GCDSpa Celebrations

Lotion is Great for Moisturizing, and Also...

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 +0000

When you're surrounded by products every day, you're bound to come up with other uses for them. Last fall I wrote about how to use lip balm for more than just...well, lip balm. And last week when I realized I was smoothing down my flyaway hair with lotion, I started thinking of the other ways I use it.

I make lotions and hand creams so of course I have more of it around than most people do. But I know I'm not alone in having a bottle in my purse, next to every sink, on my desk, in the car.... And I'm probably not alone in finding it useful for lots of different jobs. Here are a few:

1. Smoothing the frizzies. My hair always goes bonkers when I'm out somewhere and don't have a wide range of product options. I find that I can apply a small amount of lotion to my hands and then lightly pat down the out-of-control areas. Use this same thought to...

2. Reduce static on clothing. If your skirt is sticking to your tights, simply smooth it with your hands after applying a bit of lotion. It really works!

3. Diluting self-tanner. This is my favorite lately. You know how they tell you to work around your knees and elbows, or you end up with orange spots? Well, I end up with utterly white knees, and that looks weird, too. My solution is to dilute the self-tanner with a bit of my favorite lotion, then apply a thin layer of this to my knees and elbows.

4. Smooth shaving. If you run out of shaving cream, try a little lotion. In fact, skip the shaving cream entirely because lotion works really well for this.

5. Exfoliating. A dab of lotion + a pinch of sugar = simple exfoliant. Rub into skin gently, then rinse off.

6. Condition leather. Sounds crazy, but it really adds shine to shoes or belts.

These are just a few ways that I've used lotion for something other than moisturizing! I've also used a dab to remove eye makeup, put a thick layer on my finger to remove a too-tight ring...the possibilities are endless. How do YOU use lotion?

How Do You Make a Cosmopolitan?

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

If you've ever watched Sex and the City and wondered, "What is in a cosmopolitan, anyway?" today's post is for you. That show made this pink sweetini popular. Here's how you can make your own.

Cosmopolitan

2 ounces vodka (some prefer citrus vodka)

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

3/4 ounce cranberry juice

1 ounce fresh lime juice

ice

citrus peel or slice

Pour the vodka, Triple Sec, and juices into a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a martini glass. You may "flame" an orange peel across the top of the cocktail, or simply garnish with a slice or peel of orange or lime.

Did you know? Cosmopolitan is our most popular Sweetini flavor and fragrance for bachelorette favors.

Lilac Moisturizers Are Back

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:10:00 +0000

Last year we discontinued several of our less popular fragrances so we could add a few new ones. Almost immediately I had requests for one of the dropped fragrances. (Some of you really like Lilac!) I promised to bring it back, and what better time than when it's fresh in the garden?

Lotion Favors

Lilac is now available in lotions and hand creams, as well as lotion favors and refills. If you love this springtime scent, now is the time to stock up! It's only here for a limited time.

(BONUS: We'll be sending out an email with this coupon as part of our First Annual Moisturizing Event, but you get it first! Order by May 31 and use the code SUNNYFUN15 to get 15% off all moisturizers. This applies to all fragrances, too, not just Lilac.)

Are you a fan of Lilac fragrance?

Choosing to Be Kind

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:30:00 +0000

"Choose being kind over being right, and you'll be right every time."

I agree with this quote by Richard Carlson, author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and It's All Small Stuff." But sometimes I find myself wondering exactly how to be kind. What does it mean to be kind? And even if I know it's right, is there a "right" way to be kind?

There are lots of other words associated with kindness: if you're kind, you're likely friendly, caring, and generous. You may also sympathize with others, and people might describe you as warm-hearted and considerate. Kindness isn't only about "being" a certain way, though; it's about action, doing kind acts. That "doing" is where I always struggle. What if someone wants me to do something that I don't want to do? Is it kindness to do it anyway, if it will help them?

When the Dalai Lama says, "My religion is kindness," I imagine that he sees kindness as compassion for all living things—including himself. I always figured that kindness (to him) might include forgiving everyone for not always being their perfect selves—even yourself. It seems to me that kindness, and being kind, also applies to yourself. So if I help someone else, it's kindness if I'm doing it out of compassion and caring for that person. But if I'm doing it because I think I'm supposed to, or out of a sense of guilt, maybe it isn't really kind? Maybe my dragging feet and that sense of dread are telling me something!

Perhaps the choice to be kind is really about choosing something to give or do willingly and happily to make someone else feel good? Maybe kindness should make everyone feel better?

What do you think?

Wishing and Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:42:00 +0000

I always plan to post something every Monday that will help to motivate me (and maybe others) all week. Lately I haven't been as good about keeping to that schedule. (Hello, Tuesday!)

I usually find a quote that I like and put it with a picture I like. Sometimes that's all I share. I almost always want to say something more about the quote, to elaborate and explain why I chose it. I always wish that I had posted something more than just the photo. But some weeks it just doesn't happen.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, "It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan," and maybe that's true. But I find that it takes more energy than wishing and planning to actually execute that plan.

Are you turning wishes into plans this week? What plans are you working on?

Wednesday in the Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:32:00 +0000

Striving To Do Better

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:45:00 +0000

Ice Cream Tacos for Cinco de Mayo

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Sun, 05 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

We have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo for the past 13 years—not to commemorate the Battle of Puebla, but because it's my son's birthday! We've always considered it a great excuse to eat guacamole or tacos (other people might say margaritas!). This year we decided to try a new birthday dessert that seems to fit the day: ice cream tacos.

You can find many recipes for ice cream tacos, with most of the taco "shells" made from flour tortillas or wonton wrappers. I wondered if my pizzelle iron would make a decent shell, so I made up a batch of chocolate pizzelli (recipe from King Arthur Flour). If you don't have a pizzelle maker, a waffle iron also works, but makes a much thicker cookie. (My waffle iron makes thin, heart-shaped waffles that didn't want to bend into a taco shell; you may have greater success if your waffle iron makes a different shape.)

I won't go into any great detail about how to make the pizzelli; the recipe at the link above gives great instructions, and you'll need to follow the pizzelle iron manufacturer's directions to choose the correct cook time for the cookies.

We found that about 45 seconds was perfect to cook these chocolate pizzelli. Remove them quickly and while they're still warm, bend them over a folded paper plate, as shown above. Allow them to cool while you cook the next batch. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container until you're ready to serve them.

Before you can put together your tacos, you need to prepare your toppings. My son had very specific requests for candies (gummy worms and Twizzlers) but just about any sundae topping would be yummy. Chopped cherries, bananas, blueberries, coconut, nuts, sprinkles, m&m's, chocolate chips, crushed oreos, hot fudge sauce. Once they're ready, now comes the fun part....

Since the taco shells can be brittle, here's an easy way to get the ice cream in without breaking them. Scoop some ice cream into a ziploc bag and seal it tight, then squish it in your hands for a few seconds to warm it a little. Cut off one of the bottom corners of the bag and squeeze out the ice cream into the bottom of the taco shell. Cover the ice cream with your choice of toppings, working quickly before the ice cream melts! Then enjoy.

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? What are your favorite recipes to prepare today?

¡Viva el Cinco de Mayo!

Mother's Day Gifts Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:30:00 +0000

Just a few days left to order for Mother's Day (please order by May 3 so I can get your items shipped in time!). If you aren't on our mailing list, you may not know that we have a new fragrance, and that we have two special gift sets on sale through May 3.

Paradise is a blend of frangipani and muguet blossoms with ozone top notes and a base of musk and amber. Joanne in Maine tried the fragrance and says, "It is very light and tropical...reminds me of the beach. Not in a typical coconut tanning lotion smell. This actually reminds me of the sun, sand, ocean, and surrounding tropical flowers along the shore! Great "getaway" scent that will remind you of memories from vacation!"

Paradise Moisturizers Gift Set

Moisturizers Gift Sets contain hand cream, lotion, and lip balm. This is by far our most popular gift set! Take $2 off the Paradise Moisturizers set through May 3.

Paradise Bath and Body Gift Set

This special Bath and Body gift set includes sugar scrub, mineral soak (with "diamonds and pearls" salts), and body lotion, gift wrapped in white tub with wooden scoop. Save $2 on this set through May 3.

Did you know that we'll include a handwritten gift tag with any gift set? You can specify your message at checkout.

If Mom prefers fruity or floral scents, we have lots more to choose from. Apricot Freesia and Lavender are two popular choices! Please let me know if you have any questions at all.

Flavor of the Month May 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 02 May 2013 03:30:00 +0000

Once again it's time to announce the Flavor of the Month. This year's flavors have included Margarita and Spring Fever (just a few left if you haven't tried one).

This month I was planning to offer Bubblegum as the month's flavor. I was taking the pictures, preparing the post, had everything ready and then I paused. "I wonder if Circus Peanut lip balm would be good?"

I know, maybe crazy. So I asked on our Facebook page: Which do you like better? And about 85% of the responses said Circus Peanut! So here we go.

If you love sweet banana marshmallow with loads of Vitamin Orange (okay, maybe less than the real circus peanuts), make sure you pick up a Circus Peanut balm this month. Or place an order for anything else in May and we'll include a Flavor of the Month for you to try.

If you want to help choose new flavors, Facebook is the place to be. I'd love to see you! I post sneak peeks and sales there occasionally, but most of the posts are cakes and cookies, flowers, party planning stuff, sites I like...it's like a party. Hope to see you there!

Finding the Path

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000

I'm a sucker for advice blogs, business gurus' posts, recipe and DIY sites. Sometimes I just want someone to tell me what to do, in 5 easy steps, in little bite-sized pieces, so I don't have to spend any time figuring things out for myself. The popularity of these sites and blogs suggests that I'm not alone.

We're all so busy, it's a big help to let someone else do some of the work, to let them "stray" to find the direct path for us. I appreciate this and try to share things here to save time for other people, too.

For the occasional recipe, DIY, or business tip, that's great. But the path to this particular moment hasn't really been simple or direct. For me, the pieces often seemed too big to handle, the steps numerous and winding. Figuring things out, finding my path, required a lot of straying. There wasn't a handy guide. If there had been, I would have been first in line to buy it. And I would have taken someone else's path to some other place.

Today I'm feeling grateful for all the help that saves me time every day. But I'm also glad for the straying that got me here.

Success

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:33:00 +0000

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." - Henry David Thoreau

It isn't always clear to me what success is. Some days success feels like getting everyone to all of their appointments on time, or getting that last order in the mail before I have to make dinner. Some days success is making it to the bottom of my "to-do" list, or the bottom of the laundry pile, or the bottom of my inbox. (Or getting to the bottom of that mystery smell coming from the refrigerator!) Last weekend success was having a good, long visit with grandparents I hadn't seen for months.

Let's face it, success means different things to different people, and even in the same person it's different things on different days. Which means that success isn't really a goal on its own. Yet how many of us go from day to day seeking it? Think of all the yearbook goals our classmates made, to grow up and "be successful." I wonder what that meant to them then? I wonder if they feel successful?

What do you think success means? What makes you feel successful?

Diva Spa Party Favors

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:30:00 +0000

Diva Spa Party Favors | Lip Balm with Personalized Labels (label 328)

I read recently that leopard print is a neutral. I'm beginning to agree that animal prints can go with almost anything, but leopard goes particularly well with hot pink. Don't you agree?

This is what I've been working on this week. I don't like to pick favorites (oh, who am I kidding?), but these were really fun party favors to put together. Not just a spa, a Diva Spa. I just love that.

Do you wear animal prints? What's your favorite?

Diva Spa Favors | Personalized Lotions and Lip Balms (tag 1363, label 328)

What is Tulle? (And why do we use tulle to make our bows?)

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:30:00 +0000

If you've seen a kid's tutu or you've read about recent fashion trends, you probably already know what tulle is.

But if you're puzzled when I ask you to choose your "tulle color"—or when I talk about our tulle bows—please keep reading to learn more about this popular material.

1. What is tulle?
Dictionary.com says that tulle is "a thin, fine, machine-made net of acetate, nylon, rayon, or silk." Tulle looks like very fine netting, sheer and see-through. The tulle we use is made of nylon.

2. How do you say it?
No fancy pronunciation necessary...it sounds just like "tool."

3. Where does tulle come from?
The name "tulle" comes from Tulle, France, which was a center for lace-making way back in the 1600s. The machine-made tulle (or bobbinet tulle) that we're familiar with today came from the UK, where John Heathcoat created a machine in the early 1800s to duplicate the complicated handwork of lace makers. Tulle is still made in the UK using similar machines, but it's also made in China and North America. Most of our tulle colors are made in the U.S.

4. Who uses tulle?
Tulle netting is used in weddings for dresses and veils as well as decorations. It's also used in the ballet, for theater costumes, and more recently for whimsical and adorable children's clothing. It has practical, non-decorative applications too: it can be used in the garden or yard to protect plants (or yourself) from insects.

5. Why do you use tulle instead of other ribbons?
We use tulle for lots of reasons: it's reasonably priced, comes in lots of colors, can be tied in several ways to make substantial, dramatic bows, and holds its shape without wrinkling (which is important for shipping).

Tulle is a perfect fit for wedding-related events, since it's so frequently used for wedding fashion and decor. Its use in ballet and theater costumes makes it ideal for certain kids' party favors, too (think perfectly girly favors that look like tutus or princess dresses!).

6. How many tulle colors do you have?

We currently offer 45 colors, including two metallic shimmer shades.

7. Do you offer anything other than tulle?

Yes! If tulle is not appropriate for your favor design or event, we do have several other types of ribbons or trimmings, including satin, gingham, polka dot grosgrain, and organza. Talk with us if you'd like a custom embellishment.

Ballet Party favors with tulle bows

Read more about tulle here:
swisstulle UK Ltd
All about bobbinet
Trendy tulle in bridal fashions

Thirsty Thursday: Frosty Lemon

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:30:00 +0000

It's no secret that I love citrus flavors (and fragrances) and lemon is probably my favorite. I like having an excuse to make Lemonade lip balms (often for a "lemons to lemonade" divorce party) or Lemon Drop sugar scrubs (bachelorette parties, mostly) or Limoncello lip balms (Italian theme, anyone?).

If you enjoy lemon, you'll love today's cocktail recipe. Frosty Lemon is tart and sweet, just what you'd expect. If life hands you lemons, make a cocktail.

Frosty Lemon Cocktail

3 ounces citrus vodka

1 ounce limoncello

3 tsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp superfine sugar

lemon peel

Add first four ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with peel and serve.

What's your favorite way to enjoy lemons?

Find more cocktail recipes online at about.com and Drinksmixer.com.

Kids' Spa Party Favors

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Kids' Spa Party Favors | Sugar Scrub and Lip Balm

Happiness is Growth

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:50:00 +0000

Thirsty Thursday: Spring Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:54:00 +0000

April's Flavor of the Month is Spring Fever, based on a non-alcoholic drink. If you'd like to mix up some of the real thing, here's the recipe:

Spring Fever

3/4 ounce lemon juice
3/4 ounce mango syrup
1 1/2 ounce apple juice
2 ounce orange juice

Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a Collins glass half filled with ice. Garnish with lemon or orange slice/peel and serve.

Substitute blood orange juice for the standard orange juice to make a deeper, pinker color. (And as some of my friends on Facebook noted, this would also be good with a splash of vodka.)

Happy Spring!

Find more cocktail recipes online at about.com and Drinksmixer.com.

Berry Cabernet Lip Balm

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:30:00 +0000

"You are now my new best friend! I love that idea...I looked at all the flavors and I think the berry cabernet sounds perfect! We're having a surprise Divorce Party for a good friend by showing up with a limo for a wine tour, and these are favors for the girls :)" - Meredith, NY

Berry Cabernet lip balm | Varietals favors for showers and parties

Flavor of the Month April 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:54:00 +0000

Can you believe it? We're up to month 7 of our Flavor of the Month experiment. Which of our Limited Edition flavors have you tried?

We had Margarita in January, Valentini in February, and March was Gummy Bear (we still have a few left!).

This month, I got a fever. Not the kind that can be cured with more cowbell, the kind that comes with longer days and greener grass. Spring Fever lip balm is based on a non-alcoholic drink with the flavors of orange, lemon, apple, and mango. Pick one up this month—after April they'll be gone!

Do you have any favorite flavors you'd like to see featured? Please contact me and let me know!

Want to see our new flavors as soon as we post them? Why not subscribe to our blog by email or reader? Thanks so much for your interest!

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:00:00 +0000

How To Stencil Spring Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:05:00 +0000

I really like to bake, especially for holidays. Since I only do it for fun I don't have hundreds of different cutters, so I like to use the same cutters in different ways.

This week I'm baking spring/Easter cookies shaped like bunnies, flowers, and butterflies. I made some standard cut-out cookies and topped with royal icing, then experimented with some "sandwich" cookies with cut-out windows in those same shapes. Then I decided to try creating a cookie stencil. Here's how you can do it, too.

Of course you'll want to bake your cookies before you start this decorating part! I've shared my favorite sugar cookie recipe before, but you can use your own or use cookie dough from the store. (You can also use this tip to decorate pre-baked cookies.) I used a round scalloped cutter for my stenciled cookies; you could also use egg shapes, circles, squares, anything you'd like. Just make sure the cookie shapes are larger than the shape you'll be using for a stencil.

If you want your stenciled design on an iced cookie, prepare your cookies by outlining and flooding with royal icing, then allow them to dry before you start the following steps.

1. Choose the cookie cutter shape you'd like to stencil with, and trace the cutter onto a piece of paper. Cut a square of parchment or wax paper a bit larger than your final cookie size, and place it over your traced image. Use an x-acto knife to "trace" the image, cutting through the parchment or wax paper. Your stencil will look something like the one below right. Repeat this process for the other shapes you'll be using.

2. Prep your royal icing for stenciling. Use your favorite royal icing recipe, then thin it to the consistency of thick paint. Place the stencil over the cookie, and with your brush (I use Wilton's decorator brushes) gently apply the icing to the cookie, brushing from outside the stencil's cut edge toward the center of the design (see photo 1 below). Be careful not to move the stencil or to push the icing under the stencil's edge. Once you've filled the stencil shape with icing, gently lift the stencil off the cookie and set aside.

3. Choose your sprinkles or colorful sugar and shake onto the icing. Make sure you cover every bit of icing (see photo 2 above). Lift and tap cookie to remove extra sprinkles and reveal your shape (photo3 above). Allow to dry completely before wrapping.

Wrap cookies in cello with colorful ribbons for gifting, or plate with other spring designs and colors. Next time I think I'll try colored sugars, or I may paint the edges of the cookies with icing and roll in my sprinkles to make a colorful border.

Do you like baking cookies for Easter or spring? What are your favorite shapes?

Up, Up and Away Balloon Party Favors

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 03:32:00 +0000

Up, Up and Away | Balloon Theme Party Favors

The Height of Success

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 03:46:00 +0000

Ice Cream Sundae Lotion Favors

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Caswell) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 03:00:00 +0000

Ice Cream Sundae lotion favors (tag #1362)