TRANSFORMING A SINGLE MAGICAL MOMENT INTO MULTIPLE

August 28, 2023

For quite some time my husband has been urging me to resume feeding the hummingbirds that once filled our yard with joyful activity. Memories of those days flooded back-the little feathered creatures flitting from feeder to feeder. However, I resisted, knowing my track record with maintaining their feeding station was spotty at best. In the past, I frequently forgot to clean the feeders or change out the sugar water every three days, which can be detrimental to the delicate birds. So, I chose to give up on the endeavor altogether, convinced it was for the best.

But recently, something changed in my mind. As I lounged on the deck I noticed a solitary hummingbird flitting around the flowers, seeming to search for sustenance. The moment took an enchanting turn when this little bird ventured closer, hovering just two inches from my head. It held its position, eyes fixed on me, as if trying to communicate something profound. That brief moment felt almost magical, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it was a sign - a gentle nudge urging me to bring the feeders back to life.

Motivated by this unexpected connection, I hurried inside to whip up some sugar water. With eager anticipation, I placed two feeders, one on the deck and another in the garden, strategically positioned to invite the beautiful birds back. To my amazement, it wasn't long before a flurry of activity erupted. Almost immediately half a dozen hummingbirds appeared, darting around in a lively dance that I had never witnessed before in such numbers. Capturing their fleeting beauty on camera proved to be quite a challenge; their speedy movements often resulted in a blurry images. Yet, after several attempts, I succeeded in snapping a couple of shots, preserving a glimpse of the vibrant chaos. The experience transformed my outdoor space, rejuvenating not just the environment but also my spirit, reminding me of the joys that come from reconnecting with nature.





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SOAPY CUPCAKES FOR THE KIDS ARE ON THE WAY

August 25, 2023

In June, I decided to take my passion for crafting to the next level by bringing mini soapy cupcakes to the Riverwalk Market in Northfield. To my delight, they turned out to be a tremendous hit! children were particularly drawn to these adorable little soaps, especially the ones designed to resemble popular treats like cupcakes and donuts. There's something magical about the way these whimsical creations capture their attention. The vibrant colors and playful shapes spark joy and imagination. While it was an absolute blast to make them, I must admit that my piping skills still need a bit of work. 😅

Fast forward to September, and I've whipped up a new batch of soapy cupcakes, this time infused with the delightful scent of Berry Bliss fragrance oil. The aroma is simply irresistible, reminiscent of sweet summer days. Of course, I have to remind everyone that while they look good enough to eat, they're purely for pampering and not for consumption. It's such a thrill to share these enchanting creations with others, knowing that they not only brighten up the bath time but also bring a smile to anyone who encounters them. Who knew soap making could be such a fun creative endeavor?


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NEW SOAPS FOR THE AUTUMN SEASON

August 24, 2023

As September approaches, the excitement for fall begins to fill our home, where we eagerly embrace the start of meteorological fall on September 1st. 🍁 The transition is marked by a vibrant burst of autumn colors-orange, yellow, and red - as we adorn our living space with seasonal decorations. Halloween motifs start to appear, inviting a sense of playfulness and nostalgia, while the cracking warmth of bonfires fills the air with that unmistakable scent of cozy gatherings. We indulge in the comforting aroma of pumpkin scented candles, which flicker gently, heralding the comforting embrace of fall. Additionally, our handcrafted fall soaps make their way to our website, ready to delight customers with their seasonal fragrances. 

This year, we are thrilled to introduce a curated collection of fall soaps just in time for the season. Each handmade creation is infused with scents that epitomize autumn, inviting everyone to indulge in the essence of this magical time of year. I'll be featuring these delightful soaps not only on our website but also at the Northfield Riverwalk Market, where I'll have the pleasure of showcasing them on September 2nd, September 16th, and October 14th. I warmly invite anyone in the area to stop by our booth, where you can experience the wonderful new scents firsthand. There's nothing quite like the thrill of fall, and I can't wait to share with you!

Autumn Fig

Rosehip Jasmine

Apple Sage


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CONTAINER GARDENING: YES, PUMPKINS CAN THRIVE IN POTS

August 23, 2023

For the past few years, my quest to grow pumpkins on my deck has been nothing short of a comedy of errors. Initially, I tried my luck in the garden, dreaming of vibrant orange fruits adorning my space, but each time a wild critter - a mischievous squirrel or hungry bunny - would sneak in and devour my tender plants before they could even bear a single fruit. Frustrated, I switched to pot gardening, hoping that the elevated space would keep my crops safe. While the plants flourished and produced beautiful flowers, I was left disheartened as they failed to develop pumpkins. This year, however, my determination propelled me to conduct some research that revealed I had been underestimating the importance of pot size. I promptly upgraded to a larger container, and to my surprise, I found two pumpkins developing! My excited was palpable, but I faced a new challenge: I planted them far too early, meaning I needed to strategize on how to keep my pumpkins healthy and vibrant until Halloween - a goal that had been my inspiration from the very beginning.

Reflecting on this year's experience, I've gained valuable insights that I plan to implement in the future. One of the main lessons was that size truly matters; next year I will invest in a 10-gallon pot to give my pumpkin plants ample room to flourish. Perhaps this change will not only yield larger pumpkins but could also increase the number of fruits I can harvest. Armed with newfound knowledge and a hint of experience, I'm more optimistic than ever about pumpkin growing endeavors. With each setback I've grown a little wiser, and I can't wait to see what next season brings. For now, my two early pumpkins will be lovingly tended as I plot my strategy for a bigger, better harvest in the coming year.

Update in Sept. 2024. The two pumpkins kept for nearly one year in perfect condition in our cold basement. No treatments to preserve either one was needed. Just shy of a year the larger one developed a soft spot that became moldy.



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A VISUAL DIARY OF MY BIRD WATCHING ADVENTURES

August 22, 2023

When I first got sick in 2018, the world around me felt heavy and daunting. Each day was marked by physical limitations, and the simplest tasks became monumental challenges. It was during this time that I rediscovered the simple joy of watching birds. Having always appreciated their beauty and grace, I never imagined the depth of solace they could provide. As I sat on my deck, unable to walk, I turned my attention to the vibrant life fluttering in my yard. The cheerful chirping sparrows, the elegant swoops of the robins and the delightful songs of the thrusts created a soundtrack that eased my mind. In those moments as I watched them playfully flit about, I found a sense of contentment and calm that was desperately needed. 

Recently, as I venture back into the world, I find myself reflecting on those early days. I can hardly believe how far I've come, yet the connection I have forged with my wild bird neighbors remains strong. Each photograph I take is a testament to my journey - both the struggles and the healing. These images are filled with the laughter of birds flitting about, a stark contrast to the silence I felt when I was at my lowest. 

As I share these snapshots of my avian friends, I hope to convey not only my love for them but also the pivotal role they played in my recovery. They serve as a reminder that beauty persists, even in the toughest of times. 

















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