I am. Really. Because it has been nearly 5 weeks since I posted here. Seriously, that’s a horrific situation. I did not mean to leave you high and dry. Really. I did not. But life often has a way of cramming too much into too little, leaving you gasping for air and refreshment, like a freshly caught fish hauled out of the lake.

I’m involved in a lot of new activities. Some of which I’ve chosen. Some of which have rather chosen me. But it is okay. Really, it is. But until they create reliable clones, I’m just going to do the best that I can with what I have. And time, too little of it, is the key issue.

I’m working on a new website. I’ve never built anything (really) before and this is totally different from this site. At least, in theory. Okay, I know that doesn’t make a whole lotta sense, but what I’m doing with the new site (name to be shared soon) is design a site that will help discerning shoppers find handmade quality items easier. Coincidentally, it will also help the makers of those fabulous handmade items get seen faster and in a wider arena, And that really is the key. If no one knows you are ‘there’, no one will buy your items.

I’m learning how to program/design the site. So far, at least at this point, I’m determining that an August opening is going to happen. A few things have to occur, first, of course. I need photos/clipart. I’ve found most of them. But I still need more of them. I also need to upload the site to a server so that I can get the urls for the pages and set up the links. Then, I have to let other biz know of the site. The goal is to spend 50% of revenue on advertising each month. Which means that the site will have a fee. But I hope it is ‘worth it’ to those who are there.

I started a new team on Etsy called RealSoap. The reason? Soapers had been somewhat complacent thinking that the ‘reseller issue’ that has plagued many online selling venues, hadn’t hit our category. And we were all utterly gobsmacked to see folks buying ready made logs of soap, slicing them and puting a label on them. Well, that doesn’t constitute ‘handmade’ to me. RealSoap is a team that promotes folks who actually make what they sell, like moi. Want to check us out? Search RealSoap in the bar at Etsy and you’ll find different shops. Or, you can browse us by going to the team section, finding us and shopping with our membership. You’ll be glad you did.

I’m designing a new soap line. My first attempt to create the soap in my head did not work out. I kinda ‘mushed’ a few of my current techniques and hoped that I’d get the way cool image residing in my brain, but I did not. So I’ll try it again later tonight (fingers crossed) and see if, this time, I do manage to create what I’m calling ‘Sorbet Soap’. I think you’ll love it.

I’m also completing the design work for a new line of candles. More upscale than my current line, each candle is packaged to make it very ’giftable’. Tucked in a cool box and tied with a ribbon, it is something totally new for me. But still totally within the realm of Coquette Bath & Home™ (accent here on the ‘home’).

And, yes, I’m still redecorating. My home office and front sitting room are totally done. Though I did buy a new item at IKEA yesterday (Expedit unit) that I originally intended for my bedroom. Now, not too sure. I may use it in the front sitting room, in place of the white bookcase already there. With 8 cubicle spaces, it will hold a lot of stuff in a more organized way. I also bought 3 inserts (one with 2 drawers and two with just a door). White inserts in a black/brown (their color scheme…) unit. My only drawback is that it is made of engineered wood. I primarily purchase their solid wood items. But I’ve always loved that basic no nonsense design. If I decide not to use it there, then I will take it back.

And get a bookcase unit for my bedroom. That’s the current room on the agenda. I’ve already painted the walls with silvery blue (pale nearly gray) ‘oops’ paint. You know the paint. When the home improvement center doesn’t blend it precisely right for a customer, or if they do not return to pick it up, the paint is seriously marked down. I love getting $35 gallon paint for $9. I generally only buy oops paint. And this one is fabulous. It is nice enough that I’d honestly pay for the paint in full price. If you are looking for a wonderful paint that COVERS (and this paint covered a vivid jade green in a microthin coating cause I only had 1 gallon and a room that–with regular paint–would want 1.5 gallons) you need to buy the Behr paint that also contains a primer.

Absolutely wonderful. And one coat, as mentioned, did the job. I have enough to do, I don’t need to paint a room twice. And with this paint I did not have too.

Today, if the flooring store is open, I’m going to go and get the laminate for my bedroom, roust the 20yr old son out of bed, and lay floor. He and I have done 2 rooms already. And this one could be done today. We have to shift furniture to do it, though.

This list doesn’t even cover all of the past tax returns and stuff that I need to shred (3 bags already done and waiting for recycle), photos to take (like I’ve made a new lotion bar in peach that is fabulous. No, you don’t see it on the site–but I’m about to add it–cause of photos. I’m seriously delinquent in that arena. I HATE taking photos). And more.

Maybe we’ll even stop in at our new favorite sushi restaurant tonight for a dinner. That is, if we get the floor laid.

Hope your world is equally challenging. Keeps us on our toes, huh?

A selection of my Lip Tints products. Unflavored but with a hint of color. Obviously, very moisturizing.

Lately, I’ve seen several bloggers, and others, query about this very topic. Why buy handmade? And so, I thought I’d give some of my thoughts on the subject.

Handmade is a difficult term. And it means everything from those dear old ladies at the local church auxiliary putting hours and love into their quilts and afghans to kids happily applying glitter and sequins to a holiday turkey cutout in school. It covers folks who simply buy a kit and follow the directions to people like myself. Someone who designs recipes, labels, scent blends, and everything else associated with my product line.

In short, it runs from the most juvenile to the highest caliber. And that’s the problem. Because, depending on what you’ve experienced, your opinion of handmade is very different. So, I’d like to propose a change. Let’s let handmade be handmade. But for artisan products, let’s start calling it handcrafted.

Like scent without flame? Try my Nuggets™ wax melts! Wonderful and easy.

To me, crafting is more than simply making something. Like I said, give me enough paper and a gluestick and a pile of sequins and I can make ya a pretty sparkly paper tiara. It may be handmade (and yes, it definitely would be as my feet are not that talented) and I do have a fairly decent design ability, but it would not even be close to the quality and style I put into my products. Handcrafting, to me, implies more. It does imply the dedication to learn (a personal type of apprenticeship). It brings the art of making into the realm of crafting and artisan goods.

So, handcrafting is how I refer to my products. I’ll use the ‘tag’ handmade, as I still haven’t convinced everyone that handcrafting is MORE. But I hope to make you know.

When you buy a handcrafted item, you do more than simply buy a product. Most handcrafted products are produced by a single person or a small group. Sometimes, it is a SAHM or someone who is trying to create a more prosperous life for their families. In some cases, it is their only income. Yes, it could cost a tad more. But not always. My lip balm, for example (at $3.25 a tube) is very comparable (in price) to those famous maker brands sold at the megamart. What’s different is the quality of my ingredients. See that show about how some companies put ingredients INTO lipbalm to make lips actually drier (and in need of even more of the product…using it faster?) well, I don’t do that. Never. Ever. My ethics and morals won’t permit it.

My Nuggets™ shown above in a small photo, are actually CHEAPER than the famous maker brand sold by a small army of women (and probably some gents) around the country. In fact, their reps BUY mine for their home scenting! Why? Well, mine are actually better (I probably use a higher grade of fragrance oil for even more scenting) but…I’m just WAY cheaper. In this world, getting value is very important.

That’s just two products. Artisans who handcraft care about you. They care about the environment (I recycle my packaging as do many folks who sell artisan goods). They know they are putting their name on their products and they are sure (as I am) that not only is it a product they’d use themselves (and do) but that they can sell it to you with pride, knowing of the quality.

At  craft shows, which I do around the North Texas area in the fall, both to see folks face to face, but also to test market new ideas and scents and get very valuable face time reactions, I have a comment I make.  “Hi there! I make everything you see and if you have any questions, I’ll be glad to answer!” After all, I know why each and every ingredient is in each and every product. And I love gabbing about them.

That’s just a few of the reasons why handmade (HANDCRAFTED!) is best. If I don’t see you at one of my local craft shows, stop by my site and take a look. I’m also on Etsy, Artfire and Cargoh. But by all means, support your local artisans. And take money away from the sweatshops and dictatorships around the world. Spend your money with your neighbors and help them build their dreams. You’ll be happier that you did.

It’s Labor Day in the United States. The day that comes, only once a year, where we relax from a job well done. And Americans (pardon my insular thoughts) do work harder than  many.

I say this based on the fact that most Americans get less than 2 weeks vacation from their jobs during an entire year. I’ve read/heard about European and Aussie folk getting 4-6 weeks in year one! To get that in America, you usually have to be a 30yr plus employee.

Or own the company!

So we do enjoy our (fewer) vacation days. Some folks are going to barbecue. Some will visit with family (daughter, corgi and I are heading to my brother’s house near Houston tomorrow…son can’t get off work. Yes, he’ll be laboring on Labor Day). Others will go to the races, to the ball games, to the movies. Wherever they want to be. So that they can relax and enjoy some peaceful time.

Because peace and tranquility are essential for our souls. I do believe that. Being still. Being quiet. Both are absolutely essential for peace of mind and general health. Many world philosophies talk of meditation and mindfulness. And I personally practice it as much as possible. But it is hard in our world. Especially since I live in a large city (Fort Worth, TX) with the associated people, traffic and general stuff. It is enough to deprive one of a peaceful life.

So we have to work hard to get them. I’ve been working hard, lately, trying to get some new products finished. I have a whole new soap line (Shea Basic), a few new perfume scents (Waterlily, Orange Patchouli, Sunflower) coming. There are new candle scents: Sanctuary, Yuzu, Sunflower, Waterlily and more. I have a new cologne spray, too.

Lots of new things. I’m also looking for wholesale outlets. So if you love my products, tell your favorite store.

But in the meantime, to put a smile on your face, I’d like to leave with a photo of someone who is just too cute. And if you don’t say ‘awwwww’, you need an extra day of vacation. Tell your boss I said so.

Such a cutie, isn’t she? This is ETTA, the wonderful Corgi!

My NEW Kiss™ lip balms! TA DAHHHHHH!

A real twist on traditional. Coconut mixed with herbal lemongrass flavor. Unbeatable!

Yes, I said that they would be coming. And they are now here. Available (right now) in Coconut Lemongrass, Ginger Peach, Jasmine Tea, Chocolate Mint, Caramel Latte, Strawberry Margarita, and Honeysuckle Nectarine, these adorably lush and flavored balms are absolutely what you need to turn lips from dry deserts into lush and soft puckers.

I guarantee it.

Of course, my lip balm has always been great. But recently, well, I wanted to make even more. And using colored lids was limiting. After all, having more than one flavor with a red lid could be confusing. So I ditched the colored lids and went to the natural lid you see in the photo below:

And, to be quite honestly, while I adore my tried and true flavors like Bee My Honey and Just Peachy, I wanted to stretch out a bit and try something new. Something different. Something utterly wonderful, unexpected and truly luscious. And so I did.

For those of us who live in the United States, July 4th is more than just our Independence Day. Sure, we do remember the battles and the years that took 13 small colonies and made them into a country. But like many things, we’re much more than the sum of our parts.

Parts which are now 50 states strong, not to mention some protectorates such as Puerto Rico and Guam. We’re a global market and a global force (in my opinion) for good and justice. I’m happy to be here.

But it is also a day for family and friends. I surely hope that you spend time with people you love. Have an adult beverage (if you’re old enough), eat a few hot dogs (if you’re like my vegetarian daughter, they’ll be tofu, but the idea is the same), and relax under a fireworks lit sky.

As always, I am working today. I’m planning out the scents that are coming in my new cream soap. I’m figuring out the next slew of bath bombs to make. I’m even mentally planning how I’m going to set up a photography studio in my office (clue: very modular). But mostly, I’m going to relax. To reflect. And to refresh.

This is also my father’s birthday. He’s 79 today. So while you’re having a bit of fun, send some birthday wishes to my daddy. He fought for us in two wars and is now in ill health. I wish I could be with him today. But I’m 4 hours north. I’ll see him next weekend, though.

Have a safe and enjoyable day!

outside, that is…inside my house it is blissfully cool. You know, I don’t think I could have been a pioneer. All of those long binding garments and nary a jacuzzi in sight.

Heat has again come to Texas. Yeah, I knew it was going to happen. I’m fond of saying that every summer, I think longingly of far northern climes…like Idaho, Montana…Alaska. But every winter, when the news shows folks digging out from record snowfalls, I’m glad I’m here.

Summer in North Texas is dry and hot. Seriously dry. Which means it is a great (even perfect…) time to make bath bombs. Look for a brand new size and design coming soon. I make seriously wonderful bath bombs. But they haven’t traveled as well as I’d like. They do fizz madly in your tub, but they require a lot of special protection when shipping. And since I’m a gal who likes things to be simple, inexpensive (cause I don’t want to charge YOU a ton for a packaging product that is just going to be thrown away, anyway) and yet distinctive, I’ve been in the middle of a design challenge.

But, I finally found it. The boxes are here. Labels are designed. I’m just waiting for my new bath bomb mold to be ready. Waiting is not my favorite thing. Which is why, I guess, I’m rather distracted by the weather.

Look for these new bath bombs, a lovely moisturizing dry oil spray, a new soap line (actually, two), shaving soap for the man in your life (or maybe yourself!), a new candle line extolling the virtues of Texas (though that may be sold only in my new Etsy shop…(www.etsy.com/totallytexas), and other items coming very soon. I know you’re going to love them all!

Don’t go looking yet. I haven’t even hung out the banner or made you feel welcome. But check back soon. Especially if you love Texas, Texans or just like to know why we’re all so crazy about this place.

Stay cool.