tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42961089521524208262024-03-05T13:46:03.216-08:00JesPlayinLife, Family, And The Pursuit Of Craftiness.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-39489295545091126462010-04-13T10:04:00.000-07:002010-04-13T10:04:07.110-07:00Changes....MovingHello folks,<br />
I wanted to update you on what's going on...I know it's been a while. For a few reasons, I decided to close down Taiwo Bath and Body. It's something I've thought about for a while, and just decided to act on. When something no longer moves you, it's time to let it go. For those of you who have asked me for soapmaking advise via this blog, I am still available, so feel free to contact me there as well. Once a soapmaker, always a soapmaker!<br />
I will now be pursuing my long-time passion of home-making information and education in the form of my new blog <a href="http://www.afromartha.com/">AfroMartha</a>. The new blog, which I am currently developing will be all inclusive with tips, Q&A, recipes and downloadables. You will also find a neat little section with recipes/formula to make your own products bath and beauty, as well as cleaning products. I have included some of my more pertinent posts from this blog, as well as some new ones. I also plan to include a forum and other goodies in the future. As such, this necessitates a change in venue, which will allow me to implement all the things I plan on doing. <br />
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With that said, I introduce to you <a href="http://www.afromartha.com/">AfroMartha</a>! Please surf on over there right now and check it out, but keep in mind I am still building it.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-1778563933897907312010-02-22T18:19:00.000-08:002010-02-22T18:19:00.914-08:00Not Good....In the past few months, I have been noticing a strong sensitivity to fragrance oils. I have tried denial...turns out it's not just an river in Egypt. I've been telling myself that it must be something else, that I'm just imagining it, etc, etc,. But it never fails. As soon as I open up a bottle, use some lotion, or am around anything even remotely scented, the back of my throat/nose/sinuses starts to burn, and my eyes start to water. It doesn't even have to be synthetic fragrances. Essential oils do it to me too! <br />
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This is so not good. I work with scents on a daily basis. I LOVE scents! However, I can't take it anymore. Now I understand what my Aunt has been suffering all these years. Turns out she wasn't just being over-the-top dramatic when she banished anything scented from her environs.<br />
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I'm not sure what to do here...how to get around this. I don't want this little sensitivity to put the kibosh on my body products. We'll see what happens.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-74934416072646098372010-02-15T16:13:00.000-08:002010-02-15T16:13:47.983-08:00To separate or not to separate, that is the question...Okay folks. Remember when I said I had creative ADD? I may have it, but I don't want my shop to. I originally started my <a href="http://taiwosoaps.etsy.com/">Taiwosoaps Etsy</a> as strictly body products. I also started my <a href="http://jesplayin.etsy.com/">JesPlayin Etsy shop</a> even before that one. That shop was for my vintage, restyled, and jewelry products. In my infinite wisdom I decided to bring the earrings over to the Taiwosoaps page, because they seemed to go together well. Beautiful products that make you feel beautiful, right? I also combined the two so that everything can be in one place. Well, I'm starting to think that may not be such a good idea now.<br />
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I'm thinking of separating the two product because I feel they have totally different vibes. I have been exploring some new jewelry methods that I'm really excited about, and I think they deserve their own space once it's all said and done. Focus is something I struggle with on a daily basis, but I don't want it to show in my shop. So, I ask all you wise readers out there: To separate or not to separate? Give me a well thought out argument below, and <i>there just might be something in it for you!</i>JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-86592033929957908322010-01-30T15:06:00.001-08:002010-01-30T15:07:17.215-08:00I wish it was mine.<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beadsinthebelfry/4072564042/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/4072564042_6a86be37d9.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style=" margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.8em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beadsinthebelfry/4072564042/">my vase close up</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/beadsinthebelfry/">BeadsInTheBelfry</a>.</span></div><p>This vase belongs to a Jewelry maker named Beads in the Belfry. Saw it on her flickr stream and just had to post it here. I am sooo inspired by this piece. It is literally causing me to really reconsider my quitely tucked away surface design/home decor passion. Thinking~</p>JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-72779621821530769092010-01-28T10:17:00.000-08:002010-01-28T12:07:47.388-08:00Tofu & Vegetable CalzonesI know somewhere there's an Italian person cringing at the thought of Tofu and Vegetables in a CALZONE!!! Sorry dude, my family can't get enough of this stuff.<br /><br />I started making this years ago during the height of my family's vegetarianism. Though we are no longer vegetarians, I still cook like one for the most part. We eat only chicken, but I don't even cook that at home very often. I usually save the Chicken for my Nigerian Stew (which is just not the same any other way) or for when I go out with friends. I only occasionally cook chicken, simply because I don't like working with raw chicken. We do like our vegetables, and I actually LOVE tofu, as do my kids, so I use that often.<br /><br />This has been a favorite in my household for years now. In my household it's actually known as "Favorite Rolls" not Calzones. I just now got it to where it's not quite so labor intensive and time-consuming as it once was. Thank goodness for Trader Joe's! Really good ingredients at really reasonable prices! I get the pizza dough from there for 99cents, and that shaves off a huge amount of prep. To think that I used to make pizza crust from scratch. Que'lle Horreur!<br /><br />A little bit about tofu:<br />Don't be scared! True, it doesn't have a flavor/taste of its own, but that's what makes it so good to work with. It will absorb whatever flavor you want it to. It is a literally a flavor sponge. Use whatever spices you want. In this recipe I use an italian spice blend.<br /><br />This isn't so much a recipe as a guideline. This isn't like pastry baking, where everything has to be exact. Cooking is more forgiving. Use your own combination of fillings if you'd like. If you use everything in the pictures as I've used, you should end up with about at least 13 small calzones, depending on how filled each one is. If you have issues, leave a comment below, and I'll help you out.<br /><br />1. The aforementioned TJ Pizza crust. Awesomeness! Freezes really well. Even though this picture has one bag of dough, I use two bags. Make sure you put it in the fridge to thaw a day ahead if you freeze. On calzone day, I usually set it out on the counter with the bag open at least an hour ahead so that it can get to room temperature<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrk2_7iTPF8-DvE1fAzYBJ-zcF9Q7c5mOgvsce5Nx_sTfBjDseZ7uHeCmqiIB80q_UNoXswdWcfvXX7S6mJAz1iLQu0S8iUUxt_8c9gArTaba7vqEae9bzhDvY_00pi8YuubZirhKqG1Y/s1600-h/dough.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrk2_7iTPF8-DvE1fAzYBJ-zcF9Q7c5mOgvsce5Nx_sTfBjDseZ7uHeCmqiIB80q_UNoXswdWcfvXX7S6mJAz1iLQu0S8iUUxt_8c9gArTaba7vqEae9bzhDvY_00pi8YuubZirhKqG1Y/s320/dough.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431876300796625954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2. Get your vegetables together. Everything I put into my filling is below. The only thing not pictured is the spice mix and salt. Everything is to your taste. I use italian spices. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqdYcCNL2e8RBEVfeDoia6ooghzrUNtei9pS3caqck0ntIk0ZEAfpUCuxIJsUzzeiIzWnQlVLBkIiO8YKqm5k4t12l2rRt77JaSa1MxCwtefJJNtq70RWKSpwdtyHct0b8Y6P12T80Q8S/s1600-h/ingredients.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqdYcCNL2e8RBEVfeDoia6ooghzrUNtei9pS3caqck0ntIk0ZEAfpUCuxIJsUzzeiIzWnQlVLBkIiO8YKqm5k4t12l2rRt77JaSa1MxCwtefJJNtq70RWKSpwdtyHct0b8Y6P12T80Q8S/s320/ingredients.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431877897370622786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3. Here are the veggies all chopped up. Make sure to crumble up the tofu into a colander. You want to drain out as much water as possible because the vegetables will also ooze water into your filling mix. A 'too wet' filling mix will make your calzone soggy, yuck.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirod4w6RDIKHJy9LOTUxEZu5Qd8W86h9Y3He33mSXFRQZ9gCrPlRaeatpwJdZXwMz1aO4WCtE2-H0V31rvQkuCBHBBEERpxgOxh9QHiceviVC4s6OlneSk0gWcAIjXskC_lkXJKEEXzFhU/s1600-h/chopped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirod4w6RDIKHJy9LOTUxEZu5Qd8W86h9Y3He33mSXFRQZ9gCrPlRaeatpwJdZXwMz1aO4WCtE2-H0V31rvQkuCBHBBEERpxgOxh9QHiceviVC4s6OlneSk0gWcAIjXskC_lkXJKEEXzFhU/s320/chopped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871988427831170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4. I usually saute/pan fry the tofu first (with a little oil) until it gets a light brown crust on it. This is to further reduce the water content. Then I add the onions and garlic, saute a couple more minutes, then add the rest of the veggies and spices/salt. Another couple more minutes, then I add the Ragu spaghetti sauce and let the flavors marry for about 10-15 minutes, stirring the whole time.<br />This is what it looks like when it's ready to go.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z0jWvOz_EyIYIhY6o_uwl5ARu3BLAgD5bEFeJU5yqC_ub-2AD5ComL7nvmFR8NjOH6P717hPdM8mfj78-WQu_pkQJmyE0iyAYh1o8f2VlOR9QVZ06RINT0ETbD4_GBVj2sFPauOoM61S/s1600-h/filling-done.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z0jWvOz_EyIYIhY6o_uwl5ARu3BLAgD5bEFeJU5yqC_ub-2AD5ComL7nvmFR8NjOH6P717hPdM8mfj78-WQu_pkQJmyE0iyAYh1o8f2VlOR9QVZ06RINT0ETbD4_GBVj2sFPauOoM61S/s320/filling-done.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871982809492562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />5. After the filling's done, I let it cool down for a little while because if you fill while the filing is piping hot, you could make holes in your dough. For this reason, it's a good idea (when possible to make the filling a little bit ahead of when you want to fill the dough.<br /><br />I then spread out the dough onto a floured surface and roll w/a rolling pin. I use a pizza wheel (or knife) to cut the dough into eight pieces like below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XdWRRzSlgrnBVdsRfqRCGWYsuE61H0M03QeP-GQkqD7_LdMyBA_jsOrn3CCBQV8VBABUJGTdftSFF1q8RCtB4Qfu9irwFzHECIQo9ccizj6MMHplYoWxcr7CIWCyy8ZhP_-wSkKCrzVZ/s1600-h/doughcutup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XdWRRzSlgrnBVdsRfqRCGWYsuE61H0M03QeP-GQkqD7_LdMyBA_jsOrn3CCBQV8VBABUJGTdftSFF1q8RCtB4Qfu9irwFzHECIQo9ccizj6MMHplYoWxcr7CIWCyy8ZhP_-wSkKCrzVZ/s320/doughcutup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871526888375698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />6. Lightly stretch out the dough (not too much, you don't want it thin) and scoop some filling into each piece. Roll up and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper (or foil). Bake at 350deg, until lightly browned on top.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFlCrUQ7SEW_b59BJqkcUi5nA5lGvtHmDvRXb_yuzC3aG_ToZCkqIu41yeQNuxNhsaj9gom47rBGkLw8Hgbzy9zb_6WSFM0o4KoUt8Bt2Z4i0wefF89dkePYeA5aw0PPEAyIc8xRdYKIE/s1600-h/filledcrust.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFlCrUQ7SEW_b59BJqkcUi5nA5lGvtHmDvRXb_yuzC3aG_ToZCkqIu41yeQNuxNhsaj9gom47rBGkLw8Hgbzy9zb_6WSFM0o4KoUt8Bt2Z4i0wefF89dkePYeA5aw0PPEAyIc8xRdYKIE/s320/filledcrust.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871514811847234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />7. And Voila! Here it is, all ready to eat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs8WpxQw1klO6m57htwIelnoYqaTreqT1DUNzFotSQdqdp1Wkpw5IDWDh2L7Znzc6Nq3WuPY17iGa9jSZ8JFY3EN9y7aEnp4Gv08pBGLqZqiQCBt3eRtZ0gvfOcoikyQ9o2h7QJz8lUgi/s1600-h/done.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs8WpxQw1klO6m57htwIelnoYqaTreqT1DUNzFotSQdqdp1Wkpw5IDWDh2L7Znzc6Nq3WuPY17iGa9jSZ8JFY3EN9y7aEnp4Gv08pBGLqZqiQCBt3eRtZ0gvfOcoikyQ9o2h7QJz8lUgi/s320/done.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871512415720946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />8. Here's what the inside looks like if you break it apart. Yummy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUwdLoKjalwTg-1DB-zYCyOj_HE5F9pEXiNEyEFFXO9zjjFHu9LKQoi3h2DUJIDlInLQLjWgfWT9rz2rEic1uDrtqwxCFg-YpcuNgGhpxFB3-_98gHHC2crtlteWo4Fp-SGhBf_EB7YEc/s1600-h/bitten.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUwdLoKjalwTg-1DB-zYCyOj_HE5F9pEXiNEyEFFXO9zjjFHu9LKQoi3h2DUJIDlInLQLjWgfWT9rz2rEic1uDrtqwxCFg-YpcuNgGhpxFB3-_98gHHC2crtlteWo4Fp-SGhBf_EB7YEc/s320/bitten.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431871509652737858" border="0" /></a>JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-5327594084336519992010-01-23T09:56:00.001-08:002010-01-23T09:57:39.080-08:00And the winner is:::::Shonda Swallow! Step forth and claim your prize!<br /><br />Thanks to everyone that entered. I will have another contest next week, so stay tuned!JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-50599607031446721782010-01-19T11:40:00.001-08:002010-01-19T12:00:32.468-08:00Romantic Playlist Contest!So, I think it's time for a contest! <div>In light of the upcoming Valentine's Day, I think this contest is apropos, don't you think? </div><div>IF YOU HAD TO MAKE A ROMANTIC PLAYLIST, WHAT 10 (TEN) SONGS WOULD BE ON IT?</div><div>Far be it for me to judge your musical tastes, so the winner will be selected with a <a href="http://www.random.org/lists/">randomizer</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The loot: The new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38860415">Valentine's Day Champagne Bubble Bath</a> </div><div>Contest ends: Friday January 22 at 5pm</div><div>Winner Announced: Friday January 22, 2010, 6pm</div><div><br /></div><div>The Rules are:</div><div>1. You must leave a comment either in the comments box or the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dayton-OH/Taiwo-Bath-and-Body/116608736911?ref=ts">Taiwo Bath and Body Facebook Fan Page</a>. </div><div>2. You must have 10 songs on your playlist.</div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck, and happy playing!</div>JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-7559841261879697822010-01-09T19:14:00.000-08:002010-01-09T20:44:24.405-08:00Help, I can't stop making fizzies!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xoN6qx1NewYxBPxX10K5yvow8q_HvXRBeWyvyRRhiKp_QwfmHtmqQ9dUlcO8NozNBdGiJ3yCa499vixKLgApJp00vlGucdRAIEYsoJ7hKVZi9aFEtWifWfehHPbwGMux6zjHmmPtwb5M/s1600-h/buttercream.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xoN6qx1NewYxBPxX10K5yvow8q_HvXRBeWyvyRRhiKp_QwfmHtmqQ9dUlcO8NozNBdGiJ3yCa499vixKLgApJp00vlGucdRAIEYsoJ7hKVZi9aFEtWifWfehHPbwGMux6zjHmmPtwb5M/s320/buttercream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424946838722243714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYXQ85rB4WVL41-mONfYiBTxkT9LqSUVunq93p6foNCAPVT8RzhUZvfiKy0qdjsjpSmyDPfmUFWDCwggSL8LEU_YQJy2WeQcFPs5ijyzv_BB370kNElPxYhc__fn1TdAimpj3l70DE00a/s1600-h/fizzies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYXQ85rB4WVL41-mONfYiBTxkT9LqSUVunq93p6foNCAPVT8RzhUZvfiKy0qdjsjpSmyDPfmUFWDCwggSL8LEU_YQJy2WeQcFPs5ijyzv_BB370kNElPxYhc__fn1TdAimpj3l70DE00a/s320/fizzies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424946682374574642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm up to my eyeballs in Bath products...bath fizzies, foaming bath salts and bath oils! So excited to make and present these products. For some reason, making something so simple is so immensely gratifying! The minute I pop out the perfectly spherical fizzy I know I've accomplished something. Fizzies, as simple as they are, can be quite complicated to make. Just one too many spritzes of liquid and your batch is totally unusable. I've been having a really great time making them and can't wait to take photos and load onto my etsy site. Stay tuned....JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-39826607837191567722010-01-04T21:24:00.000-08:002010-01-04T21:25:28.296-08:00Looking Ahead to 2010As I mentioned in my last post, I feel that this is going to be the best year yet! To make that happen, certain plans have to be put in place. I won't disclose everything just yet, but there are a couple of changes coming to Taiwo in the immediate future. Here they are:<br /><br />1. Moving back to Etsy from Artfire.<br />I like Artfire, but I LOVE etsy, even with it's limitations and sometimes wonky configuration. I've just never bonded with Artfires interface like I did with Etsy.Effective January 15 2010 Taiwo will move back to it's original Etsy <a title="Taiwo Bath and Body's Etsy site" target="_blank" href="http://taiwobathandbody.etsy.com/" id="w248">site</a>. You can always still find it at <a title="Taiwo's web address" target="_blank" href="http://www.taiwobathandbody/" id="fv3h">www.taiwobathandbody.com</a> though.<br /><br />2. Taiwo is changing focus. <br /> As I mentioned in the last post, I have found a niche to focus my body products offerings in the vast bath and body marketplace. This is a hard decision because like I said, I like to make everything. I can make everything, but again that does not mean that I should. I have decided to focus my offerings specifically to Bath Products only. It is something I've really enjoyed making and using. I, a staunch shower lover am now a convert to the joys of taking a long relaxing bath.<br /> I feel particularly confident to offer a line of products JUST for Baths because I realize the importance of baths. First of all, it's something that people are passionate about. Those who take baths <i>really take baths</i>. They soak. For Bathers, bathing is far more than just a cleansing ritual. I once had a friend who loved her baths so much that her kids new better than to try to talk to her while taking her baths. She took them NIGHTLY. It was her one thing she looked forward to at the end of each day.<br /> I have identified different reasons why people take baths for relaxation. For some, it's a chance to daydream and visit distant lands in their minds. For others, it's a ritual they do before going out for a night of fun, say a girl's night out, maybe. For yet another group of people, it is the prelude to romantic evening. For some others, it's a therapeutic ritual, like soaking sore muscles, or dry itchy irritated skin. Sometimes it's all these reasons at different times of our lives...<br /> I am excited to offer my latest offerings: Bubbling Bath Fizzies, Bath Oils, and Dry Bubble Bath and Bath Powders. As things progress I may add some related items, but in the meantime, it will be strictly these products.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-65302590519723303482010-01-01T22:46:00.000-08:002010-01-01T22:59:12.562-08:00The obligatory New Year's postSo it's a new year, yay us!<br /><br />I am very excited about the upcoming year. I know it's going to be a good one professionally and personally. Not in the same way I've 'known' it's going to be a good one for the past few years, and it's (the feeling) just fizzled by february. This is different. Call it getting older, wiser, feeling more comfortable with who you are...whatever. I just know it's going to be the BEST year ever!<br /><br />Professionally, I think I've learned to let go of worrying about what I think I'm 'supposed' to be doing, and just following what I want to do. I think I've reached a point where I'm giving myself permission to follow my heart, passion whatever, instead of what I think will make me some money (that never works...for me anyway). I've realized that it's okay to be broke, because broke is temporary, but poor is a state of mind that lasts forever.<br /><br />I've always known that I could never do a regular 9-5 job, not that there is anything wrong with that. I feel terrible admitting this publicly because I know billions of people do it everyday. My dear sweet husband does it everyday without complaint. He says he's fine doing a job that's not necessarily his dream because he has things that fulfill him outside of that job. I'm not like that. For me, a 9-5 is like a slow death (at least the jobs I've had, which are really kind of the bottom of the barrel.) I know I'm very fortunate to be married to someone who lets me be me...who goes to work everyday without putting pressure on me to earn an income. In fact any pressure I've ever experienced about that has come directly from myself. Never mind that I earn my keep around here with all that I do being at home. I still feel this nagging urge to contribute financially, which is (partly) what's led me down the path of entrepreneurship. I've always been trying to work for myself for as long as I can remember because I just can't stand the thought of building someone else's empire while breaking my back for peanuts. I fell for a lot of work at home schemes along the way, but I guess that may be par for the course.<br /><br />My most recent job, a seasonal part time job just ended, and I couldn't be happier. I feel like that job (for a lot of reasons) took me away from what I want to accomplish in my life. The only thing that got me through and kept me from quitting was knowing it was temporary. At that job I watched people sweating every little detail because their very livelihood depends on it. It made me sad to watch these people with families spend 10, sometimes 14 hours a day at at his call center. I would often ask them when they see their kids. This lady who sat next to me told me that she sees her kids just long enough to feed them dinner and get them started on homework. Everyday. Until the weekend (which by the way you are obligated to work one of those weekend days.) This sucks. Bigtime. Even though this was a sh*t job, is it really any different from a high-powered corporate gig? Nope. In fact the higher you go on that ladder, the more your obligation and time commitment.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please don't get me wrong. I know that business ownership is NOT for everyone. I also know that having your own business takes just as high a level of commitment. I just know that it's where I prefer to be.</span><br /><br />I know that I'm very blessed to have the skills and talents that I have. I realized today that it is my obligation to share these gifts and talents with others. I will find a way to do this in 2010.<br /><br />Anyway, like I was saying before I got on a tangent. I'm a little older, wiser and more comfortable in my skin and I think I'm finally able to let go of certain things that have held me back in my quest for successful business ownership.<br /><br />Aww drat. This was supposed to be a post about my plans for Taiwo in 2010, but I guess that will wait till tommorrow.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-85311278770474774822009-12-29T11:49:00.001-08:002009-12-29T12:00:32.630-08:00One Clue...I realize I've been doing some food posts lately, so I guess I owe in the 'life' and 'making other stuff' department.<br />Being a very creative person can be very frustrating at times. So much I want to do, so little time. I also tend to flit around a lot, which is never good for business. Oh, I do enjoy my creativity! However, I've had the hardest time settling on which one to pursue. Asking a creatively ADD person to pick one thing and stick with it is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child... excruciatingly difficult.<br />I came back to my <a href="http://www.taiwobathandbody.com/">Taiwo</a> products because it's the one I have the most experience in. I have been making soaps and other body products since December 1998 when it first hit me that it was possible to make this stuff at home. It's just always seemed logical to do that. After taking a 3 year break from the business (due to the increasing size of my family), I decided it was time to go back. I came back to the same problem I had before: how to pick a niche and focus on that niche. I always thought I had to offer EVERYTHING. That can be the death of a business too, trying to be everything to everyone. Just because you CAN do everything doesn't mean you SHOULD.<br />I think I may have finally found that niche. I am excited, but waiting until the initial excitement passes to make any announcements.<br />Stay tuned.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-91772586703658595222009-12-24T19:43:00.000-08:002009-12-24T20:07:35.842-08:00Coquito!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lBFFIgTR8Ho-EtkOpOKAvtwUgWg4HT_Uq22fg2Mji4ezlBP4WFdXGuX4yYuynfxiudPp2bkU3sJZupPduoRfokmh_CWQVqZJA05yuKTIazNF_db4bcKXU35Jyr7qREE2qxT-6w8pQmWk/s1600-h/coquito.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lBFFIgTR8Ho-EtkOpOKAvtwUgWg4HT_Uq22fg2Mji4ezlBP4WFdXGuX4yYuynfxiudPp2bkU3sJZupPduoRfokmh_CWQVqZJA05yuKTIazNF_db4bcKXU35Jyr7qREE2qxT-6w8pQmWk/s320/coquito.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419020020167958626" border="0" /></a><br />You know that scene in the movie "Envy" with Jack Black where they announce at dinner that 'Flan' will be served. suddenly everyone gets real excited like Flan is just the best thing in the world! Well, if you don't know that scene, run to the nearest video store and get a copy. It's hi-larious!<br /><br />Anyway, the reaction in that scene is what you'll get everytime you make Coquito, Puerto Rico's answer to the American Eggnog. Think Eggnog by the beach on a hot sunny day. That's how yummy this drink is.<br /><br />I first discovered this drink about 2 years ago when The Man brought it home from a weekend with his Capoeira buddies. I had a taste and just had to make it! Alas, in my old age, I've grown to become somewhat lactose intolerant, but this drink is not as dairy intensive as its American counterpart. Warning: it's not for the faint of heart. It's very sweet, and possibly very fattening, but it's a wonderful once a year induldgence. Here's my recipe<br /><br />Coquito:<br />1 Can Coconut Milk (I use Goya)<br />1 Can Coconut Cream (the sweetened kind, I use Goya)<br />1 small can sweetened condensed Milk<br />6 oz Rum (Preferably Coconut Flavored)<br />1/4 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />makes approximately 46oz<br /><br />Method:<br />Combine all ingredients in your blender cup and blend until smooth. Chill in the fridge for about an hour. It will thicken slightly, just mix with your whisk. It will be thick but smooth.<br />Enjoy!JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-78152001008518939652009-12-17T12:57:00.000-08:002009-12-17T14:19:48.759-08:00A time to give<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFErZjvARBLOaY9xMc9z_Xn8JS30W3D3duoibhMru9ujDSC-KXfLr2Rjcw20u1KkKmnhhjpwJrdTd2_478t9-5hMO6Hga10v9VJcH8NK9dEQXPeFstAYLPV-nFKegMpFbzIqRdYl1f4mmU/s1600-h/teachergifts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFErZjvARBLOaY9xMc9z_Xn8JS30W3D3duoibhMru9ujDSC-KXfLr2Rjcw20u1KkKmnhhjpwJrdTd2_478t9-5hMO6Hga10v9VJcH8NK9dEQXPeFstAYLPV-nFKegMpFbzIqRdYl1f4mmU/s320/teachergifts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416331233798505970" border="0" /></a><br />So, it's that time of the year again.<br /><br />This year I decided not to do my usual last minute mad-dash of trying to figure out what to give my kids' teachers the night before. I decided to actually be ahead of the curve this time.<br />Actually, this new-found preparedness began with the secret santa at work. I mindlessly filled out the form, thinking, how cool it would be to get presents from someone I didn't know. At the time, it barely occurred to me that I would have to reciprocate (insert comments about my self-absorption here...) When the lightbulb finally went off, I started to think. Since my secret santa recipient likes hot cocoa, I set out to make a gift mug filled with hot-cocoa, marshmallows and the works. What I I ended up with was even better.<br /><br />I used cone bags, instead of the usual mugs, to package the mix. I really got excited when I realized that I could use my newest toy, <a href="http://www.silhouettemachine.com/">silhouette machine,</a> to cut the tags. I tied some ribbon around it, and finished it off with a tag and some bling! I got really into packaging the stuff, and for once I was on-time!<br /><br />This makes a great gift for coworkers, teachers, mailpeople, babysitters, and anyone else you'd like to appreciate! It's also a great stocking stuffer.<br /><br />Here's the recipe for the Hot Chocolate Cones. This makes about 6 cones.<br /><dl class="dottedRule"><dt class="orange smHeading">Hot Cocoa Mix:</dt><dt class="orange smHeading"><br /></dt><dt class="orange smHeading">Ingredients</dt><dd> <ul><li class="bgDot">2 cups nonfat dry milk powder</li><li class="bgDot">3/4 cup sugar</li><li class="bgDot">1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa</li><li class="bgDot">1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer</li><li class="bgDot">1/8 teaspoon salt</li></ul></dd></dl><dl class="dottedRule itemInstructions"><dt class="orange smHeading">Instructions</dt><dd class="instructionsDd"> <ol class="instructions"><li class="liInstructions1 orange"> <p> Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.</p> </li><li class="liInstructions2 orange"> <p> Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to package it. Makes about 4 cups of mix.</p></li></ol></dd></dl>To package each cone:<br /><br /><dl class="dottedRule"><dt class="orange smHeading">Ingredients (For Each Cone:<br /></dt><dd> <ul><li class="bgDot">1/2 cup cocoa mix</li><li class="bgDot">2 (6- by 12-inch) cone-shaped cellophane bags (available at party stores)</li><li class="bgDot">2 clear rubber bands (I used twist ties)</li><li class="bgDot">Scissors</li></ul><ul><li class="bgDot">1/4 cup mini chocolate chips</li><li class="bgDot">3/4 cup mini marshmallows</li><li class="bgDot">1 Peppermint Candy Canes</li></ul></dd></dl><br /><dl class="dottedRule itemInstructions"><dt class="orange smHeading">Instructions:</dt><dd class="instructionsDd"> <ol class="instructions"><li class="liInstructions1 orange"> <p> Pour the cocoa mix into one of the bags. Close the bag with a clear rubber band, then trim the end of the bag 1 inch above the band.</p> </li><li class="liInstructions2 orange"> <p> Place the cocoa-filled bag into the second bag and flatten its top so the end doesn't stick up.</p> </li><li class="liInstructions3 orange"> <p> Layer the chocolate chips and the marshmallows, then stick 1 candy cane in the center. Fasten the bag around the candy cane with one twist tie. Secure the bag with the other rubber band.</p></li></ol></dd><dt>Optional:<br /></dt><dd>1. Tie a piece of ribbon around the cone to cover up the twist tie.</dd><dt> 2. Address a decorative gift tag and hang from the ribbon.</dt></dl><br />Happy Gift Giving!<br /><dl class="dottedRule itemInstructions"><dt><br /></dt></dl>JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-61038217711892272162009-11-14T06:55:00.000-08:002009-11-14T07:00:53.405-08:00And the winner is....<div class="clspost" id="post_19915" style="font-size: 12px;"> <p> "Angie in AZ" for her entry of <strong>"Sand and Sea".<br /></strong> </p> <p> Here is what she wrote as her entry: </p> <p> <em>"This soap sounds wonderful and is really, really beautiful. The very first thing that popped into my mind reading about it and looking at the color, patterns, and texture is "Sand and Sea". The colors are of the sand and sea. The patterns remind me of swirls of water and the top, of waves. So that's my name."</em> </p> <p> I thought her entry and her reason for it was just so awesome. It made me think, and being that I'm product-naming challenged, it was one that I wouldn't have thought of, but is oh-so-fitting.<br /></p><p> Thank you, Angie! Step forth and claim your prize by emailing me at yetunguez@taiwobathandbody.com </p> <p> Thank you to all who entered...tough decision because there were so many wonderful entries! You will get another chance to name another soap soon! </p><p> </p> </div>JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-87015197056494331442009-11-11T08:15:00.000-08:002009-11-11T08:17:43.903-08:00Taiwo Artisanal Soap...and a Contest!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBydYSqAww62iBHg3dYWALmh5rTGm03giUQw7wox1iJ8kjZkE-DfIjjpHPHLIq3QRtskuMxzGgNFG4qolIHG5CcIkpNXnG5ezGxKCCo-fC2UL8kMhyhsaPfly1KxgR9APp8FKaD8HSq-p0/s1600-h/pinebars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBydYSqAww62iBHg3dYWALmh5rTGm03giUQw7wox1iJ8kjZkE-DfIjjpHPHLIq3QRtskuMxzGgNFG4qolIHG5CcIkpNXnG5ezGxKCCo-fC2UL8kMhyhsaPfly1KxgR9APp8FKaD8HSq-p0/s320/pinebars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402880975353339794" border="0" /></a><br />I love to make Soap. I really do. Problem is, I find it hard to limit my selection of soaps to a few constant bars. To solve this dilemma, I am introducing a line of Artisanal Soaps. 'Artisanal' is defined as: Any product made by hand, by a skilled craftsman. I make these soaps by hand, with little to no mechanization. Well, I like to think I'm a skilled craftswoman, thank you very much! <p> Here is my first in this line of soaps. It is made with Olive, Coconut, Soy, Cottonseed oils, and Avocado oils, along with a healthy helping of Pure unrefined Shea Butter. The lovely green swirls you see is achieved with the use of natural mineral rich Spirulina. The soap is scented a fresh uplifting Pine scent. It is a healthy hunking 5.75 oz! </p> <p> Okay, here comes the hard part. What do I name this soap? Hey, This calls for a contest... </p> <p> The Rules: </p> <p> 1. Come up with the most clever name you possibly can.<br />2. This contest will go be open until Friday November 13, 2009 at 5pm EST.<br />3. Winner will be announced on Saturday November 14th, 2009 10am<br />4. Enter your entry either by commenting on this blog.<br />5. Winner will receive One free full-size bar of this soap. </p> <p> GOOD LUCK! </p>JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-73862833602775615172009-10-28T17:27:00.000-07:002009-10-28T17:30:17.127-07:00Taiwo Bath and Body GRAND OPENING! Take 20% offSo, the long awaited grand opening of my store Taiwo Bath and Body is finally here! Make sure you take 20% off your total order with the code: '<span class="UIStory_Message">GRANDOPENING20</span>'JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-76335587384478181772009-10-28T15:11:00.000-07:002009-10-28T17:27:03.062-07:00Missy G's Sweet Potato Pound CakeA few days ago I was listening to <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114057039">"All Things Considered"</a> on NPR where they did a segment on the Office Cake lady. It was really fun to hear the lighter side of NPR, and the segment also left my mouth watering for a piece of Missy G's yummy poundcake. I immediately went to the <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114057039">website </a>to get the recipe. I made the cake the next night, following the recipe to a 'T'. Absolutely de-lish!!!!<br /><br />I also took pictures on my phone, which I posted to my facebook page. This of course led to lots of requests for the recipe. facebook page. You can get the recipe <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114057039">here</a>. I'm not sure how long the link will be good, so I've copied and pasted the recipe here for all who have asked for it.<br /><br />Let me reiterate that THIS IS NOT MY RECIPE, AND THESE ARE NOT MY PICTURES. The recipe and pictures are taken directly from the <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114057039">NPR </a>website.<br /><br /><div class="storytitle"><h1>Missy G's Sweet Potato Pound Cake</h1></div><!-- END CLASS="STORYTITLE" --><div id="storytext" class="storylocation"><div id="res114080119" class="bucketwrap photo300"><img src="http://media.npr.org/assets/news/2009/10/23/sweetpotatopoundcake.jpg?t=1256242916&s=2" class="img300 enlarge" title="Sweet Potato Pound Cake" alt="Sweet Potato Pound Cake" width="300" /><div class="captionwrap enlarge"><a class="enlargeicon" alt="Enlarge" title="Enlarge Image" href="javascript:void(0);"><span>Enlarge</span></a> <span class="creditwrap"><span class="credit">Annabelle Breakey</span></span></div><!-- END CLASS="CAPTIONWRAP ENLARGE" --><div class="enlarge_measure"><img src="http://media.npr.org/assets/news/2009/10/23/sweetpotatopoundcake.jpg?t=1256242916&s=51" title="Sweet Potato Pound Cake" alt="Sweet Potato Pound Cake" /></div><!-- END CLASS="ENLARGE_MEASURE" --></div><br /><p><strong>You'll Need</strong><br /></p><p>A shallow baking pan<br /></p><p>A potato masher<br /></p><p>A 10-inch tube pan<br /></p><p><strong>For The Cake</strong><br /></p><p>About 4 medium sweet potatoes<br /></p><p>2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter<br /></p><p>1 cup sugar<br /></p><p>1 cup dark brown sugar<br /></p><p>4 large eggs<br /></p><p>3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br /></p><p>2 teaspoons baking powder<br /></p><p>1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br /></p><p>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br /></p><p>1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br /></p><p>1/2 teaspoon salt<br /></p><p>1/2 cup milk<br /></p><p>1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /></p><p>1 teaspoon maple flavoring<br /></p><p>1/2 cup peeled and diced Granny Smith apples<br /></p><p><strong>For The Topping</strong></p><p>2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pats<br /></p><p>2 tablespoons dark brown sugar<br /></p><p>3/4 cups chopped pecans<br /></p><p><strong>About 2 Hours Before Mixing The Cake</strong><br /></p><p>1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Bake your sweet potatoes for at least 45 minutes. Use a knife or a fork to test for doneness—the potato should be very mushy inside its shriveled skin. Remove from oven and cool for 1 hour. Slit each skin lengthwise and remove, leaving the soft, orange center. Mash with a potato masher and measure out 2 cups for this recipe. Cool to room temperature before mixing the cake. If the mashed sweet potatoes are too warm, they will melt the butterfat and the batter won't get as nice and thick as it should.<br /></p><p><strong>To Make The Cake </strong><br /></p><p>2. Position a rack so the cake will sit in the middle of the oven, and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line the bottom of your tube pan with parchment paper, and spray the sides and bottom with baking spray.<br /></p><p>3. Cream the butter with a mixer on medium speed.<br /></p><p>4. Combine the sugars in separate bowl. Gradually add to the creamed butter, 1/4 cup at a time, beating at medium to high speed after each addition.<br /></p><p>5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating at medium to high speed for 1 minute after adding each one.<br /></p><p>6. Reduce the mixer to low speed and add the mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup at a time.<br /></p><p>7. In a separate bowl, dry whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.<br /></p><p>8. In another separate bowl, combine the milk, vanilla, and maple flavoring.<br /></p><p>9. With the mixer still on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk mixture, beating after each addition. Start with a third of the flour mixture, beat, then add half of the milk mixture, beat again, and repeat until the last of the flour mixture has been added and beaten in.<br /></p><p>10. Turn off the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, and then mix the batter on medium to high speed for 2 minutes.<br /></p><p>11. Slow the mixer down to the lowest speed and add the apples, mixing until just incorporated.<br /></p><p>12. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use the back of a spoon to even out and smooth the batter.<br /></p><p><strong>To Make The Topping</strong><br /></p><p>13. In a separate bowl (I know — it's like the bowls have Balkanized here), combine the cold butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix with a wooden spoon and do not fret because the mixture is crumbly. That's just the way you want it.</p><p>14. Sprinkle the topping all over the surface of the batter.<br /></p><p>Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes before testing for doneness. Then use a sharp knife to test the cake, and poke it around in a couple of places to determine whether it's finished. This cake can fool ya.<br /></p><p>15. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then, using the plate-over-pan method, unmold the cake and flip it onto a cake rack, topping side up. </p></div>JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-34929639757362256262009-10-05T13:34:00.001-07:002009-10-05T13:44:45.784-07:00What did you eat today?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0ugr_NwUZQOY-hZKVazOK6uN-B-JbgUkkVhN4qA3CZ79Q1Rl91pw1RgN-h0UAOl5UV6hwjgnMyq-j7PiY6RClJC559NQVlCDnwbjWqAHYxL7cFET0XVVjm5D2Cqc3CQ3R25DDrNE_hu3/s1600-h/lunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0ugr_NwUZQOY-hZKVazOK6uN-B-JbgUkkVhN4qA3CZ79Q1Rl91pw1RgN-h0UAOl5UV6hwjgnMyq-j7PiY6RClJC559NQVlCDnwbjWqAHYxL7cFET0XVVjm5D2Cqc3CQ3R25DDrNE_hu3/s320/lunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389217203029306882" border="0" /></a><br />Beauty is more than skin deep. You will get out of your skin what you put in. No cream or salve or balm can externally change what needs to be changed internally.<br /><br />I'm also guilty of eating bad sometimes, but I do try to eat well most of the time. With that in mind, here's what I had for lunch today:<br /><br />Veggie Pita Sandwich:<br />--------------------------<br />1 tomato, diced<br />1 handful baby spinach, julienned<br />1 avocado, diced<br />1/2 mango, julienned with a slicer<br />3 stalks green onions, chopped thin<br />3 sprigs cilantro, chopped<br />squirt with rice wine vinegar and olive oil, sprinkle with black pepper.<br /><br />Fill your pita pocket, and enjoy with a cup of hot tea, water or juice.<br />'Bon Appetit!'JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-36048569833170851022009-09-17T20:06:00.001-07:002009-09-18T10:13:04.345-07:00My undying love for Menards...and other soapmaking adventures in the quest for PVC pipes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghs2ST_aa8QPrqwQjvAI_jdXCWz427ARhZgH5YH7WOUK_KAUF1ER6-bMqT8euErjFXdDxrUz1-FuyOh0b_VTO9CylumeokDsyCppM7xy3y-XMWJID9uq6xAeEmT_oZcypNTsS36iBwf-TC/s1600-h/pvc-molds.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghs2ST_aa8QPrqwQjvAI_jdXCWz427ARhZgH5YH7WOUK_KAUF1ER6-bMqT8euErjFXdDxrUz1-FuyOh0b_VTO9CylumeokDsyCppM7xy3y-XMWJID9uq6xAeEmT_oZcypNTsS36iBwf-TC/s320/pvc-molds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382849180860363426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31144026"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7pZJWDEZXuhEjagfpEa4xPYoZw0aTOnQljLLW7E364oLtH9XQVcgy7Gf6iMTSNj5kQQLEKrbftv4TdMEKophToItpLre3z-Bb9o9ud5KQBmdzmJ9vKhtp3Z-FrVeaxVsOKFKHPo6Q03Z/s320/thegreene3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382856547147305490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Disclaimer: The following is going to read like a paid advertisment. IT'S NOT. I<br /> just really love the place. </span><br /><br />For you poor souls who don't know, <a href="http://www.menards.com/">Menard's</a> is a ginormous regional hardware/home improvement warehouse chain in the Midwest. This store is to home improvement what Ikea is to Furniture and home accessories. I absolutely love roaming the aisles of HIWs because you never know what you're going to find. For someone as crafty and creative as me, Menards/Lowes/Home Depot are like candy stores! <a href="http://www.menards.com/">Menard's</a> is HUGE! My local one is about the size of Lowes and Home Depot combined, with about twice the selection of either.<br /><br />The best part though, is their outstanding customer service. During our somewhat big (for us) kitchen-bath-and everywhere else re-do this past march, I accidentally broke one of a pair of lighting fixtures in a box. They took it back, no problem. They even let me keep the unbroken (already mounted piece) with no hassle. The staff is always friendly and eager to help, and like I said earlier, I can find everything I need, and more, at a great price! It also has that old-timey country store feel to it.<br /><br />Since it is a bit out of the way for me, I sometimes forget to consider this store when I need something home improvement related. Yesterday, I happened to be in the area, and thought I'd stop in. I wanted to check on their selection of PVC pipes and accessories, for<a href="http://www.taiwobathandbody.com/"> some soap</a> and other goodies I've been working on. I had the hardest time getting what I needed from Lowes, Home Depot, AND Taylor's Do It Best. Lemme tell ya, they DON'T do it best! What I needed was to have 5 feet of PVC pipe cut down to 2 inch pieces. Now, I understand that that is kind of a tall order. I could've cut them by hand with a handsaw, and that was not something I wanted to do. These warehouse stores have very powerful table saws (for cutting for customers) that would've made shortwork of the pipes, but they would not cut them for me! I guess the sales force is trained to only sell, do an occasional crooked cut, and maybe help you find stuff (which they barely do). They are not there to help you achieve your ultimate goal, which for me happened to be 18-24 pieces of 2 inch pvc soap molds!<br /><br />Now, there are a couple of notable efforts worth mentioning along the way to achieving this goal. An older gentleman (about 70years old) employee at Home Depot actually propositioned me during my attempts to get these pipes cut. I wondered why he was looking at me like I was on the menu. He chatted me up for a good twenty minutes, stringing me along by asking me questions as to my purpose for needing the pipes, telling me how he liked doing things the old fashioned way, asking me whereabouts I lived. Naive little me thought that he was about to offer to use his saw to cut the pipes for me on his personal time. Even that didn't sit well with me, but I was playing along. Little did I know that rather than trying to cut some pipe, he was trying to lay some pipe! Old fool! I hastened my exit when he leaned in all conspiratorial and said to me, "I love black ladies..." I won't even mention what he said right before that! He then proceeded to ask me if I was married, to which I responded with an emphatic YES! and got the hell outta dodge. Nasty ol' man!<br /><br />The second most notable effort goes to the man at the Do It Best center. I called prior to going in just to make sure they could cut the pipe for me and the lady on the phone said yes. Though I'd been told they could do it, I went in with being not very hopeful, because phone operators will often tell you what you want to hear to get you off the phone and into the store, only for you to find out that it was a big ol' lie. So I went in and I started getting somewhat more hopeful when the man in the plumbing section said, 'sure, I can cut that!'. He asked how many pieces and what size. He proceeded to go in the back and cut. Twenty minutes later he comes back with a hacked up piece of what might or might not be the PVC pipe, and declares that he just can't cut it. The fool was in the back using a hand saw to cut the pipes! Of course it wasn't coming out straight, DUH! I could've done that myself, but didn't want to! I had to give him an 'A' for effort though. He was actually going to hack off 12 pieces of PVC pipe by hand for me. How sweet.<br /><br />So that's how I ended up at Menard's. The young dudes in the "Barn" (where they cut lumber) were like 'sure, we can do that!' And this time it was for real. Despite the plastic dust flying everywhere, they painstakingly measured and cut, measured and cut, until I had 18pieces of pvc, all so that I can have perfect little round pillars of soap for sale. Ah, what I do for my customers! Oh, and here's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31144026">the result </a>of all my hard work.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-64874732741028002472009-09-02T10:10:00.000-07:002009-09-02T10:17:32.147-07:00Brighter Minds Media and new products coming soon!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYg1MHjXXYx7NmlH4G-D3Kg9jEZxEHNUhVA_UUizopL7FaevvBrnrJlYpqiCXIovR4A4bhSgFRg8ehm1VDoJzdcxLuLVHHPar7-58gjDRMbmmAch-v55VCnzck6T6FMKJwAPbc1gjUhjD/s1600-h/flowers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYg1MHjXXYx7NmlH4G-D3Kg9jEZxEHNUhVA_UUizopL7FaevvBrnrJlYpqiCXIovR4A4bhSgFRg8ehm1VDoJzdcxLuLVHHPar7-58gjDRMbmmAch-v55VCnzck6T6FMKJwAPbc1gjUhjD/s320/flowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376920317100229762" border="0" /></a><br />For those of you with crafty kids, here's what I think is a great opportunity. The good folks over at <a href="http://www.brightermindsmedia.com/parents/diy-book.php">Brighter Minds Media</a> are putting together a book of crafts, for kids by kids. Here's a chance for your crafty kid to get their work (and name!) immortalized in a book. Shoot on over <a href="http://www.brightermindsmedia.com/parents/diy-book.php">here </a>to get details.<br /><br />Well, I've been quite busy formulating some yummy new products for my <a href="http://taiwosoaps.etsy.com/">Taiwo </a>shop. I'm so excited about everything and can't wait to get it out there! In due time, in due time. I'm also excited about new things I will be putting on my <a href="http://jesplayin.etsy.com/">JesPlayin </a>shop, which is looking quite skimpy lately due to some spectacular customers that have come my way. Patience...I will be adding new items soon.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by, and take time to look at the flowers.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-59270211422177386342009-08-17T06:53:00.000-07:002009-08-17T06:54:09.390-07:00What is a Bath Bomb and how do you use it?I'm sure you have noticed those egg-shaped colorful things called bath-bombs or bath fizzies in my shop. Some of you might now how to use it, and some might not. Here is an explanation, for those that don't know.<br /><br />A bath bomb or bath fizzy is a sensual, visual and olfactory experience. To use one, simply drop into your bathtub filled with water, and watch as it releases scent and color. It's really quite fun to watch, especially for kids!<br /><br />But that's not all... <br />My bath bombs are specially designed to help soothe skin as well as delight the senses. The special ingredient, Oat Flour provides a therapeutic benefit to skin. Oat Flour is useful in soothing dry itchy irritated skin caused by such skin conditions as Dermatitis or Psoriasis. It is also excellent for soothing sunburn. *Please note that I said SOOTHING, not CURING or HEALING* Bath bombs will not replace medical attention from your doctor.<br /><br />Will you end up with a tub full of oats? No. Oat Flour bond with water to form a mucilage that helps soothe the skin. This mucilage does not leave a residue in your tub, so no worries about oatmeal in the tub!<br /><br />I hope I have addressed your questions/concerns about Bath Bombs. Please feel free to post any questions you may have.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-34299973265666670082009-08-11T21:27:00.000-07:002009-08-11T21:29:21.505-07:00InstructableNotice my embedded instructable to the right of this page. I did this over a year ago, and it has just occured to me tonight to put it up on this here blog. Check it out for yourself! I will do another one, this time as a video, so stay tuned.JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-54377942098583758842009-08-09T22:53:00.000-07:002009-08-09T22:57:21.863-07:00New Items on Taiwosoaps Etsy and upcoming tuteJust listed: some fresh new body goodies! Check them out <a href="http://taiwosoaps.etsy.com">here</a>.<br />Just developing: I am working on my latest project for the EAS blog. I am so excited about this project! I am also developing an Instructable and a step-by-step tutorial for it<br />Second clue: Repurposing an item for everyone's favorite swedish megastore...<br />Stay tuned...JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-13075383099521411692009-08-04T20:07:00.001-07:002009-08-04T20:10:22.805-07:00Vision Time!I have been meaning to make a vision board for a while...even got some magazine pages ripped out. I have heard that these are quite helpful in achieving your goals. I can believe that. Anything that puts your intentions in the forefront of your mind can't be bad. I think mine will be in the form of a book though. I have so many areas of my life I want to make a focus for. When it's (finally!) done I'll post a pic, and maybe a tute. <br /><br />Why don't you join me?JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4296108952152420826.post-45013746206127753142009-07-31T22:04:00.001-07:002009-07-31T22:20:33.322-07:00Don't call it a comeback!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzxkoBTVLJPA1ulr6z62v2rncaK-29vEYOX4LWOe8vUaaufjgzmQOUt1Y73wicYbbmL1BHtDZEQpodKrI75HP8X_YGTncZtXE3wt7_BqymNGKmcIXEYA68kkytEcfvyOzuQSq7gKrqglf/s1600-h/lipbalm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzxkoBTVLJPA1ulr6z62v2rncaK-29vEYOX4LWOe8vUaaufjgzmQOUt1Y73wicYbbmL1BHtDZEQpodKrI75HP8X_YGTncZtXE3wt7_BqymNGKmcIXEYA68kkytEcfvyOzuQSq7gKrqglf/s320/lipbalm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364858984047971186" border="0"></a><br />I've been here for years...<br /><br />So, I am happily back to what I know, which is soaps and body products. I am busily formulating my new line to arrive soon online, at shows and home parties. Stay tuned for the grand opening announcement. Please be sure to join my mailing list on the right in order to be notified when the goodies come available.<br />JesPlayinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09590079135453901167noreply@blogger.com0