Friday, May 16, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Soap Opera
One of my very favorite shops of all time, The Soap Opera in Madison, Wisconsin. The Soap Opera opened their doors in March of 1972. 3 months before I was born! And they are still going strong with a on-line as well as brick and mortar presence. The best thing about The Soap Opera is the sheer number of brands they sell. They have it all...even Sweet Petula, of course. The owners, Chuck Bauer and Chuck Beckwith (the two Chucks!) began selling soaps and toiletries out of an old, wooden dresser, strapped on to roller skates and covered with a chintz canopy. They have come a long way (baby) in the past 35 years, and have a huge following of dedicated customers.
I love this shop for many reasons, mostly because is reminds me of this soap place I went to when I was growing up called the Soap Box. Everything was slightly handmade looking (in a good way) and you could custom scent a variety of different products. It was my first experience with handmade natural bath and body care. It is also very similar to me as the original C.O.Bigelow Apothecary in New York's Greenwich Village....the happiest place on earth, which opened in 1838.
Approximately one-third of the Soap Opera's inventory is their own line of biodegradable, cruelty-free products, which cover the gamut from custom-blended fragrances and lotions to new products such as a combination witch hazel and aloe vera toner that Beckwith devised himself. Raw ingredients such as French civet parfum oil are imported in heavy metal containers resembling small gasoline cans and mixed in a small, unadorned basement space.
If you aren't in the mood for a quick drive to Wisconsin, check them out on-line. You can find almost anything you could possibly want there. They offer a great discount on multiple items, which pretty much covers your shipping. My favorite new thing? Pretty wrapped soaps by Mor Cosmetics.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
what kind of girl do you think i am?
Not the kind that flashes her nipple on her web page...that is for sure. Okay, so in the last few days I've had 2 people ask me if the photo on my website is me. That brings to grand total to about 10 people in the past few years who have asked. Goodness...no! First off, I'm not really that narcissistic...I would never put a giant naked photo of me on the front page of my site. Buried a few pages in...a little smaller, well, perhaps. But, I just thought the photo was pretty and felt soothing, relaxing, girly, etc. But then after it was up, I did realize that there was a little (a lot?), more showing than I had first noticed. But it's subtle and I still like it. And nipples are natural. Nothing to be scared of. But again, "no"...it is not mine. Thank you.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
16 Reasons Why My Mom is the Best Mom (an incomplete list)
1. She still looks exactly like this photo only now she is a little taller.
2. She has the energy of a 4 year old (after said toddler has had a few cups of coffee).
3. She raised 2 kids by herself while working & attending school. Growing up I had no idea how broke we were because I never went without.
4. She laughs at all my jokes, even the raunchy ones.
5. She loves my dog Arlo and takes very good care of him.
6. She is always trying new things. Like White Water Rafting, Leg Waxing and Facebook.
7. She thinks it is illegal to use the "F" word via email.
8. She still takes me shopping for bras & underwear.
9. She can read men and their intentions like no other woman I know.
10. She has never uttered the words, "I told you so" even when the phrase would be very appropriate (see #9).
11. She has taken care of 3 people she loved while they were dying. She did this with more grace & humor & love then most of us can muster on our best days.
12. She thinks the words spice & spicy are synonymous. For example, Basil is both a spice & spicy. "I can't eat that spaghetti. It's too spicy".
13. She is always supportive of me in all that I do.
14. She makes up words that she incorporates into her every day vocabulary. Like "Sweet Petula", "Tallula Bell", & "Hootie Hoo".
15. She gives much more than she ever takes.
16. She thinks I'm perfect.....and I'm pretty sure I'm her favorite even though she would never admit to having a favorite.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
daily dose of pretty
Hmmm...what do I love more than these earrings by (into) the fray? The designer's blog. It is so full of good and pretty things. I should feel bad for showing you these earrings, since I just bought them.....but I don't. All for me. Me. Me. Me.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
oh dear...that's adorable
These little fabric covered magnets are just so darn cute. These babies aren't for sale, instead we will be giving them away in our swag bags this Saturday at our HANDMADE TRUNK SHOW..
which by the way Tom B., calls my "junk in the trunk" show......I'm not sure if I should be offended or not?
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Buy Handmade! Trunk Show May 10th
Please Join Sweet Petula & Rue de Lyon (our neighbor) for our 1st Buy Handmade Trunk Show
*first 50 customers will get a great gift bag full of surprises from Sweet Petula*
Saturday, May 10th from 10am-6pmStop by and enjoy special treats and great giveaways all while shopping for handmade gifts from a few of the area’s talented artists. Discover beautiful handmade jewelry, home decor, gifts for baby, custom pet portraits, and more. Artists will be present for you to chat with as you shop their remarkable creations
Sidney Ann House of Design will be here with her great handbags and coaster sets as well as some new items. 20 Lucky customers will receive a handmade purse mirror from Sidney Ann House of Design in their gift bag. I particularly love these new laminated totes she is making. Very stylish.
Great example of Sidney Ann's Vintage feel coaster sets. She will be bringing many different styles to choose from.
My Little Sunshine Vintage Jewelry by Spokane designer Rachel O'Brien
Rachel has designed lots of new earrings for us to check out during the trunk show. These little beauties go fast and most all of her designs are one of a kind. Two lucky people will get a pair of Vintage earrings in their Giveaway bags.
this cupcake will NOT be at the event, as I ate it.
this cupcake will NOT be at the event, as I ate it.
Babyhoot things for baby....super cute baby items. Lots of blankets, bibs, burp cloths, and my personal favorite, super cute aprons. Babyhoot has lots of boutique-style items for kids and babies without that expensive boutique price tag. The two sisters/owners make high quality baby items and are very proud of the quality and time they put into their line. Everything is handcrafted out of the best materials to ensure all of babyhoot's items will last. And "Babyhoot" is just so fun to say.
There will be more artists at Rue de Lyon, my favorite being Cody Blomberg. Cody does really great animal themed paintings and custom pet portraits. Pet portraits require an appointment. Please call Rue de Lyon (325.3682)
Friday, May 2, 2008
Grocery Getters by Melissa Vest Designs
Handmade Grocery Getters by Melissa Vest Designs.
These fun totes are a little larger than most reusable grocery bags and come with nifty designs that make you smile. Two lucky customers will be getting one of these great bags at our upcoming...
These fun totes are a little larger than most reusable grocery bags and come with nifty designs that make you smile. Two lucky customers will be getting one of these great bags at our upcoming...Handmade Trunk Show
Stop by, Shop & Meet the Artists
Saturday, May 10th from 10am-6pm
first lucky 50 will get swag bags....don't be late.
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