SPRING IS IN FULL SWING

May 13, 2024


SPRING BY CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

There is no time like Spring,
When life’s alive in everything,
Before new nestlings sing,
Before cleft swallows speed their journey back
Along the trackless track –
God guides their wing,
He spreads their table that they nothing lack, –
Before the daisy grows a common flower
Before the sun has power
To scorch the world up in his noontide hour…




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COME OUT AND SEE US THIS EARTH DAY WEEKEND

April 22, 2024

Maya and I will be at the Northfield Earth Day Celebration this Saturday April 27th from 12 noon until 4 pm selling our handmade soaps and knitted washcloths so if you are in town drop by and say hi, we'd love to see you. 

This is going to be a great eco friendly event with educational presentations and workshops.  Come out to make a birdhouse, seed balls, and a pollinator box. Learn about growing your own food, creating bee lawns, composting and much more. 

We hope to see you there!



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SPRING HAS SPRUNG, THE GRASS IS RIZ, I WONDER WHERE THE FLOWERS IS?

April 21, 2024

The flowers are coming 😊


Spring and autumn uniquely embody the beauty of transition and renewal, and they are, without a doubt, my favorite times of year. Spring, in particular, is a season that feels like a gentle awakening. As the world shakes off the sleep of winter, vibrant colors emerge in a lively chorus of blossoms and fresh greenery. It's a profound reminder of the cycles of life, and during this time I find myself bursting with creativity and inspiration. Last month I immersed myself in making handcrafted soaps and knitting washcloths, fulfilling my need to create tangible expressions of my passions. Now, as the days grow warmer, my focus has shifted to planting. I can hardly contain my excitement as I watch trays of seeds come to life under the grow lights in my home, with the delicate sprouts of chamomile being the first to break through the soil.

Just a few days ago, my husband Ulises and I embarked on an adventure - a 1.5 hour drive north to purchase a locally handmade potting table that I have been searching for over the past three years. The long hours of kneeling and bending during planting seasons have taken a toll on our backs, and we knew it was time for a solution. After much searching, I stumbled upon a beautiful potting table on Facebook Marketplace. It was not only affordable but also crafted with impressive skill using repurposed wood, making it both sturdy and attractive. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this find, knowing it would allow us to take care of our plants while standing comfortably. 



So far I've started the following:

Calendula (for my salves)
Banana Pepper (for food)
Celosia (for the dye)
Zinger Hibiscus (for tea)
Beans (for food)
Bunching Onions (for food)
Gomphrena (for soap decorating)
Mongolian Giant Sunflowers (for the birds)
Spinners Ivory (or my spinning wheel)
Broom Corn (to make a broom)
Bergamot (for the pollinators)
Hopi Black Dye Sunflowers (for the dye)
Echinacea (for tea and tincture)
Yarrow (for pollinators and skin issues)
German Chamomile (for tea to stabilize mast cells)



 

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ANNOUNCING OUR NEW NEWSLETTER

March 4, 2024


It's that time of year again when excitement brews as we dive into planning for the upcoming craft markets. This season, I'm thrilled to announce a fresh initiative: a monthly newsletter dedicated to all the Soap Pixie fans who cherish our products and love engaging with the world of crafting! Titled: Pixie Particulars, this newsletter will be a delightful space where you'll find not only an array of free recipes and crafting ideas, but also nature photos that capture the beauty of the changing seasons, and even the occasional coupon for our soaps. It's more than just a sales pitch; it's an invitation to join a community that shares a love for creativity and holistic living. 

In an age dominated by the "buy and bye" mentality, I seek to cultivate a deeper connection with customers. That's why my newsletter will go beyond the standard business updates to foster a sense of belonging and engagement. Each month, while I'll certainly highlight my favorite soap of the month and keep you informed about the craft markets we'll be attending, I also want to share the wealth of knowledge I've gathered over the years in aromatherapy, herbalism, gardening, and crafting. This blend of content promises to make every edition of "Pixie Particulars" not just informative, but truly enchanting.

For those eager to be part of this journey, signing up for the Soap Pixie newsletter will be easy. You can enroll at any of the craft markets we will be participating in throughout the 2024 seasons - spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each newsletter will arrive in your inbox every month, delivered in a digital format that's simple, eco-friendly, and perfect for those who craft inspiration and creativity. I'm particularly excited about our first market of the year, the Northfield Earth Day Celebration on April 27, 2024, where you can join us not just to shop but to embrace a lifestyle that honors nature and craft. Let's create something beautiful together!

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DISCOVERING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ACUPUNCTURE: ALL I CAN SAY IS, WOW!

March 2, 2024

My doctor has been an incredible beacon of support throughout my healing journey, guiding me to various specialists who have each played a significant role in my recovery. Every person I've encountered along the way has been exceptionally nice, caring, intelligent, and genuinely helpful. It's clear that if more doctors mirrored the dedication and compassion that my doctor demonstrates, the world would undoubtedly be a much better place. Her commitment to her patients goes beyond the typical, as she truly invests her time and effort into understanding their needs and facilitating their well-being.

One standout professional in my experience has been acupuncturist Hongji Bessler. I genuinely can't rave about her enough; she is nothing short of incredible. The treatments she provides feel almost magical, and I wholeheartedly believe that my progress would not be what it is today without her expertise. Recently, she has incorporated electroacupuncture into my treatments, which involves stimulating the needles with an electrical current. This new approach has significantly alleviated my pain and improved the functionality of my digestive system, making a remarkable difference in my quality of life.

If you've never considered trying electroacupuncture for pain relief, I highly encourage you to look into it. Numerous studies highlight its benefits, showcasing how it can be an effective treatment option. One particularly compelling study discusses the positive outcomes experienced by patients, emphasizing reduction in chronic pain and enhanced overall sense of well-being. Such evidence reinforces the importance of surrounding oneself with a dedicated medical team that truly cares.

Mechanisms of Acupuncture-Electroacupuncture on Persistent Pain



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OUR FUR FAMILY NEEDS ALL THE GOOD THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS HE CAN GET

February 19, 2024

Our grand-dog has been facing a series of health challenges that has left our family deeply concerned. Recently, we learned that his ongoing issues may be linked to periodontal disease and fractured teeth. it was a terrifying moment when we nearly lost him back in December by some miracle he pulled through, but his recovery hasn't been without complications. Tomorrow he is scheduled to undergo a surgery to have his damaged teeth removed, and the vet will also perform a thorough examination of his mouth to check for any additional problems. The weight of worry is heavy on my heart as I can't shake the anxiety that comes with the thought of him undergoing this procedure.

Throughout this ordeal, he has been on numerous antibiotics to manage the persistent infection stemming from his dental issues, leaving my daughter little choice but to proceed with this surgery. We know that taking care of his teeth is crucial to his recovery, yet the risks associated with anesthesia and the surgery itself in his weakened state loom large in my mind. It's hard to comprehend the possibility of losing him, especially after he fought so hard to recover last December. All we can do is pray for a successful outcome and remain hopeful that he'll emerge healthier and happier in the days to come, ready to wag his little tail and go for the long walks that he loves.



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TO BE GRATEFUL

February 17, 2024

 

Despite my chronic health issues, I am overflowing with gratitude for the many blessings in my life. First and foremost, I cherish the happiness and health of my children. Watching them thrive and enjoy life brings me a profound sense of joy and purpose. Alongside this, I am incredibly thankful for my wonderful husband, whose unwavering support has been a constant source of strength through my struggles. His kindness and encouragement uplift me daily, reminding me that I am never alone in this journey.

Another reason for my gratitude is our beloved grand-dog, who defied the odds and continues to be a vibrant part of our family following a scare last December. His wagging tail and enthusiasm for our daily walks bring an extra layer of jour to our lives, a reminder of the simple pleasures that can ignite happiness even on tougher days. Additionally, I am thankful for our beautiful home, nestled in a location where nature thrives around us. Every day, we have the privilege of witnessing wildlife in our backyard, which adds an enchanting element to our routine. 

For many years, I turned to journaling during my moments of sadness, pouring my thoughts onto the page whenever life felt overwhelming. Recently, I've made a conscious shift towards embracing a daily gratitude journal. This practice has transformed my perspective, prompting me to pause and reflect on the positives in my life. By intentionally focusing on what's going well, I've noticed a remarkable improvement in my mood. Through this gratitude journey, I am continuously discovering just how rich my life truly is, revealing layers of appreciation that often go unnoticed amidst my health challenges. 

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