:24:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, I don't have the time to maintain this studio with three others to promote. I will be closing this one December 31, 2010.

Everything in the studio is 25% off. Just use coupon code CLOSING25 at checkout.

There are buttons, beads, pendants (some Karen Hill Tribe), beads, charms and more.

Check it out! The prices are great!

Gift Guide: Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for Ocean Lovers, Cruisers and Sailors

2010-11-05T18:35:00.001-07:00

http://Wonderful, affordable gifts for you water lovers!! SeaDayDesigns on Artfire makes the most fabulous things and she has generously featured a number of other artists, too! (Including me!)

Take a look at her beautiful fused glass pieces! They're gorgeous!

This is just a sample of the goodies!

Crafted By Hands Gallery: Christmas Decorations

2010-11-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

Crafted By Hands Gallery: Christmas Decorations

New Handmade Soap Studio PinksPleasures

2010-10-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy filling up this new studio, PinksPleasures, making soaps, jewelry and crocheting, that I've neglected to blog.

We've also been getting ready to place our home on the market. If you've ever listed a house, you know how daunting a task that can be. Cleaning out closets, finding things that you forgot existed and wondering, "What the heck did I keep that for?" :-)

I am also a maven on Artfire.com. The mavens are volunteers that work to test new upgrades before they get released. Admin at Artfire is constantly bringing us new tools to use, so I have no problem helping out with this task. It always benefits us.

I'm a Fire Mentor, too, on Artfire. This means that I am available to help anyone with questions they may have about the site. With Artfire coming out of Beta, and the influx of thousands of new sellers, this has kept us mentors very busy! But, I love it. I really feel like I'm accomplishing something important. I know what it was like to be new on the site and how wonderful it was to have people jump in to share their expertise and experience. Pay it forward!

Now that I'm over the magic number of items for sale in my soap studio, to optimize my google search, it's time to start making soap for the holidays! While waiting for the soap to set, I sit down and design a lanyard, or some other piece of jewelry. When my eyes cross, I go up and do a little crocheting.

I've been using handmade dishcloths for years and years. I also give them as gifts to everyone I know. I believe if I went and counted, I have close to 50 of them made now. Does anyone have time to take the photos and do the listings for me? I'll give you a dishcloth!!! I'm making facial scrubbies out the same 100 cotton yarn. These are great and the fact that you don't have to throw them away is a benefit to the environment.

I'm striving to make this Christmas all handmade. I did a lot last year, but want to do more this time. There's no need to shop anywhere else, Artfire has everything you can imagine, even for the hardest person to buy for. You really should check it out. There are so many talented artisans!

Well, back to my "woman cave", my mad scientist laboratory! I have work to do!

Have a wonderful day, all!

Peggi

Artfire Group Deal is Going Live October 1, 2010

2010-09-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

If you've been on the fence about signing up for the Artfire Group Deal of $5.95/month for a PRO account, jump off that fence and get signed up before October 1, 2010. THE DEAL IS GOING LIVE!!! No listing fees, no re-listing, unbelievable marketing tools, promotion tools, best of all NO SELLING FEES!

If you don't sign... up before October 1, you'll never get this deal again! The current fee is $15.95/month.

Check out these tools for a PRO account!

No contract, cancel at any time

No Listing/Final/Hidden Fees

Unlimited Active Listings

Full Custom Fusion Studio

Personal Domain / URL

Free Web Hosting of Your Studio

Preferred Placement in Searches

Enhanced Customization Options

Up to 10 Pictures Per Product

Up to 99 Studio Categories

Multiple Quantity for Items

Full Community Interaction

Social Media Promotion Tools

Rapid Cart (sell on your blog!)

Market Hub (Link to ETSY)

Add Custom Widgets in Studio

Integrated Payment Processing

Google Analytics & Site Statistics

Global Shipping Profiles

Social Media Resource Library

Live Instant Flagging

Categories Displayed Randomly

Fast, One-Page Listing Process

Sticky Cart (reserves buyers item)

Fast, Accurate Filtered Site Search

Quick One Button Relist

Vacation Mode & Sales Mode

Education/Training/Support

Listings SEO Optimized

Google Base (Auto Submitted)

View Prices in Any Currency

Kudos / Karma Feedback System

Artisan Guilds

Artisan Councils

Artisan Profile with Photo

Ability/Option to Accept Offers

Credibility Program (Artifacts)

Automated Markdown Manager

No Third Party Ads on Listings

Increased Trend Pages Exposure

Increased Gift Guide Exposure

NEW! Coupon Codes with Tracking

NEW! Facebook Kiosk Application

One Button Downgrade

Full Feature Studio Blog

Front Page Exposure

Category Landing Page Exposure

Item Of The Hour Exposure

Customizable Meet The Maker Bio

Bid on Buyer's Forge Requests

ArtFire Merchandizer (re-arrange tool)

Fire Mentors to help you with any questions!

Fun, friendly forums!

Administration that is responsive and innovative!

Check it out!

GET IN ON THE ARTFIRE DEAL BEFORE IT'S GONE! $5.95/MO PRO ACCOUNT

2010-09-15T08:17:00.001-07:00

Don't miss your chance to lock in a Pro account for only $5.95 month! Yes, that's your fee for life when we reach the 20K member upgrades and new member sign up! It shouldn't take long and this will be the number one online selling venue. You can't get this value anywhere!

Most important, Artfire has had 9.9 million views and that number is climbing! Over $4 million in sales! 87% of those sales are to PRO studios!

List as many items as you want - there's never a listing fee!

Sell your heart out - there are no final value fees!

Ten pictures for each item!

Link to your other websites!

Import all your items from Etsy with the global importer!

Friendly forums with Fire Mentors that are always there to help!

Video guides, help guides right from your studio!

All the tools you need to succeed!

Promote your items right from your studio to Facebook, Twitter, VoteHandmade, Amazon, StumbleUpon.

I have three studios there and have sold on several other venues. I love Artfire! It's my home for life!

Come join us! You'll never regret it!

My New Line of Harley Davidson Inspired Biker Buttz Handmade Soap

2010-09-03T13:13:00.002-07:00

I have just opened my third studio, PinksPleasures, on Artfire, where I sell handmade soaps. Because my husband and I are Harley riders and I come from a long line of Harley Davidson and other motorcycle fanatics, I started making my Biker Buttz soap. This soap is scented with genuine leather fragrance oil. All the men in my family love this soap! It lathers great and rinses clean.

This soap comes in different sizes, from guest soaps to extra large 6 ounce bars.   It's long lasting and will make a unique and special gift for the biker in your family.

I can make this soap in other colors and fragrances. I've been using black and orange, but have loads of other colors available.

I also make baby biker buttz soap in pastels, his and hers in your choice of colors.

Of course, I sell a variety of other soaps that you can peruse when you check out this soap. If I don't have a scent you want, I can get it within a week.

Soap Scents in Stock:

Almond Biscotti
Amber
Ancient Sedona
Asian Sandalwood
Baby Powder
Basmati Rice
Blackberry Sage
Black Raspberry Vanilla
Brown Sugar Fig
Chai Tea
Champagne
China Rain
Chocolate Espresso
Christmas Spice
Coconut Lemongrass
Coconut Lime Verbena
Cool Citrus Basil
Dark Rich Chocolate
Edens Garden
Energy
English Rose
French Vanilla
Fruit Slices
Genuine Leather
Ginger Peach
Gingersnap
Grapefruit
Honeysuckle
Hot Cocoa
Island Coconut
Jamaica Me Crazy
Lavender
Lilac
Mountain Lake
Oatmeal Milk Honey
Orange
PearBerry
Peppermint Kiss
Pina Colada
Pumpkin Spice
Wild Raspberry
Spiced Cranberry
Summer Orange Flower
Tangerine
Vanilla Bean
Warm Apple Pie
Yuzu

For a detailed description of the fragrances, please see the policies section on my studio front.

I also offer combined shipping in the studio. If you would like to purchase more than two bars of soap, please contact me for the rates.

The ingredients in the clear and white glycerin base:

Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan oleate (emulsifier), Soy bean protein (conditioner. These ingredients will vary with different bases.   Feel free to contact me with any questions.

I hope you'll take a look and that you find something that you love.

Best of all, there's a grand opening sale going on right now!!

Grand Opening 10% off entire studio, 20% off orders over US $50.00 (not including S&H). Use coupon code GRAND10 for 10% off, and DISCOUNT50 for orders over US $50.00.

Be sure to stop by my jewelry studio, PinkCloudsAndAngels!

PinksPleasures Handmade Soaps on Artfire is getting ready to open!

2010-08-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

PinksPleasures.artfire.com is almost ready for the grand opening.

Handmade soaps will be offered in many different fragrances, colors, shapes and sizes. Also, unscented soaps for sensitive skin. I am using very high quality products purchased from long term reputable soaping companies, Everything I use is safe for cosmetics, soaps, skin, lip balms, etc. That was very important to me when I decided to sell my soaps rather than give them as gifts to friends and family.

Be sure to watch for the special prices that will be offered for a limited time.

I've been very busy making soaps, taking pictures, setting up the studio and hope to have things available for purchase this week.

I'm excited! I'll post an announcement with the opening day!

AFSS/ASPS Artfire Stimulus Sale

2010-08-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Many artisans on Artfire.com, are holding an Artfire Stimulus Sale through the end of August, 2010.

My studio, PinkCloudsAndAngels, has a special category section titled Artfire Stimulus Sale. In that category, you may purchase items that are 25 - 50% off!

To find out what else is for sale on Artfire.com, just search for the tag, AFSS. There are some fabulous sales going on right now!

Don't miss this great opportunity to discover the talent on this fabulous site. There are unique and wonderful gifts and supplies. Start your Christmas shopping early!

Opening A New Studio In August!

2010-07-07T15:48:00.001-07:00

I know I just got done complaining about not having enough time in the day, but here I go again!

Like I said, I closed the eBay store. I've put my website on vacation until August, still don't have anything in the destash studio, but what am I going to do? I'm going to open another studio on Artfire!!

The name of the studio will be PinksPleasures, and I'll be selling handmade soaps and more. Leaning toward spa baskets, too, with the soap and other goodies!

I've been selling my jewelry for almost seven years now and am really in need of a break. I love it still, but there are times when I need to re-focus for awhile.

I've put many things on sale in my PinkCloudsAndAngels studio on Artfire. Now is the best time to buy lanyards and earrings. They've all been reduced to sell. The prices are terrific and so is the product! Top quality on everything!

So, here I go again! This is going to be so much fun for me because I also love making soaps, too!   Wonderful fragrances and pretty designs.

One of my favorites will be the Biker Butt Soap! Shaped like a motorcycle, my husband (an avid Harley Davidson rider) is so impressed with the detail. I'm going to have leather scented soaps, also Baby Biker Butt Soaps in pink, blue, yellow pastels, scented with baby powder.    What a great idea for a baby shower. Naturally, I'll have other baby shapes.

I'll keep you posted on the progress of the studio in future blogs!

So Much To Do and So Little Time!

2010-06-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! Have you ever taken a look around and wondered what you should do first? It's a little overwhelming today.

I have a sewing room with at least 20 projects in the works. I have aprons cut out, totes and purses cut out, car air fresheners half made, organic hot/cold buckwheat hull pain packs in the making, a dress finished except for the hem, and ideas/patterns up the kazoo! Oh, and teddy bears cut out, plus the supplies to make a sock monkey! I bet I'd find things that I forgot I had if I started digging.

I have a beading room with more beads, gemstones, crystals, findings, tools, etc., than a small bead store. No kidding! Somebody stop me! Each time I go in there to "organize" things, I find new treasures that I forgot I even had. Please tell me I'm not the only one that does this!

I have hundreds of things to list in my currently empty destash studio on Artfire, but who has the time?? I keep saying that I'll get to that as soon as we get back from our trip to Alaska. I guess I'll have to think of a new excuse when we get back. :-}

I'm making soaps now and have had to clear out cabinets in the kitchen to make room for supplies. With more on the way!

I have a three story house that needs to be cleaned, furbabies that need to be cared for, and a very understanding husband that requires food every day. I'm trying to get him to retire, but he says he needs to keep working to feed my habits. That's not true, though, he wouldn't know what to do with himself if he didn't work. Oh, I know, maybe he can learn to cook!!

We just had our 28th wedding anniversary. He's very supportive and tells me to do whatever I want, as long as it makes me happy. What a guy! ♥

I just closed down my Auctiva/eBay store. It was taking too much time. I have the three other studios that need promoting; Artfire, AuctivaCommerce, and Zibbet. When I get the destash studio going again, that will be number four. Ugh. I need a secretary, a writer, a sales director, a marketing director, a "gofor", a maid, a chef, a dogwalker.............

I love promoting other studios, too, and belong to several guilds that are active in promotion of others. I try to make time for that everyday.

So, do you have any time management tips for me? Do you have some extra time in your day that you can give to me? Is there a handmade addiction group to help people like me?

Why Sell Handmade on Artfire?

2010-05-25T17:30:00.001-07:00

Just take a look at this article done recently! You'll see why!

New Arfire Guild - Fire Stalkers

2010-05-24T19:47:00.004-07:00

The name is much more ominous sounding than it actually is. This Guild uses the powers of stalking for good… not evil. We promote at least one Artfire shop per week. The goal is simple: to generate as much traffic as possible to the chosen shop. Any and all artisans, regardless of genre, are welcome! All those interested in having fun should apply within.

Guild Mission:

Our mission is the shameless and selfless promotion… of each other. We employ the idea of working together and utilizing our stalking prowess for the advancement of Artfire artisans and the handmade movement. Through the promotion of all we will succeed.

We kept in mind that so many of us have full-time jobs and a family to take care of the rest of the time. Since it's hard to even find time to create and market our own work, this guild is the perfect answer!

It takes less than an hour per week. There's a weekly meeting held at a secure off-site chat room. The stalking "victim" is announced and then we all head off to post something on our blog (a code will be provided later), tweet some of the victim's items for sale, vote some to handmade, ThisNext, etc.

Then a brief post stating what you did to promote that victim. That's it! Very easy peasy!

Here's the thing, though. You must participate if you want to be featured. We're only going to promote members of the Fire Stalkers Guild.

If you are unable to attend the weekly meeting, no problem! We'll send out an email announcing that weeks victim, and if you promote them that week, you've done your part.

The views will go up and, hopefully, so will sales! The more members, the more promotion. So, come and join us.

The benefits are many for so little time involved.

We hope to see you there! Leave me a comment here if you want to be included in the guild!

Teresa - EleganceByMode.artfire.com Guild Master
Peggi - PinkCloudsAndAngels.artfire.com - Guild Master Assistant

New Rattlesnake Visitor

2010-05-09T18:34:00.004-07:00

Another visitor to our front yard! Ugh!

Featured Artisan of the week

2010-05-03T11:40:00.004-07:00

This weeks Featured Artisan is London - Outta Sight! London has beautiful pieces in her shop! "Outta Sight" - Well, not quite. I am blind in my left eye and have the equivalent of looking through a drinking straw in my right eye. The beautiful picture you see is Dolly, my guide dog. Making jewelry is an unfortunate hobby for a blind person, but I love it!

Celebrate Awareness is a collection I am excited about because we all support causes that are special to us. These necklaces, bracelets, and earrings allow you to show your own awareness and present a heartfelt gift to others. Choose your Cause or Color, and let me know if you have any special requests!

London is a true inspiration to me!

Shop Name: Outta Sight

Shop URL

http://outtasight.artfire.com

2nd Shop URL

http://madeitmyself.com/user/london.aspx

Blog URL

http://london-outtasight.blogspot.com

Face Book Page

http://london-outtasight.blogspot.com

Twitter Page

http://london-outtasight.blogspot.com

I'm the Featured Artisan of the Week!!!

2010-04-25T09:37:00.004-07:00

This weeks Featured Artisan is Peggi - Owner/Designer of Pink Clouds and Angels Jewelry!

Peggi has beautiful creations and puts a great deal of love into every piece she creates! To quote her, "I make jewelry for every woman. I give each piece I make the same attention to detail, no matter the price range. "

You can find Pink Clouds and Angels Jewelry at!

Information

Shop Name

PinkCloudsAndAngels

Shop URL

http://www.pinkcloudsandangels.artfire.com

2nd Shop URL

http://www.zibbet.com/pinkcloudsandangels

Blog URL

http://www.pinkcloudsandangels.blogspot.com

Face Book Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/pinkcloudsandangels/252628905116

Twitter Page

http://twitter.com/pcandangels

The Zibbet Way - Sell Handmade!

2010-04-21T16:19:00.003-07:00

The Zibbet way!

Hi guys,

I just wanted to quickly jump in here to add my two cents worth to what has been a pretty hectic week here at Zibbet, and apparently an 'interesting' one at Etsy.

I just wanted you guys to be able to get a bit of a philosophical feel for how Jonathan and I and our team like to run our organization.

I figure if people are going to have the opportunity to trust us, then it will require communication and getting to know one another a bit more.

So in that vein I'd like to list a few of our beliefs and values concerning how we would like to see Zibbet move forward as it grows bigger.

1. I want to say very emphatically that here at Z we are not in the business of bagging other venues. Whether they are better or worse than Z, we are not here to cast a shadow on what they do. Especially in light of events this week, let me say we are not interested in tearing down Etsy. We have a lot of respect for Etsy and what they have achieved and there is lots that we can learn from them.

2. Our leadership of Zibbet will not always be perfect, because as humans, we are imperfect. However, we will always endeavour to give our very best effort for the marketplace we have created and those who choose to belong to it. We will make mistakes, but we will never stop trying not to.

3. We will always seek to maintain the highest level of communication with our members as possible. This is motivated by the genuine desire to make Zibbet the best selling venue it possibly can be for your sake. We will always try to be available to our sellers by answering questions, listening to concerns or ideas and generally just being available to personally contribute to peoples' needs. Even as we grow very big, Jonathan and I plan to stay heavily involved in communicating directly with as many sellers as we possibly can. We know this will stretch us, but we are committed to it.

4. Common courtesy is a passion of ours so this will continue to dictate our behaviors and the way in which we interact with you. We believe if someone asks a question they deserve an answer. If we make a mistake, we will own it and apologise. We aim to treat every person with respect. We know we will probably not be able to please everyone, but we will not engage in the practice of 'simply writing people off' because they are upset about something.

All of this may sound lofty or overly romantic and nostalgic, but it is the truthful reality of our desire going forward.

Please feel free to quote or copy and paste these comments in any of your communication with others.

If we work together, we can build one of the greatest online selling venues of all time.

A few thoughts from me, for what it's worth.

Andrew

I had to save the snake from the pool!

2010-04-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

I had to save the poor snake from the pool this afternoon. He was swimming around and around the edge and couldn't seem to figure out how to get out. After running for the camera, I grabbed the pole and scooped him out. He looked like he was trying to figure out what the heck just happened. What a day!!

Look what the furbabies found this morning!

2010-04-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Natural Solution for Dogs Digging

2010-04-15T16:35:00.001-07:00

Is your dog's digging driving you daffy? Try this spray. The following ingredients will be needed:

1 Clove of Garlic (crushed)
1 Small Yellow Onion Chopped Fine
1 Tsp. Tabasco Sauce
1/2 Tsp. Oil of Peppermint
1/2 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper
1 Quart of Warm Tap Water

Place all the ingredients into a large jar with a good lid. Shake well. Allow to sit for about eight (8) hours before placing the solution into a spray bottle.

Spray the dogs' favorite spot to dig in. The dog will dig no more, or sneeze a lot!

Handmade on Zibbet!

2010-04-12T23:12:00.001-07:00

Zibbet’s $8/month
Premium Accounts are selling out! Over 250 sold in 4 days, & only
214 left! HURRY!!

Goodbye Google Adwords

2010-04-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

The busier I get, the less patience I have for very complicated issues. Am I the only one?

Google Adwords attracted me right away. I thought it could be quite beneficial to my life. However, I find that I don't want to have to read 40 pages of instructions with each of those forty pages giving me links to ten more. Ugh!

I have a campaign going on Google Adwords. I don't have the slightest idea what I'm doing. I don't understand what I've signed up for, how the CPC works, what this will cost me, and a hundred other things.

I've tried to spend time reading, reading, reading, and more reading. Funny how five studios, Project Wonderful, On Fire For Handmade, Facebook, email, Forums, Plurk, Twitter, jewelry design, sewing, etc., seem to creep in there every day.

Not to mention that I have an understanding (but, neglected) husband, a big house that needs cleaning, three fur babies that would like play time, laundry, cooking, and the rest of the everyday chores requiring my time.

Google, I think you have to go. It's just not going to work out between us. I just don't understand you, you're too high maintenence for me. You'll find someone else!

Sincerely,
Pink

Spring Cleaning and Optimizing Handmade Jewelry Studios

2010-04-03T14:37:00.003-07:00

Wow! Where did March go? I remember when I was young hearing all the "old people" talking about how fast time goes by. I didn't know what they were talking about. Time would just crawl until the school bell rang, until Christmas and Santa Claus finally got here, my 16th birthday, my 21st birthday, etc.

Well, now I'm 58, and I have no idea where the last 37 years went!!! Could it be that I stopped counting birthdays? This birthday coming up will be the 20th anniversary of my 39th birthday! Yes, I'm now one of those "old people."

So, they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks? It may take me a little longer, but I am going to learn everything there is to know about SEO, Search Engine Optimization. Okay, not everything there is to know, but enough to help my little old studios rank higher on the SERP's. I threw that out to sound really intelligent. It stands for Search Engine Results Pages. See, I learned something today!

If you are interested in learning about SEO, let me know and I'll send you the website that I downloaded a free book from. Great help!!

I try to spend a little time everyday studying, but my brain is going in so many different directions right now. I'm learning new jewelry techniques, cleaning out the bead bins, taking and editing photographs (yuck), listing jewelry, I'm back to sewing again (aprons), I have a three-story house to clean (free help is welcomed anytime), a dear husband and three furbabies to care for and keep happy.

That's where my time goes and it's going way too fast!

Hmmm, let's prioritize.....bottom of the list.....housecleaning...

How about you?

Have a great day everyone!!!

Featured Artisan of the week

2010-03-29T19:33:00.007-07:00

This weeks featured artisan is Luisa of Crocheted Little Things. Adorable creations that make perfect gifts! Stop by Luisa's shops and see all her treasures!

You can find Crocheted Little Things @:

Shop URL
http://www.artfire.com/users/Crochetedlittlethings
2nd Shop URL
http://www.etsy.com/shop/crochetedlittlething
3rd Shop URL
http://www.etsy.com/shop/piccoladonna2006
Blog URL
http://crochetedlittlethings.blogspot.com

Free Shipping

2010-03-22T10:54:00.002-07:00

Free USA and Canada USPS First Class Shipping everyday!! Does not apply to Sale/Clearance items, or aromatherapy items.

Free USA and Canada Shipping is Ending!!

2010-01-25T17:19:00.002-07:00

Hurry!!! Free USA and Canada Shipping ends on January 31, 2010!! Don't miss it! Get your orders in!

My new shop on Etsy!

2010-01-25T17:15:00.002-07:00

I just opened my newest studio on Etsy! Please be sure to stop in and see what's listed. I'll be adding new pieces all the time!

Insomnia - Sweet Dreams

2010-01-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

Sleeplessness is a serious problem, but it should respond to simple solutions. It may be caused by a variety of drugs, low blood sugar, asthma, stress, or even a lack of certain minerals such as caldium and magnesium.

The mineral magnesium, with its muscle relaxing properties, can help you get to sleep more readily. Two hours before bedtime, take 400 milligrams of magnesium, along with 50 milligrams of vitamin B6 to facilitate the body's use of magnesium. Of course, you should always check with your doctor before taking any supplements.

Eating lots of lettuce late in the evening may help you get a more restful night's sleep. But, be aware that lettuce acts as a diuretic, so while it may relax you so you can fall asleep, it may also wake you so you can go to the bathroom.

Eliminating salt from your evening meal can help sleeplessness. So can cutting out after-dinner snacks. In fact, it is recommended that you have your last meal several hours before you turn in for the night.

Goat's milk has been known to help some insomniacs get some zzzzs. Try drinking six ounces of goat's milk before each meal and another six ounces before bedtime. Some people have reported a better night's sleep within a week. Goat's milk is available in some health food stores.

Don't forget free shipping!!

2009-12-12T14:22:00.008-07:00

Here are a few of the newer listings!

Removing Gum From Your Child's Hair.

2009-12-09T17:18:00.001-07:00

One of the best methods of removing chewing gum from a child's hair is to use a small amount of non-chunky peanut butter (not the natural kind). Using other methods like placing the child's head in the freezer for 45 minutes, is NOT recommended!

Removing Red Wine Spills From the Carpet

2009-12-09T17:16:00.001-07:00

If you ever spill red wine on your carpet, try pouring salt on the area as soon as possible and watch the wine being absorbed almost immediately. Wait for it to dry and then vacuum it up. Salt tends to provide a special capillary action that will attract most liquids.

Leg Cramps

2009-11-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Leg cramps may be caused by a number of circulatory problems. Inefficient blood flow in the lower extremities is common as you age. One of the most frequent complaints is called intermittent claudication.

Get the kinks out of your diet!

There are a number of vitamins that may help relieve leg cramps. Vitamin B-6 has had good results, but check with your doctor for dosage recommendations before you try these. Vitamin E benefits the circulatory system in many ways, and it seems to have positive effects in relieving night foot and leg cramps. Take up to 400 IU of vitamin E daily. For higher doses, you should consult a physician. People who take diuretics may suffer from leg cramps. If this is the case, add bananas to your diet to make sure you get enough potassium. A banana or two each day should replace the potassium you are losing. Since this is sometimes caused by a deficiency of calcium and magnesium, it would be wise to consume foods that are high in these minerals such as dark green leafy vegetables and whole grains. You may be able to reduce the occurrences of leg cramps by changing your eating habits. Leg cramps may be an indications of calcium deficiency, so be sure to include plenty of greens in your diet. Eat them raw or steamed to get the most benefits from the vegetable's nutrients. Also, try eating less sugar, white flour and fatty meats for a week. See if you notice a difference.

Stretch it out!

If you feel a muscle about to tighten up, take a moment and stretch it. You can also stretch a muscle that's already cramping, but the technique is more effective if you use it to ward off a cramp. Improving your blood circulation can prevent muscle cramps. When you wake in the morning, and when you go to bed at night, lie on your back and raise your legs above your body. Lean your legs against a wall, the end of the bed, etc., and keep them elevated for about ten minutes. Twice a day should do the trick.

Putting discomfort to bed!

Grandma was always after us to keep our feet warm. She was convinced that walking around on a cold floor could bring on leg cramps. If you have a problem with spasms in the legs and feet, try wearing a pair of warm, wool socks to bed. Leg cramps that occur at night can be relieved with this sweet and sour remedy. In half a glass of warm water, mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of calcium lactate. You should be feeling better is less than half an hour.

Wash away the Pain!

Here's a soothing tea that can wash away leg cramps. Some say if you drink one cup of red raspberry leaf tea twice a day--in the morning and in the evening--you may say goodbye to leg cramps for good.

Pinch Away the Pain!

Try this remedy in a pinch. Some say it works almost instantly. When you first feel a leg cramp, pinch the skin between your upper lip and your nose with your thumb and index finger. Put your fingers on either side of the "divot" and keep pinching this point for about twenty seconds and the cramps should disappear. This is especially effective for people who get leg cramps while swimming.

Free Shipping Through December 11!!

2009-11-23T12:17:00.001-07:00

Don't forget! Free USA and Canada USPS First Class and First Class International Mail through December 11, in my studios!

pinkcloudsandangels at Artfire

pinkcloudsandangels at Zibbet

Amazing uses for Cucumbers

2009-11-23T12:13:00.002-07:00

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Another Trick to Rid your Pet of Fleas

2009-11-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

To rid your pet of fleas, cut a strip of cloth about an inch larger than the size of your pets neck. Fold it over so that there is an opening in the center and sew one end shut as well as placing a seam down the strip. Use a funnel to fill the opening with a combination of 50/50 rosemary and oregano, then sew or tape a piece of Velcro to close the open end and attach to pet using the Velcro closure.

Sorry, this one requires a little bit of sewing. If you would like, I'll make you one.

Free Shipping Through December 11!!

2009-11-17T12:55:00.004-07:00

Be sure to stop by my studio and check out all the jewelry and gifts available! Gifts for her! Gifts for him! Gifts for you!

Free USA and Canada USPS First Class and First Class International Shipping through December 11!

Each piece of jewelry comes in a gift box or pouch, ready for wrapping!

The perfect unique handmade Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!

Age Spots Brown Patches on Skin

2009-11-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

I have been blessed with age spots just like the rest of the women in my family. Age spots are areas of increased pigmentation in the skin, caused either by aging or excessive sunlight exposure. The are generally harmless. However, if they change color or cause discomfort, you should consult a physician immediately. As Grandma used to say: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Take care of your skin by using a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least fifteen when going outside. Aloe vera preparations can slow down the appearance of these spots as you age. Taking a zinc supplement may help fade age spots. However, consult your physician before trying this remedy, since high doses of zinc may have harmful side effects.

Rub It In To Rub Them Out

Mix onion juice with twice the amount of vinegar and rub into age spots twice a day. The brown patches should disappear before your very eyes. I really want to try this one. Does anyone know how to get onion juice??

Vitamin E oil is highly beneficial to the skin. It can promote healing of cuts, prevent or fade scars, and relieve dry skin. It also appears to help fade age spots. Before you go to bed, rub some Vitamin E oil into the brown patches and let it work overnight. You should see a noticeable difference in a few weeks.

Lemon juice can be used as a temporary measure to bleach out age spots. Dab a small amount on the spot and allow it to dry. For best results, this should be repeated at least two to three times each day. It may take two to three months before you see results.

Give it some time. Apply buttermilk compresses to the area for twenty minutes twice each day. The mild lactic acid found in milk products appears to be the active ingredient. Due to individual differences in skin, treatment time may vary.

The herb gota kola has been used for hundreds of years for memory problems. It also works on age spots. Mix a solution of a quarter teaspoon powdered gota kola, a half cup very hot water and an eighth teaspoon Korean ginseng. Place a poultice on the areas and let stand ten minutes. Apply twice a day. You should see results in about one month. Gota kola is an effective bleaching agent, but it may take longer than some of the other treatments.

Fountain of Youth Food

Chick peas are a veritable fountain of youth. They are low in fat, high in fiber and nutrients, all of which will keep you feeling youthful and energetic. You can also use them to fade age spots. You can buy them dried or canned. If dried, prepare them according to the directions on the package. Mash up a small bowl of them and add enough water to make a paste. Rub the chickpeas over the brown places, letting it stay until it dries, and then wash your hands. If you keep doing this every day, your hands will start looking years younger!

Cleaning Stuffed Animals

2009-11-15T11:57:00.001-07:00

The stuffed animal should be placed into a brown paper bag, add cornmeal and shake the bag vigorously for 1 - 2 minutes. Brush the cornmeal off with a soft bristled brush. The cornmeal will absorb oils and even grease!

Keeping Fleas off the Dog

2009-11-15T11:53:00.002-07:00

Fleas do not like sage. Crush up as close to a powder as you can and rub it on the pets skin, allow to remain for 20 minutes or until the dog is tired of sitting still, then brush or vacumn off.

Veteran's Day/Armed Forces Day

2009-11-11T12:33:00.002-07:00

Let's all take time today to remember those who served.

Dusting the Computer and Television Screens

2009-11-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

A used dryer sheet can be used to clean the screens and the screens will not attract dust!

So simple!

See more blogs in my Artfire Studio!

Fatigue and Mental Exhaustion

2009-11-10T13:42:00.002-07:00

These are just natural remedies that have been passed down through the years. I'm putting these in here as a yummy way to try and increase energy. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.

Wake up! If you live in the far north, it can be really hard to get out of bed on a cold morning in the winter! If you feel tired and have trouble getting yourself going, combine in a blender two tablespoons apple cider vinegar, on teaspoon honey, and a cup of warm water. Blend thoroughly. Drink this liquid wake up call every morning before breakfast. Within a few days, you should feel like an entirely new person.

If you're mentally exhausted, try this Austrian fatigue fighter. In a bowl, mix together an unpeeled apple, cut into small pieces, and two cups of boiling water. Ket it stand an hour, and then add a tablespoon of honey. Drink the sweetened apple water and eat the apple slices.

To increase your energy, drink a quart of this high power brew a day. Mix six ounces of cranberry juice, all-natural and unsweetened, two ounces of orange juice, and garnish with a fresh lime slice. Add some ice, stir to mix, and enjoy! You'll feel like an Olympic athlete in no time, or at the very least, you'll be able to get out of bed.

More interesting blogs can be found in my studio.

Chainmaille Gifts for Him

2009-11-08T14:13:00.008-07:00

Chainmaille Bracelets are perfect for men or women. Check out this Tri-Color!

No account needed for purchase! Quick, secure and easy process. Paypal, Google, Amazon and major credit cards accepted!

Gifts for Him

2009-11-08T14:13:00.003-07:00

Gifts for Him

2009-11-08T14:13:00.001-07:00

Christmas Lanyards Now Available

2009-11-07T09:41:00.006-07:00

New ChristmasBracelets Listed

2009-11-07T09:32:00.005-07:00

Honey Mask For Blackheads and Blemishes

2009-11-05T19:53:00.001-07:00

Facials are a wonderful idea for skin health and beauty. It's best to apply facial masks in the evening, when your skin is free of makeup. They are most effective after a bath or shower, after your face has been gently steamed and the pores are open. Always start with a clean face and neck.

Apply unheated honey to your face with your clean fingertips. Spread with an upward circular motion. Leave on for twenty minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. This mask should aid in ridding your complexion of blackheads and blemishes. You'll feel refreshed.

Invite your friends over and have a fun facial party. Try these different masks I have listed!

Egg White Facial for Eye Wrinkles Crows Feet

2009-11-05T19:49:00.001-07:00

I remember my mother doing this when I was a child. She said it would smooth the wrinkles associated with age. You can apply this mask three or four times a week. Mix an egg white with some sweet cream. Lightly spread around your eye area and let it set for about 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Invite the girls/guys over and have a facial party with all the ingredients in my blogs. You can eat what you don't use on your faces!

Honey and Cream Facial Mask

2009-11-05T19:46:00.001-07:00

This mask has a good reputation for helping wrinkles. Mix one teaspoon of honey with two tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. Mix very well. With your fingertips, gently massage the mixture into the fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Leave on for at least one half hour. You'll feel a gentle tightening. Rinse off with lukewarm water. I've heard that people who make this a part of their nightly ritual, swear by the results. You be the judge!!

Have your friends over for a facial party with ingredients from your kitchen!

Rodent Repeller Number 1

2009-11-05T12:39:00.002-07:00

Moles, squirrels, gophers, rats, and mice hate the aroma of peppermint. If you plant mint around your home, chances are you will never see one for any length of time. If you place a small amount of oil of peppermint on a cotton ball and drop it down a gopher hole, you will never see the varmint again.

Headaches - Natural Remedies

2009-11-02T11:17:00.003-07:00

I have a book of Grandma's natural solutions to everyday problems. I don't guarantee that they'll work and suggest that you check with your doctor before you try any of them.

Most headaches are caused by stress, eye problems, sinus problems, high fevers, allergies and sometimes poor alignment of cervical vertibrae may contribute.

A number of herbs made into teas can be used effectively to reduce a headache's severity or totally relieve it. The include goldenseal, hyssop, lobelia, mint and burdock root.

30-minute migraine solution:

Peel several bananas. Put the fruit aside and make a poultice of the skins. Place the poultice on your forehead and back of your neck. When your headache disappears, make banana bread!!

Several ideas for Aching Forehead:

Tie a bandanna around your forehead. Slice a potato and stick it under the bandanna tied tightly around your forhead. The combination of moisture and pressure eases the pain.

Rub your forehead and temples with a lemon peel, with the rind against your skin. You can leave it in place by tying a bandanna around your head to hold it.

I like to rub essential peppermint oil on my temples and down the center of my forehead. Make sure to keep it away from your eyes. Wash your hands so you don't take a chance of rubbing your eyes with peppermint oil on them!

This doesn't sound very appetizing, but here goes. Mix one teaspoon of honey and a half teaspoon of garlic juice.

or

Grate some fresh horseradish and make a poultice out of it. Apply to the back of the neck to relieve headache pain.

or

Chinese healers prescribe acupressure to relieve headache pain. Take turns rubbing the second joint of each thumb, first the right, and then the left, for two minutes each. Repeat five times on each thumb. If you use your favorite scented lotion, you can imagine you're getting a hand massage from your manicurist!

or

Rub the roof of your mouth with your thumb and you can interfere with the nerves' ability to carry pain signals. Press into a certain spot for five minutes and then move to another place on the roof of your mouth. You might feel relief almost immediately!

Alternatives to aspirin:

Almonds contain the same active ingredient, so try eating a couple dozen almonds in place of aspirin. It man not work as fast, but it tastes good!

Strawberries also contain a compound that is similar to the active ingredient as aspirin. Try eating some strawberries instead!

I hope these helps!

Next blog: Migraines - Ugh!

Eggplant Yogurt Mask for Oily Skin

2009-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

My next set of blogs is going to be about different facial masks. These are Grandmother's natural facials created, basically, with things around the kitchen.

Disclaimer: Remember, there's no scientific data to back this up. These are just old time ideas from grandma!

This is a fine mask for oily skin. Blend a quarter of a small eggplant with its skin and one cup of plain yogurt in a blender. Spread over your face, being careful to avoid the delicate skin around your eyes. Leave on for twenty minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. You might want to finish this treatment off with an astringent or toner. Keep chamomile tea in a spray bottle in your refrigerator and spritz the tea on your face after you rinse off the mask, or use anytime as a quick skin refreshener.

The reason grandma's skin always looked great was this inexpensive solution. She never had the money to purchase all those fancy skin preparations.

These facials are a fun way to pamper yourself. Invite some friends and have a facial party!

Facials are a wonderful idea for skin health and beauty. It's best to apply facials in the evening, when your skin will be free of makeup for several hours. Facial masks are most effective after a shower or bath, after your face has been gently steamed and the pores are open. Always start with a clean face and neck and rub the mixtures in with an upward circular motion.

Destash Sale Jewelry Supplies Beads Buttons Gemstones

2009-10-28T10:22:00.003-07:00

Are you looking for jewelry supplies at an unbelievable price? Check out my destash studio.

I am cleaning out the bead bins and selling off many things I won't be using after all. I just finished adding a lot of blue and will work on another color soon!

Grab them while they're still there!

I'll still be designing jewelry, but am moving in a different direction. I am also going to be sewing again, making teddy bears, sinus packs and headache packs for the microwave and freezer, scented and unscented.

So, I had to cut back somewhere! I have no room!

Take a look!

Facial Masks

2009-10-27T18:58:00.002-07:00

My next set of blogs is going to be about different facial masks. These are Grandmother's natural facials created, basically, with things around the kitchen.

These facials are a fun way to pamper yourself. Invite some friends and have a facial party!

This is an excellent mask for dry skin. It's also recommended to reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Mash a ripe banana with a drop or two of peanut oil. Spread it on your face and neck and leave on for about a half an hour. Remove with lukewarm water. You may apply this mask every day or every other day to promote softer skin.

Enjoy!!

Disclaimer: Remember, there's no scientific data to back this up. These are just old time ideas from grandma!

Making an effective grout cleaner

2009-10-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Cleaning grout around tiles is one of the worst cleaning jobs in the home. Most common products contain sodium hypochlorite (similar to diluted laundry bleach) and/or calcium hypochlorite and some detergent. An inexpensive grout cleaner may be made by mixing together 2 parts of liquid laundry bleach with 1/2 part of a phosphate-based liquid floor cleaner (or 2 tbsp of Spic & Span), 3 parts of isopropyl alcohol, and 4 1/2 parts water. The solution can be placed in a clean plastic pump bottle and used the same as the store cleaners. When mixing chemicals be sure and do not place any near an open flame or heating element. The isopropyl alcohol is flammable. Happy grout cleaning!!

Relieving Stress

2009-10-24T11:43:00.002-07:00

The end of your rope: stress

Valerian root capsules have produced excellent results in reducing stress and anxiety levels. Teas made from chamomile and pau d'arco are also very effective.

As with any natural remedy, check with your doctor before trying.

Low Stress Lifestyle

One of the simplest answers to stress is something Grandma always said, "Take time to enjoy life and always stop to smell the roses."

Have more fun, whatever that means to you. Get out of the house and get some exercise. Take a quiet walk.

Pet owners are less likely to suffer from stress-related disorders, so consider adopting a cat or dog from your local shelter.

Take time for yourself every day. I sit back, close my eyes, take several deep breaths and slowly let them out. I then picture myself in my most peaceful place. Hint, mine is near water lapping on the shore. I stay like this for about five minutes just letting my muscles relax. Do this several times a day, if needed. This technique actually helps headaches, too.

A number of foods tend to aggravate a stressful condition and should be avoided. These include sugars, fried foods, colas, products containing white flour and potato chips.

Traditional healing recognizes the ability of certain scents to effect changes in the body. Using essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and pine in your bath can help relax muscles and relieve stress. Try putting pots of apple cinnamon potpourri around you house to make your home a low stress zone.

When you're feeling pressure, think acupressure. Massage the webbed area on your left hand between the thumb and index finger. Really work on it, kneading for five minutes - it will probably hurt. After a while, you'll notice that the pain will decrease and so will your tension.

Take a warm bath. Add some bubbles and settle in for a nice long soak. Create a sensual get away for yourself by lighting candles and playing soothing music. Picture yourself on a tropical island, floating in warm, clear, blue-green water.

Add some essential lavender oil to your bath. Now relax.

Cleaning Tip of the Day!

2009-10-24T11:30:00.001-07:00

Always keep a few get well cards on the mantle. That way, people will think you've been sick and haven't been able to clean!

Eliminate Paint Smells

2009-10-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Stir 1 Tablespoon of vanilla into every gallon of paint. This will not affect the paint.

Greasy Clothes and Toilet Rings! Cola to the rescue!

2009-10-22T10:38:00.001-07:00

If you are going to wash a load of greasy clothes, try adding a can of cola to the load. It will really improve the cleaning action of most detergents. Colas contain a weak acid that will help to dissolve the grease.

Cola can also be used to clean the rings off toilets.

I'd love to hear from you if you try this!!

Lose a Contact Lens - Try this!

2009-10-21T10:36:00.002-07:00

If you lose a contact lens, turn off the lights and use a flashlight!

The lens will reflect the light!

Of course, this only works in the dark!! :-}

Carpenter Ants/Termite Problem? Try Feeding Them Cat Food!

2009-10-21T10:32:00.001-07:00

It's not necessary to poison your pets and drive the family out of the house for a week to get rid of carpenter ants.

Just mix up a batch of 4 ounces of cherry or grape jelly in 3 tablespoons of canned cat food and 1 tablespoon of boric acid. Place small amounts of the batch in any location that ants frequent. The ant who finds the food will take it to their leader (queen) and the colony will be eliminated.

A termite can live up to the ripe old age of 50!!!

Tip of the day! Ants in the garden, natural remedy!

2009-10-20T13:36:00.003-07:00

Drawing the line when it comes to ants.

Ants will not cross a chalk line. They hate to get their feet in any type of powder. Baby powder works good too.

They also stay away from bay leaves, cloves and cucumber peelings.

Please let me know if you try this and, if so, how does it work for you?

If you have any questions on other household remedies, please let me know and I'll look it for you.

Treasure Hunt

2009-10-15T15:32:00.004-07:00

Be sure to check out the Treasure Hunt that is happening on Artfire from October 15 - 31st.

Sponsored by The Stalkers Guild! Win prizes!

It's fun and gives you an opportunity to really find some unique gifts handcrafted by very talented artisans!

Just click here and join in on the fun!

pinkcloudsandangels.artfire.com

Last minute gifts! Free same day shipping to USA!

Annual Free Shipping on USA Purchases Now in Effect!

Reduced Prices on Bath and Body!

Artfire Commercial Seller Early Bird Special Ends 10/31/11!

Get 12 Months for $100

The Early Bird Special offer ends on October 31st.

If you're paying $9.95 or more per month this is a deal for you!

Artfire opens new commercial seller section! Early bird special pricing!

Start shopping for your unique gifts for Christmas!

Do you need an easy affordable website for your business?

My New Website

Get your pro account on Artfire before the rate increase!

Artfire Basic Free Accounts Ending August 15, 2011.

Google+

New Artfire Studio for Crocheted Items

Successful Selling On Artfire

Island Time Collection on Artfire

My Artfire collection has been nominated!!

Yay! My collection won! Thanks to everyone that voted for me!!

Artfire has some very talented artisans that create just about any handcrafted item you want. Be sure to take a look around for the perfect Mother's Day or Father's Day gift!

I chose some beautiful items from different handmade studios on Artfire. You can take a look below to see them. If you click on the items, you will be taken to that artisan's studio.

Thanks so much!

Peggi

Mint!

Our Little Rescue from FAIR - Max

Newest Soap Fragrance - Dark Kiss BBW

Natural Mice, Rat, and Rodent Repellents

Mens Soap, Handmade, Sensous, Sexy, And Sultry Scents!

Lanyard ID Badge Holders

Artfire Number One on AuctionBytes Seller Survey Etsy Drops Way Down

Destash Jewelry Supply Studio is Closing

Gift Guide: Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for Ocean Lovers, Cruisers and Sailors

Crafted By Hands Gallery: Christmas Decorations

New Handmade Soap Studio PinksPleasures

Artfire Group Deal is Going Live October 1, 2010

GET IN ON THE ARTFIRE DEAL BEFORE IT'S GONE! $5.95/MO PRO ACCOUNT

My New Line of Harley Davidson Inspired Biker Buttz Handmade Soap

PinksPleasures Handmade Soaps on Artfire is getting ready to open!

AFSS/ASPS Artfire Stimulus Sale

Opening A New Studio In August!

So Much To Do and So Little Time!

Why Sell Handmade on Artfire?

New Arfire Guild - Fire Stalkers

New Rattlesnake Visitor

Featured Artisan of the week

I'm the Featured Artisan of the Week!!!

Information

The Zibbet Way - Sell Handmade!

The Zibbet way!

I had to save the snake from the pool!

Look what the furbabies found this morning!

Natural Solution for Dogs Digging

Handmade on Zibbet!

Zibbet’s $8/monthPremium Accounts are selling out! Over 250 sold in 4 days, & only214 left! HURRY!!

Goodbye Google Adwords

Spring Cleaning and Optimizing Handmade Jewelry Studios

Featured Artisan of the week

Free Shipping

Free USA and Canada Shipping is Ending!!

My new shop on Etsy!

Insomnia - Sweet Dreams

Don't forget free shipping!!

Removing Gum From Your Child's Hair.

Removing Red Wine Spills From the Carpet

Leg Cramps

Free Shipping Through December 11!!

Amazing uses for Cucumbers

Another Trick to Rid your Pet of Fleas

Free Shipping Through December 11!!

Age Spots Brown Patches on Skin

Cleaning Stuffed Animals

Keeping Fleas off the Dog

Veteran's Day/Armed Forces Day

Dusting the Computer and Television Screens

Fatigue and Mental Exhaustion

Chainmaille Gifts for Him

Gifts for Him

Gifts for Him

Christmas Lanyards Now Available

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