New blog! (and etsy too)

To my dear followers:

I have started a new blog that will be a take off of this one and I would love it if you would join me.  You can find it here.  I am going to keep the focus at spascentz mainly to all natural bath and body products and will not be blogging on other home crafts.  In addition, I am hoping to find some success in opening an etsy shop here.  After much thought and plenty of nerves I have decided that I am going to shoot for my own star and try to fulfill my own dreams.  The 'usual' me would back away out of fear but I am trying to tackle the new year with a different attitude.  I hope you will join me.  If not at spascentz, then at least with a new attitude not born out of fear.  God is good.  He will bless us all if we put our hope and trust in Him.  No matter what happens, we (I) are not failures but on a learning journey.  Thanks for everything. 

Starting your own business?

This may seem a little off base with the rest of my postings.....then again, maybe not. I have been toying around with the idea of selling the majority of the bath/spa products that I make. I have been considering starting this online either through my blog or through Etsy. I LOVE making these things. I love sharing the recipes and watching others succeed with those recipes. I love the feedback I have been given on my sinus bath bombs that have truly helped other people among other things. So....my question to you is ......Where do I start or should I start? I have an idea of pricing and cost of materials. I even have a federal EIN number but nothing with the state. I am good with math but would prefer to remain on the creative side of things if that's possible. I have never been a 'salesman' type person in that I'm not pushy or just out looking for the next sale. I don't want anyone to buy anything off of me for any other reason than you love the product. What do you think???? (please be kind with your criticisms)

DIY Sugar/Salt Scrubs

I know I have posted my own scrub recipes before but I thought it would be cool to share some of the scrubs I have seen others make.  They are super super simple, most of the ingredients you should already have on hand, they are easy on your wallet, make great gifts and....boy do they ever leave your skin feeling super soft!  I cannot say enough good things about them.  So, without further ado:

Chocolate peppermint scrub

Pumpkin spice sugar scrub

Lavender sea salt scrub

Vanilla brown sugar scrub

Not that I would suggest doing so, but some of these sound good enough to eat.  Enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha Lip Balm

One of my favorite drinks of the season is Starbucks peppermint mocha.  I love it so much that I order it all year round.  Well, even when you order the 'skinny' version of this drink, you still have to be careful as to how much you consume.  The calories still rack up quick!  So, how can I get the 'sensation' of drinking those lil' yummies without consuming the calories?  Make my own lip balm of course.  While this recipe does call for alot of ingredients remember that, in most cases you can substitute oils for what you have on hand.

Recipe:

.5 oz. almond oil

.5 oz. shea butter

.5 oz. cocoa butter

.5 oz beeswax

1 tsp veg. glycerin

1 tsp.  shaved or chopped semi-sweet chocolate

1 tsp. of powdered sugar

10 dr. peppermint oil.

Melt the butters and beeswax over low heat or in a microwave until melted.  Add chocolate and sugar. Stir until dissolved or continue to add a little more heat.  Once all combined and melted, add peppermint oil and glycerin.  Pour into sterilized containers.  Allow to cool.  Use as often as needed or whenever you want to enjoy that mocha freshness.

*one option for purchasing containers is www.specialtybottle.com.  I have nothing but good things to say about this company.



She's baaaaack! :)

Wow!  I didn't realize just how much I have missed this blog over the past 8 months!  I wish I could report that it was all good news as to why I have been away for so long.  Not to start back up on a down note, but it's been a rough one that has kept me away.  We have had 2 deaths between family and friends and my mother has been placed in a nursing due to her quick progression with Alzheimer's.  I spent a good amount of time with family out of state in caring for her amongst other family issues.  I apologize for my quick exit and no response as to where I have been.  

On to the new.  I have every intention of continuing with my 'fabulous formulas' series in the coming weeks.  I am going to incorporate Christmas gifts into that theme that are quick, easy, and last minute options for those on your list (did I mention budget friendly too?).  So gear up and get ready.....cause......she's baaaaaack!  :)