Day with my daughter at Jungle Jim's

My daughter Valerie and I went to Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati - a grocery store that is five acres under one roof! She had been there once, assured me that two hours was about all you could take in one visit. She had a meeting in Zionsville that night (a little over two hours from Jungle Jim's) so we had about three and a half hours max for shopping.

We wandered about a bit, then I found housewares and wandered in awe. My daughter went for groceries, came back to find me, tugged on my arm and informed me that I had been in that department for about two and a half hours. If I wanted any groceries, I had better get out of there stat!

So I reluctantly left. There were some real finds there. I got a new set of dishes last year, and I had broken one plate. I found one that looked pretty much like what I had. And it was! When I got it home, it was exactly the same make! I like my martinis in the old fashioned martini glasses. Had two, broke one, then recently broke the other. They cost a small fortune, but there were the exact glasses that I once had. Two martini glasses into my cart and at a very reasonable price. I found all sorts of tools but left most of them there, realizing how much of the things I was looking at already resided in my cupboards, drawers and china cabinets at home. I did buy a lovely red coffee mug, and I use it every day. I didn't have a RED coffee mug, so I convinced myself I really needed it.

Of course I checked out the sales. I had a Lodge braising pot, very old, very stained as those porcelain lined pots all seem to be with age and hard use, but still worked fine. But be still, my heart, there was a whole rack of Le Creuset ON SALE! And right in the middle of one shelf was a bright yellow braising pan, a little shallower and wider than the one I had at home. I didn't need it, and where would I put it? Aha! I would offer up my old pan for $10 on Facebook. I had three buyers in a flash!! Amy bought it, is using it and loves it. And I am braising in my bright yellow Le Creuset braising pan. It says it is dishwasher safe but having used many cast iron pans with porcelain finish, I beg to differ. My new girl is getting the best treatment. She is hand washed like fine china.

We had such a lovely time. Val got home for her meeting in time. I love every last thing I got. We were going to try to make another trip before the holidays with my son's fiancée Christine in tow, but time has slipped away. It will have to be a trip for another time.

My new braising pan

Gearing up for the holidays

I have been so busy! We are gearing up for the holidays at the booth. People are already asking for holiday soap.

Not only is the booth busier, but a lot of what we are selling is stuff we make in the soap room here in Mishawaka. Bath Bombs are back. I haven't made them for a couple of years, but with Christina helping out in the soap room, I put them back on the schedule. We made three of the scents last week - Patchouli & Jasmine, Herbal Medley (clary sage & lemon eucalyptus), and Applejack & Orange Peel, my personal favorite. You can order bath bombs at my new web site. Not all sizes and shapes are available at all times, but we are happy to send you a list of what is in inventory. They are on my new web site. I have included a modest shipping cost in the price of all my items, so there are no surprises at checkout. The price you see is the price you will pay, delivery included. Here is my new web site address: ceresandco.com

I started making shampoo bars for a friend of mine who brought me a recipe and asked if I could do it. Yes, I could. Since I am used to making goat milk soap, there was a bit of a learning curve, but I think I've got it. The formula works in my 3-D molds, too. These aren't up on my site yet, but I'm working on it! Adding new items every day.

My new order of men's shaving brushes and brush stands went to the wrong address, not once but twice. Las Vegas warehouse to Walkerton, back to Las Vegas ware house, and BACK TO WALKERTON! I have purged that address from their system. They have sent me at least two orders to the correct address since I moved, but . . .  So I am down to one shaving brush and no stands. Sale of men's products has been pretty good since we moved things around on the booth. Christina came in to the market and we worked together to increase visibility of the skin care products. Sales have increased as a result. :)

Much as I love this time of year (I'm a fall and winter person), it gets a little hectic, so back to work.

3-D bars and shampoo bars

Last of the bath bombs waiting to be wrapped

The BIG BAR mold for shampoo bars - ready to go