Refreshing peppermint and spearmint blended with soothing lavender. This scent brightens my day every time I smell it. It goes well with my Minty Lavender lip balm and sugar scrub too... (Minty Lavender Soap, $5.00)
One of my favorite websites to read is Totally Looks Like. Seriously, it cracks me up every time.
Ben and I were in Austin this weekend. Friday night we were at a breakfast-for-dinner party, and Saturday night was game night. Lots of fun times! Yesterday for lunch we went someplace I hadn't been before -- Shady Grove. Not only was the food really good, the scenery was great too. Huge shade trees cover the entire back patio area, which keeps the whole area nice and cool.
This morning I was browsing Graph Jam, and came across the following graph. Now I have Sesame Street songs stuck in my head. Thanks, Graph Jam.
Well thanks for asking! The answer is... a lot! I have a batch of NEW lip balm waiting to be labeled, along 
From Cracked.com, a pretty hilarious website, the number 1 most ridiculous band name in rock history. (Click here if you want to see the other 24.)
The story: aka Chk-Chk-Chk. In the movie The Gods Must Be Crazy, the clicks in the Bushmen's native language were represented with exclamation marks in the subtitles. The band thought that was cool, apparently, and named themselves three clicks. (This also makes the second band that's completely unsearchable by Google.)
Why it's ridiculous: "Hey, Nic Offer, lead singer of the three-exclamation-mark band whose name I can't even begin to pronounce, even after I heard them masturbating all over you on NPR, why did you name your band three exclamation marks?"
"Have you seen the movie The Gods Must Be Crazy?"
"No."
"Oh. Well, then I really can't explain it."
(A Coke bottle descends from the sky and hits Offer on the head, sending him on an amazing journey of discovery.)
As I wait (patiently) for the Fed Ex guy to get here, I can't help but remember one of my favorite movies, Empire Records. For those of you who haven't seen this movie, you're missing out--this movie is greatness! Basically, it's about some high school kids who work at a record store. But today isn't any ordinary day, it's Rex Manning day! Aged singer Rex Manning is coming to the store to sign autographs. Rex Manning day! I feel like that today....it's iPhone day!!!
My very first blog giveaway ends tonight, at midnight EST! If you haven't entered yet, you still have time. I'll draw a winner first thing tomorrow morning. If you've already entered, check back tomorrow to find out who will get their very own Bohemian Rose soap and sugar scrub!
OK, I'll admit it. I like alliteration. First I did Friday Features, then I added Hump Day Humor. Now I'm trying out Music Mondays. Hey, alliteration is catchy.
to pick two shades of the mineral foundation. So if you're not quite sure which shade is best for you, you don't need to buy two of the full size foundations! The Starter Kit also comes with one shade of blush, and a sample of the finishing powder, along with all of the brushes you need to apply your new mineral makeup. I never wear blush, so I honestly didn't put a whole lot of thought into which shade to pick. But Angela apparently thought that the one I picked was too dark, because she included a little baggie sample of a shade lighter blush. And you know what, I think she was right. Thanks, Angela, for keeping me from looking like a clown! :)
For today's Hump Day Humor, I've prepared a joke. Why was 6 afraid of 7?
To celebrate my birthday (which is today - yay!), I thought I'd try my hand at a blog giveaway. Since this is my first blog giveaway, I thought I'd include a couple of my favorite items to use. By the way, that didn't narrow down my choices at all, since I definitely use all of my own products!
Last weekend when Ben and I went down to Austin, we went ahead and bought my birthday present, even thought it was a week and a half early. I had asked Ben for a mountain dulcimer, but since he had absolutely no idea what it was in the first place, I did some research and found exactly what I wanted. We could either have it shipped directly from McSpadden Dulcimers in Arkansas, or, since we were going to be in Austin anyway, pick it up at a folk music store, Fiddler's Green, that sold them.
In honor of today being my mom's birthday, I thought I'd post something she'll think is funny. Happy birthday, mom!
So you saw that I was out in Lubbock taking a two week class, and then you stuck around to read Part II about Orff Schulwerk. Now, the thrilling conclusion... Part III, all about Kodaly!
Recently I posted about a two-week summer training I was taking. I mentioned the two main philosophies of elementary music education, Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly. Many music educators feel that you're either in the Orff camp or the Kodaly camp, but not both. I disagree. Both can, and should, be used together to create more meaningful experiences for the children in the music class.
The American Orff-Shulwerk Association has a wonderful explanation of what Orff Schulwerk is. Basically Orff Schulwerk is a way to teach music that involves a lot of student creativity using 
Thanks to Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman (pronounced Kate-mahn) and their work together, we have such a wonderful methodology. You may have heard of Carl Orff as a composer -- Carmina Burana is probably his most famous work. Orff and Keetman wrote four volumes of music, Music for Children. These volumes are wonderful pieces of music that children absolutely love to play and create with. My favorite piece from the volumes is Street Song. It's very challenging, but so much fun to play.
If you're an elementary music teacher, and interested in taking Orff training, I highly recommend taking it at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. All of the teachers there are absolutely top notch, and they create an environment where you can feel comfortable to learn and grow.
I've been to your Art Fire and Etsy shops, and they're both on vacation! Where did you go???
If you're asking yourself this oh-so-important question, you've come to the right place. Both of my shops are temporarily on vacation for two weeks, until Sunday, June 21. So never fear, they'll be back up and ready for your soapy needs in another week!
Right now I'm in the very flat city of Lubbock, TX, taking a two week elementary music education training. This summer I'm taking Kodaly Level I. There are all together four levels of training to take before I can say I'm Kodaly certified. My roommate is taking Level II this summer... Here's hoping I can stick it out to the bitter end!
If you're asking yourself, what *is* Kodaly anyway? read on.
There are two major schools of thought in music education - Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly. (As a side note, I'm already Orff certified. You'll see how Orff and Kodaly go wonderfully together in the classroom.)
Check back later for my gripping part II to find out exactly what Orff and Kodaly entail!
Today's Friday Feature is Johnny's Sister. I recently bought a tote bag from her and absolutely love it. Not only is it big enough to hold all of my stuff, it also has pockets. Definitely a plus for me.
Johnny's Sister also makes unique jewelry. My favorite in her shop is the Spare Change Choker/Wrist Wrap. I love the brightness of the silk cord that the vintage Indian coin is strung on. (Spare Change Choker/Wrist Wrap, $18.00)
Our last day of school for the year was today. Even though I have to be at school tomorrow for our workday, I'm going to go ahead and say it... School's out!
Is it bad that I already miss my kiddos a little bit?
The Art Fire Treasure Hunt starts today! (I blogged about it earlier this month if you're wondering what in the heck I'm talking about.)
The Treasure Hunt will go from 10:00 a.m. EST to midnight EST. Shop from any of the participating Art Fire artisans, find the item with the treasure chest photo. Purchase that item and get the sale! Each artisan has chosen their own sale for their treasure item.
Find the treasure chest in my Art Fire studio, and get your shipping refunded!
See the full list of participating vendors here.
Happy shopping!
Today's Friday Feature is Art Fire artisan Lady Mudwerkes! She makes lovely clay items including plaques and mirror frames. All of her work is inspired by nature, myth, or fantasy.
While Lady Mudwerkes has a couple Tree of Life tiles in her studio, this one is my favorite. Peeking through the gnarled branches you can see the moon in each of her phases. This tile can be displayed as a wall hanging or on an easel. (Tree of Life Tile, $30.00)
Don't forget, our very first Art Fire Treasure Hunt is underway tomorrow! Check back tomorrow for more info!
I almost forgot today is Wednesday! After having Monday off (which we never usually get off from school--mostly our days off happen on Fridays), the last two days I've spent thinking it's a different day than it actually is. So in that spirit, here is your Hump Day Humor!
see more Fail Blog
Memorial Day
Eula Gladys Lincoln
In distant field of sunny France
Where strangers come and go,
Amid the farms of Flanders, where
The fragrant breezes blow,
Our solder-dead in quiet sleep
'Neath crosses row on row.
Here shrapnel shells once shrieked and burst
And took their toll of death;
The very wind, itself a foe,
Bore poison on its breath.
Above their graves the birds now sing
As round that home of yore,
When, carefree boys, they romped and played;
Those childhood days soon o'er,
The boys to brave and strong men grown,
They romped and played no more.
They put aside their childish toys,
A man's work each must do,
And when their country called for them,
To her they answered true.
"We must protect our native land:
She shall not suffer wrong
For she has reared and nurtured us,
We're men and we are strong.
We'll bid good-bye to those we love;
It will not be for long."
With aching hearts and tear-dimmed
watched them go away.
Some have returned but many sleep
In foreign lands today.
Where English roses bloom and fade,
In France where lilies grow,
Among the fields of Flanders, where
The scarlet poppies blow,
Our soldier-dead are not forgot
Though strangers come and go.
That's right, ladies and gents, my Poseidon salt bars are off the curing rack and back in stock. The scent is clean and refreshing, just like the salty sea air. And my salt bars are made with coconut milk to make the lather extra creamy. Soap up with one of these in the shower, and it feels like you're sudsing up with a "lotion-y" lather. Available now in my Art Fire and Etsy shops. (Poseidon salt bar, $5.00)
Coming soon...the very first Art Fire Treasure Hunt! (Click here for full details.) Basically, each Art Fire studio that is participating in the treasure hunt will have a sale. You, the shopper, visit those participating studios and try to find the hidden treasure picture in their item listings. If you find it and purchase that item, you get the sale! How fun does that sound!
This is one of my all-time favorite Flight of the Conchords songs. I've never heard one I didn't like, but this is one of their most funny.
I had been wanting to change my blog from a two-column to a three-column layout. After spending quite a bit of time reading how to do it, I finally stumbled across some simple directions to change my template. So now I can separate my Etsy and Art Fire information. Not only does it make it easier for you to find, but it also makes it feel less cluttered to me. Double bonus!
Today's Friday Feature is The Holy Bead! Whatever your faith, you can find prayer beads for you at The Holy Bead. I recently bought a strand of prayer beads from her, and they are beautiful! Plus, with every purchase you make at The Holy Bead, you'll receive a free strand of love beads!
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for an important announcement. Go check out the EtsyVeg Team blog. My Violet lip balm is currently featured in the blog team treasury!
OK, allow me a nerdy moment here. We took my mom to see the new Star Trek movie on Sunday. I was *really* excited to see it this weekend. As in bouncing off the walls excited. The original Star Trek series was always my favorite (especially The Trouble with Tribbles and A Piece of the Action). Back when I was a kid, I think they ran them on Nick at Night or some such. Don't get me wrong, The Next Generation was a great series, too, (I watched them all growing up when they were brand new. Yes, yes, I know I'm surprisingly young to be *that* into the original series...) but I've always had a special place in my heart for the original characters. So of course when I first saw they were making a new Star Trek movie with those original characters, I was pumped, but curious to see how new actors would portray the original crew.
Needless to say, I think that whoever was in charge of casting did a bang-up job. Chris Pine makes a hunky young Kirk, and Zachary Quinto comes across very well as Spock. I loved the storyline, and somehow went into the theater without knowing that Leonard Nimoy was in it. When he first turns around and you see his face, I actually gasped out loud. Ben laughed at me later for not knowing it was coming. Honestly, I have no idea how I missed that bit of info.
Anyway, I don't want to go into details about the movie and spoil it for anyone, but all I know is that I could go see it again in a heartbeat. And I never go see movies in the theater more than once. Whenever this one finally makes its way to DVD, I'll be right there to snatch up my copy. Blu Ray, please, I want to watch Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto hunk it up crystal clear, thank you very much.
In honor of all of you moms out there, I'm continuing my Saturday Night Special through today. Feel free to enjoy free shipping from either of my shops today. Offer valid in my Art Fire studio and Etsy shop until I wake up Monday morning. Just put "Moms Rock" in the notes to seller at checkout.
I haven't done a Saturday Night Special in a while, so I thought it would be nice to offer one on Mother's Day weekend.
~*~*~ SNS Sale ~*~*~
Free shipping on your purchase from now until I wake up Sunday morning. Just put SNS in the notes to seller on your order, and I'll refund your shipping via PayPal!
This offer is valid in my Art Fire and Etsy shops.
Happy shopping!
Today's Friday Feature is Mea Culpa Body and Bath. I'll start with a product of hers that I have bought and loved, her shampoo and conditioner. I know, I know, it's like I have a weird hair fetish or something. (Really, I don't!) I love supporting handmade, and love trying products from other bath and body makers that I don't personally make (like shampoo). So there.
The next time I get a tattoo, I'll definitely give her tattoo balm a try. She uses only butters, oils, and essential oils in the balm, all of which are great for letting your skin heal naturally. Just put a layer of the tattoo balm over your new tattoo, and gently massage in. (tattoo balm, $5.00)
Check it out, I'm in a treasury on Etsy! This one is full of great items of all kinds. You should definitely come look at it before it expires Sunday morning.
Thank you, La Vieja Tun Tun, for including my Relaxation soap in your treasury!
Today's Hump Day Humor comes to us from Fail Blog. If you've never been to this website, you should. It's hilarious.
If you read Saturday's post, you already know that I was experimenting with the no 'poo method. Instead of using shampoo, mix one tablespoon baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Then use a vinegar rinse -- 1 tablespoon vinegar mixed with a cup of water.
So I tried this Saturday morning, and my hair felt great. I had even bought a new hair brush that afternoon with bristles, which I have read is best for redistributing your hair's natural oils. Let me tell you, my hair felt soft and clean for days! Normally I wash my hair every other day. Guys, I didn't wash it until this morning. I really thought about not 'pooing again, but decided to try inalather's shampoo bar with the vinegar rinse. So far so good, my hair is just as soft as it was for the last couple of days. Although the vinegar did eat up some of the scent from the 'poo bar... At least I got to enjoy the Cedar and Saffron yumminess while I washed up!
I'm talking shampoo here, duh! Recently I've been reading a lot about the no 'poo method. Take 1 tablespoon of baking soda and mix it in a cup with some water to make a paste. Massage it into your hair at the roots and scalp, and rinse. Then take 1 tablespoon of vinegar, mix with 1 cup water, apply to your roots and scalp, and rinse. It sounds easy, and from what I've read, it allows your hair to use its own oil to soften your hair, unlike commercial shampoos that strip your hair.
Now, my hair is picky. It doesn't like to have the same shampoo wash it every time. The closest I ever came to finding shampoo that my hair loved consistantly was from inalather on Etsy. Her 'poo bars rock! I loved how easy they were to use, but after a while my hair wanted some conditioner. (By the way, I've heard that inalather is developing conditioner bars...) Call me nutty here, but I didn't want to mix my wonderfully fragrant 'poo bar with some random smelling conditioner. So I left my Cedar and Saffron 'poo bar in its holder in the shower and went back to commercial shampoo and conditioner.
How does this relate to the no 'poo method, you ask? Well this morning I decided to try the baking soda/vinegar rinse on my hair. Since I'd never tried it before, I wasn't sure how long it would take, or how my hair would feel and look after. I had two cups ready to go on the ledge, one with baking soda, and one with apple cider vinegar. I put some water in with my baking soda, but I really think I should have put less. It was really watery, and I think it would be easier to apply if it was more of a paste. Next time... Anyway, I massaged it all in and rinsed. My hair felt really clean as I rinsed, which I have to say surprised me. I mixed my apple cider vinegar with about a cup of water, and massaged that in too. Next time, I'm adding a drop of essential oil, because vinegar just smells so freaking strong! My hair doesn't smell like vinegar at the moment, but I could definitely smell it for about 30 minutes after my shower.
Usually when I use commercial shampoo and conditioner, my hair takes FOREVER to dry. Really. My hair is long and really, really thick. Every time I get it cut by someone new, they always go on and on about how much hair I have. Oh do I? I hadn't noticed it sitting on top of my head. Today, my hair dried a lot quicker than normal, which was great since I had to get to the bank before it closed this morning. My hair even looks great, and feels really soft, like it did with inalather's 'poo bar. If it didn't take me so long to do this whole process, I would be all over trying this method out starting today. But I think I'm going to go back to my lovely 'poo bar, and try the vinegar rinse with it to see if the two together can make my hair as happy as it feels right now. Just wait though, summer vacation is coming up in the not too distant future. I'll definitely be no 'pooing then.
Warning - This video contains graphic sexual situations and adult language. If you're sensitive to those things, then don't watch. Otherwise, get ready for a funny song celebrating today, the first of May!
As I was thinking about how this semseter has flown by, I realized that for a lot of people the week seems to drag. So I'm introducing a new weekly staple on my blog just for you -- Hump Day Humor! Every Wednesday I'll post a little something just to make you laugh and help get you through 'till Friday. Enjoy!
After a busy weekend at Arbor Daze, I now have two of my newest soaps listed in my Art Fire and Etsy shops!
First, I'd like to introduce you to Brighid. A Celtic goddess worshipped farther than just Ireland, she was the goddess of blacksmiths, poetry, and the fire of inspiration. So of course her soap is made with Guiness, and scented with blackberry. I don't personally enjoy drinking Guiness, but the scent of it in soap mixed with the blackberries is amazing. You really need to try this one out in the shower! (Brighid at Art Fire, Brighid at Etsy, $5.00)
Also new in my shops is Irish Tweed. This just happens to be my friend Greg's favorite. It's a very sexy, masculine blend of sandalwood, lemon, verbena, and violet. Cary Grant used to wear a scent just like this one. And if you don't already know this about me, I definitely think Cary Grant when I think of a sexy man. Trust me, this is one happening scent. (Irish Tweed at Art Fire, Irish Tweed at Etsy, $5.00)
I will be putting my Art Fire and Etsy shops on vacation this week, because I'm busy getting ready for my first show! If you're in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, stop by Arbor Daze in Euless near the city hall (click here for a parking map). It runs Saturday, April 25 from 9:00am-8:00pm, and Sunday, April 26 from 2:00pm-6:00pm. Come out for lots of food, arts & crafts vendors (me!), two stages for music and dancing, and a kid zone. Oh, and if you've been wanting to plant a tree, they have plenty to give away to a loving home. So if you're up for a little outdoor fun this weekend, come on down to Arbor Daze. Just remember to stop by the arts & crafts area to sniff some soap while you're there. :)
In today's Friday Feature, I'd like to feature Art Fire artisan NotMoira. As she states in her Art Fire shop, her cards are fun "on the outside with an unexpected message on the inside."
Want to enter another giveaway for some FREE Bohemian Rose product? C'mon, you know you do! Then stop by roses' blog and read some more about me, Jenn. :) Be careful, all of these great write-ups might start going to my head...
Two artisans have featured me in their blogs today. The first one I'd like to share with you is on PlanetJune's blog. She recently ordered some of my lip balms, and you can read about them in her blog. You really should take a look through her Art Fire shop. I've just been learning to crochet, so I know they're way out of my league, but her amigurumi patterns are just so darn cute! Especially the little chihuahua one.
While you're busy reading, stop by BrigaBauble's blog. Learn more about me, Jenn, and the soapy goodness that I love to make. :) Also, you can enter the giveaway to win one of my awesome sugar scrubs FREE! What are you waiting for, go enter already! ;)
There is a new product tonight at Bohemian Rose Bath & Soap! Drumroll please.......
Solid Perfumes!
($9.00 Art Fire, Etsy)
These one-ounce push up tubes are easy to apply and great to toss in your purse or travel bag too. Just swipe the perfume on your pulse points and you're good to go. The combination of jojoba oil, candelilla wax, and soy wax will sink in quickly without leaving your skin feeling oily. Plus, since it's in a tube, you don't have the mess of dipping your fingers into a pot.
Current Scents:
Hecate (read about this scent here)
Lavender
Tir na Nog (read about this scent here)
Ultraviolet
More scents will be added soon! These wonderful solid perfumes are now available in my Art Fire and Etsy shops.
across Berry is a pain in the rear. The times that we did run across that busy street, I definitely enjoyed some fantastic veggie tacos.Ah, dear reader, I see we meet once again! And just after I've put a double batch of soap to bed in the oven. What scent was it, you ask? One that hasn't been listed in my Etsy or Art Fire shops before -- Tir na Nog.
Tir na Nog in Celtic mythology was the "Land of the Ever-Young." But it is also an island where the faeries lived. The Celts described Tir na Nog as being somewhere to the west, far off of the map. This scent is just as mysterious as Tir na Nog would have been for the ancient Celts. It has a base of sandalwood, musk, and spice, and is topped with citrus, amber, and a hint of rose. Definitely a sexy, unisex scent.
Look for this one in my shops next month!
