Introducing My Daughters to Entrepreneurship

One of our favorite shops in town has been planning to have a Vendors Day event. I was truly excited as I looked forward to it. My little hobby, Suzette's Sweets would get to participate. 

But then came a surprise. My oldest daughter decided to learn to crochet and follow new patterns. She even created her own patterns! Suddenly she was making as many things as she could and asking to share my vendor tent. Of course I said yes! I've been trying to encourage her to learn and practice more. To make beautiful things. And maybe make some money on the side. 

Then came the next surprise. My youngest wouldn't have had anything to do that Saturday. At first, she seemed fine with that. Then a lady at church asked her what she could, or would want to, make? What little things would she be able to sell? Hmm... tough question. Originally, the lady thought beaded projects. But my little one doesn't like making jewelry. So to Pinterest I went. I found a board I had made a long time ago of gift ideas. (Back when we were struggling for money.) I revisited this board for this year - that hasn't been our best. And that is where I found bath bombs and melted bead art.

My mother had sent me these glow-in-the-dark beads for just such a project. I went thrifting for some metal cookie molds. I bought some supplies. The lady from church donated some more supplies. And suddenly, this house became a house of creativity! I loved watching them design and show off what they came up with. I am so proud of them! 

So, after the vendor day ends, we will look back and see what worked well and what didn't. Because at the end of this, I want them to think hard on what it means to be an entrepreneur! I want them to be proud of their own accomplishments as well. To have a little more confidence in what they can do. 

The Mini Museum Must Continue!

Part 4 of the updates here, I think. I have finally gotten the gift shop cleaned up and in order. Maybe 2 more projects left until I call this one completed. Or as finished as I am until I find something else to add...

 I like where this is going. Let's see what's next! How about creating my own statue?? 

The final update comes next! Then follows the question... Do I keep or sell?

Creating Space for Treasures

My daughters are like me. Tiny things fascinate them. My youngest has quite the collection, as you can see in this picture I took of one of her shelves. 

She has an immense selection of little trinkets she has gathered over the years to display. When her older sister brought this empty package piece, I had a light bulb moment like that of Gru in Despicable Me. Suppose I could doll it up to create a shelf addition for some of her figures? So, I set out to do just that. So we take this...

And make this!  

I just used bits from my crafting supplies. Some little James Avery boxes my mom sent. Some left over decal pieces from my mother-in-law. Some added beads to give it textures. 

I had also printed a couple backgrounds for the lower sections, since those were particular to her axolotl collection. The little figures above the sleeping axolotl are in packaging from a Bitty Funko Pop box. The bed was a box from Rainbow High packaging.  

What do you think? Have you created anything similar? 

Give History a Taste, and You Will Never Be the Same Again!

My husband and I have been watching Tasting History on YouTube lately. We love food, and we love history. Put the two of these together, and you have us completely enthralled. This guy really gives you a fun lesson and the things he is working on in his kitchen. Be is Spam, or Tomato Soup Cake, he had us laughing and scratching our heads. After all, some of these things just never would have crossed our minds. 

The most recent video we watched was for Tomato Soup Cake. The name caught us. No way did someone think that could work, right? Right?! Well, wrong. Not only did someone create this recipe (as early as the late 1920's even), but I gave it a try for us. And let me tell you, I was absolutely impressed! I don't normally like carrot cake or spice cake, but this was fabulous! I'm not a fan, and could not eat a while slice myself. But I was able to have a couple bites of my husbands slice. It was moist. It was flavorful. He said the nuts and raisins were the perfect addition as they provided the finishing touch for texture that really did it for him. 

Oh, and I cheated by using a spice cake mix. I figured I would go as easy as possible for the first round. Especially since I don't usually keep cake flour on hand. Next time, I think I will go by the full recipe. 

What you will need:

1 spice cake mix

1/2 cup of water

2 eggs

1 can of Campbell's Tomato Soup (if other, make sure it is 10.75 ounces)

1/2 cup of raisins

1/2 nuts of your choice (I used chopped walnuts)

I like everything easy. So I threw everything except the last 2 ingredients into the bowl and gave it a good stirring. Then I tossed in those last 2 ingredients and gave it a final mix. Pour the batter into a greased (or buttered) pan. Pop it in the oven until cooked through and the wetness test is perfect. I cooked it at 350 degrees for... I believe 25 minutes?  

I also chose not to use cream cheese frosting as my husband is not a fan. I had buttercream frosting on hand instead.  

I'm now looking forward to trying something else from history. What about you? Would you dare?