Happy Birthday Colt .45

On Tuesday it will be the 100th birthday of the Colt .45-- my father, an antique weapons enthusiast has informed me of this. His influence has already lead to the creation of my most popular fragrance, "Rifle Range"-- available in Soap and also Solid Cologne.
In honor of this anniversary I will be putting those items on sale in my shop on Monday and Tuesday. Although the Colt .45 was for military use and didn't use the black powder charge, Colt did produce some single shot cowboy pistols that did. I think it will be a fun thing to do in the spirit of the occasion anyway.
So look for the discount early this coming week!

Trends Emerging

I've noticed that certain kinds of scents are emerging as best-sellers in my shop. My number one best selling fragrance is Rifle Range, I've sold several soaps and colognes in that scent.
My more masculine scents seem to get more views, hearts, and sales than more traditionally feminine ones. Perhaps this is my niche? I've been working on more unisex scents that have those deep, complex qualities that my customers seem to enjoy. I just posted a soap called "Holmes" after my favorite literary sleuth- last week I posted a "Watson" which is a classic Bay Rum scent (but I've started wearing it, it's delicious).
I have made a few new feminine scents, however. Emma is a bright combination of Strawberry, Honeysuckle, and Orange. I made a Jane Eyre as well which has Ivy, Heather, Lavender, and Vetiver as the main notes.
I think that unique blends are what catch peoples' interest overall. Hopefully I can find a bigger market for my more lady-centric fragrances as well.

Stylish Blogger Award

I was just passed this award by the lovely Lucille Jean, she makes beautiful jewelry and accessories on her Etsy shop.

*Stylish Blogger Award rules*
Thank the person who awarded it to you
Post 7 facts about yourself
Pass the Award to other bloggers and let them know they were chosen
Seven Facts about me:
1. I have two adorable cats that I love cuddling with.
2. I'm in a production of Tennessee Williams one-acts this weekend.
3. In the summer, I can get a sunburn within 15 minutes on a bright day.
4. My town's population is under 200.
5. My best friend writes pirate novels and has published one.
6. I have written a manuscript for a murder mystery that I'm still editing, but hope to publish in the next couple years.
7. I have read I Capture the Castle about six times.

I will pass this on to:
One Sheepish Girl
Teal and Gold
Entwood Crafts
A Mountain Hearth

The End of Spring Break

It feels so odd that I've had a beautiful week, enjoying nature, when there is so much trouble around the world. Nature can be a gentle palm to rest in or the most terrifying, crushing hand.


I'll be back to classes Monday, and be longing for summer break for the next two months.

My Weekend in Photographs

Coffee with my brother at a local all natural, fair trade coffee bar. They're attached to an organic, wholefood shop. Delicious local apples, orange ginger granola, free range chicken-- I love picking things up there.

Last night it starting raining, it's a beautiful kind of rainy day where all the colors of nature are extra saturated. It's been nearly sixty degrees with just a light breeze all day.

I bought new molds on Friday and made some "Watson" soap speckled with cinnamon. I refuse to use any artificial colors.

I did a little writing, but also made some "Green Muse" soap; absinthe fragrance and real wormwood go into the bars to give them a faint green tint (hard to see int he photo). My handwriting is terrible as you can clearly see.

Lifestyle Changes

I've been attempting to make some more eco-friendly and health conscious changes in my life.
As spring creeps up, I realize even more how much I appreciate nature. We should all do our utmost to make sure it doesn't disappear. Our existence is entirely hinged on the health of our planet, after all.
I've been having two vegetarian days per week, I've found it's actually not that hard to do. I'm also avoiding beef- I don't eat it that often, but I'm trying to keep it to an absolute minimum now. Americans eat so much more meat compared to the rest of the world. I've also been trying to buy organic when I can afford it and only getting coffee that's fair trade.
I've also been trying to avoid plastics, but recycle them when I do use them. The products from my shop (excepting my lip balms) are packaged in cloth, glass jars and metal tins- all reusable.
I've even started using eco-friendly feminine hygiene products. Yes, it sounds bizarre and unsanitary, but it is not that bad. Up until about eighty years ago all feminine hygiene products were reusable. By using wet bags for storage, it's actually very neat and organize. After using, I simply soak them in a vinegar/water solution and then toss them in the laundry.
Now that it's warmer I've started taking my waks again and have been eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. I've also been trying to break myself of the habit of eating at one in the morning-- hard when rehearsals and homework keep me up that late.
It's not much, but we can all be healthier and maybe even happier and more connected to nature with a few small changes at a time. It makes me feel good to know I'm doing something to help myself and the planet. It doesn't feel like I'm giving anything up either, just gaining.