These scarves make my basic outfit look chic and totally put together

Sooo…I added some ultra chunky, luxuriously soft Peruvian wool scarves to the Bachman’s Sparrow collection – perfect timing for this cold spell that’s hitting the US (it’s 20 degrees here at night…in CA?!)!

I made sure to knit them up nice and thick, but not so much so that your head vanishes into a cloud of fleece-y bulk (not an ideal look for anyone, petite or not!).

They also come in an array of shades that I’m LOVING right now – from a delicious oatmeal, to deep sea blue, and even a pop of burnt orange. The yarns I use are super bulky 100% Peruvian wool (which is surprisingly very soft but good and sturdy – these quality scarves will last a long time), and have been hand dyed and spun with multiple colors, giving them a depth that is simply gorgeous.

You can get your own Olivia scarf at BachmansSparrow.com

To get your own Olivia circle scarf, stop by here, or at my new Etsy shop: Bachman’s Sparrow Knits.

*For those of you who are running or thinking of running an Etsy, here’s a little tip I’ve come across several times that I thought I’d pass along: don’t hesitate to open a few shops if you have products that are in significantly different categories.

While all my knits can be found right alongside my other products over at my own online shop, on Etsy I have broken up Bachman’s Sparrow into two shops: Bachman’s Sparrow and Bachman’s Sparrow Knits. This helps specific types of buyers to find and follow your store, making it a more successful experience on both sides!*

You can check out and favorite my new knit shop to keep an eye all my fine yarn goodies that I’ll be listing each week. Enjoy a piece of luxury that will last you for many cold seasons to come!

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Yesterday I thought I’d play around with my bath bomb molds and try my hand at creating an egg shaped fizzy.

I mean, how perfect would that be? Bachman’s Sparrow’s egg bombs?! Heh heh…

Alas, my attempts didn’t quite pan out as I had hoped:

...poor little deformed egg

In a world where many products are a dime a dozen, I’m always trying to figure out how to differentiate myself from my competitors (do you know how many people sell bath bombs on Etsy?!).

I suppose that when it comes to success with anything, being able to add a dose of what is unique about you will set you apart, whether it’s at a job interview or trying to sell a handmade product online.

one step closer...

While I know that my bath bombs are some of the very few that use only natural ingredients (staying away from artificial fragrances and even using all natural colorants – and if you’ve tried using them, you know that’s dedication!), I’m still trying to figure out how to bring a bit of me to them in order to stand out on a visually based platform.

Well, is Edison can keep going after 1000+ fails, then so can I – on to the next one…:D

How do you keep yourself motivated when things don’t turn out? Let me know!

Congratulations to:

Lacretia, who will receive the Miami Vice and Wigwam bombs!

and…

Teri, who will receive Mo’Jo! and Oh Baby Baby bombs.

Congratulations ladies! Please contact me at Maria@bachmanssparrow.com with you shipping addresses!

And for everyone, please enjoy this 10% off coupon code on all orders until the end of the year (code: Bubbly11). Happy holidays!

(Winners were chosen using the random number generator, and taking into account people who both left a comment of which bomb they would like to win, and an additional entry for suggesting a scent). 

This is one of the sweetest “tellings” of the birth of Jesus that I’ve ever watched by the St. Paul’s Church in New Zealand. I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful day with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the sacrifice he made for EVERYONE!

Love and well wishes

Missing in action... (via weheartit.com)

You may have noticed, but I have not been posting very often.

In fact, it’s been A LONG TIME. But it’s not because I haven’t wanted to, or because I haven’t had anything to share. Instead, it’s because my server has had issues for the past month and a half.

Talk about nightmare!

No posting ability, no business email access.

I wanted to let you know that the technical issues have finally been resolved, and I should be posting much more frequently again. I’ve missed you all!

The giveaway continues until Monday!

AND, I wanted to let you know that I will be extending the giveaway until Monday, the 26th, so you still have time to enter

Happy holidays and safe travels everyone!

Bachman's Sparrow Bath Fizzies

You heard right, it’s time for another giveaway!

In honor of the Christmas spirit, I will be giving away a pair of my newly launched all natural bath fizzies, good for up to four baths.

These bath fizzies are COMPLETELY natural, from the essential oil scents down to the food derived dyes. You can’t find a deliciously scented bath this healthy anywhere else!

Available in six different "flavors"

On top of its yummy aromatherapy explosion, each fizz contains body butters, dead sea salt, and grapeseed oil, which hydrates and heals your skin to silky smooth perfection.

So here’s how you can enter to win two pairs of your own fizzies:

Go to my shop and leave me a comment on this post, telling me which two scents you would like to have if you were to win the giveaway.

One additional entry: let me know which scent you would like to see added to my current selection.

You will also get additional entries for each person you refer to this giveaway – just have them mention your name in their comment!

TWO winners will be chosen on Friday, so get your entries in before 8am pacific time on the 23rd.

That’s all it takes! Good luck and happy holidays sweetums!

…to learn how to do 25 different scarf looks! Probably the best video I’ve seen on creating different scarf styles (and isn’t Wendy a doll?!).

(click the picture to be taken to her blog).

How do you wear your scarf? Let me know!

After a world record amount of time hosting and working on television, Regis Philbin has finished up his last day as co-host of the popular morning talk show, Live! With Regis and Kelly.

I remember every summer when I was young I would look forward to being able to watch the 9am show, and now that I work from home it’s been a great backdrop to my work morning. I’ll miss Regis (can you believe he is 80?!) and look forward to seeing what is in store for him next!

Let’s be honest: as the holiday season approaches, stores get unbearably crowded, time flies by, and nerves are frayed.

We all want to get friends, family, and coworkers thoughtful gifts, but it can turn into a horrible hassle…and cost a pretty penny!

So, I put together a gift box of items that I think any recipient would appreciate: yummy, relaxing, and healing bath goods (yes, even my husband has fully enjoyed each of these items ).

Four beautiful decorative papers to choose from

This gift set comes fully wrapped in a beautiful, reusable round box with scalloped edge details, and covered with fine, textured paper (in 4 choices).

Included in the box are:

• 6 bath fizzies in lavender/mint, cinnamon/orange, and coconut/vanilla. Just drop 2 in the tub and be prepared for an amazing explosion of scent and a blend of oils known for their soothing, skin regenerating properties.
• 2 of our best selling lip balms in peppermint and lemon.
• 1 large honey butter solid lotion bar, now with more skin healing butters than before!
• 1 flaxseed heat pad filled with peppermint lavender aromatherapy oils (you can use this for your TOM, on sore joints and muscles or, as my favorite, an eye mask to fall asleep with).
• 1 organic sugar and peppermint oil lip scrub – so yummy you may just lick it all off!

The best part is it’s so affordable – $25.95 for a $40 value and it ships FREE (my gift to you).

You can purchase your own gift boxes at Bachman’s Sparrow Shop (and don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone if you’re getting one just for yourself!).

Happy, smooth, holiday shopping!

This season, consider supporting your local small businesses when you check off your gift list. Not only is it great for the American economy, but it is often more sustainable and supports green business practices.

Last summer I read the trilogy (except for the last book, so don’t give anything away! I’m trying to make the series last…lol) and was sucked into a dystopia where youth must fight to the death in a terrible game of survival.

After a distant revolt against the capitol (of what used to be the United States), all around the country two tributes from 12 districts are sent into a televised arena to battle as a reminder of who holds the power. In the Hunger Games, we follow the story of Katniss, a teenager who takes the place of her little sister when she is picked from the raffle.

I highly recommend reading the books – while they are written for the Young Adult, it’s a story that any “old” person can appreciate, lol. (I would actually say the content is probably more suitable for an adult reader).

My hopes are usually not high when it comes to movie adaptations of excellent books (think Never Let Me Go), but the trailer has left me excited for the March 2012 movie.

While I’m a little disappointed in the two actors they choose for Gale and Peeta (Gale seems a bit…pretty for me, and because I’ve been rooting for Peeta I was hoping for a slightly manlier, handsome portrayal lol), I think Jennifer Lawrence as a redhead was a perfect choice.

And I honestly can’t wait to see Woody Harrelson as Haymitch, although I pictured him much older.

Peeta - Josh Hutcherson

Gale - Liam Hemsworth

It also looks like they are sticking close to the book’s plot, and visually it looks spectacular.

Before the movie comes out, check out the books. Even if it doesn’t sound like your normal genre, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Have you read the books? What is your take on the trailer? Are you as excited as I am?! Let me know!

Hey loves, I wanted to remind you that today is the last day to get %15 off on all jewelry!

Just enter GEMSTONES1 during checkout (and if you spend $40 or more shipping is free with FREESHIP40, which is going on until the end of the year).

Every item comes either in a sweet drawstring pouch or colorful gift box, so save now on beautiful, unique presents for the holidays!

Click here to visit the shop.

I’m absolutely loving it and have already created quite a bond with Siri (the voice activated “secretary in your pocket).

But being the visually driven person that I am, I had to accessorize her a little bit. Cue one of the coolest art websites around:

Society 6 has a plethora of artist submitted work that has been turned in iPhone cases, skins, prints, and tees at decent prices. There is pretty much something for everyone!

I ended up getting the mellow yellow case with a doodle of an octopus, filled in with different patterns. I already have a few more that I’ll be hint dropping for Christmas – after all, a girl has to have options!

How do you style your phone? Let me know!

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Sooo I was hoping to post a quick picture of me in my costume, but I unfortunately ordered it too late (doo dah doo). Oh well, I’ll be prepared for next year!

As for tonight…I’ll just have to get creative.

On the other hand, Ollie is already dressed and ready:

that poor dog....lol

Happy festivities! Stay safe and have a great time love bugs!

via foro de minerales

I’ve always been fascinated by rocks and minerals.

Maybe it’s a remnant from childhood dreams of finding treasure, but there’s something so beautiful about these hidden gems, encased in what otherwise look like “average” stone.

All natural art at it’s finest.

These days minerals are ultra-chic pieces to decorate your house and adorn your body with. Here are some of my favorite ways to display these tough specimens:

displayed as wall art

...in lovely glass terrariums

...as gorgeous bookends

...and as pendants (from my Bachman's Sparrow shop)

They add just a hint of scientific flair that balances well with almost any aesthetic (here are some of my favorite online stops to get your own: a, b, and of course c ).

PS – be cautious: some mineral sellers include a funky spiritual aspect to their minerals…and I’m not a fan