Cora's Blissfully Natural Oil - How it Came to B

Cora is an amazing person and sometime I just have to turn her loose to do her own thing. Well on one of those free to be Cora days she was working with the oils, mixing this and mixing that just experimenting as she sometimes does. When I walked in and ask what are you making and she answered; just making something for my face, arms and legs. I thought OK! Now we have oil on the counter again. When she was done I ask how are you going to preserve it? So she goes online while I am doing some paper work and comes up with rose hips and explains it all to me; on how rose hips if full of vitamin C, and that it was used in the old days as a preservative . I think OK lets put in a bottle and send it out to our test friends and family. Two or three weeks passed, nothing. Then one day one of the friends called and asks if I had tried the oil, I said no. Cora uses it but I haven’t tried it. She said this is the greatest oil, your skin drinks it in and how silky soft it leaves it. How great it was as an oil treatment for her hair. Then tells me that when you use it on your hands you can rub it across a sheet of paper and it does not smear or leave an oil stain. The whole time I am thinking (you have got to be kidding Me) I did not say that but I thought it.
To make a long story short we added Cora’s Blissfully Natural Oil to our products and it is now one of our best sellers, our local customers love it and at Craft show we almost always sell out.

You only have to use a few drops for your hands and face.

The oils are listed on the bottle, if you ask Cora she will tell you that it is the recipe and it’s a secret. She mixes it herself, won’t even let me see the recipe.
Just a little FYI

Challenged in the Kitchen - Au Gratin Spuds‏

1. cook in skins bake or boil 3 # potato's. about 6 potato's

2. cool, peel, and dice spuds

3. make cheese sauce by:

melt in sauce pan 1/4 c butter

add 5 tablespoon flour and cook in butter till thickened.

gradually add, stirring constantly 3 c milk

add 1 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper cook on low heat until thick and smooth

4. add 1 c shredded cheese and allow to melt what ever cheese you like or have on hand

5. In a greased casserole dish alternate potato's and cheese sauce. (you can also add a diced onion to spuds)

6. sprinkle top with 1/2c grated cheese. I use more than that...because we like cheese.

7. Bake at 375 for 25 min or until cheese on top is bubbly

dragonfly

This is Our High Desert Fresh Goats milk soap, this is our summer time best seller. This soap is for the outdoorsmen start using it now and keep those summer pest at bay. This is safe for use on children. and smell fresh and clean.

Next stop CreativeCoveJewelryDesigns

Lets all take the crazy train to CreativeCoveJewelryDesigns

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=117802

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies

These are the Best Brownies, Try them you will love them.

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies

1 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup milk
1 1/4 cups pecan pieces, divided
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 (10 ounce) package peanut butter chips
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. Add flour, cocoa and milk; beat until blended. Stir in 1 cup pecans. Pour into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or just until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup butter and peanut butter chips, stirring constantly. Stir in sweetened condensed milk until smooth; pour over baked layer.

Place chocolate chips in a self-sealing plastic bag. Place in hot water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds or until chips are melted when bag is pinched with fingers. Drizzle bars with melted chocolate; sprinkle with remaining pecans. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Cut into bars.

Yields 2 dozen.

Crazy Trains Next Stop SilverRiverJewelry

Fine artisan jewelry made with a variety of techniques including wire wrapping, metal smithing and lapidary (rocks). I make elegant, affordable, well made jewelry with a touch of whimsy.

Hand crocheted copper wire interlaced with a black ribbon. The black and cream flowered cabochon give this bracelet an old fashioned Victorian feel. Surprisingly comfortable and slightly stretchy to wear
This is the next Stop on the Crazy train, stop bye for a visit.

djstoreroom is the next stop on this crazy train

Decorate your work desk with this mirror for that nature feel. Besides the pretty lavender art work, this mirror is totally practical for keeping your hair and makeup in place during work.

Crazy Trains Next Stop 3zArt Studio

A mouse pad a day will keep you at play!!
3zart has something for everyone check out her Studio.
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=124766

3zArt

I LOVE 3Zart mouse pad they are on my list of thing to buy for Christmas this year, Everyone need two or three mouse pads.
Just to spice up your day.

Mouse Pad - Cows and Flowers
Measures: 7-3/4" Tall by 9-1/4" Wide and 1/4" Thick
Rubber non-slip Backing.
All our Mouse Pads are hand-made using a technique similar to heat pressing.

Take A Ride on the Crazy Train - AccessoriesByGottjoy

AccessoriesByGottjoy
White mother of pearl beads in oval and diamond shapes are accented by 4mm peach Swarovski bicones.

The focal point of the necklace is a shell that has been sliced crosswise. It measures 2 inches long by 1 inch wide or 49x25mm.

The necklace is approximately 18 inches in length and it is completed with a gold plated hook and eye clasp.

I have used 49 strand beading wire for extra strength and durability.

The matching earrings hang from french earwires that are made from gold plate over surgical steel and are approximately 1 inch long.
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=109631

What You Might Not Know About Your Personal Care Products

What you Might Not Know about your Personal care Products
Please Read this

Back when Cora’s Blissfully Natural Products was a 4-H project; She had to do research on what was in our own personal care products. This is some of what she found. Needless to say we never used them again.

The Information below was used for Cora’s 4-H Oral Presentation that year.


POPULAR BUZZ WORDS.
Although there are many popular buzzwords in the market place today here are three; Pure, Natural, Non-Toxic.
The very name makes these words sound like the product should be healthy for you, right? That’s the deception. . Let’s discuss the three words mentioned above one at a time.
Pure.
The dictionary’s definition of Pure is “unmixed or unpolluted”. “Absolute”.
The Cosmetic Industry’s definition of Pure is any product containing any ingredient or portion thereof that could be traced back to a pure or original origin. In other words, if there is a “trace” of something original in there, you can call the whole product pure. I hardly think this makes the product “unpolluted” or “absolute”.
Natural:
The dictionary’s definition of Natural is: “Pertaining to, in accordance with, or determined by, nature; Being or found in its native state”. “Not artificial”.
According to the Cosmetic Industry, you can proudly display the “natural” label if at least 5% of the ingredients are derived from a natural source. This means that you could have one ingredient that has a minimum of 5% of that ingredient that has come from a natural source and that is enough to meet the labeling requirements to call the entire product “Natural”. That means your product could be 5% natural and 95% artificial and still be called “natural”.
Webster’s Dictionary defines Non Toxic as: “not producing or resulting from poison”.
The cosmetic industry gives this definition: “If no more than 49% of all laboratory animals that the product is tested on die, then you can call the product Non Toxic.” That means that the product could be 48.9% likely to kill you. I don’t know about you, but I’m not willing to take those odds. That is a rather risky gamble with your health.

To further complicate the issue, we have no real hope for relief from the manufacturers’. Here is the reason why. The cosmetic/personal care industry is self regulating. That means, the only ones that are looking out for the consumer is the manufacturer of the product.

DID YOU KNOW... Recently a thousand people had to be evacuated from their homes, By order of OSHA because a factory near their homes had a one-gallon spill of a hazadorous chemical. This ingredient is used in hair shampoo!!!!

This is just the beginning of the list of chemicals to avoid in products you use daily:
1. Cocoamide DEA, diethanolamine, TEA, triethanolamine, MEA
2. Propylene glycol, propylene oxide, polyethylene glycol
3. Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate
4. Sodium Fluoride
5. Mineral Oil , Petrolatum and Coal Tar
Q. What is DEA?
A. - DEA is diethanolamine, a chemical that is used as a wetting agent in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetics. DEA is used widely because it provides a rich lather in shampoos and keeps a favorable consistency in lotions and creams. DEA by itself is not harmful but while sitting on the stores shelves or in your cabinet at home, DEA can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula to form an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA). NDEA is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach, esophagus, liver and bladder cancers.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
TEA
diethanolamine.htm", TEA (Triethanolamine). DEA and TEA can result in the formation of carcinogens in products containing nitrite preservatives. Chemical reactions between nitrites and DEA/ TEA occur during the manufacturing process and while products are stored in their containers. This reaction leads to the formation of nitrosamines. Most nitrosamines, including those formed from DEA or TEA, are carcinogenic.
PEG
The Industrial World USES Propylene Glycol (PG) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG): Industrial Antifreeze, Brake/Hydraulic Fluid, Paint, Airplane De-Icer. These chemicals have been found to cause adverse health effects: contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities; Inhibit skin cell growth in human tests; Damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage to the skin.


SLS
Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulfate: Engine Degreaser, Garage/Concrete Floor Cleaner, Car Wash Soap; Surrounds hair follicle in shampoo to keep it from growing, causes hair to fall out; keeps children's eyes from developing properly, causes cataracts in older people; In Toothpaste: Weakens enamel on teeth to cause cavities: SLS is very abrasive and may burn the skin, mouth, Canker sores, or scalp. Products commonly found to contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLES
Soaps
Shampoos
Bubble-baths
Tooth paste
Washing-up liquid / dish soap
Laundry detergent
Children's soaps / shampoos
Stain Remover
Carpet Cleaner
Fabric glue
Body wash
Shave cream
Mascara
Mouthwash
Skin cleanser
Moisture lotion / Moisturizer
Sun Cream

Don’t believe this take a look for your self.
resourceshort.htm"
"resolveuid/c62b879418ec3c266e42fee71aedf90f"
"http://www.pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/pfcs".
"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep”
"http://www.pollutioninpeople.org/safer/products/cosmetics".
"resolveuid/fb38d213916ab279452f744c9f62b51f"
http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sls-health-implications.html"

PLEASE READ YOUR LABELS!
The way Cora looked up the ingredients in our products, was one at a time.
Cora’s research took weeks.
Cora's Blissfully Natural Products
We take a great deal of effort to make sure you are getting additive and Preservative Free Products, All Ingredients are listed on every Item we sell.
Check out our Studio at www.dragonfly.artfire.com

Get You Business Started with Bootstrap Financing

I found this and wanted to share it with you! Get Your Business Started with Bootstrap Financing

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Work - Entrepreneurs

Written by Hybrid Mom

The one thing everyone needs before starting a business is money. When you are thinking about raising money for your business, bootstrap financing – using your own money to get your business off the ground – may be an option you should consider, said Glenn Muske, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension interim associate dean, assistant director, family and consumer sciences. “Bootstrap financing is a popular way of inside funding since it relies on your capability to make use of your company’s resources to free additional capital to begin a venture, operational needs or expand your business,” Muske said. “This is one of the most inexpensive and best routes for an entrepreneur to explore when raising capital. It is a way to manage finances better and pull yourself up without the assistance of others.” Entrepreneur.com lists a number of advantages to using bootstrap financing. They include: * Since less is being borrowed you business will be worth more and therefore, no equity positions had to be surrendered. * There will not be any high interest on borrowed money. * With less debt on hand, you will appear more desirable to external lenders and investors when the time comes to use these routes. * You can be more creative when looking for ways to raise profits, without looking to external sources. Bootstrap financing can come in the form of trade credit, customer credit, real estate and from equipment suppliers. Muske said the type of financing you choose depends on the business. “Another thing to consider when beginning a business venture is whether to lease and not purchase,” he said. “If you are able to shop around and get a good leasing arrangement it will help your business by making smaller payments, you retain the ability to walk away at the end of the lease term and often you may be able to negotiate built-in maintenance provided by the lessor.” Bootstrap financing starts and ends with a business’s good financial management decisions. Muske said it is important for business owners to be aware of purchasing decisions and if a purchase is not necessary for the business then really reconsider. “Operating expenses are also important to keep a close eye on,” he said. “It doesn’t take too many unpaid bills to wipe out the profits a business has made.”

Next stop on the Crazy Train is

Alisuns


Stop My and visit Alisuns


ALISUNS IS HAVING A 15 PERCENT OFF SALE FROM NOW UNTIL MOTHER'S DAY. PRICES LISTED ALREADY REFLECT THE DISCOUNT. Please note that all domestic first class shipments under 13 oz are without cost to the customer.

The Crazy Train

Studio of the day on the Crazy train Is!
picardcreative This is on of my favorites.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=174431

Give her studio a look! There is something for everyone!

How to be Handsome Cosmetiques ( the Lips )

I just happen to have a few pictures of different ladies in our family about 1850. The women all seem to have tiny lips or they looked so unhappy.

Commenced in youth, thick lips may be reduced by compression, and thin linear ones are easily modified by suction. This draws the blood to the surface, and produces at first a temporary and, later a permanent inflation. It is a mistaken belief that biting the lips reddens them. The skin of the lips is very thin, rendering them extremely susceptible to organic derangement, and if the atmosphere does not cause chaps or parchment, the result of such harsh treatment will develop into swelling or the formation of scars. Above all things keep a sweet breath.

Everybody can not have beautiful hands, but there is no plausible reason for their being ill kept. Never bathe them in hot water, and wash them no oftener than is necessary. There dozens of women with soft, white hands who do not put them in water once a month. Rubber gloves are worn in the toilet, and they are cared for by an ointment of glycerin and rubbed dry with chamois-skin or cotton flannel.

Thin lips, we as women today plump our lips. As for washing the hand once a month, (I don’t think so!)
Remember this is a not beauty tip, this is how it was once upon a time by the women of our past.

How to be Handsome Cosmetiques ( one of the 1800's beauty uses of ammonia)

The Ladies of the 1800’s had little to nothing to go on. The things that they used as beauty treatments shocks the heck out of me! Are you ready to step back in time?

One of the most useful articles of the toilet is a bottle of ammonia, and any lady who has once learned its value will never be without it. A few drops in the water takes the place of the usual amount of soap, and cleans out the pores of the skin as well as a bleach will do. Wash the face with a flesh-brush, and rub the lips well to tone their color.

It is well to bathe the eyes before putting in the spirits, and if it is desirable to increase their brightness, this may be done by dashing soapsuds into them. Always rub the eyes, in washing, toward the nose. If the eyebrows are in inclined to spread irregularly, pinch the hairs together where thickest, If they show a tendency to meet, this contact may be avoided by pulling out the hairs every morning before the toilet.

The dash of Orientalism in costume and lace now turns a lady’s attention to her eyelashes, which are worthless if not long and drooping. Indeed, do prevalent is the desire for this beautiful feature that hairdressers and ladies’ artists have scores of customers under treatment for invigorating their stunted eyelashes and eyebrows.

To obtain these fringed curtains anoint the roots with a balsam made of two drachms of nitric oxide of mercury mixed with one of the leaf lard. After and application, wash the roots with a camel’s hair brush dipped in warm milk. Tiny scissors are used, with which the lashes are carefully pulled and slightly trimmed every day. When Obtained, refrain from rubbing or even touching the lids with the finger nails. There is more beauty in a pair of well kept eyebrows and full sweeping eyelashes than people are aware of, and a very unattractive and lusterless eye assumes new beauty when it looks out from beneath a elongated fringes.

WARNING this not a Beauty tip!!
This is more of a history lesson.