Signs of Spring.... Hand Painted Easter Pails

Available for a limited time at Two and A Half Women, custom hand-painted Easter pails.   An updated alternative to the standard "basket".... perfect for carrying on  "the hunt" or use them to fill with candy or small tokens!

Metal pail, hand painted in a custom mix of chalk paint.  Choice of Bunny Profile or Easter Egg design. (pail measures approx. 5" high, and 7" around) 

If you're local (to the Outer Banks) and are interested in purchasing one, shoot me an email through the Contact Me link.

Here's to spring being just around the corner!



Getting it Together....

With Labor Day behind us and things starting to slow down a little, I've been busy getting things made to take to my space.  I started packing what I have thus far, and hope to start moving things in very shortly.

These pictures are just a few of the things I've been working on in the last week....





 These are the smaller items, but they are more time consuming to make, wrap and package in my own custom labels etc.  I'm glad to have the bulk of these things done.

Next up are some larger furniture pieces and some custom textiles.

I'm getting excited and hope I can have everything that I have ready in place by this weekend.  I want to be sure to have the small goods out in time for the start of holiday shopping.  I'm also considering selling through Etsy.... any thoughts from those of you who sell through that venue?  Good experience or bad?

Next up.... more of my bedroom projects that have been completed and a few more things for the space.

Thanks for checking in... and for the encouragement from my family and friends.  It means the world to me!

It's A Start.....

Although I was hoping to have a goodly portion of the work done by today, it has taken me a little longer than I imagined.  That being said, I don't have pics of the big reveal that I was hoping for, but I have at least made a good start.

After numerous years of "wishing" I had a place to call my own.... a place where I could sell all of the things I "dream up" during the winter months, I think I've finally found that place. 

I am very excited to be taking a "booth space" at a local (albiet 40 miles away...) antique venue effective Sept. 1st.  The thing that excites me the most is that it's in the historic district of a nearby county that is going through a major re-furbishment.  Main Street is just that.... beautiful archetechture, cobblestone streets and some pretty amazing structures. 

I check Craigs' List every other day looking for furniture or antiques to repurpose for no other reason than what I could invision for myself or maybe my family...for the past few months I've seen postings from a small antique shop in downtown Elizabeth City advertising booth space to rent.

Every time I've inquired, I've been too late and there were no spaces available.  The day before my 50th. birthday, there was another posting stating they had a few spaces available on a first come- first serve basis. I took the jump and texted them that I was interested and made the trek out there 2 days later.  After looking at the building itself, and the surrounding area I was sold.  If I never sell anything, I guess I'll just be happy to be in such a beautiful building. 

It's a journey I'm so very happy to be taking.... and one I hope to share with you all!

I'll be sure to post more as I complete the first stages of setting up.

Starting the New Year with a Giveaway...

As the saying goes.... "you can't win if you don't enter!".  See the contest rules below.... they're easy!

SJ at Homemaker on a Dime is hosting a party to promote small businesses.  As she states on her blog:

"It has been long said that businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. Not only that, businesses really fuel the economy. This blog party, solely dedicated to promoting businesses and giveaways, is my way of giving back to the community so welcome to Market Your Biz & Giveaways!".

If you click on the image above, it will take you to her site and the giveaways that are currently being listed.  Free stuff is good... especially after the holidays! And you'll be supporting the small business community.
For my part, I'll be giving away my Blush Bath and Body Gift Set which includes a 4 oz. Body Butter,4 oz. Goats Milk Soap and 2.5 oz. Moisturizing Body Spray.  Packaged in our handmade custom wooden gift box (retailing for $21.95).

The rules are easy.... simply leave a comment on this post, then head over to the party to check out all of the other entries.  (Should you want to become a follower of mine too, that would be nice.... but it's not required!).
The contest will run through midnight on Sunday, January 8th.  We'll announce the winner on Monday!  So go check out what some of these creative folks are up to and show them your support!

Featured This Week...

Vanille Noir Gift Sets

Offered this week.... one of our newest scents: Vanille Noir.   Your choice of the Three Piece Hand-Poured Votive Set with custom wood gift box, or our small spa set with Linen & Room Freshener, Body Butter and Hand-made Soap (includes custom wood soap dish).

Click on  "What's New" on the side bar for more information and pricing.

Weekly Feature & A Give Away....

Candied Apple Gift Sets...

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Offered this week.... your choice of Candied Apple Linen & Room Freshener with Hand Poured Votive... or Three Piece Hand-Poured Votive Set.  Both come complete with our Custom Wood Gift Boxes.

Click on  "What's New" on the side bar for more information and pricing.

Now for the fun....just leave a comment below and Like us on Facebook and be entered to win a Candied Apple Gift Set of your choice.  Pretty easy, no?

Hand-Made for the Holidays.... Homemade Coffee Liquor

This is an easy and fairly inexpensive gift to make and give.  The added bonus is it doesn't look "homemade" (who makes their own liqueurs, after all?).  All you need is a nice looking container (I bought mine on-line from a wholesale bottle company) that can be sealed (either by screw-on top or cork) and an attractive label and you're in business!

To make it a little more special, gift it with some classic cordial glasses- kinda' adds a little more pizzazz! I've even found some cool looking martini glasses at the Dollar Store (go figure) that looked just great!

You'll Need:

 5 Cups Sugar
1- 2 oz Jar Instant Coffee (if you're using a larger jar you have on hand, use approx. 1 Cup for this recipe)
4 Cups Boiling Water
4 Cups Vodka (I use an inexpensive Vanilla Vodka for a different twist)
1 Vanilla Bean
4 Quart Size Glass Containers w/Lids (I use canning jars... but anything with a screw on lid works)

Boil water.  In the four containers, add 1 1/4 Cup sugar and 1/4 Cup instant coffee.  Pour 1 Cup boiling water into each container.  Stir to dissolve.  Cut vanilla bean into 4 pieces and split down the middle, add a piece to each container.  *Important* :Allow mixture to come to room temperature (think Flambe... alcohol evaporates when heated).  Once mixture has cooled, add 1 Cup vodka to each container.  Cover tightly and store in a dark place for 2 weeks (shaking at least once a week).  Remove & discard vanilla bean and pour liqueur into decorative bottles; cap or cork (with new corks) tightly.  Stores indefinitely.

Makes about 4 1/2 pints (approx. 10 cups)


Depending on the size of the bottles you use to package it in, you can determine the number of gifts you can make and the cost for each.  My bottles are a little larger- about 16 oz. or 2 Cups- so I'll get 5 gifts out of the recipe (with a little left over for the chef....).

Total cost for the coffee (I didn't have any on hand), vodka(out of a large bottle, you'll use about 2/3's) and vanilla bean (not cheap) came to around $19... we'll call it $20, so the 5 bottles I'll get are about $4 each!  Not bad at all!  Try it and let me know what ya' think.