Little Scotia is the Cat's Ass

All the Good stuff is happening on the Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/littlescotia/

This is basically telling you that I am too busy / lazy to update this blog at the moment.

L

This Summer WILL be different.

I realized today, while laying exhausted... that I am going to have to work from home this summer.

This shouldn't be a big deal. It shouldn't be news, either. But it's going to take a bit of planning. Because I have far more financial obligations than I did the last time I stayed home with the kids for the summer, which was the summer before last.

Last summer, I worked full time, and although I appreciated the money, I hated not being at home. I feel like I didn't do anything good or summery with my kids. My garden went to shit, and I got NOTHING from it. I was really unhappy about it. I missed summer. I missed my kids. I missed important things. My memories of it leave me feeling extremely dissatisfied and angry.

This cannot happen this year, in the name of the dollar.

I can't pay for daycare. I don't want to be continually dumping them elsewhere. And, I WANT to spend time with them. I feel like I am brushing them off in favour of going to work, which pays for things that ARE NOT that important. Not important enough to be brushing off my kids.  And they are getting to an age where it is as important as EVER for me to be around... Ask me about my own childhood at this age, and you'd understand why this is such a big deal for me.

I have to figure out what the dollar amount IS that I will require to stay home this summer.  What amount will I have to earn weekly in order to make this happen.

I hope the universe delivers a plan to me pretty soon.
And some energy to make it happen.

That's it. I'm tired. 8:24pm. I'm to bed.
L.

Finding a Job in Midland Ontario

Finding a Job in Midland Ontario using the Job Bank Canada can be a difficult thing. Even when you find a full time job, most likely you will get paid minimum wage to be away from your house, your kids, and your hobbies for the best part of the weekday – and for many, the weekend too. That's IF you can find a full time job.

Instead of looking for jobs in Midland Ontario with the job bank in Canada, I started a business, and have helped everyday people do the same thing. I teach them how to work their businesses all over Canada AND the US. So, you get to live where you want and still have work.

Working from home has been a blessing, and has paid! I’m down to working about 10 hours a week – not quite the 4 hour work week, but I’m pretty happy with it.

What my home businesses have done for me?

*I’m re-learning French. I live in a heavily French poulated area, and It’s something I’ve always wanted to make time to do.

*I’m taking a University Course – Sustainable Urban Agriculture. Why? I love making food in yards. And digging in the dirt.

*I got to stay home all summer with my girls. Granted, we spent a few days in jammies all day, Barbies or Polly Pockets all over the floor at my feet, but hey… jammy days aren’t a BAD thing.

*My sweetheart quit his job, and is going to school. Following HIS bliss, too!
*I have time to be CREATIVE! I have a studio/gallery space, thanks to my home business– All the crafty stuff needs to go live somewhere other than all over my house. I’ve always wanted a studio space

*I’ve found the time to write 2 poetry books, and I’m half way through another novel. This thing excites me! Being a published author was definately something on my “list.”

*During the school year, I get to go to school functions that happen half way through the day. Oh, and class trips!

*I get to follow my bliss! Sometimes that’s sleeping in. Sometimes that’s hanging laundry. Sometimes that’s gardening in the yard. Sometimes it’s reading in the library. Sometimes it’s writing in my favourite diner.
Sometimes it’s painting or making dolls!

When I first started, I went at it like crazy – I probably worked 4 hours a day – placing ads, writing blogs, following up, and spending time and money LEARNING the ropes! It seemed almost obsessive then.. but I’m NOW glad I put in that effort!

What would you do, if you could get paid full time but only have to work 10 hours a week? Think good and hard on it. This is happening for people who would otherwise use the job bank in Canada to find a job in Midland Ontario right now, this place where so many people feel there is no money to be made or live off of.
Contact me if you want to hear the rest of my story, and if you want more information on how to live YOUR bliss!

I'm REALLY doing this - and it's my passion to help you have this freedom too!!!

How to Garden Organically in your Home with Success

Using a seed starter tray in the house can be tricky business. You've got to keep the moisture just right, or you'll run into issues that can kill your seedlings. The Tower Garden that I've just made a home for, is pretty simple, but I really wanted to see how simple it was. 

With the Rock Wool starter cubes that come with a Garden Tower, many of the regular problems are eliminated with indoor starting. Also vermiculite is included with a Garden Tower, to help the seedlings stay just moist enough to germinate in the house, and grow successfully. These little guys were planted about 3 days ago, and are already germinating. what you are seeing is a row of Certified Organic Mesclun Mix from The Cottage Gardener popping up.

This mixed package contains Arugula, Russian Red Kale, Osaka Purple mustard green, Tatsoi mustard green, Black-Seeded Simpson lettuce, Red Salad Bowl lettuce and Persian Cress. Lots of FANTASTIC greens to add to our daily diet. And, although I know there will be some cold frames in my future for growing this stuff later and earlier in the season that I normally do - It's going to be excellent to have it earlier.

AND like I said... I want to see and show that this is really a viable option for people who can't garden, but still want to be in control of their food sources.

There's also some Kale getting a little jump up there.

I am feeling extremely confident about this experiment. It helps that I've seen it in action, and tasted the food off of one, in person. I'll be writing more as this experiement continues.

For more information on the Garden Tower, see http://LPetroff.TowerGarden.com

Natural Facial Care Report

So, for the last 3 weeks, I've been using all natural products on my face. A natural face wash twice a day, a day cream, a night cream, and 3 times a week, a natural facial exfoliator. This was a big experiment. I've stayed away from lotions, used organic make up sparingly (once a month?) and my face was rough, from this treatment, for the last few years.

I have had horrific acne all my life. Not only those little annoying zits, but the big welty ones. And my skin is SLOW to heal. It was taking about 8 weeks for the red to go away from one zit. My neck breaks out. Just about every pore on my nose and chin was filled with blackhead. I also had some pretty terrific cancer on my face, that took 2 surgeries that totalled about 8 hours in and out of the chair and about 50 stitches.

(I blame the cancer all the creams, make up, acne cleansers and lotions, the cream hair removers, etc etc that I was using on my face. I was really piling the chemicals on for years.)

So, I was using a soapless cleanser once a day. I was NOT touching any creams. And my face was looking PRETTY rough. Black heads, scars, red, and with angry acne.

Two months ago, I ordered the Watkins facial care line. Because it's 100% natural. I waited until I was finished with my soapless cleanser before cracking them all, and experimenting on my face and neck. It's been 3 weeks now, and I have some things to report.


The cleansing cream is just that; A cream. I wasn't used to that. When I wash with it, my face and neck is left feeling soft. I was used to cleansers stripping my face of all oils, being literally squeeky. I was pretty convinced that this was going to break my face out.


The pore scrubber, I use about 3 times a week. I didn't want to over do it. My face had been normally RED, and I didn't want to make it worse. I would use it at night before bed. It smells really nice. The instructions didn't say whether it should be used before or after washing, so I was washing first, then scrubbing.


The Divine Day Cream and Nourishing Night Cream made me nervous. I'm so used to anything like this immediately breaking me out, and making me itch. But in the name of the experiement, I persevered.

The Day cream is light (for a cream) and has a light smell - although no added fragrance.

The Night cream has a bit of a stronger smell (Royal Jelly is listed as the main ingredient.) and this cream is thicker. Both creams go on very nicely.

So, after 3 weeks of doing this day and night, I took a good look at my face. I've had a few little white heads over the weeks, but NO big welty ones. The fine lines that I've been nursing (crows feet, under my eyes, and my "frown" marks above my eyes and on my chin.) are FAR less deep and all but dissapeared. (all but that dang frown line on my brow!) None of the products made my sensitive skin itch, break out, go red, or swell.

But, the most amazing thing of all is the quality of my skin! It's HEALING! I've gone from having a red face and neck, to some colour that is a light rose or peach hue. All the acne scars are fading fast - my neck was covered when I started, and they are all very nearly gone. And, the blackheads I used to have riddling my nose and chin have dissapeared about 80%. (Every pore in my nose had black heads... and now there are only a few here and there, and the pores are looking healed and closed.)

So, I'm happy to have found beauty products that are natural and aren't full of chemical. For so long, I couldn't use any of these things! It feels nice to spoil myself.

At the rate I'm using them (every day!) The cleanser should last about 2 months, as well as the pore scrubber. The day and night cream are going much further, and I estimate they will last about 4 months (I make sure my hands are clean when I dip them in the jar, and I've been keeping the jars in my room instead of the bathroom, so bathroom humidity won't ruin them. Natural products take a bit of extra care.)

The last thing about this experiement? I knew that Watkins would refund me fully if any of the products didn't work for me.

If you'd like to see a list of ingredients, Click Here

It's Nearly Been a Year, HOLY COW, it's working!

I realized this weekend, that I now officially make MORE from my businesses, working part time, as I would working FULL TIME outside of the house and paying for daycare. For April, Watkins made 90% of that income. I can't believe it.

I've worked incredibly hard over the year. Actually, it will be a year I've been a Watkins associate at the end of June. In April I made manager. Still, little ol' me DID IT. I went from taking a leap of faith a year ago, (and a prayer and only believing I COULD do it.) to earning a decent income. I wonder what next year will bring?

I started the year mostly selling, and didn't really start focusing on team building until December (although I had a few friends who had joined me before.) and now that it's a habit that I spend about 2 hours a day on, it's rapidly growing. It feels a little like winning the lotto. In my head I think "Holy cow, it's working!!!"

This weekend was the first Farmers Market, and it went well. Although I'm not allowed to just present Watkins, I do always bring some popular product. Petro Carbo Salve, Medicated Ointment, plus the bug lotions and sprays, and the Sun Block. I felt a little unready, but made the best of it, and ended up doing VERY well!

Next weekend, I'll actually REMEMBER to take the camera with me, get some photos, and show you my new "market shoes"...

This was an awesome long weekend. But, I think I'm a wee bit sun-drunk.

How do I Afford my Rock N Roll Lifestyle??

Dear yard. Please mow yourself. I clearly don't have time. Aren't you aware, I have to WORK here?

I just finished FINALLY shovelling the dirt from the driveway into the raised veggie boxes this afternoon. I had been nursing my back (herniated disc! eep!) and then we had a week of rain. Which made the grass grow strong and tall and thick... and hard to cut with my push mower. (I forced myself to smile and think thankful thoughts. It's Monday, and beautiful, and I get to be out in it. Thanks, Universe.) Raising our own veggies, and getting goods for less at market, will save us money this summer. Plus, it just feels good.

The seedlings in thier little containers are getting big and are going to need to be put to bed soon, so back and forth with the wheel barrow took precedence over mowing.

This weekend is the first farmers market, too. I bake biscotti for the markets, as well as banana bread, carrot cake, and I'm going to do a zucchini bread for this one, to see how it goes. I also make hemp necklaces, sock dolls, and scrabble tile pendants for the market. I've been working like mad all winter, but I still feel like I'm not quite ready! It's Midland on Sunday... I'm considering doing Elmvale on Saturdays. Still not sure about it.

This past weekend, we did some wicked thrifting, and some of the items I got pics of and listed on etsy already sold. I love when that happens.

I also pitch Watkins while at the market, but that part takes almost no effort at all. When people see the name, they know EXACTLY what they are after! I just have to make sure my Watkins apron is clean! I have quite a few members on my team now, who are getting started, and I'm so excited for them.

And that, folks, is how I afford my gyspy rock-n-roll lifestyle.

Now, to figure out dinner and fetch the kiddies from school.

Life is Good. Say thanks now and again.

9 Jewellery Boxes to Heal The Soul

Today, I've gotten out the collection of old jewellery boxes, and I'm going to start the long and creative process that is transforming them. Today feels right, and last nights before-bed read inspired me.


I read this quote last night from my Seat Of The Soul , this is one of my favourite books - and it shows. The poor thing has to be glued back together. Page 86. Gary Zukov presents his thoughts in words and paragraphs that are SO well crafted, that you'll move from one thought to another in the most beautiful flowing way. This book really helped me heal.

"Intuition serves creativity. It tells you what book to buy for your project. It tells you where to meet the colleague that you need to meet, and which ideas from another. It is the hunch that a certain painting shuld be done in grey, and that another should be done in purple. It is the sense that an idea that has never been tried before might work."
"Intuition seves inspiration."

Seat of the Soul

I love getting lost in my craft. It's meditative, and fulfilling, and just plain makes me feel happy and thankful.

So, today, I will listen to vinyl, and work on these jewellery boxes, and think on how much fun the summer Market is going to be with these beauties on my table!

Surprise Freebies in the Mail!

Looky looky what arrived today.

Completely unexpected, I was confused when the delivery man knocked at the door (I always recognize his knock.) Because I'm not expecting anything today, or this week.

I recognized the labels right away, from my Summit Group leaders Steve and Ginny Bretske. Oh la la! So, cracking into it, there are some CD's, a DVD, and a book. Why did I get these??

I volunteered and qualified for some free training with our team. That was it. Free gifts for participting in some free training, that will make my business grow faster and stronger?

Now, that's a deal.

Three Months to Stockpile.

Right now I'm completely into making miniatures, (furniture and the little dolls) and sock dolls. I wish I had a studio, to spread out all my half finished projects... I like to SEE them. I cleared off an entire bookshelf, and told my sweetheart he could fill it with his books.. and it took me about a week to fill it with paints, half finished projects, and things for etsy...

On that note, I love Crafters Choice. Mainly, because I have a wicked crafting addiction that I must nourish constantly. They always have this special going, but I find that February is the month for me to get into it... spring is a month away, craft shows for me are 3 months away, so I've got 3 solid months for stockpiling. And now that I've hijacked the book shelf, I apparently have room for more...

Find books on beading, sewing, knitting, and more! Get 3 Fabulous Crafting Books for only $3! !

I've gotten many books from them that I've used in different ways. I tend to need to start with a pattern, and then I promptly personalize and change it.

Have a peek at all the new books they've got!

Gingerbread Art!

I couldn't get these posted for some reason, the day I took them (Just couldn't get them off the cam.. finiky robots.) So, here are the ginger bread cookies that my family WOULD have gotten, if everyone over there DIDN'T have the stomach flu and cancelled the family "Christmas" dinner, until today

Here we have a rather frightened moose - I made these for my F.I.L. as he's a hunter. Beside him is a "suit-and-tie-guy" complete with watch, who also looks a little stunned. (Corporate Office Work will make you look like that. hehe.)

These two little numbers were for my S.I.L. and B.I.L. An alien and a vampire... because I get BORED making traditional looking Ginger bread people... I'm totally segueing here... I'm not married, so these two wouldn't be my "in laws." They'd be more my S. and B.B.C. (Sister and Brother By Choice.) I think that's better.... ok, gingies continued....

I can't remember who got these ones (or who was to get these ones!) A man and woman are on vacation, and he got a little burnt. I loved these guys. hehehe..

Over the holidays I signed on two new Watkins Associates. Come Monday I'm going to sit down and look at my entire organization, and do some restructuring. I'm giving some people in my downline some extra associates under them. I still benefit, and it will build a stronger team. It also helps my associates earn a little extra too! If you are interested in building a long term home business, but DON'T want to do the selling part, take a look at our TEAMS Watkins site.

I did a little math, and I'm on track to my $3000 a month goal. If I continue working my business with the same momentum as I have in the last six months, I'll reach my goal by this time next year. I"m excited to be taking my team members to my goal with me! (Because if I'm earning, so are they!)

(I've been doing some extra training over the holidays... I'm excited and re-energized! )

Oh, I listed some brand new doll furniture on etsy over the holidays too. Wing chairs, nursing chairs, and a couch. (These are in 1:12 scale, but I can to them in 1:16 or 1:24) See etsy for more detailed pics.

Hope everyone had great holidays!

Crafters Choice, 3 books for 3 bucks. Cool.

It's the time of year where I madly go through my crafting books looking for quick, last minute ideas. I was realizing how many of these came from the Crafters Choice Book Club. (You know, with the swingin' deal when you sign up, then the sales that keep you hooked?)

I've already done quite a few projects from these books over this year, and I'm REALLY looking forward to January and February, because they really ARE condensed crafting time for me. I'll list the creations on etsy, until the weather gets nicer, then sell them at market or on consignment at local shops.

If you want to have a peek at their deals, or pick up a new craft to get you through winter, Find books on beading, sewing, knitting, and more! Get 3 Fabulous Crafting Books for only $3! !

This is for the Canadian Version of the Crafting Book Club. I'm sure there'll be a link to the U.S. one there, though.

I'm pretty sure the deal is you only have to buy one or two books at their club prices, and then you can cancel. 5 books of crafts is enough to keep ANYONE busy till spring!

Because I like Options... A New Webstore.

I've been looking at ProStores - an eBay Company to open a new webstore. The rates seem very reasonable (and are write off's anyway) plus, I have a month to try it free.

I have my etsy shop for my handmade goodies... and that's awesome. But, I can't put new retail type items on there. I"m talking about "buy it wholesale and resell it" type items. When it comes to vintage and handmade, I'm good with etsy. However, I have a whole slew of items that I can't list on etsy... hence, ProStores.

Yes, it's an eBay company. And you can integrate your store with the occasional auction. But the more I look at it, the more I like it. It's easy. It's reasonable. It's user friendly... and I can use it to sell the other items I get wholesale.

Take a peek.. tell me what you think...

L

A full day before 11am.

I was somewhat productive yesterday! Loaded up the pics of the newest pair of vintage shoes, an altered vintage compact (sooo coool.) and a couple of hemp necklaces, to Vintage Witch. Put a call-to-action out there on Facebook. Today is already a busy day, and it's just past 9am.

• Did a maple biscotti, and a tray of mini carrot cakes.
• Make a sign for the Rye, as they are using some Watkins products
  
• have to get downtown to return a movie to the library
• buy some sugar, eggs and butter and almonds and apples.
  
• Visit the Rye cafe and deliver a Root Beer Extract
• Get my buns back home to feed the kidlets
• A girlfriend is bringing over her lawnmower and weedwacker. (The ancient push mower needs a little help sometimes.)
• Finish my bake! I've got almond and maple biscotti to do, as well as more carrot cake and more banana bread. I wanted to try some apple bread this week, too.

My intentions for today was to have some girls over and go over some Watkins goodies with them. But the Farmers Market prep keeps me swamped (in the nicest way! ) So, I think I'm going to have to wait until September, and I"m no longer doing markets, to do the laid back coffee afternoon with friends. (Man, that will be so good.)

This is the first year I've been excited for September. Even though I'll be working hard on my etsy things, and continuing to build my Watkins business, it will seem like a break compared to the insane pace of this summer :)

I DO love Fridays.

• 
  

It Puts the Lotion On the Skin!!!

Today is the first day of my diet. "DIET???" I can hear my nearest and dearest shouting at me... hold up, friends! I weigh in at a soft and comfy 124, at 5-foot-nothing, and I'm happy with that. My diet is to control my adult acne.

I've ALWAYS fought with it, and the best results I've had is when I modify my diet AND my face regimen. I get little zits and big Zits AND horrible horrible welts. And I refuse to take an oral drug that will monkey up my inners.

So, I'm back on the garlic (which is great for the lungs too, reducing cholesterol and is a natural antibiotic) plus, getting back on my facial routine. Which involves a CLAY mask every 3 days (not the gel kind, or the peeling kind, it HAS to be the clay ones.) I'm also adding a Skin-Hair-Nail suppliment (all of these suppliments are made with Medical Grade Standards, which are higher than Food Grade, which most suppliments are.)

I'll also not scrub the hell out of my face. I've been using a cleanser with salicylic acid, plus the pumice scrubber in the face wash, and it is NOT doing anything good for me, despite the claims made by the marketing for the product. I find the gentler I am with my skin, the nicer it is.

So, of all things, I'm going BACK to the cleanser I found at dollarama. No kidding. The formula is comparable to Cetaphil, it was made as a no-name for Safeway, and somehow Dollarama got their hands on it. And my skin LOVES it. And, get some water-based facial lotion (not that I need to put much lotion-on-the-skin usually.)

The other thing I KNOW I personally need to do to clear up my acne is reduce-the-hell-out-of my caffeine intake AND my DAIRY. (sigh and whine. Because I loves the CHEESE.) Oh, and choose the salad instead of the fries. Double sigh.

However, the last time I did it, my face looked SO much better, and I didn't need loads of the organic-face-powder to cover up my red angry face...

My closest girls saw me yesterday, without makeup (my face was in just too much pain for make up; Organic or not, it still hurts the face) - next time I see them, we'll have to see if THEY see the difference!

(I'd post pics.. but... sigh... I fear my Vanity won't let me. I"m a pretty big mess right now. Yick.

*****

60-or-so scrabble tile pendants are FINISHED! On cards and everything. Whew. I have lots of supplies left for commissioned pieces - I've recieved emails from people who've seen me at the market, and want pics of their kids or their business logos on the tiles. Super fun idea.

It's not-quite-11, and I've finished a few rounds of biscotti. The gingerbread dough is in the fridge cooling. That's for later today. Tomorrow morning is the banana bread and carrot cake. I think I'm getting this system down.

Now, I wonder if I'll find time to sew something today???