Friday Feature

Today's Friday Feature is Laura Bucci!

Not only is she a member of the EtsyVeg Team, but her handmade wallets, pouches, and cup cozies are wonderful! I recently bought a flat pouch and cup cozy, and they are lovely. (Laura currently has a special -- if you buy a flat pouch and cup cozy, you save $3.00!)

The flat pouches are great little clutches -- the perfect size to toss in my phone, car key, and flat wallet thing, along with a lip balm or two. And with so many great fabrics to choose from, you can't go wrong! I love retro-looking fabric, so it's not really a surprise that I bought Laura's Pink Garden Maze flat pouch. The pouch is stiff enough to hold its shape, and feels durable. (Pink Garden Maze Flat Pouch, $26.00)

Laura has a wide selection of cup cozies, but my personal favorites are the Save Our Planet cozies. Not only will they protect your hands from a hot paper cup, but they're also stylish with their "green" message. Laura offers three different Save Our Planet styles, so you can pick your favorite at checkout! (Save Our Planet Eco Cup Cozy, $12.00)

Hump Day Humor

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.)

1. !!!

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.)

Hump Day Humor

And this is why I don't have cats....

Music Monday

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!!!

Friday Feature

Today's Friday Feature is.... Elfling Creations! Meri's shop features lovely fantasy-inspired art, jewelry, bags, and more!

The first item I just had to show you guys is her Dryad's Dwelling necklace or anklet. Now, I'm very much a water person, but I just love this earth-inspired hemp necklace. The pewter tree, the leaf charms both large and small, and all of the green beads remind me of a green meadow surrounded by giant oak trees. Honestly, it's going to be hard for me to pass this one up. (Dryad's Dwelling beaded hemp necklace or anklet, $19.00)

Meri at Elfling's Creations also crochets plushie dolls. Currently there are several in her shop, but Scinlaece is one of my favorites. She's a dress-up witch plushie, and I just love her little pointed hat. By the way, if you were wondering what kind of name is Scinlaece, it's Old English for "sorceress." Appropriate for a little witch plushie, don't you think? (Scinlaece Dress Up Fairy Witch Doll Plushie, $28.00)

Meri can also make a custom plushie for you. Click on the link to read all of the details for ordering a custom plushie doll. My favorite example in her shop is the Death plushie. I love how you can see all of his bones! (Made to Order, Fully Customizable 12-inch Crocheted Plushie Doll, starting at $60.00)

Giveaway Winner and Some Hump Day Humor Too!

For my first giveaway, I wanted to find a winner the old fashioned way -- by drawing a name out of a hat. Or in my case, a bowl that I put lip balms in at shows.

Here are all the names just after I finished writing them all down.

Now they're all mixed up in the bowl, ready to be picked!

And here's our winner, Yours Truli! Congratulations!!

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway. I was so excited to have so many entries for my very first one. Thanks!!!

Some of you had great suggestions, and I wanted to take just a minute to address a few of them.

Mint Chocolate - I'm actually in the process of formulating a soap that has cocoa butter in it for this one.

Rose Scented Soap - I have a new line of soaps that I'm formulating, and a few of them have rose in them. Rose Geranium essential oil actually, but to my nose it smells just like rose. Currently I have no plans for a rose-only soap, but you bring up a good point--rose is in my shop name, so maybe I should!

Fall Scents - I'll be testing a couple of new fall scents this month, and then working like mad to get my regular fall scents made. Expect to see them in my Art Fire and Etsy shops in late August to early September. Last year for fall I had Mulled Cider and Pumpkin Spice, which I also carried over into winter.

And now for just a bit of humor. It is Wednesday, after all. This photo is dedicated to my doggie, Booger. People sometimes ask if he's vegetarian because I am. No, dogs were meant to be carnivores, thank you.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Today's The Last 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!

Music Monday

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.

I love John Mayer's music, but I especially loved his last album, Continuum. I love that it's less "pop-y" and more "bluesy." And this song is one of my favorites from that album. Enjoy!

If you haven't entered my very first blog giveaway, it ends tomorrow, so don't forget to enter!

Friday Feature

Today's Friday Feature is... Lillian Skincare!

I'd been using one of the Neutrogena liquid foundations for years, but when I started to run low, I thought it would be a good time to try mineral makeup. Since I've never used mineral makeup before, I ordered the Starter Kit. What I thought was great about the starter kit is that you get 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! :)

It's been about a week since I started using my new Lillian Skincare mineral makeup, and I love it. It's so easy to apply, and looks great all day. When I told my mom about my switch to mineral makeup, she started going on and on about how wonderful mineral makeup is for your skin. But if you're still not sure, you can read about Lillian Skincare's mineral cosmetics here.

When my Starter Kit runs out, I'm definitely ordering a full size of the foundation and finishing powder, but I think I'll also try their mineral eye shadows. Those colors are just gorgeous!

Hump Day Humor

For today's Hump Day Humor, I've prepared a joke. Why was 6 afraid of 7?

Because 7 8 9!

Ha! Seriously, that's not the only funny thing I have for you today. The following photo is from Fail Blog, and is definitely full of fail. Or something.

Don't forget to enter the Bohemian Rose giveaway!

see more Fail Blog

Bohemian Rose Giveaway!

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!

First, you can soap up in the shower with your very own Bohemian

Rose soap in your choice of scent. All of my soaps are made in the cold process method, which basically means that I melt all of the oils, and in a separate container mix my water and sodium hydroxide. I let both containers cool to room temperature, then stick blend them together, add any scent or color, and pour into the mold. Once it's all in the mold, the chemical reactions heat the whole thing up to turn it into soap. Science is cool! :)

After you're all squeaky clean, you can exfoliate with your Bohemian Rose sugar scrub, also in your choice of scent. I make all of my sugar scrubs with a blend of sugar and raw sugar, along with oils and butters to help your sking feel soft and smooth. If you've never used a scrub before, don't worry! Just scoop out some of the scrub, massage it onto your damp skin, and the sugar blend will gently exfoliate. Rinse, pat dry, and you're good to go! I love to use my sugar scrub on my feet especially, but it's great as an all-over scrub too.

Now, on to the important part - how to enter the giveaway!

(Thanks to Roses. I used her blog giveaways as a guideline on mine!)

1. Stop by my Art Fire shop, come back and leave a comment on my blog with your favorite item there, and how I can get a hold of you if you win. That's all you have to do to enter! So easy!

2. For another entry, tweet about my giveaway, and post the link for it.

3. For another extra entry, blog about my giveway, and post the link.

4. Want yet another entry in the giveaway? Comment with a suggestion for products or scents you'd like to see from Bohemian Rose in the future.

5. Not enough ways to enter? Make a purchase from my ArtFire studio or my Etsy shop.

Easy peasy! Giveaway ends on Bastille Day (July 14, which was also my grandpa's birthday. Lots of July birthdays in my family!). :)

Coming Tomorrow - A Bohemian Rose Giveaway!

That's right, folks. In honor of my birthday tomorrow I'm starting a giveaway. Check back tomorrow for full details. But if you'd like to go ahead and take a peek at my Art Fire or Etsy shop, go right ahead. I won't stop you! :)

Happy 4th of July!

Friday Feature

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.

This is the type of dulcimer that we bought. Cherry back, and redwood top -- it actually looks much darker in color than in the picture. While we were paying for my dulcimer, several other customers were admiring the pegs, discussing what high quality they are. I know I'm still a beginner dulcimer player, but the sound quality is very nice (and I did try out all of the dulcimers they had in stock). If you're looking to buy a mountain dulcimer for yourself (and why wouldn't you be?!?!), you can't go wrong with a McSpadden Dulcimer. Or if you're in the Austin, TX area, head on over to Fiddler's Green. The guy who helped me was very knowledgeable and helpful. If I lived in Austin, I'd definitely go back for lessons!

Hump Day Humor

In honor of today being my mom's birthday, I thought I'd post something she'll think is funny. Happy birthday, mom!

And Finally... Part III

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!

Before I tell you about Kodaly, let's start with how to pronounce it. It sounds like "co-dye" with emphasis on the first syllable.

Alright, now that you know how to say it, let's get on with the show. The Organization of American Kodaly Educators has a wonderful outline of everything that is Kodaly. In a nutshell, the Kodaly Concept is that singing is the foundation of musical learning. The voice is an instrument we all have, and that we can use throughout our lives. Through singing, children learn how to read and write music, improvise and create. In a Kodaly elementary music classroom, children use folk songs, singing games, and chants to have these experiences.

Zoltan Kodaly was a Hungarian composer who spent much of his life advocating music education in Hungary. He believed that if people are well-educated musically (starting in early childhood), they become more informed and appriciative listeners of professional musicians. Kodaly also saw folk music as being important for continuing a culture's traditions. Along with Bela Bartok, another Hungarian composer, he gathered folk songs from villages all over Hungary. In fact, many of his compositions were inspired by Hungarian folk songs.

In my opinion, music teachers don't have to, and shouldn't, see themselves as solely "Orff" or "Kodaly." Both can and should be used in the elementary music classroom. In my own class, for example, I use singing games, rhymes, and folk songs. But with these songs, I also have my students play on Orff instruments, create, and move. All of these activities together make my students well-rounded musicians. Yes, they enjoy playing singing games to learn musical concepts, but they also love playing instruments. Why should I deprive them of one or the other, just so my teaching falls into someone's strict guidelines of what an ideal music class should be?

"Shady Grove" is one of my favorite folk songs, and is one that often will randomly pop into my head. Here it is as sung by Jean Ritchie, who sang many, many folk songs for children on her mountain dulcimer. Enjoy!

Where Was I? - Part II

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 songs, chants, rhymes, instruments, and movement. Students use these materials to experience musical concepts before identifying them. In Orff Schulwerk, students are active learners, participating in both decision making (ex: helping to create movement to accompany a song) and music making.

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.

Hump Day Humor

see more dog and puppy pictures

Sale!

Now that i'm back home, I'm having a weekend sale to celebrate! In both my Art Fire and Etsy shops you can enjoy free shipping with your purchase. So enjoy your Father's Day weekend, and I'll refund your shipping via PayPal. Happy shopping!

Where Have You Been, Bohemian Rose?

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!