Auctiva Emporium: microbiding...need i say more?

have you ever found yourself askin' the age old question lord, how much more can one person take?...any other time i myself would be askin' it but i find myself bein' blessed with a peaceful, calmness...this year has had a few tryin' times in it startin' with the loss of my johnny 2...he was so much more than just a dog to me...he was my friend....to now be havin' back to back funerals....my uncle was buried on saturday and my special needs brother passed away on sunday with his funeral bein' today (wednesday)..please remember me and my family in your prayers...i would also like to thank everyone for bein' so understandin' with the delay on us gettin' back to you on your questions

huggin'

huggin' is healthy, it helps the body's immunity system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it's invigoratin', it's rejuvenation', it has no unpleasant side effects, and huggin' is nothin' less than a miracle drug.

huggin' is all natural, it is organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and 100% wholesome.

huggin' is practically perfect; there are no movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check ups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflammation-proof, non-fattenin', no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, theft-proof, non-taxable, non-pollutin' and of course fully returnable.

with all thus bein' said...hug someone today...life is short with none of us bein' promised tomorrow 

i would like to thank everyone for bein' so understandin' with the delay on us gettin' back to you on your questions due to us havin' back to back funerals....my uncle was buried on saturday and my special needs brother passed away on sunday with his funeral bein' today (wednesday)...i would like to ask everyone to remember me and my family in your prayers

Hi Crystal,

Have a question about inserts bleeding.... On my 'Oceans Bar', I pop a small colored soap into a large clear pour and finding days later the insert color is bleeding into the clear (ultra clear with ultra white insert).

Am I using too much color on the inserts (need to be bold)?

Should I add more oils to the inserts to harden them or could it be too much scented oils causing the bleeds?

Should the inserts 'cure' longer before use?

Lots of hands making these last batches and didn't get to supervise closely enough, hoping you'll know what caused this?

The photo attached is a red beach ball that is loosing its color (see white spot on top) and bleeding the color into the clear. This happens after the soap is hardened and out of the mold.

Appreciate any thoughts you'd have on this!

Thanks,
Kathy

hey girl...sorry it took a few to get back to you on this...this is an awesome ?...i wasn't real sure what to do about the bleedin'...i had to some searchin'...by the way i wanted to tell you i think your web site is awesome...if you didn't mind i would love to talk about you on my blog and show some of your pix...if you'd like you could tell me about yourself, how you got started, about sellin' your soaps, etc...just let me know :0)...ok back to the color bleed...Color bleed occurs in melt and pour soap when the color you've added doesn't stay where it's supposed to - when the color in an embed or section of of the soap "bleeds" or "migrates" into the section or part next to it after it is made - usually after couple of weeks. The blue in the blue layer starts to "leak" into the white layer...or the red in the hearts starts to bleed into the clear soap base. This happens primarily with liquid dye-based colors - but can happen with any colorant that is water soluble. Red is often the most problematic. Non-water-soluble colorants like oxides, pigments and micas will not bleed, but they do not provide bright, vibrant colors, and aren't as transparent. The red of an oxide is more of a brick red; the yellow, a mustard yellow. Several companies sell what are called "non-bleeding" colors. I have had mixed results with them. Again, the key factor is whether or not the dye is water soluble. If it is...it will mix in well, be clear, and likely more vibrant. But, it can bleed...Using a pigment, mica or oxide won't bleed, but the colors won't be as vibrant. The new "non-bleed" colors are complex combinations of dyes, pigments and polymers. Very interesting things...i'm going to be addin' your ? to the blog...if you have anymore ?'s ask and i'll do my very best to help...crystal...always remember to smile and have fun no matter what
 

wishin' all of my blogger friends a happy and safe labor day weekend and labor day...lord keep us all safe and free from harm...crystal

in memory of johnny 2 and to along with my third booklet...here are a few recipes for your dog(s)

Baby Food Dog Cookies
3 jars baby food
1/4c. cream of wheat
1/4c. dry milk
mix all ingredients well..drop tsp full balls onto grease cookie sheet and bake @ 350 degrees for 12~15 minutes
 

Bacon Flavored Dog Biscuits
5c. whole wheat flour
10 tbsp melted bacon fat (grease)
1c. milk
1/2c. water
2 eggs
1/4 tsp onion or garlic powder
1 tsp salt
mix ingredients well in bowl..form into ball place on greased cookie sheet then flatten with bottom of glass...bake @ 350 degrees for 35~40 minutes...cool completely before serving
 

Frosty Paws Ice Cream
32oz. vanilla yogurt
1 mashed banana or 1 large jar of banana baby food
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp honey
blend together well and freeze in small dixie cups...peel away the cup then put into dog bowl...an awesome treat on a hot day...i don't recommend using ice trays as your dog is likely to eat them so fast he/she could choke
 

i would like to thank everyone for all your kind words and prayers in the recent loss of my precious johnny 2...he's gone from my lap but, he'll be forever in my heart...crystal

hey y'all...i have to say that i really like to sew...i'm one of those people that can pretty much look at something and make it...there's only one problem with it...i don't know how to read/use a pattern...i've only tried once before now...i wanted to make a purse and i couldn't for the life of me figure it out so i found and bought the pattern...how hard could it be...right...oh my god...how hard could it be...i cut the pattern out...pinned it...so far so good...cut my fabric...i was movin' right along...until...i started readin' the instructions that came with it...it starts talkin' about notions, selvage edges, tracin' wheel, pattern weights, as well as the pattern itself is covered with all kinds of arrows, dots, lines, etc...needless to say i was so lost i didn't think i was ever gonna find my way back...i stopped readin' the instructions and decided to put the purse together...i have to say it turned out pretty cute...so cute i made a few for my cousins to use along with matchin' flip flops...i promised myself i wouldn't ever put myself through the dreaded pattern hell again...i love to look/read cookbooks and patterns...i know...right; patterns...but i still love to look through them...i saw the cutest little quilt and i would need the pattern to cut out the pieces...i told myself that i could do it...i wasn't gonna let it get me...so i bought another one....i'm tryin' not to stress out but, i'm still lost...i'm just gonna put down the booklet and walk away...i used to think it was awesome to look at it and make it...i'm thinkin' it's not all that now....i done a search on how to use a pattern however, it was more about the basics which i already knew...i've seen my mom use them :)...oh well...i'm sure i'm not the only one out there that can't read a pattern so i thought i'd pass along what i found

1. Select an easy pattern with a small number of pattern pieces. Read the pattern envelope to help select the appropriate fabric and notions (sewing supplies) needed for the sewing project. Buy the correct size by having a friend measure you first. Don't buy the size you get ready-made clothing in. Pattern sizing is very different. Look on the back of the pattern envelope and determine your size by the 'finished' measurements.
2. Open the envelope and read the directions. Find each pattern piece that you will need to use and cut it out. Pin the pieces together using 5/8" seam allowance. Make sure you double-check the seam allowance in the pattern because not all patterns use 5/8". You will have 1/2 of the garment. Have a friend check the fit and help you make any needed alterations in size or length.
3. Read the pattern user guide (sheet) to determine the sewing patterns' layout on the fabric. Be sure you understand the grainline of your fabric--this is the same as the direction of the selvage edges. Also check your fabric print to see if any images will be upside down.
4. Layout the patterns according to the user guide.
5. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric following the user guide. You can also use pattern weights so you won't damage fine/delicate fabric with your needles.
6. Use a pair of scissors specifically earmarked for cutting out paper sewing patterns. Keep another pair of 8" long scissors specifically earmarked for cutting out fabric. Sewing patterns tend to dull scissors and sharp scissors are needed to easily cut fabric. Cut the fabric using the pattern pieces as a guide.
7. Mark the patterns using tailors chalk or a tracing wheel and tracing paper. You can also make tape labels for the back of each pattern piece so you won't get confused when you start to sew and don't know what you are looking at.

Anyone who shaves may want to know how to stretch the use of their razor blades. Here are a few interesting pointers

People try all kinds of tricks to make razor blades last longer, including storing them in oil or even placing them on a prism to channel pyramid power into the blade. However here is a simple technique that seems to work: dry the blade after use. According to the Chicago Tribune, the concept is this: razor blade dullness stems more from oxidation and microscopic rusting, rather than from contact with whiskers. Water that sits on blades between shaves causes the oxidation. Corrosion can cause metal on the blade to flake off and the edge to become blunted and jagged. That results in blades pulling and tearing hairs instead of cleanly slicing through them.

By blotting his blades on a towel after use, someone extended the use of a blade from ten days to five months.

Or you can also “rinse the razor in water, shake excess droplets, dip it in alcohol, give it a good swirl (it really does clean far more thoroughly than water), then shake out and prop it in its holder. The alcohol drives the water out and then quickly evaporates.”

is there anything i can do to make my bar of natural soap last longer?

yes...simply use a soap dish with ridges that allows the soap to dry between each use...your natural soap will last up to 50% longer...don't let the soap set in the bath water while your using it...store unused soap in a cool, dry place as the heat and humidity of your shower can and will evaporate your soap away

why don't i get that squeaky clean feeling when i use your MP soap bases?

no worries all is great!!!...i couldn't be happier that you don't get that feeling when you use my MP soap bases :)...why you ask...because that squeaky clean noise you get rubbing your hand over your skin means that the detergent ridden commercial soap you've been using has taken all the natural moisture out of your skin....healthy, clean skin is not naturally squeaky....one can only hope you remain "squeakless"! :p

i hope this helps and if i can help you with anymore ?'s just let me know and i'll do my very best to get the most helpful answers to you...thanks so much...crystal...remember to always smile, have fun, and say something nice to a loved one :0)

remember to check out all of my blog for more helpful hints, tips, and tricks

broom superstitions

a broom dropping in front of the door means company before the day is over

always pick up, for luck, a brom that is lying on the floor or ground

always sweep dirt out the back door or you will sweep away your best friend

bad luck will befall you all year, if you sweep on new year's day

burn up the rubbish when you sweep on new year's day and you'll have money throughout the new year

carry a broom under your arm for luck

carrying a broom over your shoulder will give you bad luck

don't sweep immediately after the departure of a guest or you'll sweep him bad luck

dropping a broom while sweeping is the sign of new carpet

hitting someone with a broom means he'll go to jail before the week has passed

if a broom falls as you're passing it, you'll have bad luck

if a broom falls in front of you and you step over it before picking it up, you'll have a "bed of sickness"

if dirt is swept out a door before sunrise, you may expect bad luck

if dirt is swept out of the house on friday, the house will burn

if someone comes in to see you and you pick up a broom and go to sweeping in fron of them, that is the sign they're not wanted and you want them to go 

if you go to someone's house and have to step over a broom, it shows that the mistress of that household is an untidy housekeeper

if you hand a broom through a window to someone, you may expect bad luck

if you must borrow a broom, take it without the owner's knowledge, and you'll not have bad luck

if you must sweep on new year's day, you can avert bad luck by not taking up the dirt and leaving it in a pile on the floor

if you must sweep your kitchen after sunset, you can avert bad luck by burning the dirt

if you step over a broom you'll be arrested

if you sweep after dark you'll bring sorrow to your heart

if you sweep after dark, you'll sweep out the money made that day

if you sweep in front of someone, you're sweeping them off the earth

if you sweep under someone while their sitting in a chair, you're giving them bad luck

it causes bad luck to sweep a porch after dark

it's a sign of good luck to have a broom drop in front of you

it's a sign of misfortune, to lay a broom on the bed

it's unlucky to borrow a broom

it's unlucky to sweep on monday

it means bad luck when a broom falls across the derail

keep the corners of your broom square or even for luck

lean a broom against a bed and you'll be unlucky

let the broom rest with the straws up and you'll be lucky

letting the sweeping edge of a broom wear off at the two corners will bring you bad luck

never burn a broom; it'll bring you bad luck

never sweep dirt out the front door; it'll bring you bad luck

never sweep the kitchen after supper, whether daylight or dark, or you'll sweep out all your money

never sweep your kitchen early in the morning before sunrise, or you'll be unlucky

stepping over a broom will bring sorrow to your heart

stumbling over a broom handle will bring you good luck

sweep after dark and you'll never be rich

sweep on the third day after easter and you'll have bugs in your house

sweep the top of a bed and you'll have bad luck

sweeping dirt over a doorstep after 6:00pm will bring bad luck

the child who steps over a broom will get a whipping

to brush your boot with the broom while you're sweeping will give you bad luck for a week

to have good luck, place the broom on its handle in a corner

when a small child takes a broom and begins to sweep, company is coming

hey to all my blogger friends...today i was hit with the ?...what's wrong with my natural melt and pour soap base?...what's wrong indeed...could it be something you done?...where did you go wrong?...how could this have happened?...STOP!!!...maybe it could be nothing more than the natural MP soap base itself...perhaps it's nothing you done...perhaps you didn't do anything wrong...perhaps it's due to high content of coconut oil used in the natural MP soaps which makes it sweat and difficult to unmold...perhaps it's just that easy...the long and the short of it is...natural MP soap base can be somewhat of a pain to deal with...one must ask themselves is the benefit worth it or not...some say yes however, for those who haven't ever tried natural bases might just think different when trying to make their first bars...myself i don't like the stickiness of natural bases...i don't find it all that difficult to unmold...here in TN it gets very humid which in my opinion causes the natural bases to become very~very sticky...sweaty if you will...i will say in the natural MP soap bases defence i'm one of those people whom can't stand to get anything on their hands...that in itself could be my biggest problem with it...several people love the natural bases...you'll have to decide for yourself :p...i've done some searching trying to find out what if anything can be added to the different soap bases to make them harder...this is what i found...i'm not sure how well they work simply because i haven't tried them...if you choose to try any of them let me know what you thing and how well they work

Fats, oils and waxes are used to harden soaps. Beef or sheep tallow and pork lard have been used for years as the main fat ingredient for bar soaps. Tallow is the fat that has been rendered. Vegetable shortening and cocoa butter are used as well. Palm oil is also often preferred because it helps the batch to process quickly and to preserve well. Coconut oil and olive oil are also choices to harden soaps. Stearic acid is popular for hardening soaps and is found in tallow and palm oil or purchased separately. Another item that has been welcomed for its hardening quality is beeswax. Candelila wax and Bayberry wax can be used instead of beeswax, as can Jojoba oil since it has a wax structure which causes a batch of soap to thicken more rapidly.

remember...whether you use the "melt and pour" method or make soap from scratch, the main thing to use is good water. Distilled water is highly recommended because the additives in regular home drinking water could interfere with the soapmaking process.

how to swirl color in your melt and pour soaps

While I'm by no means an expert, I'll be glad to share what I've learned about swirling -- a process I love and which took me 8 pounds of M&P base and four weeks to sort of master -- at least get fairly consistent results.

For two colors, I melt M&P in to different containers. Cool until a skin forms, then add scent and stir the skin back in. If my stirring produces bubbles, then I spritz lightly with alcohol. I wait a few minutes (1-2 minutes -- trying to keep from messing with it), and stir one last time. I pour one color from one side of the mold, the second color from the other side -- slowly. As they meet in the middle of my mold, I spritz lightly with alcohol to keep them separate. Then I wait, do the swirling-waiting dance. When another skin forms, I remove this, THEN swirl gently with a knife or spoon to get my two colors to inter-face -- do gently or even this cool, they're apt to blend. That's it for two colors.

For three colors, someone (forgive me I'm terrible at remembering names -- sometimes even my own!) suggested making a triangle out of a medium-weight piece of cardboard to fit into your mold so that you have 3 compartments. After melting your base, scenting and coloring it, and after it cools and thickens (be patient here -- it takes a while -- the thickened-part is after a skin forms, after you stir this back in, and when the base gets a little like "just about to set up jello", then pour each into your cardboard-ed compartments. You can spray them with alcohol to keep the colors separate. Then I wait some more (this is when I was told one does the "swirling" dance - helps keep one's impatient fingers from messing things up -- again forgive my name memory loss). When another skin forms, stir this in. By now the base is getting thicker. You can at this point, remove the cardboard, and gently swirl the three colors together.

I also found that the type of mold I use makes a huge difference. The broader the mold versus the thicker the mold seems to work well. I add a bit of clear base to the white to "lighten it" some so that the swirling would work better.

This seems to work for me -- though I find that if I'm too impatient (which is often!), then my swirls won't look as nice. It really is the temperature (in my humble experience) and seems to keep the swirls a swirl and not a blend.

i'm not real sure who wrote this as it was sent to me and the person wasn't sure who wrote it either...oh well...i wasn't clever enough to come up with it...i am however; clever enough to pass it on to you as another way to make your soaps...good luck and happy soap makin' :p