Monday, October 5, 2009

Obedience

The topic of Obedience came up earlier in the week, but really, it’s something my husband and I have been discussing for several weeks and longer now. It has nothing to do with the wife being obedient to her husband or children being obedient to their parents (although we wouldn’t mind the second part).
We’ve been really struggling with the idea of being called to take up the Cross.

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” ~Luke 9:23

But how do we, as a working family, do this? It isn’t practical to give up all your earthly possessions and go out into the desert to follow the footsteps of Jesus. I can’t imagine what the police would think if he gave up all his clothes like Saint Francis and walked out into the city speaking to animals. I’d get a call to pick him up at the institution.
Jesus Himself was called out of the desert to go into the city and Moses was called down off the mountain to go to the people – to create a City of God on earth ruled by its hallmark of Justice.

My husband, Danté, is a banker for a very large bank. He goes to work every day to make the paycheck to help pay for our home, our food, our insurance, and all of those needs. However, he is constantly torn by the expectations of his position to sometimes sell things in an unethical manner in order to keep his job and his desire to care for his family. Is it ethical to walk away from your financial obligations if your means of meeting those obligations requires you to act in an unethical manner? And what if you feel called to something else? It seems that in this market especially without a college degree, you don’t have many choices. He wants to go back to school, but it doesn’t feel like an option. If we are not acting in our full capacity towards what we feel we are called to, are we truly being the obedient followers we claim to be?

It’s all brought more questions than answers. There is hope for the future that one day we will feel more in line with that path – it’s finding a ladder out of the rut or perhaps some sort of pole vaulting equipment that we chiefly need. How do we continue the work of building the City of God as commanded? How do we connect the world as it is with the world as it should be? How do we become obedient followers in the real world?
I don’t know but we will keep talking and keep listening and hopefully, in God’s time, we will hear the answer.
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Blog carnival on Obedience - be sure to visit Peter Pollock's page to read all the rest!
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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Etsy Item of the Day!


Your very own Queen of the Cubefarm, SarahBee!
My soy candle travel tins were selected and I am so honored.

What's your favorite scent?
What should I make for this summer season?
Let me know! :)



Sunday, May 24, 2009

In Memoriam Treasury


As we enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, I thought it would be wise to reflect on the reason behind it. I curated this treasury in honor of memories and as a reminder to Never Forget those who have gone before us and the sacrifices they made for us. Please enjoy this collection and make sure to visit the amazing shops featured!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Featured in EtsyDay Treasury!



Featured in my First Treasury!
Please visit HERE

~Etsy Day!~

Today is the first annual Independent Sellers' Etsy Day!
In honor of the special occasion, I am offering free shipping on all cup comforters.
There are some new ones posted as well :)


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Monday, April 20, 2009

City of Mesa Cup Comforter


This is meant to be the City of Mesa, where I spent so many summers working for the Parks & Recreation Department. After years of coaching, teaching swim lessons, and lifeguarding, I spent a season driving a city truck around from pool to pool making sure everyone had the proper equipment for their events. This is a little homage to the city. There are just a few tall buildings, some low antique stores, and plenty of empty lots. I made this one extra tall so that people with bigger hands can still be protected.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Twitter

I have finally caved to Twitter and joined the ranks of all the Tweeters.
So, here is the link. http://twitter.com/SBeeCreations
Leave me yours! I'd love to check it out :)
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Treasury to Honor Bees




Albert Einstein said... "If the bee disappeared off the face of the globe then man would have four more years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man."



Check it out and let me know what you think :)
It is expiring tonight, so don't delay.

The modeling beeswax reminds me of the road trip my family took from California to Illinois and Wisconsin when I was young. I could sit and soften and mold that colorful, beautifully smelling wax for hours. I would create everything from horses and turtles to my perennial favorite, flowers. Beeswax has always been really special to me and in a long, roundabout way, the reason I now have my store.
It's time to honor the bees and take a moment to realize how important they are to our very existence.



Saturday, April 11, 2009

My newest Treasury!

This is my latest Treasury!
For those who live near here, you may find a local surprise :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=51904
Visit and let me know what you think!

Happy Easter!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Still Time to Check out the Treasury!

Here is the Link :)
Click HERE

Cheaper by the Dozen






New cupcakes are here!
I developed a new technique that doesn't use any chemicals to change my regular aloe vera soap into a creamy, fluffy frosting. I am so excited about it and just in time. These are my first dozen and they are going to be party favors for a birthday this weekend. I hope no kids try to eat them. Even I had to keep reminding myself not to lick my fingers while I was frosting them ;)  I also hope that people will actually use them and come back for more. They are really so gentle on the skin and there are no colors added at all, with the exception of the sprinkles, which are real food sprinkles. They will wash off the first time you use them though, so I'm not worried about them staining. I may have to give one to my gluten-free friends who is always wishing I made cake without flour so she could have some, too.
Here is what my client had to say this morning: "Sarah - I LOVE the soaps - thank you thank you thank you! My kitchen smelled SO good last night! I like the frosting too! I have them in my closet right now - to keep them out of the kids' hands - and every time I go in there I get hungry! :-)"

Thursday, April 9, 2009

First Treasury

I was able to post my first Treasury today on Etsy! ~ It is made up of some of my favorite items from some of my favorite sellers. The theme is basically women and mothers during the day in the morning, taking care of children, going to meetings, and having a night out on the town.
Please visit and let me know what you think!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Easter week has arrived!


Today is not too late to order candy-alternative gifts for Easter!
I can just imagine a few pastel candles tucked into the grass for a lovely brunch decor, or a fun cupcake cup comforter nestled into a basket for hot chocolate-sipping comfort. Maybe a festive cupcake soap? All last longer than candy and less cavities :)
I am getting really excited about it. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Taking advantage of the weather before the scorching heat arrives. We are off to Joe's Farm Grill for my birthday lunch today.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Sackboy Cup Comforter is here!

The Sackboy Cup Comforter is now up!
A super-fun way to display your geekery and keep your hands comfy at the same time. 
Not to mention, green is the way to go - be eco-friendly. No more throwing out cardboard sleeves or, gasp, double-cupping. Folds flat to fit in a pocket, purse, or laptop bag- wherever you keep the stuff you haul around on a daily basis. 
I love this one. It's my favorite cup comforter so far. It can be happy, sad, or mad or any way you are feeling that day, so get several as a mood barometer for all your friends and co-workers.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Spring Fling! - Happy First Day of Spring

Working on a new fragrance today - This one I am calling Spring Fling!
It is casaba melon, freesia, and plum. It's really light, so it's perfect for people with fragrance sensitivities. As always, it is in my soy wax so it is healthier anyhow. I was reading the other day about people with migraines being unable to burn paraffin candles because of sensitivity to the pollution they cause. It was in an EPA article. Of course there is pollution because you are burning the remnants of an oil barrel that was rejected for asphalt! Yet another benefit to soy - doesn't cause migraines when you burn it. (Eating it might be another story)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

First Cupcake soap- smells like the real thing- great for favors

Today I am experimenting with making frosting out of soap for soap cupcakes. Scented as cake, of course, with sprinkles on top. This would be ideal for party favors or fun birthday gifts. Talk about gluten-free cake!
I'll post pictures once I finish my first batch.

Have a beautiful day!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Published my Facebook page for Sarah Bee Creations today.
Become a fan!

Friday, February 20, 2009

So, I got my shipment. Really happy with the scents. Not so happy that I ordered and paid for 10oz apothecary jars that are only 8oz. This would have been okay in the end, because I like 8oz better as a size, but my wicks are one size too small, so it is a little frustrating because that means another order for wicks so I don't waste these jars.  I need to order more fragrance from my wick place anyhow, so perhaps it is all for the best. I've actually sold out of four fragrances now.
I just finished a four-candle order and have one more to go on another order. 
Still perfecting the cannoli candle. This one could really pay off....or make me fat, one or the other - who knows? 
Have a beautiful day.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

So excited to get my supply shipment in tomorrow. It means that I will be able to craft all my full-size sample candles and be ready for retail orders. 
I made two deliveries for St. Valentine's Day this year in response to the email I sent out with my specials.
In the meanwhile, in preparation for this weekend, I started the massive project of pulling the weeds in the front yard. It rained last night, so I had to take advantage of the softer soil today. Still can't get my right hand completely clean. I think I'll try the grapefruit soap ;) Been waiting for the perfect opportunity, although I really should sell it.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

I got my first big candle order today for 6 - 8oz candles for St. Valentine's Day!
It is my first non-family- related order and definitely my largest. I'm firing up the kitchen right now. It is going to be warm in here tonight! Hopefully this is a sign of many to come. :-)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Strawberries and cream - smells like summer in here! 
I tried to do it as a swirl, but it isn't as pretty as I had hoped. It is going to take some practice.
It already has a few views on Etsy, but I'm not holding my breath for a sale. Without any feedback, it is really going to take a leap of faith for someone to buy from me. I wish that my local sales could comment on there as well so that others would know I am a legitimate vendor.

The key is persistence. I just have to keep on keeping on.  I am trying to learn as much as I can from successful people and be humble in accepting criticism. 

"Be strong and let your heart take courage" 
~ Psalm 31

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Today I tried a couple of new fragrances. I made an Aloe Vera soap with grapefruit oil. It smells so fresh. I think this is going to be a great summer staple.
I also made a few travel tins with Sweet Pea. They are just setting up now. 
I ventured into car air fresheners as well. All I am going to do is shake my jar occasionally until Monday and then I will decide what shape to make it. This one is Blueberry Muffin. 

My husband's cousin is over for the weekend for a video game fest. She's trying out Little Big Planet for the first time right now. Our daughter says that it is the "Greatest, Best Game Ever". 
Our gourmet dinner consists of whole-wheat chicken nuggets with BBQ sauce, steak fries, and corn. I'd rather be smelling the Grapefruit ;)

Friday, February 6, 2009

Welcome

Hello Everyone,
Working on a few gift candles today. This one is Vanilla Lavender. The last one I made had far too much lavender. This one, I fear, may not have quite enough. One of these days I'll get it right. Hopefully sooner, rather than later as it is one of my favorite scents. 
I have an outstanding order for a Praline Pecan as well with a request for an actual pecan pie to go with it. No idea what to charge for such a thing. I wouldn't do it, except that it is for someone I know and it is local, so I'm not as worried about it.
I am trying to make some in advance for St. Valentine's Day, but as it is my first, I have no idea how much of anything is likely to sell. I have made a short list of my picks though:

Fascination - a romantic, light floral and citrus blend
Vanilla Passion
Wedding Cake
Pour Some Sugar on Me - vanilla and warm sandalwood blend
Fondue for Two - delicious chocolate and vanilla blend
Cinnamon Bark