Pamper Me Please

Are your children safe in the tub?

2009-03-18T21:54:00.006-05:00

My Mom recently e-mailed me an article from health.usnews.com. It is discussing a study on common baby washes, shampoos, and lotions. The study showed a large majority of products tested contained the chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. It goes on to say that these have both been linked to cancer. As a parent I was shocked that these chemicals and known carcinogens are legally in products used on your family's skin. I was also disapointed with the article's lack of information about the different products tested and the risks involved with using these products. There were 28 products tested and only 5 named?? I looked for more information since this article was lacking in some pretty important areas. At least in my opinion.

I ran across this article by The Washington Post. It is a little more helpful but still does not answer all of my questions. According to the Washington Post there is "Modest Risk From Children's Toiletries". Then they said that these chemicals have not been tested to find out their risks as a carcinogen when used on the skin. This quote from the article really made me wonder. "FDA has not concluded, based on risk assessment, that the products containing these substances are injurious under intended conditions of use," said Linda M. Katz, director of FDA's office of cosmetics and colors. So, basically you (the FDA) have no idea if these products are safe or not but you think they might be so you continue to allow them to be sold to parents for use on innocent children!

I want more information before I feel safe using many of the "cleaning" products on the shelves at most stores. I am sticking to natural handmade items. Please let me know if you know of any helpful articles that discuss this in more detail.

What do you think about these articles? Do you buy any of the products listed? Will you still use them?

GIVEAWAY ~ Cold Process Lavender Soap

2009-02-26T16:43:00.007-06:00

To celebrate the upcoming addition of cold process soap to my shop I decided to offer a FREE 4 ounce bar of undyed lavender made with essential oil to one of my wonderful blog readers.

How to enter to win:
Check out 1 of my shops Pamper Me Please or The Creators and pick your favorite item listed for sale. Then post a comment on this page about your favorite item with your contact information. One entry per person please. I will announce the winner on Monday, March 16th!

Ingredients: olive oil, distilled water, coconut oil, palm oil, sodium hydroxide, grapefruit seed extract, and lavender essential oil

Lightbox

2009-02-17T22:01:00.003-06:00

I have been putting off buying or making a lightbox for several months now. Many people said they work great and that it improves your pictures a lot. So, while my Mom was visiting this weekend we made one so I can take pictures for our new shop we are starting. So far I have been very pleased with the results. After a little cropping and editing the pictures look great. I used this awesome lightbox tutorial . I could not find the Bristol paper in the size used in the tutorial so I bought a white sheet and I think it works good. I have a couple of items listed in our new shop with pictures from the lightbox. Let me know what you think. The Creator's

My busy but wonderful life

2009-02-12T21:45:00.003-06:00

I have not had time to blog in a while so I thought I would do a quick update. Last week I was sick with a flu like bug and this week the baby and I both got a stomach virus and shared it with Daddy. Wasn't that sweet of us. lol

Business related topics:
I have some wonderful cold processed lavender un-dyed soap curing. I can not wait for it to be ready. I hope to make some more this weekend. I am going to start selling bar soap in my shop in March. I am thinking about a soap giveaway...hum, what do you think?

In the next week I am going to be listing my new shower gel and bubble bath as well. They will be available in all our fragrances, 60 plus scents!

My husband Dave and I have been running our shop Pamper Me Please and I help my Mom, Patsy with the computer and picture related parts of her shop. We have been talking about going to one shop for and have finally decided to start a shop with all 3 of us selling products. Our new shop is going to be www.thecreators.etsy.com. We are all very excited about it and working hard to be ready for our Grand Opening on April 1st. Yes, April Fool's Day. lol

Orders have been pretty steady this week and I am very happy about that. I made 72 bath bombs today along with getting other orders ready. :) Keep it coming!

Hope everyone has a great Friday tomorrow! Nana is coming to visit us for the weekend and will be here tomorrow. The kids are so excited!

Chemo Angels - HELP NEEDED

2009-02-07T22:42:00.004-06:00

There is a program called Chemo Angels that helped my cousin's 3 year old daughter last year while she was going through treatments. She sent me an e-mail and said they are very short on volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in helping there are many ways to get involved or they could also you donations. I believe there is also a Senior Angels program on the same page if you are interested in helping a senior citizen.

Here is a short description about the program taken from their web-site http://www.chemoangels.net/.

"About the program...
Chemo Angels is a volunteer organization dedicated to adding a ray of sunshine to the lives of those undergoing IV chemo treatment. We believe people going through the physical, emotional and mental rigors of chemotherapy deserve some encouragement. Many of our Chemo Angel volunteers are cancer survivors themselves, or people whose lives have been affected by cancer in some way. Our common denominator is a desire to brighten the lives of cancer patients while they are going through this challenging time."

Thanks for your help and support!

Curtain Updates

2009-02-04T11:59:00.004-06:00

The old curtain that is wonderful shades of baby poop green and yellow on a beige background is on the left and my new linen colored curtains are on the right (they are not shiny like they showed up in the picture)

I have really been in the mood to update things around the house that have been bugging me since we bought our house in Nov. '07. Unfortunately, I have a long list of things I want to do but not enough time or a large enough budget right now. I was able to mark a couple of things off my list while we were out of school because of the ice storm. I finally have new curtain in my living room. We have a huge window that is 16 foot long in the living room that has been covered with drapes from the 70's literally. They are some of the ugliest curtains I have ever seen. Since our window is so big it was seriously expensive to get new curtains so I have just be dealing with what we have. I found a wonderful sale and was able to get new curtains and a scarf for my window for about 1/3 the regular price!! I am so excited.

I will post so more pictures when I get my scarf up as well. Also, I am working on new lighting fixtures in a couple of rooms and painting. All handy people are welcome to come over and help. :)

New Products

2009-01-31T22:03:00.003-06:00

Lady Bug Hair Bow

What would you do if you were stuck at home for more than a week thanks to an ice storm? Well, I have been working on new products. I have already added hair bows with many more to come. I am also in the process of adding hand knit items, body wash and bubble bath. I am very excited to be offering my wonderful customers new choices. I am going to try to list everything in the next week.

When the going gets tough...

2008-12-10T17:14:00.003-06:00

I recently went to the store with my kids and saw a true act of kindness. We were walking in on a windy and cold day last week. I was rushing in to get out of the cold and not paying much attention to the people around me. We stopped to get a cart and I overheard a lady and man talking beside us. There is a local group collecting gently used coats, sweaters, gloves, ect. for people in our community that can not afford to buy what they need to stay warm. The lady was saying "I sure wish I could get one of those coats". When I looked up she was wearing a t-shirt, pants and sandles. It was 33 degrees outside without the wind chill. She went on to say her husband was on disability and she was just laid off from her job so they could not afford a coat for her. When she said that to the stranger standing beside her took off his coat and told her to put it on to warm up. She shyly took the coat from him and put it on. He told her he needed to do something and would be right back for his coat. He walked into the store and came back a few minutes later with a bag in his hand. He asked her if she would mind holding it for him while he put his coat back on. She took the bag from him and when she looked up the stranger had disappeared. She glanced to see what was in the bag in her hand. It was a brand new lady's coat and a note that said "hope this helps".

There are a lot of people in our country and around the world that are going through rough times right now. If you ever listen to the radio, watch t.v., read the newspaper, or surf the internet you are bombarded with all the negative thoughts you can handle. What can we do about it? Other than hope, pray, and hang on....I propose we do our very best to support those around us. Of course your family and friends but what about the people in your community. You do not need money to make life better for others. Here are a couple of ideas to help and encourage others that cost very little or nothing at all. If we pull together to support and encourage those around us maybe this world will be a little more bearable for everyone.

Make a card for a neighbor
Serve food at a soup kitchen
Volunteer service at a local charity
Smile at a stranger
Donate items that you and your family don't use any more
Hold a door open
Visit seniors in a nursing home
Have a neighborhood potluck

Please help me with my list! What ideas do you have to help others?

Oh Crazy Day

2008-12-08T12:33:00.002-06:00

Tis' the season for cold, flu and stomach bugs. Would you like to guess which of the three we had in our house this weekend when the septic tank decided to backup and we could not get a plumber to come out until Monday? Gross I know but that is what we get for buying a house in the country. According to them it was NOT an emergency situation. I would not want to see their idea of an emergency. My husband and I were both sick but so far the babies have not gotten it and I hope it stays that way. I have not been that sick in a very long time. Thankfully we are both feeling better now and the plumbers are at the house as I am typing this. I really hope everything gets fixed because my husband and I both have finals to study for next week. Wish us luck.

Hope everyone had a better weekend than we did. lol

Pearl Harbor - Thank You

2008-12-07T22:42:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all USA Veterans for their service to our country! I was an Army Brat so the military will always hold a very special place in my heart. Our military and their families make amazing sacrifices for our freedom everyday.

Giveaway #3 Winners

2008-12-01T20:46:00.003-06:00

AND THE WINNERS ARE....

Michelle and Kat are the lucky winners of Giveaway #3

Michelle won a Soap N' Scrub & Kat won Lavender Bath Salt

Congratulations!!!

New Product - Perfect for Holiday Stress

2008-11-30T00:07:00.008-06:00

Lavender Eye Pillow

$8.00 & free shipping thru Dec. 1st

I just listed our newest product in our shop. It is a Lavender Eye Pillow. I made it from beautiful silk blend embroidered material and filled it with brown rice and lavender buds. You can heat it in the microwave, cool it in the freezer or use it at room temperature. Then all you have to do is lay your eye pillow across your eyes and relax. What a perfect way to calm down after a long day!

What is your biggest stressor in your life right now?

Don't forget the 30th is the last day to enter Giveaway #3 in our blog giveaways. Also, we are still having a free shipping sale in our shop until Dec. 1st for all customers in the USA and Canada. That should help you feel a little less stressed. :) Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Couple of Reminders

2008-11-26T10:01:00.003-06:00

Pamper Me Please Shop Offer

Just wanted to remind everyone of our FREE shipping offer in our shop this weekend. All orders placed Nov. 28th - Dec. 1st in the US and Canada will be shipped free. I am also adding an extra suprise to every order as an extra thank you!

My mom's shop is also offering free shipping this weekend so be sure to check her shop out as well. Nana Banana's Nook

Don't forget to enter our Giveaway before Nov. 30th for your chance to win 1 of 2 prizes!!
Giveaway #3

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I am Thankful for....

2008-11-24T22:24:00.005-06:00

I think we get too wrapped up in presents, shopping and food this time of the year. Now don't get me wrong I enjoy all three as much as the next person but I want to take some time to remember the true reasons for the holiday season. Thanksgiving is in less than a week. Here is a few of the things I am thankful for in no particular order:

God's love
Dave and our 2 beautiful babies
Being able to go back to college
Our beautiful home
Having another holiday season with my Grandma (she has had ALS for several years)
Dave finally coming back home from his business trip
Mom for being so supportive
Lillie finishing her chemo and radiation treatments
Friends that you know will be there for you no matter what
Of course, all of my wonderful customers

What are you thankful for this year?

Please don't forget to enter Giveaway #3 below.

Also, we are having a free shipping special Nov. 28th - Dec. 1st in our shop for all customers in the US and Canada!!

Giveaway #3 ~ Pamper Me Please Soap N Scrub or Bath Salt

2008-11-23T17:08:00.006-06:00

Giveaway #3 is here! There will be two winners for this giveaway. You could win one of the following prizes from my shop. http://www.pampermeplease.etsy.com/

1) 4oz Soap N' Scrub (scent of your choice) wooden scoop included

or

1) Lavender Bath Salt Bag (1/2 cup in an organza bag) wooden scoop included

PLUS free suprise!

Perfect for gifts to family and friends, shower favors, or just to pamper yourself !

Includes an organza bag filled with 1/2 cup of lavender bath salt with a wooden scoop.
Ingredients:sea salt, epsom salt, dried lavender buds, fragrance or essential oil, coloring Directions: Pour the desired amount into your bath and enjoy the wonderful aroma and benefits of a salt bath.
Scent:Lavender fragrance oil & dried lavender buds
Benefits of using sea salt:combating stress and fluid retention, slowing skin aging, calming the nervous system, increasing circulation, balancing skin moisture, easing muscle stiffness and relaxing muscles.

Are you looking for a way to exfoliate, moisturize and pamper your skin? Well, this is the perfect scrub for you. We combined whipped soap and sea salt scrub. It is SOAP N' SCRUB in one!

How to use:Place a small amount (a little goes a long way) on a body puff or washcloth. Rub in a circular motion while your skin is cleaned, exfoliated, and moisturized. Rinse and pat dry. Fragrance: Can be custom scented with any fragrance in our list available in our profile page. http://www.etsy.com/public_profile.php

Weight:6oz Packaging;4oz Cobalt blue plastic jar, white ribbed lid and waterproof label. A wooden scoop will be provided for your convenience.

Ingredients: Sea Salt, Glycerin, Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Chloride Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbanate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Grape Seed Oil, Fragrance, Skin Safe Colorant

Leave a comment to be entered to win. One entry per person please. Giveaway will run Nov. 23rd - Nov. 30th Winner will be announced Dec. 1st

Stay tuned for more giveaways.....

We will be offering FREE shipping on all orders in our shop http://www.pampermeplease.etsy.com/ on Black Friday Nov. 28th. This offer is available for our customers in the US only.

Winner of Giveaway #2

2008-11-12T19:10:00.004-06:00

And the winner is.....jodaycraf!!

Congratulations!! You have won a fabulous prize complements of Crafts By Carer! Thanks Carrie!

I do apologize for the delay in announcing the winner of the giveaway! My baby is sick with pneumonia and an ear infection, my husband is away on a two month business trip and school is very busy right now. I really appreciate every one's understanding.

Thanksgiving is coming up soon. We go to visit my family and have lunch at my cousin's house. The whole family gets together. It is loud and crazy but I would not miss it for the world. We live 4 1/2 hours away from my family so we do not get to see them very often. I can't wait to see everyone.

What do you have planned for Thanksgiving?

Mommy & Son Time .... And A Tutu?

2008-10-22T18:24:00.005-05:00

This afternoon while my daughter took her nap I got to spend some time with my son. It is always nice to have time to just have fun and watch a child explore the world. Or in this case the front yard but he did not know the difference. He will have his 1st Birthday on friday so he is still very easily entertained. Our time was cut short outside by rain. So, We came in to play and I had a chance to make my daughter's tutu for Halloween. She is going to be a Pumpkin Patch Fairy. I almost have her entire costume ready. There is a tutu, pom pom wand, fluffy hair bow, and fairy wings all in the works but almost finished. I really hope she likes it, sometimes she is so picky. Ahhh, 2 is such a wonderful age! I posted a picture of the tutu and the top of the wand. I hope to get some pictures of my daughter when I am finished. Little birthday boy is going to be Tigger. This will be his first year to dress up since he was only a week old last Halloween. I am really excited!! We are going to the Fall Festival in "The Gardens" on the U of A campus in Fayetteville this Sunday the 26th. If anyone wants to come out it is from 4-6:30pm, open to the public, and free.

What are you, your kid(s) or pet(s) going to be for Halloween?

Don't forget to sign up for the kitchen set giveaway. I believe it is two posts down.

Woooo Pig Sooiee!!!

2008-10-18T21:11:00.012-05:00

GO HOGS GO!!

Check out these great finds for any Hog fan. I live in Arkansas and I am a student at the University of Arkansas....sorry I just could not help myself!

Custom Made Arkansas Razorback Dress Newborn - 24months - $30

Ladies Arkansas Razorback Red White and Black Purse $25

PJs Custom ARKANSAS RAZORBACK cheerleader hair clip art bow SPORTS - $7.50

Red Swarovski Crystal Arkansas Necklace -$10

Who is your favorite team?

Giveaway #2 - Fall Kitchen Set & Gift Certificate ~ ENDED

2008-10-16T10:49:00.007-05:00

Fall is here !! Are you ready for holiday entertaining?

Giveaway #2 to the rescue....

Carrie at Crafts By Carer is offering a Fall themed crocheted Kitchen Towel with a Matching Hot Pad and a $10 Gift Certificate to Crafts By Carer. These would be great for getting your kitchen ready or as a gift to a friend!

Leave a comment to be entered to win. One entry per person please. Giveaway will run Oct. 16th - Oct. 29th.

The winner will be announced on Oct. 30th

Stay tuned for more giveaways...I will have a new giveaway every two weeks!

And the winner is....

2008-10-15T00:03:00.004-05:00

GinaBee is the winner of Giveaway #1

Congrats on winning 2 handmade bars of soap from Maple Street Creations! Please send me a message at pampermeplease.etsy@gmail.com with your 2 selections of soap and your mailing address.

I will be posting our second giveaway later today!

Crosswalk Safety Awareness Day

2008-10-08T10:17:00.003-05:00

Today is Crosswalk Safety Awareness Day. Did you know that? Hum, I did not know either until now. I just got to school and there are people holding signs at all the crosswalks on campus. :) Make sure you watch for pedestrians. I think there is a day for everything these days.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Recycled Creations

2008-10-05T23:47:00.011-05:00

Sorry, I have not been around for a couple of days. My baby got a stomach bug and shared it this weekend. We are feeling much better now. I have school tomorrow so hopefully I will be caught up with e-mails and such by Tuesday.

Full Desk Set (floppy disk notebook, clock & pencil holder) -

$19.99 from designingtime

What can you do with old floppy disks, a sweater and a seatbelt? Well, these wonderful Etsy shops made these creative recycled creations!

I really enjoyed seeing the inventive ways people used items that would other wise be in a land fill.

Tangerine Angora Papa Seahorse with 2 bebes -

$40 from snaulkter

Large Seatbelt Tote -
$38 from interrobang

I use clean holy socks to dust the house.

I also use newspapers instead of paper towels with Windex to clean my windows in the house and our cars. Guess what I don't have streaks when I am finished.

Share your favorite recycling, reducing or reusing tip.

GIVEAWAY #1 - Handmade Soap - ENDED

2008-10-01T01:26:00.009-05:00

Do you love handmade soap? It is your lucky day! Thanks to Ellie at Maple Street Creations we are giving one lucky winner 2 FREE bars of soap up to a $10 value. It gets better...you get to pick your 2 bars of soap AND the shipping is FREE. Thats right all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. So, check out Maple Street Creations and pick your favorites. While you are there you can wish Ellie a Happy Birthday. Today also happens to be her birthday.

Leave a comment to be entered to win. One entry per person please. Giveaway will run Oct. 1st - Oct. 14th. The winner will be announced on Oct. 15th

Stay tuned for more giveaways...I will have a new giveaway every two weeks!

Candy Corn Cupcakes

2008-09-30T15:55:00.003-05:00

I created some cupcake bath bombs yesterday for Halloween. The bath bombs are layered in the colors of candy corn, frosted with yellow icing and topped with a piece of candy corn. And of course scented like....candy corn. I am sensing a theme. :)

They are now available in my shop

Candy Corn Cupcake Bath Bombs

Reminder - Giveaways start in 2 days

2008-09-29T13:17:00.004-05:00

Our first giveaway will be starting on Wednesday!!

We will be giving away HANDMADE SOAP!!

I know there are a lot of soap lovers out there. Make sure you sign up to win some free soap. You will be able to pick your favorites from our giveaway sponsor shop on Etsy. The picture is just one of your choices.

All giveaways are completely free! All you will have to do is leave a comment.

Word of the day ~ PEAR

2008-09-29T02:14:00.008-05:00

PEAR

I have decided to pick a word of the day occasionally and write a little post dealing with that word. Today's word is "Pear" because I picked some of our fresh organic pears off of our trees in the yard yesterday. I am going to make the kids some pear sauce. A pear version of apple sauce.

Hope you enjoy!

REUSABLE COFFE SLEEVE APPLES AND PEARS - $5
coffee sleeve available from SeamsandSuch

YUMMY PEAR ORGANIC COTTON KIDS TSHIRT - $23.99

organic cotton tshirt available from EarthGroovz

SEASONAL FRUIT SETS - $430

blown glass fruit sculptures available from Revo

What is your favorite way to enjoy a pear?

Oh, to be a kid again

2008-09-28T12:22:00.004-05:00

I have found a shop on Etsy that makes me wish I was a kid again. This wonderful little shop is called Look, Mama Made It. According to the shop announcement the owner is Silvia a mom to a 5 year old girl. What a lucky little girl to have such a talented mommy. Silvia makes a variety of pretend felt creations and all of it is sooo adorable. She sells fruit, vegetables, cupcakes, bithday cakes, eggs, sausage, cookies, bow tie pasta, lollipops, and dolls. Hope I did not leave out anything. I had to find some of these items in her sold items....evidently I am not the only one who loves this shop. :)

With Christmas and two kids birthdays coming up I am definatly going to have to buy some of these!!

What is your favorite item in her shop?

Win FREE prizes in October

2008-09-25T01:54:00.005-05:00

Starting the first week in Oct. we are going to have blog giveaways complements of Etsy.com shop owners. We are going to try and have one every two weeks. Make sure you subscribe to Pamper Me Please blog so you don't miss out on winning fabulous handmade prizes. You will just have to comment and we will take care of the rest. Including shipping...yep that's right a free gift and no shipping charges. Can it get any better than that?!

Featured Seller ~ Tutu Cute & Moore!

2008-09-24T19:31:00.008-05:00

Featured Seller Nancy from:
Tutu Cute & Moore

How did you name your shop?
In 2001, I was approached by a B&M children's boutique shop owner to design a line of over-the- top tutus for her grand opening, thus "Tutu" had to be there. Of course they were really…."Cute"! After expanding my product line, I added "Moore", so buyers would know I offered more than just tutus. Because my mother was my first sewing teacher and my maiden name was Moore, using "Moore" was the final touch. Tutu Cute & Moore!, I love it!

By the way, seven years later, I'm still selling to the same boutique.

When is your "creating" time?
I create when the mood strikes me. My best work happens when I'm feeling it. Thankfully, I usually can't wait to walk into my studio!

What item in your shop are you most proud of?
I think this would have to be my tutus, because these are what Tutu Cute & Moore! was founded on. Oh, my birthday party hats are pretty awesome, too. And I'm really proud of....oops, I'm supposed to select just one!

Tell us about your life outside of creating and selling. (Family, hobbies, pets, ect.)
My time outside of Tutu Cute & Moore! is spent with my husband of 38 years, who is still my one and only! We have a kitty, Squirt and a yellow lab, Maggie to keep us company. I attend a yoga class four times a week and teach a class for seniors 65+, which is extremely rewarding. The remainder of my time is taken by my 20 month old granddaughter. After raising two sons, you can only imagine how excited I was to have a little girl to make tutus for!

Who is your biggest supporter?
Definitely my husband! He has always given me the freedom I need to do what I love and stands behind me 100%. He's also my computer guru and helpful with shipping when I'm in a pinch with orders.

What is your goal for your shop?
My goals are simple.....continue to thrive, as I have since 2001!

If you could have a super power what would it be?
Bring peace to our world.

Favorite time of the year? Why?
Spring, because nature is so excited to start over, year after year. I love that!

Who is your role model? Why?
My role models are people who have made it through difficult situations in their lives and have found strength to move forward. They keep me focused and help me count my many blessings each day.

Favorites things in life: Laughing, shopping, dancing, being with family, picking flowers, feeling peaceful, hugs

Place on earth: Being in the arms of my loved ones

Etsy.com Shop: tutucuteandmoore.etsy.com

Quote: Things turn out best for those who make the most of how things turn out.

Website: I wish...maybe someday!

Song or Music Group: I'm stuck in the oldies...Beatles, Elvis, Neil Young, Roy Orbinson

9th Annual Bikes, Blues, & BBQ

2008-09-23T10:37:00.009-05:00

Bikes, Blues, & BBQ is the largest charitable bike rally in the United States! If you are close to Fayetteville, AR or are free this weekend come join the fun. The rally starts tomorrow Sept.24-27. There are bikers that come from all over to participate and all the profits benefit local charities. For more information check out their website http://www.bikesbluesandbbq.org/.

I would like to mention that my church, 1st Baptist of Fayetteville on the corner of College and Dickson, will be hosting a FREE Biker's Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, September 27 from 8-10 am. The church is also hosting a FREE Bike Wash, Bikers wash their own bikes and all supplies will be provided. I am sure you want to have a nice shiny bike to show off!! The bike wash will be Thursday & Friday, Sept. 25-26 from 3-6PM and Saturday Sept. 27 from 10AM-2PM.

Fall & Hubby's Birthday

2008-09-21T17:22:00.008-05:00

It's that time of year again! I have been getting ready for my husband Dave's birthday and the first day of fall. Both are tomorrow! I am making homemade lasagna and fresh homemade pumpkin pie. Two of our favorite foods in our house.

Happy 29th Birthday Baby!!

The first day of autumn will occur on the morning of September 23, 2008 at 12:55 am. Eastern daylight savings time. But it will be at 11:55 pm in the evening of Central Daylight savings time on September 22. Mountain and Pacific time will be 10:55 and 9:55 pm also on September 22, 2008

Fall is Here Again

You can get ready for fall with our Candy Corn Salt Scrub!!

We can also make bath bombs, sugar scrub, whipped body wash, soap n' scrub and massage oil in our candy corn scent. Contact us at pampermeplease.etsy@gmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.

Calling ALL Americans

2008-09-20T00:52:00.006-05:00

Okay so this is generally not a topic I blog about but I am upset!

Are you registered to vote in the Nov. elections? (don't roll your eyes it is not polite) :)
I have heard one person too many say that they are not going to vote because they don't have the time or because it does not affect them. WHAT are you kidding me?! All you have to do is make sure you are registered and go to your polling place on election day to cast your ballet. Now does that sound hard?
For those of you who have not registered yet the deadline is coming up soon so please register now. You can register on-line at http://www.rockthevote.com/. Here in Arkansas the deadline is Oct. 6th (only 2 weeks away) but it is different for each state.
As for the people saying "It does not affect me". Your right it does not affect you if you do not work, live, attend school, eat, sleep, drive, shop, or pay taxes in the United States. If you do however participate in any of those activities then YES IT DOES AFFECT YOU!! This is an election to pick the next leader of our country. They will be making many, many decisions that will affect your daily life for at least the next 4 years. Okay now go register if you have not already. http://www.rockthevote.com/ You have the time...all you are doing is reading my blog. :)

Get informed about the candidates and VOTE please!! Feel free to comment.

It's so easy a stick man can do it!! hehe

(stepping off of soap box now)

Soap N' Scrub - NEW ITEM

2008-09-16T17:07:00.007-05:00

I can't get enough of our newest item and neither can our testers! I have listed our new Pamper Me Soap N' Scrub in our shop. It is a creamy whipped soap mixed with an exfoliating sea salt scrub. I also listed this Soap N' Scrub with our newest scent Very Sexy for Him a Victoria Secret Type. My husband is crazy about it. If you are not buying for the man in your life or would like to pamper yourself as well check out our fragrance list. Any of our items can be custom scented with the fragrance of your choice. I am working on many new items so check back often.

Fragrance List:

Angelica, Apple Extreme, Baby Powder, Basil, Bayberry, Berry Bubble Gum, Between the Sheets, Blueberry, Butt Naked, Cake Bake, Cedar, Cherry, Coconut, Coconut Macaroon, Country Holly Berry, Crumb Cake, Cucumber Melon, Fleur de Bois, Floral Shop, Fresh & Clean, Gardenia, Hawaiian Rain, Heather & Hyacinth, Honeysuckle, Hot Apple Pie **NEW**, Jasmine Bloom, Jasmine & Mimosa, Juniper Breeze, Key Lime,Lavender, Lemon Meringue, Lick-Me-All-Over **NEW**, Love Shack, Mahogany Spice, Mulberry, Neroli, Passion Beach, Patchouli, Peppermint **NEW**, Pineapple, Pink Sugar (Aquolina Type) **NEW**, Pleasing Pine, Plum Crazy, Raspberry, Relaxing Bath **NEW**, Rosemary Thyme, Sex on the Beach, Spice Cake, Tommy Girl (Tommy Type), Vanilla Carmel, Vanilla Musk, Very Sexy for Him (Victoria Secret Type) **NEW**, Victorian Boutique, Warm Vanilla Sugar (BBW Type), Watermelon, Wild Poppy

Our jars for Scrubs and SOAP N' SCRUB

4oz, 8oz and NEW 16oz

International Customers

2008-09-09T15:42:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess it is time to quit dragging my feet and list international shipping prices. I have been getting a message a day from potential customers from outside the United States. I have started to list some shipping prices and hope to be finished by this weekend. I am very honored that people are willing to pay to have my items shipped to them in another country!!

Vote & Be Counted!!

2008-09-04T15:06:00.005-05:00

As a thank you for voting in our poll you will receive 10% off your next order from Pamper Me Please!! Order as much as you like and I will send you an updated invoice to reflect your discount. When you check out through Etsy please put "blogpoll" in the message to seller. The discount does not include shipping charges or custom orders. Discounts are good until the end of September.

THANKS!!

Night Sky Products - FEATURED SELLER

2008-09-04T07:15:00.013-05:00

Night Sky Products by Racheal

Tell us about your life outside of creating and selling. (family, hobbies, pets, ect.)
Sadly, I work most of the time. Outside of NightSky I work in a jewelry store as my regular 9 to 5 repairing and making custom jewelry. Everytime I get to make a new custom piece I always email pictures to my dad. He's my biggest support in everything I do. I try to visit him back on the east coast every chance I get. My grandma keeps me pretty busy too. It's just me and her here in Fayetteville, so I try to take her to lunch at least once a week. That's one of her favorite things to do. Other than that I have two great fuzzy buddies at home. My cats Nubby and Killer. If they didn't try to lay on top of every project I'm working on they'd be perfect.

What item in your shop are you most proud of?
Right now I'd have to say the "go green" ring. I hand engraved the phrase myself.

How did you name your shop?
I was inspired by the star tattoo on my back.

Favorite materials to work with?
I really like silver. It's such a soft metal which makes it easy to shape and solder. I also like that it's easy to finish. You can make it high polished or give it an antique finish. I also enjoy stone setting. I hope to incoproate more of that into my future pieces.

What kind of background do you have as an artist and how did you learn your skill?
I've been a jeweler for 5 years. I got started by apprenticing right out of college. There are 4 levels of certification you can earn through the national jeweler's association. I am woking on my third and hope to have it finished soon.

What is your goal for your shop?
To get some sales ;) I would just like to have enough business to keep it going. It's my outlet to design. I don't get many of those oppotunities at work, so I developed NightSky out of a hobby.

If you could have a super power what would it be?
Tough one. I think I'd like the power to transport myself anywhere anytime just by blinking. That way I could visit all the places I've ever wanted to visit and wouldn't have to worry about paying for gas.

Favorite time of the year? Why?
Absolutely has to be fall leading into winter. When football season starts and the leaves slowly start to change color, there's nothing like it. Plus it has all the good holidays: halloween (my fav), thanksgiving, and christmas. All the best reasons to get together with family.

Who is your role model and why?
My dad. He was the one solid thing in my life that strived me to do better and still continues too. He's the most supportive person I know and a great cheerleader. He's incredibly smart and giving and the biggest dork I know. I only hope to be just like him.

Favorites:
Place on earth: Home
Etsy Shop: There are too many good artists out there to pin down just one favorite.
Quote: "All you need is love"
Website: Etsy.com
Song or Music Group: David Bowie

Racheal is also a proud member of ARetsy. A group for Etsy artists from Arkansas.

New Products Coming SOON

2008-09-04T06:01:00.004-05:00

I am working very hard to offer my amazing customers new products. Within the next two weeks I should have our Whipped Body Frosting ready to sell. I am also adding a new men's fragrance. They need to be pampered too. After that I will be listing liquid soap and cold processed soap bars. I am extremely excited about our new additions!! If you have suggestions for other products please send me a message. I love to hear what people are looking for.

Gustav is Raining & POURING...Makes me wish I was snoring

2008-09-03T14:50:00.007-05:00

So Gustav has decided to give us a little gift...up to 10 inches of rain! We certainly had it a lot better than the areas affected by the actual hurricane. All we have to worry about is lots and lots of rain.
But, I really wish someone could tell me why I always want to sleep when it is raining. I have a long list of things that need to be done but all I want to do is curl up under a blanket and go to sleep.

Shout out:
My mom has been working on her own Etsy shop. She came to visit this weekend and brought a lot of items to put in her on-line store. I am going to be running the computer end of her shop for her. She has been sewing and designing a ton of baby and childrens goodies. I am adding items as quickly as I can. So far there are bibs, burp cloths, girls aprons and tag blankets. Hopefully we will have the shop looking great in the next couple of weeks.

Check out her shop
NanaBananasNook

Win a FREE gift basket!!!

2008-09-02T03:30:00.007-05:00

We are very excited about being part of a competiton going on right now on Craftbits.com. If you want to win some of our popular cupcake bath bombs go enter to win now!! There are two baskets that will be given away. The competition ends the last day of September. I believe you can enter once a day.

Click here to enter to win:
(if you are not a member of Craft Bits you will need to sign up...it is free)

http://www.craftbits.com/viewCompetition.do?competitionID=145

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - Cyndi from Everything Artsy

2008-08-26T23:11:00.015-05:00

This is the first feature interview in my "Get to know an Etsy.com shop owner" the AREtsy series. Etsy is a wonderful website devoted to handmade items. AREtsy is a team for Etsy members who live in Arkansas. AREtsy Blog

Everything Artsy is owned by Cyndi H.

Tell us about your life outside of creating and selling.

I have been married to my wonderful husband, Tom, for 28 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters, April 25 and married to Matthew, and Amy 23 in grad school & dating Carl. I have 2 weimeraners, Marie who is 7 and Molly who is 11 weeks old. Most of my hobbies are art related but I do love to ride motorcycles with my husband and love photography.

Favorite time of the year? Why?

My favorite time of year is the fall - I love the colors and the cool weather.

Favorite materials to work with?

I love anything with texture - paper, yarn, fabric and paint

What kind of background do you have as an artist & how did you learn your skill?

I believe everyone has a gift & mine is an eye for design. I have no formal training - I've learned by trial, from my mom and friends, and by many wonderful mentors. I'm also guided by a gut feeling. Somehow I just know when it's right and when I don't follow my gut it usually doesn't work.

What is your goal for your shop?

Well to sell my crafts, but also to hopefully encourage others to be creative as well. That's the reason I developed my Pattern Paks.

How did you name your shop?

Actually a co-worker named it for me. Her name is Hermine, and she always said I knew everything artsy so it stuck.

Who is your role model and why?

I have many, my Mom's persistence, my Sister's determination, my Husband's integrity, and my daughter's love of life.

If you could have a super power what would it be?

To be able to wiggle my nose like bewitched and be anywhere I want to be.

What item in your shop are you most proud of?

My Boston Terrier Painting. I love the way it turned out and it was my inspiration for my pattern paks.

Favorites:

Place on earth - lying in bed with my husband and talking till we fall asleep

Etsy Shop - besides mine! I would have to say Fall Down Tree I love her artwork.

Quote - "Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic."

Website - ETSY!!!

Song or Music Group - Anything Rock-n-Roll

Thank you Cyndi for being my first featured seller!!

We made it into a treasury

2008-08-25T16:37:00.000-05:00

One of our items was featured in a treasury today! Thanks SoapyBlessings for including us in your amazing treasury. All of the items in the treasury are on SALE and from our CAST group(Christian Artists Street Team).

Go check it out and leave a comment

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=23092

Off to school I go!

2008-08-25T00:02:00.000-05:00

I got the kids into preschool last week and I start classes in the morning. I should really be in bed since I have to get up at 5:30 but of course Dalton is wide awake. I had three orders to get ready for shipping tomorrow and thankfully my sweet husband helped me and is taking them to the post office in the morning. I don't know what I am going to do when he leaves for two months of work. If I am ever going to finish college I am just going to have to grin and bear it I guess. Any Moms with tips for getting SUPER organized I would greatly appreciate them. I make sure all the bags are fully stocked, lunches are packed, clothes are laid out, and all baths are done the night before. All I have to do in the morning is get the kids dressed, feed them breakfast, pump milk for the baby, put freezer bags in lunch boxes and load the car with our ten trillion bags. Some how I still always feel like I am running from one thing to the next. Thanks for listening to me rant tonight. :)

Well I hope everyone has a GREAT week!!

Upcoming Features

2008-08-24T03:30:00.000-05:00

Starting in September I am going to be featuring some of my favorite Etsy.com shops. Stay tuned to find out all about the brains behind the great finds on Etsy. In case you have not heard about this wonderful web site it is devoted to all things handmade. The perfect place to find quality presents for the ones you love. Don't forget to pick out a few things for yourself while you are there. After all you deserve it!! What are you waiting for....go check it out there is something for everyone!

If you are an Etsy shop owner and would be interested in a feature leave a comment and your contact information.

READY TO SHIP ITEMS & New Flickr Account

2008-08-13T15:18:00.000-05:00

I am working on adding READY TO SHIP items to our shop. Since a lot of our items take a couple of days to create I have decided to offer some of our favorites that you will not have to wait on. Perfect for the procrastinator in all of us. :) All the READY TO SHIP items will be shipped out within 24 hours of receiving payment.

We now have a Flickr account...Add us as a contact!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27787053@N04/

There's no place like home

2008-08-12T01:50:00.000-05:00

We had fun at the Watermelon Festival last weekend. I think most people enjoyed their sample bags that we handed out. Sales were pretty good but I would have liked them to be better.

We have been out of town for almost a month and a half. It sure is nice settling down in my own house again! It has been raining the whole time we have been home but I could not care less. The rain is calming and the temperature is a little more than 20 degrees cooler.

I am getting some gift baskets ready for a competition on Craftbits.com. If you enter the competition any time during the month of september you will have a chance to win one of two gift baskets. They both have 4 large cupcake bath bombs, 4 small cupcake bath bombs and 4 bath cookies. The cupcakes are our most popular item in our shop.

Sample Bags for the Watermelon Festival

2008-08-05T16:20:00.000-05:00

Pictures of the sample bags as promised

Thank you Etsy.com shop owners

The bags are ready to go!

Most of the bags are teal and white. There are about 15 that are red and white.

Contents of a bag

Another bag

The sample bags are ready for their new owners. Thank you to all of the Etsy.com shop owners that sent their wonderful items! No two bags are the same since there were several who sent one of a kind items and some that were not able to send 50 items. I divided up all of the wonderful samples that were sent to me and made all the bags as even as possible. They have all kinds of goodies from necklaces, bracelets, rings, soap, pins, magnets, notebooks, gift tags, tea, stickers, iron on patches, cards, photos, candle tarts, brooches, bath salt, key chains, book marks, beads, discounts, and much, much more.

The bags will be given away on saturday Aug. 9th at the Hope Watermelon Festival

That's much better

2008-08-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

GREAT NEWS!! COLD A/C

We were able to get our booth for the Watermelon Festival moved into an air conditioned building. We are going to be in the Horticultural Building at the fair grounds on friday and saturday. Our old booth location was outside. That was not good since it is over 100 degrees!

Get 10% off your purchase just for metioning this blog!

Don't forget the FREE bags filled with handmade items being given away at our booth on saturday.

Festival Progress

2008-08-03T16:44:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to update the progress for the festival. What we have ready so far.... bath bombs in several different sizes, sea salt bath salts, lip balm, body scrub, massage oil, glove animals, washcloth lollipops, washcloth peppermints, bath cookies, cupcake bath bombs and cards. Basically everything available in our shop will be for sale at the festival.

If you would like to check out the festival web site I have included it in todays blog.

Watermelon Festival Aug. 7th-10th

Festival Web Site
http://www.hopechamberofcommerce.com/festival_info.htm

Don't forget we will be passing out FREE GOODIE BAGS donated by fellow Etsy shop owners on saturday!! Hurry there are only 50 available.

Watermelon Festival Here We Come!

2008-08-02T23:49:00.000-05:00

We are getting ready to go to the Watermelon Festival in Hope, Arkansas. The watermelon festival is full of arts, crafts, concerts, exhibits, and family fun! I graduated from Hope High School so I am excited about going back. If you are in the area we would love to see you! We will be giving away 50 FREE bags filled with all kinds of goodies donated by fellow Etsy shop owners.

We were out of town the last month and just returned home last night so I better go work on festival merchandise.

Check out our new lotion bars, glove animals and cards that we have added to the shop. We also added a few new scents to our fragrance list available for most bath and body products.

Have a GREAT day!
Dave & Melissa
www.pampermeplease.etsy.com

4th Wedding Anniversary

2008-06-18T03:47:00.000-05:00

Dave and I are celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary today! We will probably spend it with our two wonderful children. Maybe we will be able to go out and celebrate this weekend. :) Hum, wonder what it is like to be "out" without the angels.

New to the blog world!

2008-06-18T03:21:00.000-05:00

On behalf of Pamper Me Please I would like to welcome you to our new blog. Our shop (http://www.pampermeplease.etsy.com/) currently offers several different bath bombs including the popular cupcake bath bomb, massage oil, bath salts, bath cookies, gift sets, body scrub, lip balm, washcloth lollipops, washcloth peppermints and stuffed animals. We make all the items by hand! Hope to see you at our shop soon!

We will be discussing the new items in our shop, festivals where you can meet us, and offering more discounts in our upcoming blogs. This post was just a welcome. If you have any questions feel free to send us a message at pampermeplease.etsy@gmail.com.

Vote in our poll and receive a 20% discount on your next purchase at http://www.pampermeplease.etsy.com/ Just mention the code "blogpoll" in the message to seller when checking out and we will send your refund through pay pal or we can send you and updated invoice before you pay.

Hope you have a PAMPERED day!

Melissa & Dave