02.23.07
Posted in General, Owen at 1:13 pm by Debra
May my divergent thinker never change! Granted, it would probably drive some parents nuts that Owen cannot ever play with any toy as it is intended, but it thrills me to no end. I love his clever imagination and the inventive ways he comes up with to use his toys.
Today he took the polar bear from the Little People Zoo and decided that he should ride a school bus. Well, since we don’t have a school bus, I was wondering where he was going to go with this one. He retrieved his giant shape puzzle, removed the yellow rectangle and informed me that he does have a school bus. So, not only did the polar ride the puzzle school bus, he also flew the kite, played football, wrapped a present and ate pizza! Oh, then that playful polar bear frolicked with the kitty from another puzzle. Those polar bears sure get around . . .
And someday, Owen may just care about learning his letters and numbers. Until then, I am content and quite honestly, awe-stricken, to let his amazing mind expand and develop through his self-directed play.
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02.22.07
Posted in General, Owen at 9:50 am by Debra
Owen was counting money as he put it into his fishy bank today. “One, two, three . . . ” I asked him what came after three, and he replied, “A lot!”
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Posted in General, Musings, Scent-sational Information at 9:38 am by Debra
I cut three batches of soap yesterday. It never ceases to amaze me how the scent is released when the soap is cut. Why? I don’t know, because it makes perfect sense that cutting through the soap and exposing the inside will release the aromatic vapors right where I want ‘em . . . under my nose! But what I think is going to be a chore (it is the creative process of making the soap that I enjoy more) always ends up to be an experience. A sensual experience, as I get to feel the texture of the slightly soft soaps on my fingertips. A little workout, as I push down on my cutter using my whole upper body. An aromatic storm, as the scents surround me, transporting me to somewhere calm, or maybe rejuvenating me for the rest of the day, depending on the batch I am cutting. When I am done cutting my soap, I feel satisfied on so many levels, having not only enjoyed the experience, but also knowing that I am one step closer to using a new soap.
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Posted in General, Sales & Specials at 9:28 am by Debra
Just a quick post to let you know that if you place an order of 25.00 or more, you’ll receive free shipping for the months of February and March. So what are you waiting for? Stock up on soaps, body butters and anything else you’ve just got to have . . . now’s the time!
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02.21.07
Posted in Bath and Body Care, General, Recipes, Skin Care Tips at 4:54 pm by Debra
I have been neglecting sharing homemade body care recipes with you, I suppose since I am in eating mode this winter and have just been posting food recipes! Here’s a super-easy one that your skin and senses will adore . . .
After Bath Yum
- 1/4 c. virgin coconut oil (get this at a health food store, natural foods section of your supermarket or online)
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops rose geranium essential oil
- 2 drops patchouli essential oil
- 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
You can melt the VCO a bit if you find it easier to mix in the essential oils; otherwise, just blend and use! A little goes a long way, and slathering it on while your skin is still wet after a bath or shower is so perfect for retaining hydration.
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Posted in General, Musings, Owen at 2:21 pm by Debra
OK, if I knew the answer to this one, I’d be a much more effective business owner! But sometimes, that is what I feel like I am doing. Between a snotty-nosed toddler (and I mean literal boogers, not a bad attitude), keeping up the house, meals, errands, etc. and just trying to get some sleep, you’d think I was crazy to try to keep Debra’s Rhapsody up and running.
I suppose it is the passion for the scents that keeps me going, and knowing I have loyal customers waiting for the next batch of soap, wondering what I will dream up next and when their favorite soap will be reappearing once again.
Or maybe it is having the escape from all of the other stuff that motivates me to keep plodding on with DR . . . I mean, it is a delightful escape, to be elbow-deep in fair trade, unrefined shea butter, nostril deep in Rose Otto, French high-altitude lavender or divinely deep vetiver on any given day. Sure beats a day at the office . . .
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02.02.07
Posted in Food, Fun Stuff, General, Healthy Ideas, Recipes at 1:33 pm by Debra
I created this dish a while ago, but I made it again last night and realized that I had to post it here for you all to enjoy. It is a favorite in our house, even Owen loves it!
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
1 large zucchini, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, julienned
1 lb. crabmeat
fresh parsley
1 lb. penne (I use brown rice pasta)
1/3 c. lemon juice (maybe a little more?)
1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil (maybe a little more?)
1 tsp. Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute (or Mrs. Dash or any no-salt seasoning blend) or to taste
Saute first 4 ingredients in a deep skillet. Leave a good long time for this (maybe 1/2 hr?), as doing it slowly over low heat (med-low) until browned will slightly caramelize the veggies.
Meanwhile, cook pasta and prepare dressing.
When veggies are done, add crabmeat and parsley and heat through. Remove from heat and add dressing. Toss and serve.
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