Smokey Mountain Scents

In The Cage 4 Cancer

2009-07-13T13:03:00.015-04:00

Inthecage4cancer is a group of mixed martial artists/cagefighters who have made it their commitment to bring attention to children's cancer and somehow fight cancer from the cage, one fight at a time!

Chico Santiago is the brains, brawn, heart and soul behind inthecage4cancer, but his beautiful son, Diego is the inspiration. Diego lost his courageous battle with a cancer known as Wilms' tumor three years ago. Diego was only 6 years old.

Wilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Also known as nephroblastoma, it's the most common malignant tumor of the kidneys in children. The peak time of Wilms' tumor occurrence is at age 3, and it occurs only rarely after age 8. Wilms' tumor may arise in either or both kidneys.

In Chico's words "After a long 3 years of missing my son and sitting around feeling sorry for myself. I've decided to do something about it..." and boy did he ever! Chico gathered up a group of his mixed martial artist friends and they started fighting..... literally - to bring attention to children's cancer. Their plan is to take every opportunity to bring much needed attention to this terrible disease thru fighting and planting a seed of awareness in every crowd who goes to see us fight.

Not only do these men and women give and take beatings to bring awareness -they volunteer their time, energy and money by visiting children's hospitals to bring a smile to the face of a child who is ill, volunteer their time to Ronald McDonald Houses and donated money to families to help ease the cost of hotel fees, meal and even overdue utility bills. In my humble opinion , these fighters are heroes! This is the opinion of my 10 year old son "Inthecage4cancer is cool and they kick butt". Let's all try to help them "tap this illness out in kids"!!

The Fighters

May's Giveaway Beach Daisy Limited Edition Soy Candle

2009-05-01T20:02:00.004-04:00

May has two holidays close to my heart: Mother's Day and Memorial Day! As most of you know, if you keep up with my blog - I lost my mom a few years ago to lung cancer (see post below) so Mother's Day is a bitter sweet holiday for me. Bitter sweet because I miss my mom terribly, but at the same time I am a mom with all the joy and love that comes with that.

Memorial Day is a time to remember all our heroes that have gone on before us and those who are still out there fighting this crazy war. It seems to me that as this phase of the war winds down and we don't hear about it in the headlines continually that we don't think of those still over there as often and the sacrifices they make on a daily basis for us to live free.

So, I dedicate this giveaway to our moms and our heroes. Thank you for all that you do for us.

To enter to win this cute Beach Daisy Limited Edition Soy Candle -simply leave me a comment about your mom telling me what you love most about them and say a special thank you to all our heroes (or the one special to your heart).

Sweet Pea Candle & Soap Giveaway

2009-04-12T08:19:00.005-04:00

Thanks to everyone for entering the contest. I so enjoyed reading them all. The winner of this contest is Nickolay!! Congratulations Jason !!

Spring is my favorite time of the year. For me its a sign of renewal and new beginning. So, in honor of Spring I am giving away a Sweet Pea & Rhubarb Shea & Mango Homemade Soap bar and matching 4 oz Soy Candle in Travel Tin.

To enter simply tell me in the comment section what your favorite thing about spring is. For an additional entry follow me on my blog. If your already a follower, just leave me a note and I'll add your name to the hat a second time. Don't forget to leave me contact info in case you win. Contest ends April 30.

Spirit Jump

2009-04-07T18:25:00.007-04:00

CANCER is such an ugly, scary, heartbreaking word. One you hope will never touch your life but, inevitably ,will is some shape or form. It touched my life three years ago when my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Unfortunately, my mom lost her battle with this horrible disease in October of 2007. I wish I had known about Spirit Jump when my mom was fighting the fight of her life-it would have made her day to receive some small gift or card. Because of and for my mom I am now a proud Spirit Jumper. In loving memory to my mom, June Ownby. I miss you more than words could ever say.

What is Spirit Jump? Spirit Jump is a project that directly connects the gift giver with a person battling cancer. When someone you love is fighting cancer or some other terrible disease you always wonder what will help make their days a little brighter. It could be any little thing - a card, a phone call to say I'm thinking about you or a small gift. If you would like to help brighten someone's day (and your own) Spirit Jump will match you with someone who needs to have their spirit lifted.

Today, I am sending an Easter spirit jump package to two little girls who are suffering from Duchens Muscular Dystrophy and their mom. If you would like to read more about them and Spirit Jump check out their blog http://www.spiritjump.blogspot.com/ . For each little girl ,I am sending an Easter basket with an easter egg soap, bath fizzy and lip balm and for mom I'm sending a daisy soap, candle and a lip balm.

Backyard Veggie Garden

2009-03-09T21:09:00.020-04:00

We had a busy weekend in the veggie garden. We made 3 more raised bed. The beds are 4x4 and made with untreated lumber. We planted one with a variety of lettuce (head lettuce, romaine mix & butterhead mix)and spinach, one with broccoli and one with carrots and radishes. We also planted older raised beds of cabbage, brussel sprouts and we planted 3 rows of potatoes.

Head lettuce in corners, Romaine Mix & Butterhead between head lettuce and spinach in center.

Broccoli in a squarefoot bed . Plants should be one per square, but I had a few extra plant so a few are planted two per square.

This bed is seeded with alternating rows of carrots and radishes. My plan is that the radishes will be gone and give more room for the carrots to grow.

Cabbage planted in one of my existing raised squarefoot bed.

I planted Brussel sprouts in this bed. This is my first time growing brussel sprouts, so we'll see how well they do.

Oh, look the peas are finally sprouting!! I was about to give up on them.

Our container potato experiment: We had extra seed potatoes when we finished planting the rows and decided to try an experiment by trying to grow potatoes in flower pots to see what happens. I planted two containers each with kennebec, red pontiac and yukon gold.

Signs of Spring

2009-02-27T22:22:00.008-05:00

Ahh Spring. My favorite time of the year. The days are getting warmer, the grass greener , flowers are starting to bloom and the trees are starting to bud.

Oh and its time to start thinking about getting the garden ready for planting. Some of my seedlings are starting to sprout. Here is some of my tomato seedlings peeking out...

and my cucumber seedling have gotten large enough to transplant into a larger container.

It was so nice yesterday that me, the kids and Pop planted some onions in one of my raised beds. We planted Sweet Georgia sets(on the right)that I'm hoping will make larger bulbs to store and use over the winter and some white onions (on the left) to use as green onions (scallions).

I'm hoping to keep a blogging journal of our backyard garden and it progress and all the yummy veggies that we (hopefully) will get to harvest, eat and preserve.

New Featured Artist and Giveaway

2009-02-25T09:29:00.012-05:00

AND THE WINNER IS: Rosemary. Congratulations.

Laurel from Ellemardesigns is our new featured artist. Laurel is generously giving away this simple yet striking year-round Mountains & Pines Ornament . This ornament was hand-decorated on a hollow ceramic circle that is 3" wide and 1 1/8" thick, then fired to cone 06. It is quite light weight. The front of the ornament features a mountain landscape with trees in the foreground, while the back of the ornament is glazed in glossy dark brick red. It is totally one of a kind, and would make a great gift for yourself or someone special in your life.

Laurel has been creating art for most of her life and enjoys creating intricate freehand black and white glaze patterns on ceramics, as well as more naturalistic designs.Like this great expresso cup and saucer.

I recently had a chance to "talk" with Laurel via email and ask her a few questions about her inspirations, work and being a WAHM, homeschooling mom.....

What inspired you to begin creating your ornaments?The ornaments are a fairly recent endeavor for me – as of last November, actually, when I saw some in my local ceramics studio and wanted to try doing them. Certain shapes are a real pleasure to work with, and give me a variety of small “canvases” to be creative on. I've only been seriously working at my art for the past two years or so, although I've always enjoyed drawing and painting. The drawings came first (my college notebooks are full of the abstract stuff in the margins – it's a good thing I can listen and draw at the same time!). I started decorating ceramics about a year ago, and was hooked. Here is one of her stunning drawings...

What inspires you?The natural world, with its patterns of symmetry and texture, inspires me more than anything. But I like to see and learn from all kinds of visual art. My work has echoes of some Native American design (like Acoma Pueblo pottery, which I greatly admire but would never try to copy), and I love textiles and ceramics. Finally, my Christian faith inspires me to share the Gospel through my life and art.

Why do you homeschool? And what lead you to that decision?Oh, that's hard! It's been a tough year, I can't give a pat answer. I home school mostly because it's the best environment for my kids to learn and grow. I started home schooling after our son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (usually called a mild form of autism) in an Early Kindergarten program. He had some sensory issues that made being physically in a school very trying for him, and we realized that teaching him at home would relieve many of his difficulties. Socially, home schooling allows him to learn with and from a wide range of kids and adults, in many situations. It also allows our kids to explore their own interests through school activities – unit studies have been very useful to us.

How do you balance running a home-based business and homeschooling your children?My Etsy shop is very new (opened just last October), so this is a learning process for all of us. Since I haven't had a large number of sales, I'm not spending a lot of time away from schooling. I work on my art projects mostly in the evenings, after the kids are in bed, and I do the administrative/networking/chatty Etsy stuff on a catch-as-catch-can basis during the day.

What has been you biggest handmade "oops"?Probably just the learning curve of decorating on ceramics, using different techniques. I have quite a few “seconds” at home because I only want to put my best work up for sale. I have high standards for what I sell, and if it's not something I would buy myself, I won't sell it to anyone else. So, I have NOT made a profit on my shop - yet.

How do you spend your time when you are not creating?Besides taking care of my husband and kids, I'm an avid gardener, a total bookworm, and a history nerd. If I had cable, I'd be sure to have the History Channel on every evening while doing my art. Before staying home with my kids, I was a Special Education teacher. We are in the process of moving since my husband recently started a new job in another part of our state, so life is a bit unsettled now, to say the least.

To enter the giveaway simply visit Ellemardesigns shop, comeback here and tell us in the comments what your favorite item in her shop is (please don't forget to leave contact info). This contest ends on March 12.

Featured Artist & Giveaway

2009-02-09T11:57:00.008-05:00

I recently met Donna ,a WAHM homeschooling mom through our ETSY She team (a group of homeschooling mom's that own home-based business on etsy.com). Donna has two wonderful shops CellChic and Huebsch Designs and she is generously sponsoring this week's giveaway of a beautiful Cell Phone Charm similar to the one seen below. Donna will let the winner choose which charm they prefer from her CellChic Shop(9.99 value).

I've had the pleasure of talking with Donna via email and got to ask her some question on running a homebased business and homeschooling...

What inspired you to begin creating cell charms and open your homebased business? I've always loved crafting of all sorts. I started beading about 5 years ago, and it really stuck! I made and gave away all the bracelets, earrings, necklaces and jeans jewelry that I could, and then I discovered the little straps for making cell charms...I was hooked! I made and gave them away until everyone I knew had one of my charms. I was interested in selling my crafts, but knew that weekend craft shows didn't mesh with our lifestyle. I placed my items in several boutiques, but having to sell them at wholesale prices made it difficult to make a decent profit.A few weeks ago, I discovered Etsy and thought I had died and gone to heaven! It was exactly the venue I wanted. It's like having your items in a 24/7 craft show with the entire world as potential customers, and you never have to leave your house!

What inspires you? Almost anything - I'll see something where the colors catch my eye, and think about how I can use that in a piece of jewelry or a decorative accessory. For example, I was making a pumpkin pie yesterday, and when I had dumped the sugar, ginger, and cinnamon in a bowl, I thought, "Ooo-o-oh! Nice colors. That would look great in a cell phone charm." Check my shop - I'll be adding a charm called "Sugar and Spice" soon :o)

Why do you homeschool? and what lead you to that decision? We homeschool because we feel it offers the best educational oppotunities for our very bright child. I guess what led us to that decision was the experience of having our child in public school for grades K-5, and realizing that we wanted something different.

How do you balance running a home-based business and homeschooling your children? With our eclectic style of homeschooling, it all kind of blends together actually. Starting the home-based business is giving lots of opportunities for practical, real-life educational experiences.

What has been you biggest handmade "oops"? There are probably lots! The first to come to mind is when I decided I just HAD to try working with PMC (precious metal clay). I made one attempt at a pair of earrings -- the clay dried way too quickly as I tried to work with it. I finally fired the pieces in my little "hot pot", and then promptly broke one of the earrings in half as I tried to finish them. Before I could try a second project, I broke the lid to my hot pot, so I have shelved my interest in PMC for awhile!

How do you spend your time when you are not creating? We love to camp, so every now and then we pack up the people, the 3 dogs, the cat and the Abyssinian guinea pig and head off to the wild blue yonder.

To enter the giveaway simply visit both of Donna's shops CellChic and Huebsch Designs and tell us in the comments section what your favorite items from her shops are. Giveway ends February 23.2009.

Baked Hamburger Stew

2009-02-07T13:46:00.005-05:00

Soups are one of my favorite winter comfort foods. Baked Hamburger Stew is one of my faves. Its easy and quick to put together and is loaded with wonderful veggies and flavor. This is great to make ahead and freeze for a quick dinner or lunch.

Ingredients:

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

3 medium carrots, sliced

3/4 lb lean ground beef

1 can(14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 medium onions, sliced

2 tablespoons of butter

Salt and pepper to taste

In a greased 13"x9" baking dish, layer potatoes and carrots. Crumble beef over carrots. Layer withe the tomatoes, peas and onions. Dot with butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degree for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is no longer pink and potatoes are tender.

Serve with homemade French Bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.

AND THE WINNER IS......

2009-02-05T18:23:00.002-05:00

New York Memos!!! Congratulations on winning BatCat Jewelry's Pink Stacked Earrings!! My daughter, Sarah chose you name out of the hat.I will ship them as soon as I get your shipping information.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest! Keep checking I will be having another giveaway soon!

Brownie Layered Dessert

2009-01-24T22:55:00.009-05:00

I found this wonderful dessert in a Taste of Home Magazine and just had to make it. Brownie Layered Dessert is a yummy brownie layered with cream cheese and chocolate pudding.

Ingredients: 2 boxes brownie mix

Filling: 2 packages cream cheese

(one 8 oz and 1 3 ounce), softened

2 cups confectioner's sugar

2 cups whipped topping

Topping: 2 cups cold milk

1 package (3.9) instant

chocolate pudding mix

Make brownies per the box directions. Pour into a 13x9 inch baking pan and bake per box directions 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioner's sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping: spread over brownies.

In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Spread over filling. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until served.

Cut into squares, garnish with whipped topping and nuts , if desired. ( my kids won't eat it if nuts are in it, but walnuts would be a great addition.

This would make a great make-ahead dessert to take to family or church gatherings or office potlucks.

Featured Artist and Giveaway

2009-01-21T09:56:00.005-05:00

My featured artist this month is Bad Cat Jewelry from San Antonio, Texas. Bad Cat Jewelry offers stunning handmade jewelry using sterling silver, vintage beads, lampwork, Swarovski crystal, and textiles. You can find Bad Cat Jewelry on Etsy, Artfire, 1000Markets, twitter, http://www.badcatjewelry.com/ which links to her *new* blog: http://www.blog.badcatjewelry.com/, and Flickr. If Bad Cat Jewelry is typed into Google, she will turn up. Bad Cat is also in the process of increasing her stock to sell at a crafter's market in February.

I recently spoke with Bad Cat via email and asked her a few questions...

What inspired you to begin creating jewelry? I needed an outlet when my husband was deployed. I put all the blame on my sister-in-law who got me back into beading (I did a little in college). Then I found out that our friends' child had been diagnosed with brain cancer, and I couldn't help them since I was so far away. So I decided to set up a little tiny business online and donate 10% of the profits to Specially for Children in Austin, Texas.

Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today? I am totally self taught. I took one class, but it was basically what I had already taught myself.What are your favorite products to make? Anything that has been in my mind's eye. I love seeing an idea come into fruition and working.

What inspires you? Color and symmetry. I love playing with colors. Symmetry is very important to me. You probably won't see me using chips or oddly shaped stones in my pieces. I just can't do it.

What was your biggest handmade oops? Ummm...really just messing up with some sterling. That always irks me. I'm too impatient at times and just jump into a project without a practice run on some cheap wire.

How do you spend time when you are NOT creating? I would love to say I am an incredibly organized person who runs a perfect household. Its just not true. In my spare time I am trying to coax my active preschool boy into clothing, finding matching socks, and making sure shoes are on the correct feet. I am also trying to fix whatever toy is broken, building train tracks (I should have an engineering degree), cleaning up from little "helping" hands (Pinesol gets crayon out of the carpet), and explaining why the cat doesn't want to be dragged around by his tail.

THE GIVEAWAY

I will be giving away of a pair of Bad Cats beautiful Pink Stacked Earrings, which are constructed using two fabulous, faceted pink stones on sterling silver headpins and attached to earwires. These earrings would make the perfect Valentine Gift for yourself or someone you love. To enter the giveaway simply go to Bad Cat's shop http://www.badcatjewelry.etsy.com/ and to http://www.smokeymountainscents.etsy.com/ then leave a comment on this blog (please don't forget to leave contact info or I will have to choose a different winner because I won't be able to reach you) to tell me what your favorite item is in each shop is. The contest begins January 21 and will end February 4. I will have one of my lovely kiddos choose the lucky winner. The Earrings will ship in time to give as a Valentine gift.

2009-01-10T22:27:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share this heartfelt poem written by my beautiful 15 year old niece, Libby.

Now help me God
And listen well
This secret I'm about to tell
Is not the daily normal strife,
But about the truth of teenage life.
We teenagers think we know it all
We doubt that we will ever fall
But on our knees we find ourselves
On the paths of truth and heaven and hell.
Now the followers will take the path
Where Satan laughs his evil laugh
One more down he seems to say
As he goes looking for more prey.
Now the logical will take the path
Where there you stand as strong as staff
And bow our knees beneath your robe
And do exactly as we're told.
Now God my prayers just begun
We have the moon up until sun
I've got a lot my friend to say
In this bed of which I'll lay.
Now God we still have parents to
They tell us not and what to do
But we don't always listen right
We're all out getting drunk and high.
Cigarettes are a crime too
The ring of smoke that he just blew
I guess its just T.V these days
We've all become they're money slaves.
Now lets not forget those STD's
Where condoms failed to be the sleeve
Mommies and daddies at age of 12
Wow this world is going to hell.
So everyday we hear the news
Some drunk boy; hung up on booze
And tons of weed in the back of his car
Who knows who all he's sold it so far.
Now God come on are you kidding me?
Is this how life is supposed to be?
Now whoever knew it'd be so hard
For a teenager who's life's turned into shards?
So listen God and listen well
The secret that I had to tell
Is not about the normal strife
But the truth about a teenagers life.

A New Year and We've got New Products

2009-01-02T00:56:00.013-05:00

Wow! Can you believe another year has passed? The older I get the faster they go by. Smokey Mountain Scents will be offering some new products this year. I thought I would give you a Sneak Peek at some things to come.

Margarita Dead Sea Salt Spa Bars will be available on February 1.

Salt Spa Bars are amazing. The produce a creamy lather while they gently exfoliate your skin to a smooth, polished sheen. These Salt Spa Bars have the added benefit of Dead Sea Salt.
Why are these types of salts beneficial?Because of all the wonderful minerals they contain.

* Magnesium is important for both combatting stress and fluid retention, slowing skin aging and calming the nervous system.
* Calcium is effective at preventing water retention, increasing circulation and strengthening bones and nails.
*Potassium energizes the body, helps to balance skin moisture and is a crucial mineral to replenish following intense exercise.
*Bromides act to ease muscle stiffness and relax muscles.
* Sodium is important for the lymphatic fluid balance.

You can see why I'm so excited about these wonderful soap bars!

I will also be introducing a new line of vegetable wax free standing Candles. I will have a variety of pillars and votives. These are in the testing phase and should be available in a few days.

Tulip Mottled Vegetable Wax Pillar

Stay tuned....I will be adding lots of new goodies this year!

We are expanding also. You will still be able to find Smokey Mountain Scents at our etsy shop http://www.smokeymountainscents.etsy.com/ and at our new studio at http://www.smokeymountainscents.artfire.com/ and also at our market in
http://www.smokeymountainscents.1000markets.com/ . Hope to see you there.

Youtube video Marketing

2008-12-19T11:11:00.002-05:00

I have been procrastinating about making a video/slideshow for Youtube . I'm fairly computer illiterate and was worried that it would be too difficult for me to do. Well, last night after all day shopping with my daughter, I finally took the plunge. And lo and behold, it was NOT as horribly difficult as I thought it would be-actually it was pretty easy and fun. I used http:www.onetruemedia.com. I found Onetruemedia to be very user friendly, it is free to sign up and make a video or you can purchase a subscribtion and get more goodies. The most difficult part for me was deciding which photos I wanted to upload. My advice to those who are worried about doing a video for marketing is -take the plunge!!
Here is a link to my Youtube video if you would like to see it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Oc2WvrM_I

Christmas Shopping with ETSY Part III

2008-12-07T11:24:00.006-05:00

There is soooo many wonderful things on etsy for women that I had a hard time narrowing it down to just a few. Any woman would LOVE to get these as a Christmas Gift.

Bad Cat Jewelry's Say Anything, the Necklace is made with Sterling Silver and milky swirled lampwork beads is the perfect necklace for any occasion.

A Long Cardigan is one of my favorite articles of apparel and the Royal Rattlesnake Long Cardigan by Ahpeele is gorgeous!

Look at this beautiful All About Green Bracelet from Mom Potter. I love it.

Anyone would be proud to have Spice of Life's Chaste Tree stering silver, aquamarine and pearl dangle earring.
Keep her warm and in style with this Green With Envy Clonch from Ohio Crochet Lady. I would be green with envy of anyone wearing it.

She will be thrilled to open this stunning necklace and earring set in a beautiful mix of swarovski cream pearls, copper findings and a deep olivine swarovski pearl for BGK Designs

And she would be tickled pink find this Kelsey Reverible Tote from A Stone's Throw under the tree on Christmas Day!

Christmas Shopping with Etsy Part II

2008-12-05T21:11:00.012-05:00

Look at these great Christmas gifts for Boys...

After watching my 18 year old nephew and my 10 year old son have a blast playing with a similar item I had to include this in my gift finds....

Pom-Pom/Marshmallow Pistol Style Shooter by boys toys would be great fun for boys of any age.

Got a sports lover in the family? Hockey Puck Soap from Daisy Cakes Soaps would make an awesome gift or stocking stuffer.

Little boy love to play with cars? ?The Merryville Playmat for Monsterbug Blankets is a the perfect mat to drive his cars around on- it has an airport, a school with playground, a pond, a motel, and more for hours of driving fun.

How about this t-shirt for your little Cars fan. Peanuts Boutique has the cutest Tow Mater embroidered T-shirt.

On those chilly days when your little man wants to play outside-keep his head warm with this adorable Keep on Truckin' Hat by Moose Threads.

Christmas Shopping with Etsy Part I

2008-12-03T23:24:00.012-05:00

I have never been the type of person who loves the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. I'd much rather sit at home in my pjs and enjoy the twinkling lights on my Christmas tree and stay nice and toasty warm in front of the fireplace and SHOP!! So I thought I would show y'all some wonderful Christmas gift ideas from some of my team members on ETSY.

I will list some new and wonderful gift ideas every few days- so be such and check back to see what wonderful items we've found.

Some great gifts for girls ....

Tote-ally Cute Butterfly Bag from Recycled Jeans Co. is the perfect present for any teen or tween girl in the family.

I just love seeing little girls all dressed up to have their picture taken with Santa and this beautiful dress from

MaddieandMe would be absolutely the perfect Christmas dress.

This cute http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_12&listing_id=14707682for NYPapercrafter would be fabulous for the girl who likes to journal.

Have a dancer in the family? Magenta Pink Bear with Rosebud Ballet Tutu from Camillam is adorable for your little dancer.

This sweet Snow White and Light Pink Beanie from Two SeaSide Babes would be just adorable to take baby girl out to visit family on cold winter days.

Stay tuned for Christmas Shopping with Etsy Part II

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

2008-11-27T18:27:00.007-05:00

Don't want to get up in the middle of the night or face the long lines or pushy crowds why not juststay in your pj's and come by to shop with Smokey Mountain Scents online. We are having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale!! $1.00 off each item purchased.

Clove Soap

French Vanilla Whipped Cream Soap

Strawberry Shortcake Cracklin' Wick Palm Wax Candle

The winner is....

2008-11-16T12:42:00.001-05:00

Emily for EllaBearBowtique!!!!Congratulations my son choose your name out of our basket as the winner of Kristie's beautiful Cascasding Pearl Earrings!!!

Featured Seller & Giveaway

2008-11-05T23:27:00.023-05:00

At KristieGK you can find beautiful jewelry, cards, scrap booking items and cute primitive salt dough ornaments. Kristie is a very talented craftswoman who is also a fellow home schooler and East Tennessean

Kristie is generously sponsoring a giveaway of a pair of her lovely Cascading Pearl Earrings. These earrings would be perfect for all your holiday dress occasions. To enter the giveaway simply go to Kristie's shop http://www.kristiegk.etsy.com and then leave a comment on this blog (please don't forget to leave contact info) to tell me what your favorite item in her shop is. The contest begins November 6 and will end November 16. I will have one of my lovely kiddos choose the lucky winner.

I've had the pleasure of chatting with Kristie and had the opportunity to ask her a few questions.

What inspires your designs ?
Anything and everything! I can see a color, smell a fragrance, feel a texture, or think of someone, and the next thing I know I am elbow deep in another project. It can be a curse and a blessing at times. Mostly a blessing though.

Tell us what one of your products we shouldn't be without and why. A simple yet sophisticated pair of pearl earrings. The classic white or ivory pearl is versatile for so many occasions. They can compliment jeans and a nice blouse, business casual, and certainly formal attire as well. Also, If white isn't your "thing" and you want more variety you now have so many color options available.
Lastly, they are great for passing down from generation to generation. There is something timeless about pearls that will never go out of style.

What is unique/sets you apart from the rest about your products, materials, process?
Quality materials, genuine hands on creativity, and fair prices.
I like to have products available for all budget levels. Whether you have a six figure income or are just looking to spend $5 you won't get cheap, shoddy products!
For me, Etsy is a venue that allows me- as a stay at home mom- to turn my creativity into a little extra "me" money. Which is why I can operate my shop with a bit more flexibility price wise. I know that a lot of sellers cringe at me for even saying that, but I choose to look at my business as a place where friendships are made as well as money. Never forget that there is a real person on the other end of the transactions and treat them with respect and fairness.

What is your favorite item from your shop
If I were to choose just one it would be my salt dough candy cane ornaments right now.I enjoy the entire process from mixing the dough to the right consistency, rolling it between my hands and forming the canes. I love the smell as they are baking, then painting them, sanding them, and dipping them in the wax. I am very much a fan of primitive decorating in general because it just makes me feel like life doesn't always have to be so rushed and so corporate. I hope to convey that peaceful feeling through my prim goodies to others as well.

What do you do when you aren't making jewelry and paper crafts?Actually I am a brain surgeon in my spare time. I wish! Nope! Actually I am just a typical happy housewife doing things like washing this, cooking that, raising my two teenage boys and loving every precious, and rare minute I get to spend with my husband Chris.
Oh, and spending insane amounts of money shopping on Etsy! Shhh... ;)

Halloween in Historic Dandridge

2008-11-02T00:36:00.007-04:00

Our tiny town has been hosting a Halloween in Downtown for several years now and my family and I always go there for trick or treating, to just people watch and to see the cool displays that our merchants put up each year. This year I took several photos and wanted to share them with you. Enjoythe show!

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Get your own

Two New Product Lines

2008-10-29T23:46:00.004-04:00

I introduced two new product lines in my etsy shop tonight. Luxurious Cocoa Butter Body Lotion and Lip Balm.

Candy Apple is the first scent to come out in my Luxurious Cocoa Butter Body Lotion. It is a moisturizing handmade lotion for daily use on hands and body. Packed with moisturizing natural ingredients Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil and Vitamin E , our Luxurious Lotion is non-greasy & absorbs fast - leaving your skin feeling soft & smooth! More wonderful scents coming soon!

The first in my lip balm series is Pumpkin Pie. I thought that would be perfect for the holidays. These smooth conditioning lip balms protect your lips from the harsh elements and leave a silky sheen on your lips.

Hashbrown Casserole

2008-10-26T23:02:00.008-04:00

My sister-in-law gave me this recipe a few years ago and its been one of our favorite side dishes.

Ingredients:

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1 can condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted

1 cup sour cream

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1 pkg (2 lbs) frozen hashbrown potaotes

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided in half

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream and garlic salt. Stir together.

Add potatoes & 1 cup cheddar cheese, mix well .

Pour into an greased 13x9x2" baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees 55-60 minutes.

Fresh and hot from the oven.

And the Winner is....

2008-10-26T13:10:00.002-04:00

MamaShai!! Congratulations . My daughter picked your name out of the basket today for the Candy Corn Soap Giveaway!

Halloween Soap Giveaway

2008-10-21T23:44:00.003-04:00

My first official giveaway will be one of my Candy Corn Soaps. These soaps are wonderful as a Halloween treat for yourself or to give as a gift. To enter all you have to do is post a comment on YOUR best Halloween costume (or one you would like to do, but like me can't get up the nerve to do it) and leave an email where I can reach you if you win. I've always been a huge 40's "pin-up" girl fan and would love to dress up like that, but to be honest -I'm too big of a chicken.

The contest starts tonight and will end Sunday October 26 at 12:00pm EST. Your prize will be mailed on Monday and should arrive in time for Halloween. All names will go into a basket at the end of the drawing and one of my wonderful children will do the honors and choose the winner.

Banana Muffins

2008-10-15T23:41:00.015-04:00

These banana muffins were my mom's favorites. She loved banana bread and muffins! You can adapt these by adding nuts or chocolate chips (for the kids).

Ingredients:

1-3/4 Cups all-purpose flour (I cheated and used self-rising because I was out of all-purpose. If you use self-rising-omit the baking soda, baking powder and salt)

3/4 cup Sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup Milk or plain yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium sized)

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, oil, milk and vanilla.

Stir liquid ingredients into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Fold in mashed bananas and (nuts or chocolate chips, if desired)

Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 of the way full. Bake at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes before moving from baking pan.

Note: The top 6 muffins have streusel: to make streusel you need

1/4 brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon cold butter or margarine

1/4 cup finely ground nuts (I like walnuts with these)

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on over batter and bake.

Treasury

2008-10-10T23:58:00.005-04:00

Smokey Mountain Scents has been featured in two wonderful treasuries on ETSY. The one on the left was posted by lassiegirl and was appropriately titled Marshmallow Out. It featured my Toasted Marshmallow Candle. Doesn't this treasury just make your mouth water for all those yummy treats?MMM.

Cranberry Welcome is to the right and was posted by Nancy Wallis Designs. Nancy describes this as inviting rich reds with hints of orange zest. She has featured my Cranberry Cracklin' Wick Candle.

You can check out Nancy Wallis Designs here www.nancywallisdesigns.etsy.com and LassieGirl here www.lassiegirl.etsy.com for wonderful handmade jewelry and adorable children's clothes. And I would love you to check out my shop at www.smokeymountainscents.etsy.com.

Welcome to Smokey Mountain Scents

2008-10-08T00:20:00.003-04:00

Welcome to our blog. I hope you will come in, grab a cup of coffee (tea, wine...) and stay and visit for a while. We can chat about all kinds of wonderful things - like - being a work at home Mom , homeschooling (the good, the bad and the ugly) new and yummy recipes and of course handmade goodies.

I would like to introduce you to Smokey Mountain Scents. We are a home-based business that specializes in hand poured Cracklin' Wick Candles, handcrafted soaps and an array of scrumptious skin loving bath and body products.

Cracklin' Wick Candles will remind you of of sitting in front of your fireplace or around the campfire. you will hear the soothing crackling sound as your candle burns and emits a wonderful scent throughout your room.Our candles are made with 100% soy wax and a natural wooden wick. They are available in an assortment different delicious scents , come in the cutest square mason jars in two sizes 8 oz. and 16 oz. and are heavily scented.

Here are a few benefits of a wood wick candle:

First is the soothing sound of a crackling fire.

Second is the scent. The two layer wood wick that disperses the scent quicker than traditional cotton wicks.

Another benefit of wood wick candles is their long life. Wood wick candles can last 100 hours or more, depending on the size of the candle.

I hope you will drop by and visit our shop at:

http://www.smokeymountainscents.etsy.com/

http://hyenacart.com/AmericasHandmadeHomefront/