Etsy shop review - Loops and dots

Needed some small gifts for my son's teachers. I headed to etsy....perhaps some custom notebooks this year!!!

I came across Loopsanddots on etsy . what a great shop!!! and local to boot!

I purchased 2 of these custom notebooks! here

it was so easy I just let her know the color I wanted and what I wanted to say on the cover.... I was shocked at how fast they were done, and since she's out in my area at times she asked if it would be ok to pop them into my mail *THRILLED* no chance of a postal mix up.


I also had a little book made up to write stuff down about my son...those can be found here 

The wrapping papers were just digital download sheets readily found all over etsy! I was so impressed from everything from start to finish! The gifts were loved and if I ever needed something custom like this I would RUN back to this shop in a heartbeat!!!!




all items are purchased FULL PRICE by me therefore an actual non bought review is what you can expect here! as with all items on my blog!

Me and the boy GIVEAWAY - LIVE NOW!

You can find our latest giveaway here! We are giving away one of our 4oz ageless lime and lavender mud mask! Shipped free to you!   ENTER NOW and good luck!

GIVEAWAY

Etsy Review of JDesignsHandmade Graphic Design made with love.

Needed an ad done quick and nice....searched thru etsy,,,,and luckily I came across JDesignsHandmade.
What a great shop! tons of premade etsy banners with basixc packages for 5$ uptp total etsy shop branding packs for 50-55$ A TOTAL STEAL!!!

I only needed a buttion ad and it was easy, just picked the designs I liked and literally typed out what I wanted it to say and told the designer to decide, for what I wanted on it, which one she thought would work best!

It was done fast, and emailed to me the next day. I was thrilled and only paid 6$!!!! and I think it's totally adorable

you tell me?

I would no doubt use this shop again....in fact I am thinking or rebranding a shop with her banner sets now too.

Also she has a special right now that can be found here

https://www.etsy.com/listing/92075248/etsy-banner-set-premade-etsy-banner-etsy?ref=shop_home_feat

CkmCouture - banner design - Highly Recommended

This designer works her butt off to make sure you not only have what you need but a few options to pick from. She designed me a few versions of a main banner and  let me pick the one I thought would work best. Than provided me a few smaller vacation and sale banners.
1 needed minor text edits but it was a great job by someone with a great sense of what they love and how to use it tastefully. I find her designs unique, often dark but still beautiful. I would use this designer again without a doubt if I needed something really original..... Our indie polish banner was made for us in a few days...and we love it

I put these images here for examples  we all know how copyright works so don't steal!!!!! not only is it tacky it's rude



other examples include

AMAZING STUFF!

her shop is on etsy at CkmCouture

Cassandra will take care of whatever your design needs are !

ENJOY!

Nail Polish Sale - Indie Polish - Handmade nail polish

USE CODE NAILME FOR 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE AT etsy.com/shop/IndiePoli… TONS OF NEW #HANDMADE #NAILPOLISH #FRANKENPOLISH #NAILS #MANICURE #ETSY
— IndiePolish (@IndiePolish) February 6, 2013

ooooooooooo come play beauty shop in our sister store! Indie polish is the spot for me and the boys growing nail polish line!

The relaunch of INDIE POLISH

Well it's 2 days early! and with only 2 missing polishes INDIE POLISH HAS REOPENED!

With over 10 new colors, revised listings and better shipping rates we would be so honoured if you'd join us in our relaunch! http://www.etsy.com/shop/IndiePolish


There is also a GREAT incentive for bloggers to try and blog our polishes too!

On a more positive note - a great review!!!! OF US!

a few weeks ago I was emailed by a lovely customer named Ria. She had purchased our vegan glitter lotion in coconut cream pie....

I was surprised to find she was planning to review it as part of her dedication to finding vegan, cruelty free products that are AFFORDABLE. So we mailed off her order and waited.

well today we got word of her pleasing review.

her blog is here ria lives well


and the review was as follows

Coconut Cream Pie Glitter Lotion

Posted on January 25, 2013by Ria

Hi and welcome back to Ria Lives Well!

Today’s topic is one I’m very excited about.

For a while now, I’ve been searching for cosmetics and toiletries that are 1) cruelty free, 2) made with all natural ingredients, and 3) affordable. So far, my favorite shop to find such products is Lush. However, when shopping at Lush, I can never check number three off my list. That doesn’t mean I don’t still heart Lush. I absolutely do! Yet my weakened wallet has me searching for another avenue.

And I found it.

While browsing Etsy, I discovered a shop called Me & The Boy. The owner makes just about everything I’m searching for. Perfumes, lotions, soaps, even nail polish. I forced myself not to buy everything I wanted, and instead purchased one item: Glitter Potion Supreme Lotion in Coconut Cream Pie.

Affordability? Check.

One eight ounce bottle only cost $8 since it was on clearance to make room for the Fall and Winter fragrances. But you won’t find remarkably cheap prices in the clearance section alone. Me & The Boy offers vegan, gluten free body washes for $5; soy candles for $5.26, and beautifully hand crafted soap, like Yuzu Spearmint for $4.75.

So I finally received my lotion in the mail today, and what’s my verdict?

Love this stuff!

The Moisture

This lotion doesn’t sit on my skin, but penetrates and does a wonderful job of moisturizing/softening the skin. And the smell? Deliciously addictive. Unless you aren’t a fan of coconut, you will certainly fall in love.

Glitter me Gold

Despite the name-Glitter Potion Supreme Lotion-I didn’t think much of the word “glitter”. After spreading the lotion across my skin, bits of gold freckled my arms and legs. So then came the realization: “Ah. Glitter lotion.” Even as I sit here writing this post, I’m constantly distracted by the glint from my skin whenever the light hits the right spot. I can only imagine what a hot seller this is during the Summer months.

All Natural

My favorite element of this lotion is that it’s 98% natural and 100% vegan. When I look at the ingredient list, I actually know what most of the ingredients mean.

So I decided to have some fun. I compared it to the lotion I used beforehand, Victoria Secret’s Love my Body in Jasmine & Water Lily.

Not only am I unfamiliar with the ingredients in my VS lotion, I can’t even pronounce half of them. And while this has nothing to do with it being all natural, the Glitter Potion Supreme Lotion is nearly double the size and a fraction of the cost. The insanity!

Just skim the ingredients for both lotions and you’ll see what I mean {Be warned, blurry pictures that fail me as a photographer ahead}….

VS Love my Body Lotion Ingredients:

Water, glycerin, petrolatum, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, ceteareth 20, fragrance, diazolidinyl urea, carbomer, methylparaben, aloe leaf juice, benzyl alcohol, tocopheryl acetate, tetrasodium EDTA, sodium hydroxide, macadamia seed soil propyl paraben….{The list continues in this manner. How many can you define?}

Coconut Cream Pie Glitter Lotion Ingredients:

De-ionized water, grape seed oil, avocado oil, capric triglycerides, emulsifying wax NX, jojoba seed oil, shea butter, aloe leaf juice, stearic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, silk amino acids, vegetable glycerine, sorbitol, silicone, methyl cellulose, allantoin, phenoxyethanol and optiphen.

Not only do I recognize most of the ingredients, like shea butter and jojoba oil, the ingredient list is smaller. This is what I want when searching for skin care products. Skin is a delicate system, and I can’t imagine caring for it while slathering cetereath-20, tetra sodium EDTA and carbomer on it everyday.

A Sample

The shop owner also threw in a sample of her Lavender body wash, Lavenderology Shower Gel with exfoliating grains. Take a whiff and you’re in a field of lavender. The beauty of this product is, the smell intensifies as you use it. I hadn’t stumbled upon the last time I browsed her Etsy shop, but I’ll keep my eyes peeled for it next time. Oh, yeah. There will be a next time.

~Live well!

Check out her blog it's great (she has an amazing reciepe for 2 ingredient creamer for your coffee! and she's nice too!!! Thanks Ria...

Etsy Review - The Owl and the Envelope

Soo I happened upon the owl and the envelope via a giveaway of their site! AND I WON....which never EVER happens. And I am such a stationary lover that I was super excited....and with good reason I soon found out!

 Megan is as nice as they come. Everything went quick...from contact on facebook, to the order being sent out!  from foxes, snowflakes and cool graphic originality it's clear this shop owner loves what she does!

It was really hard to pick just a few things so I ordered

4 piece3-1/2 x 5 card is made with textured paper and ink, on Eco-friendly card stock, and comes with a Kraft colored envelope.

Let it Snow! Just like snowflakes, each of these beautiful cards is a one of a kind. Each card is hand-drawn with pen and pencil, and comes with a coordinating handmade envelope.

Cards are A1 (3-1/2x5 inches) 




















With striking stripes in bold retro colors, these note cards are sure to please all! Two designs to make sure they fit each occasion you need them for. Total set of 8 cards and coordinating envelopes. 3-1/2" x 4-7/8"
















I've never said this before but the envelopes and presentation were almost better than the cards. The snowflake ones are all hand coloured and JUST STUNNING. They were all quite simply perfect!!!!  I would WITHOUT a doubt shop in this shop and honestly she's a great artist and a wonderful shop owner. Customer service and communication were second to NONE. Delivery to canada was reasonably quick, and they arrived perfect

Etsy Shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheOwlandtheEnvelope

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theowlandtheenvelope

A Big Welcome To INDIE POLISH

So I have recently begun making nail polishes. Which quickly turned into another 30 listings on my etsy shop....The more I looked at it the more it seemed odd. SOOO I opened another shop

Which can me found here ---->  http://www.etsy.com/shop/IndiePolish


I have always loved nail polish...my mom used to buy it for me and I was forever mixing it and making neat nail designs in fact I can still tell you my first 3 polishes she gave me....revlon classic red. Revlon classic pink and wet and wild glitter bomb. So this was natural but not really a natural fit into me and the boy (imho)


Check it out! I will also be selling nail art supplies. I'm very proud of this shop. and we have a grand opening sale now too! ENJOY!

Product Review - Performance Colors

Years ago when I became a mom I kinda gave up on make up. Five years later I looked in the mirror and hardly recognized the tired, blah face looking at me. I ran across this etsy shop called Performance colors.

She offered a great range of items all handmade, and available in samples too. Her one deal of 3 lipsticks for 10$ was too good to pass up... I went thru all of them about 25 times and settled on

 

  Rocket 

                           
                                                                  cheekie monkey

                                                                                  Ruby




I love them all and they feel great and last a VERY long time. If, like me, you can't wear read you MUST try ruby...it is the quintessential red for non red wearers. Cheekie monkey is more sheer than it appears and is equally lovely for a more plain look. Rocket was not for me but it is super pretty if you don't have the skin tone that I do.




I also ordered some concealer samples in fair and light. I'd given up on this stuff years ago. it was cakey or looked like I was wearing concealer....however this formula is silky, smooth and spreads and blends like nothing I have felt before. SERIOUSLY impressed. A serious must have and I will buy some soon.

I also received some eyeshadow samples and lipstick samples. One of the eye shadows worked beautifully for me.....the eye shadow wore beautifully thru bus and subway trips all day, a 3 hr tattoo session and all the way home....it creased the TINIEST bit (I have hooded eyelids and this is typical) but a quick wipe with my finger and it was seamlessly blended perfectly again.


Despite the amazing product, Tiffany is so amazing and ever SHARED Where she gets her tiny sample pots and I picked some up.... Most handmade artists feel this huge competition among each other and value their suppliers and rarely share info...So when a seller so easily shares info, tricks of the trade and so on it says alot.


I would easily score this a 10/10  no complaints....and I know for a fact that I would gladly go back and buy full sizes of the concealer, and eye shadow...along with my new fave lipstick....

Thank you Tiffany....I was losing hope on finding affordable quality make up! Me, my husband, my non frumpy friends....we all thank you!



You can find Performance colors at  http://www.etsy.com/shop/PerformanceColors   I honestly think you'll be amazed!

The design Gods sent me an angel - Beepart

Part of having an ADHD 5 yr old is the constant change. It's like our entire life should be made of repositionable vinyl.

We talked about his love of fishing and the Octonauts and decided to do an under the sea theme. He went away with dad for the weekend and I got started!

I am a sucker for shopping handmade, and local, ran a search, and came up with Beepart on etsy. The designs seemed to be perfect. The owner Neil is very convo friendly, patient and worked with me as I had a budget. We changed the sizes from what was listed which was nice. I didn't have to lose any of the elements, just adjust the size.

In the time it took to get here (within days) I painted the remainder of the wall (his room was half blue and half green) blue. With out taupe rug it was already looking like a sandy ocean theme. Forgive me as it was not until after I painted that I thought I should have taken a before picture of his room. Mom has ADHD too. There were so many colors to pick from but I finally settled on lime green,bright orange. and dark grey.

 

Now before anyone says "how hard can it be to apply a decal to a wall....let me tell you it can be really hard. BUT if you follow Neil's rules that he includes it's FAR ore pleasant (i found this out after trying to apply one decal sans directions)

While I waited for the paint to dry I happened to find this set at sears. I didn't by the fancy cushion....just the bedding....it was on sale for 70$ plus I had a 10$ gift card and a 10% coupon NICE

His old set was street signs and those babyish construction vehicles in light colors and rounded corners.

Neil's shop Beepart is available here ----> BEEPART SHOP

SO after a few hours and only a tiny credit card (my fault) The end result was the happiest boy under the sea! 

please not the sports theme bed set was bought by daddy 6 months before our son was born......and of course, he has NO interest in sports.

 

                                         

Beepart on ETSY

Ps I forgot to mention. All the green bubbles and shells were included free as part of the sheet. I would without a doubt shop here again, and you should too.

No news is good news

So it's been a long time since I have posted I know. I got stuck with having to do the google chrome crossover and such.

Right now we are soooooo busy. Just our mineral mud and ugly bar keep us on our toes with near constant production. Next month out tealights will be featured in the La Femme Film Festival swag bags.....how awesome! we are so proud and will keep you updated.

So if you've noticed we have almost all the same things on our website as on etsy....sadly we can't cut etsy loose as they are the main traffic source foor our growing brand....but one day...

I have made a big decision to go back to our roots and get back into more essential oils than fragrances for body care. I will still use fragrances for candles, but it appears when it comes to the body people want natural....so look for our new custom blend 100% natural body stuff coming all this month!

i'll be back soon! Tanya PS now that we will have our blog up and running smoothly we'd love to offer some banner exchange spots on our site. if interested contact me asap

Pricing for small companies

I recently found this article and thought I would share it since we are all worried about pricing.


The pricing strategy of your small business can ultimately determine your fate. Small business owners can ensure profitability and longevity by paying close attention to their pricing strategy.
Commonly, in business plans I've reviewed, the pricing strategy has been to be the lowest price provider in the market. This approach comes from taking a quick view of competitors and assuming you can win business by having the lowest price.
Lowest Pricing Does Not Win

Having the lowest price is not a strong position for small business. Larger competitors with deep pockets and the ability to have lower operating costs will destroy any small business trying to compete on price alone. Avoiding the low price strategy starts with looking at the demand in the market by examining three factors:
 
1. Competitive Analysis: Don't just look at your competitor's pricing. Look at the whole package they offer. Are they serving price-conscious consumers or the affluent group? What are the value-added services if any?
 
2. Ceiling Price: The ceiling price is the highest price the market will bear. Survey experts and customers to determine pricing limits. The highest price in the market may not be the ceiling price.
 
3. Price Elasticity: If the demand for your product or service is less elastic, you can then have a higher ceiling on prices. Low elastic demand depends on limited competitors, buyer's perception of quality, and consumers not habituated to looking for the lowest price in your industry.
Once you understand the demand structure in your industry, review your costs and profit goals as set in your business plan or financials. The low price strategy is best avoided by small business but there are conditions such as a price war that can drag a company into the lowest price battle.
 
Avoiding a Price War
A price war can wreck havoc in any industry and leave many businesses, out of business. In the early 90's, I observed the competitive exercise equipment market enter a price war in a large city market. Profits were plentiful but a price war took the gross margins from 42% to 12%. In less than 18 months, over 60% of the retailers were out of business while my division went national. Take these tips to evade a deadly price war:
Enhance Exclusivity: Products or services that are exclusive to your business provide protection from falling prices.

Drop High Maintenance Goods: There may be products or services in your business that have high customer service and maintenance costs. Drop the unprofitable lines and find out what customers don't want.

Value-added: Find value your business can add to stand out in the marketplace. Be the most unique business in the category.

Branding: Develop your brand name in the market. Brand name businesses can always stand strong in a price war. Leave the price-cutting and price wars to big business. Small businesses with solid pricing strategies can escape a price war and low price position. Carefully, consider your price decisions. Your business depends on it.

I found this article BRILLANT  often we lower our prices too much. Although we all KNOW that price doesn't always reflect quality....our society has brainwashed us to believe the more something costs the better it is... Just something to think about the next time you think being cheaper than so and so's store.....you may be hurting yourself.

Out with the old and in with the new!

This weeks featured artist on etsy was the last straw for me! the featured proudly professed how she is inspired by the resourcefulness of people who don't have money while she sells her 45$ panties and High Priced lingerie. I am not certain if these are rich people with no money, but as an actual person with no money I buy my cotton panties in a bag for 12$ for 5 pairs.....if I splurge on fancies it's 5 for 20$.

A few weeks ago I came across http://www.luulla.com/  My supply store gets alot of hassle from etsy so I decided to start moving it over to luulla and see what happens, all I got was helpful staff, who diligently moved each one of my listings over and uploaded them all manually (MANUALLY!!!!) all 176 of them pictures and all.

Tommy told me it would take a few days. Once they were done he told me and I had a look and wow....perfection. It is nice to be able to put my shop in someones hands and trust all will go well.... I was happy with the 6 months of free service, I never dreamed the was a company that would do all this.

I am now gunning for a spot for me and the boy. The feeling of luula is light, their staff cares and even helps promote ALL shops....not the most artsy fartsy one with the best pics and  overpriced pieces of folded paper.

Do I hate etsy....of course not...but I am tiring of their system. My supply shop is harassed alot for really what boils up to nonsense.....while overseas resellers RUIN the market with mass produced "handmade" goods simply because they sell so much more, and raise etsy's profit higher they seem to slip under the radar. I recently  had a friend have to send in pictures of her making all her items because it was thought perhaps they were not handmade when this shop owner was clearly a handmade shop....the hassle they gave here was truly undeserved, and sooner or later it will happen to all of us. The traffic and sales from etsy can't be argued, but if I have to read on more feature artist and their bullsht story i might vomit some handmade puke!

I am PRAYING that luulla takes off. Perhaps if etsy could realize that without it's sellers they would have no paycheck or site, eat a little humble pie and try to help out the underdogs (like those of us who have  made less than 20$ this entire month) perhaps we wouldn't have our panties in a bunch ready to jump ship to those that simply treat us properly....like artist, people and part of something greater!

Thanks luulla!!! I wish you, and us sellers all the success in the world. Keep treating us well and we'll tell the world about you....value us as artist and people and we'll return the favor in sales and word of mouth!

A week of good....than bad

I always try to stay positive so I will start there

Got an amazing deal on a handmade quilt at sinclaieville . I love it. It's so perfect!  I have always had a soft spot for quilts...the amount of time and work that goes into it amazes me.  This quilt was perfect. A mix of purples and greens with a few pops of pattern. Also I liked that it was backed in black, I find it adds a modern touch.

I was shocked when this quilt had been marked down to 35$. It wa over I had to have it. It came smartly wrapped in a clean garbage bag in a great well wrapped box. It did'nt take too long, and after a handwash and line dry it has'nt left the couch yet! In our house we are big cuddlers....our new couch we bought when we moved is a huge oversized blue faux suede with room for 4 to stretch right out. We often lay all over the couch in pj's falling in and out of naps cozy under handmade blankets and quilts, watching reruns of looney tunes with the boy. It's a wonderful way to spend the weekend. I would suggest everyone check out sinclaieville - gifts from a quilters heart   They do still have quilts at amazing prices and also sale ones too. But most of all Tami is an amazing seller, the love she has for what she does shines thru. I would buy here again anytime my budget allows.

The bad

The boy has bronchitis  ICK   so shipments are slightly delayed as he is home with me from school. Oddly it has'nt dulled his loudness or obsession for video games.....but I am glad to be able to baby him for a bit. Now that he is 5 he does'nt seem to need me so much (not at all if you'd asked him)  His teeth are loose, he picks his own outfits......and breaks mommy's heart with his sudden burst of lippy comments!  As much as I miss my baby boy I am also amazed by my little man daily. This picture is from his christmas concert!

Stores I love

So I am starting my destash store on www.luulla.com and needed a new banner. I tried to make one but it never works out so well! I searched and searched but also didn't want to invest alot because I don't know how luulla will go. I came across this cute shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollarBanners DOLLAR BANNERS.

WHAT??? banners for 1$. Indeed it's true!  I fell in love with the bluebird design. I don't like elegant la di da stuff because that's not who I am. I love birds, and lots of color and something that you don't see everyday. 

I contacted The shop owner about it and explained I needed a specific size. She explained she normally charged an extra fee for resizing but I didn't have to worry she just took care of it. I could have added an avatar for 1$ but I had previously decided to use my picture of me so people can see me.

WELL, within no time she sent me this!

Valerie is funny, kind and easy to work with and I would EASILY recommend this seller to anyone....and already have!

please take a minute to check her out. for 1$ you can freshen your store whenever. I didn't ask about custom but Valerie is so easy to work with I am guessing it would be fine!

This is for sure a store I love

Feeling like I got my big girl panties on!

sigh....DEEP BREATH

it's been awhile eh?

Well I am glad to be back! Christmas was great/terrible but me and the boy had a great time. Life has been insane lately. The store was SO busy before christmas.....naturally after christmas it's dead. SO!!!!! I enrolled in college... I will be taking a class for credit about autism and the asd spectrum....hmmmmmmmmmm wonder what inspired that?

what else?      OH THE BOY MADE IT TO FIVE! Yep! 5 years old...broke my heart but I am proud because we both made it! He had his first play date with a friend from school on his birthday it was alot of fun! They both are adhd so it was a very interesting day! 

Lots of new stuff in the shop including a 10% of candle and tart sale, 75% off clearance sale and new roll on perfumes and jewelry!





Thank you guys so much for reading my blog

teal pumpkin you ask?!

so much has changed in our store.
We now have lotions, butters, scrubs, fragrance sprays and now we also have aromabeads, incense along with all our other great stuff.

I thought I would take some time to introduce you to some of my new faves.....

LOVING THESE  I have them tucked in everywhere!!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84049944/harvest-scented-sachet-pumpkin-eggnog

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84050107/scented-fragrance-sachet-lavender-aroma


We are almost out of our winter warmth line and once it's gone that's it


We relisted our hello kitty clay earrings at 25% off
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75851491/very-special-handmade-clay-hello-kitty


We now are making our own handmade incense cones
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84024687/essential-oil-incense-cones-8-pack

New tarts in pumpkin eggnog and a lovely limited edition teal color
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83835932/beautiful-teal-100-soy-wax-melt-in

A SUPER HUGE 8 oz version of my personal fave scrub
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83606343/whopping-8oz-sugar-scrub-packed-with

All natural undyed unscented lotion
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83580685/luxurious-in-the-buff-body-lotion4oz

My fave salts  mmmmmmm cocoonut...throw these in the tub and lay back and dream you're wherever you want to be http://www.etsy.com/listing/83580591/tropical-coconut-cream-bath-salts-in



So if you're wondering why we have been slow to post....THIS is why....But we will try to smarten up and post more.

all the best
Tanya and val

Robins little nest! Not your average bird

up late one night looking for carpets...I'm kinda odd in the things I collect. I adore coats, hats, carpets, aprons..... yep  odd!

I was looking for area rugs that were eco friendly... I saw the picture in the listing for this carpet

pretty huh?  It's hard to tell from a picture what a rug will really look like and feel like, but you can tell this is thick. I am into primitive, shabby chic, cottage type stuff! This carpet was perfect color wise. and wasn't perfect fancy shmancy looking (like our comfy cozy home) I contacted robin, who, I have to say is about the sweetest most accommodating seller EVER!  we set up the listing and I waited....waited.....waited... but not long.

In about a week or so it came and like a kid at Christmas I wasted no time in ripping the box apart to find the softest most luscious carpet.....I had contacted Robin about it not laying flat, she offered a few tips and it worked.

This carpet love to be thrown in the washer and dryer, giver a good yank in all directions and used. it's been in the bathroom where it DRINKS water off the kids after the bath, now it lives in our master bedroom at the foot of the bed...it has a special home under our dog. Because it's so think (LITERALLY over an inch think) and cozy and lush, Co-jack has deemed it worthy of comforting his old arthritic bones.

I came home the other day and Co-jack cam down the hall and stretched in the odd way big dogs do...I walked into the bedroom and felt the carpet and it was so warm I know he was there for hours.

Although never intended to be a dog mat.....it's a beautiful carpet after all....we kind of think in our house if it's good enough for the dog it MUST be ok for us too

Please visit robins store right here  she sells all kinds of cute stuff and amazing pictures. She was amazing to deal with and  honestly concerned when I had a few issues with the carpet. She is honestly simply happy to know someone will enjoy her stuff and give it a good home. It's obvious she's passionate about what she does....and you can tell!

WHA WHA WHAAAAA the first BAD mail bag

I am very careful to watch what I say or write when it comes to reviewing or feedback. I, also an online merchant with 2 stores know this can make or break you.....I have had not so great experiences but this I had to post.

I got a heartsy voucher from bodyluxe  I waited over a month to use it as I find sometimes that's better with the bath and body stuff..After all the rave reviews and the bragging about being in the emmy swag bag I though how could I lose. This is EASILY the most obvious case of sellers riding previous accolades EVER!

I ordered 2 healing organic balms, 1 perfume sample and a room spray....

The room spray is glorious I will admit, and I was sent a small sample of bath salts also but alas these items were purchased as a gift for a friends based on the packaging I thought it was a beautiful gift to give. 

Needless to say the only thing good were said salts and spray .

the 2 balms came in ugly little white tubs (standard nothing special)  not the clear jar with beautiful labels shown in pictures that include the ingredients....one had a simple label with the name, the other no label at all. I had to go thru all my purchases to find out....than the perfume sample isn't labeled either....the kicker is I was charged 8$ shipping and the actual cost was 3.28$. I don't know about other sellers but if I charge you 8$ for shipping and it's 3.28 I refund you 4$....I understand this is heartsy deal and it's kinda hard to do but a credit would have been nice!   it;s not even about the 4$ it's the point that I work as hard for my money as anyone else....

I ordered

I got

I will say when I spoke to the seller before the purchase she seemed to be great to deal with...had I known about the balms I would have ordered something else as these were gifts. To not even have the ingredients listed or a card included with it is not a good idea. I often don't have ingredients listed on my label but I always jot them down on a note card or paper and include it as people do have allergies. name labels are nice to simply so I can know what it is I ordered without having to go all thru my list of purchases.

I will say it all smells good, but please if your going to charge PREMIUM prices please do a PREMIUM job!

i'm sorry if this all seems harsh, I guess i'm growing tired of some sellers coasting thru while doing the minimal amount of effort needed while me and many sellers I know busting our butts to make sales with far better presentation, and effort put forth!

It feels bad to write something not nice about a company who likely did'nt see the problem in the first place....but it also feels pretty crappy to be on the receiving end of something I ordered that turned out to be not what I thought!

Share your thoughts!