Mommy: Finder of Lost Objects

The following story reminds me of the bit Roseanne used to do when she was a stand-up comedienne. She talked about how her uterus was apparently a detector for lost objects around the house. I've always suspected that she was right...

This morning, Matthew, my 8 year old, was searching for last month's Lego Magazine. He couldn't find it and became very upset. As I was driving him to school, we had this conversation:

Matthew: When I get home from school, you need to help me find it!
Me: Why should I help you find it? You should have put it in your room.
Matthew: You should know where my things are.
Me: Well, if that's the case then you should know where my things are.
Matthew: No!
Me: Why not?
Matthew: Because you're the mom!

The World of Sweet Stella's

I had to write a bit about my friend Shannon of Sweet Stella's. Shannon is one of the most talented creative people I know. She has so many talents in her arsenal, I am truly awed. Among them are: artist (she majored in it), creator of the outstanding products at Sweet Stella's, mommy blogger, baker, model and photo shoot stylist.

I've been fortunate to get to know Shannon a bit and have her style the first of what I hope to be many photo shoots for me. She's crazy creative, and I love sitting back and watching her mind work... fast.

The Christmas ornaments that I ordered from Sweet Stella's were amaze-balls (pun intended). I mean, really, look at these!

Left - Hand painted ornament / Right - Paper Paillette ornament

Being a huge fan of abstract art, I'm dying to get a painting from her! Here's a painting called Fire Below. It's abstract in acrylic and plaster.

If you're looking for handcrafted invitations, loot bags, masks, journals, note stacks and more, then Sweet Stella's is the place you want to go.

Find Sweet Stella's here:
Shop
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Future Elf in da House

Matthew, as you know if you follow my blog, is my very unique and interesting 8 year old. He loves Christmas more than anyone I know. His favorite colors are red and green, and his room reflects that.

After taking the boys to see Arthur Christmas, Matthew has decided he wants to be an elf. Actually, it's all he talks about lately (between singing Christmas carols and talking incessantly about all things Christmas and becoming an elf). Here's what he's devised to get Santa's attention.

Note to Santa #1

Note to Santa #2

Here's the note to Santa outside his bedroom door, cause we wouldn't want Santa to miss where his room is.

And, last but not least, the note to Santa on his bedside table to indicate exactly where he is (pointing to his bed).

Gotta love him!

TDD is sponsoring a GIVEAWAY on Sweet Stella's Blog!

My good friend, compatriot and fellow artisan is having an anniversary giveaway on her blog! Up for grabs is a TDD eco peppermint basket filled with Sweet Stella's goodies. Head on over and check it out. Super easy to enter. :)

Help My Eco Business get a Grant to Expand

I decided to post about my trying to win a $25,000 grant from Intuit's Love a Local Business Program. The grant is given every month, but the voting goes in three month cycles, so businesses can expand on their votes. The ending date for this cycle is December 31, 2011. There's no sign up to vote, and you only need to vote once. If you vote, you should put your name or business name in the space provided before your comment (otherwise it looks like I'm voting for myself multiple times and the votes are kicked out).

So what would I use this grant for? I could pay more people to make plarn for me which, in turn, would free up crazy amounts of time to crochet and design and enable me to make more product available. Having multiple people making plarn would also benefit them, as they will be making extra money AND make a small dent in the number of plastic bags floating around in landfills. I would also be able to pay a seamstress in order to offer more bags that are lined.

So, with all that said, I'd so appreciate your vote for my business. Here's the direct link:
http://lovealocalbusiness.intuit.com/pages/fan?b_id=293352

Thanks so much!

Saving Some Money on Detergent

One of the things that I've done for my family to save money is make my own laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent.  Now, I have tried making my own liquid soap (which looked quite gelatinous - read more practice needed), and also toothpaste which I got way too much salt in, so more practice needed there, too.  BUT, the two things that are a major savings to the family are the detergents.

There are a number of recipes on the web, but I'll share the ones that I find the easiest (both are powder).

Laundry Detergent
2 cups grated soap (I use Ivory)
1 cup washing soda (You can find Arm & Hammer Washing Soda in some grocery stores)
1 cup borax

Easy peasy - Use a couple of tablespoons for a load, or more if you've got a large load washer like me.  I also like to triple the recipe so I don't have to make it as often.  I've got two boys and a husband who create lots of laundry.

I store the detergent in a large plastic container, the kind you put left-overs in.

Cost: About $.03/load vs. about $.30/load of commercial detergent.

Dishwasher Detergent
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup citric acid

Use 1 Tbsp per load.

Ok, I cheat on this one and skip the citric acid.  I put vinegar in the compartment where the JetDry goes instead.

I store this in an old large peanut butter jar, and keep it handy under the sink.

I hope these little things help!  You'll notice a difference in your pocket, for sure.

Cost: You'll get double the loads and save around $.05/load for a few minutes of work.

Want more money saving ideas?  Click the icon below!