November 27, 2013

Go Fund me for expanding Chibi Bubble Ninja's Sewing & Kigurumi Cafe!

http://www.gofundme.com/chibibubblecafe
Go Fund me Link
Hello everyone ^.^
This campaign was started to support my budding home Business Chibi Bubble Ninja’s Sew & Kigurumi CafĂ© (links below).
The goal is to raise money for new machines and supplies to help expand the services I offer as well as providing clients with a higher quality product.
Donations will be used to purchase:
-Serger with Cover-stitch
-Embroidery Machine
-Dress forms/mannequins
-Supplies for a Vacuum Mold Kit
-World of Wigcraft- Wig crafting book
For anyone who might want to be a sponsor and donate any of the above items, please contact me directly. chibibubbleninja@hotmail.com
For anyone who donates- regardless of the amount will get a special Thank you on the website!
But wait there is more!
I am offer gifts to those who donate:
For donations of $50 I am offering 5% off your next order!
For donations of $100 I am offering 10% off your next order!
For donations of $200 I am offering 20% off your next order!
For donations of $500 I am offering 50% off your next order!
(Discount only on single projects under and up to $500 total)
*For any larger donations please contact me directly at chibibubbleninja@hotmail.com
Of course if you don’t want to donate I offer a variety of service that you may be interested in.
-Custom Sewing (costumes and everyday clothing)
-Knitting
-Custom Cross-Stitch
-Scrapbooking- Custom Cards

If you are interested in a direct donation or becoming a sponsor, please contact me via email.
chibibubbleninja@hotmail.com
Also, I would like to make a note that I know there are many other charities out there that would be more deserving than my campaign. I encourage you to donate your money to only the people and charity you deem worthy. Thank You!
www.chibibubbleninja.com Chibibubbleninja@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/chibibubbleninjassewingcafe

New for Chibi Bubble Ninja's Sewing & Kigurumi Cafe!

Website

Since my last Chibi Bubble Ninja business update I have made a few additions and updates to the site! 

*Sewing Cafe & Prop Cave: There are some great new photos of completed commissions!

*Cafe Shop: I have moved the cafe Shop to ShopEnvy
You can access this link through my website as usual.
       
*Prop Cave: I have updated Nick's information for his company Cos & FX. "Creating movie quality props and costumes for the public" He is not branching out to all movie props and costumes- not just helping me with cosplay requests.

        
!NEW SERVICES!
In addition to sewing and prop-making I have added a new section offering new services!
This new section is called Needles & Paper:
Knitting
Scrapbooking (cards)
Custom Cross-stitch
Following from the website
"I have been knitting, cross stitching and scrapbooking nearly as long as I have been sewing. (Almost 15 years)

I am happy to announce I will be offering custom cross-stitch art pieces. These can be made from your personal photos! Family and beloved pet photos welcome!
*Please note minimum process time is 2-3+ months depending on the size of the final piece requested .

For the knitting projects I prefer to work with natural materials. (wool, cashmere, alpaca, cotton and hemp) Someday I hope to knit pieces from the fibers of animals (and plants) I raise myself. Until that day comes I try to source all fiber materials from local producers and family farms.

I started scrapbooking as a hobby with my mom to store our family memories. Since I am terrible at taking enough photos I started making custom handmade cards instead. I make cards for my family on special occasions and holidays. At Christmas time I send out a custom card to all my friends and family.

My mother actually encourages this service. Her only request is I do not get too busy to send cards for the family.

I am always learning new techniques to expand my skills in all three of these areas."

!Last but not least Donations!
I have made an option on the site to  donate to my Go Find me campaign to expand my little home business.
I will be making a separate post with all the details shortly. 

So if you have a moment head to my re vamped site and let me know what you think ^.^

Found an old Book Reveiw: The Coconut Oil Miracle


Amazon Link (Newest Edition)    




 I was going through some of my old emails and ran across this book review that I had sent myself to post. Since this is the book that got me into coconut oil and it benefits I thought it would still be worth sharing with everyone. I read the older edition but I have also linked the newest edition here. 


Book Review: The Coconut oil miracle
By:  Bruce Fife, N.D. 
He is a certified nutritionist and naturopathic physician


Coconut oil has been used successfully for a variety of skin conditions and is showing great potential in treating AIDs and heart disease.
This book has an extensive explanation of the myth of coconut oil being unhealthy and scientific proof to back it up. Since it is a saturated fat it was grouped in with all the unhealthy saturated fats, even though it is not unhealthy.
Coconut oil was replaced with hydrogenated soy bean oil and our health is what took the blow.
Seems that the soybean industry funded the camping against coconut oil. I can believe it. After all one of the largest companies growing soybeans is Monsanto. 
Pacific islanders who primarily have only coconuts in their diet have benefited for many years of health superior to our own.
This book also credits WAP for using coconut oil but seems to think lard is also bad.Which lard from a healthy organically raised and fed animals is not unhealthy.
This book also connects the health of the mouth to the health of the body. Problems of the mouth can cause problems in the body- especially heart disease.
They also note that research is not being done on the large scale for the health benefits of coconut oil because there is no one to profit- coconut oil is cheap and readily available and cannot become a patented  pharmaceutical.
My biggest problem is that the CEOs and doctors conducting the research know that their products are hurting people. But they are making a profit and that is more important to them.
It is supposed to be healthful for things like cold and flu and I intend to try it the next time I am feeling a little below the weather.(Update: I take this whenever I am sick)
It seems to be good at fighting antibiotic resistant illness like raw honey.

I agree with their facts that coconut oil will promote our health and weight loss.
On skin and hair it is an unmatched health tonic. It gets rid of dandruff. Also is supposed to strengthen the skin against things like sun- and repair the skin from sun and age spots. Also fades old scars.(I use this as a stand along moisturizer now)
Your bones can also benefit because coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium. 

Start by using it to replace all other oils you cook with (vegetable- canola) and start with 1 tsp a day and work up to 3 TBS for best health benefits. 

Sounds like it is great for a variety of illnesses and great as an overall tonic- or preventative for health. 

Choose the brand that tastes best to you.I usually prefer Nutivia but I would like to also try Tropical Traditions.

This book also refers you to all the medical findings if you would like to dig them up and see them for yourself as well. 


There is even a whole chapter of recipes of how you can incorporate this into your diet.



SO THANKFUL!

Photo Credit/Link

I want to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! 
For those of you here who keep up with my random postings THANK YOU! 
This year I am thankful for so many things....
As usual topping my list is my family. Both here in Los Angeles and the family I am missing back in Michigan!
Thankful for a man that loves me (and can cook!)
Thankful for the continued good health and general fluffiness of my fur son.
I am thankful for great friends! 
I am thankful for good health (besides a cold here and there) for my family and others close to me.
Thankful to have a job- when not everyone is so fortunate
Thankful that I can pay the bills...even though bills are no fun ^.^
Thankful to be making progress in my home business and future plans.
Thankful to wake up every morning really!

So I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and have a great time thinking about all the things that you can be thankful for this year!

I am so looking forward to a great thanksgiving feast!
 

September 11, 2013

Book Reveiw: The Home Creamery

Amazon Link

The Home Creamery: Make Your Own Fresh Dairy Products; Easy Recipes for Butter, Yogurt, Sour Cream, Creme Fraiche, Cream Cheese, Ricotta, and More!
By: Kathy Farrell-Kingsley

I like that this book makes note that you can use raw milk. It does of course caution the user that there is chance of bacteria contamination (blah blah) and recommends pasteurization to be safe. Part of me is very happy that this is one of the first books (I have seen) that notes you can use raw milk....then part of me is upset that pasteurization is still recommended. However, I was thinking that this maybe a legal issue and not a personal choice. So I will give this book the benefit of the doubt and be happy that they even say raw milk is okay, if that is what you prefer. 

Another thing I like about this book is that pretty much all the recipes I saw seemed to be very healthy. Minimal ingredients and all natural options. I think this is a really good start for making your own dairy products at home. 

I would really like to know if there is a book like this specifically for raw milk........

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in starting their own dairy products at home.  I plan on getting this book to get me started and to have on my reference shelf. 



September 10, 2013

Book Recommendation: Whole Beast Butchery

Amazon Link

Whole Beast Butchery- A Complete Visual Guide to Beef, Lamb and Pork
By: Ryan Farr with Brigit Binns

This is one of those books that I cannot really review as it is a purely full information book. For the visual learners such as myself this book is just as great as having a how to video. If you are in any way interested in breaking down your own animals (beef, lamb, or pork) this would be a must have book! What is fun is even if you do not break down your own animals (or plan to) it is a great learning tool of where the cuts you like best come from as well.

This is defiantly one I will be getting for me reference shelf. 

Book Reveiw: The Accidental Farmers

Amazon Link
The Accidental Farmers: An urban couple, a rural calling and a dream of farming in harmony with nature
By: Tim Young

I finally found this book at my local library after waiting FOREVER! 
(Kindle version is however inexpensive and available here.)
I have been wanting to read this book after I was first introduced to Nature's Harmony Farm through their blog and podcast (no longer in operation- blog still available as an archive). This was one of my main stops when researching sustainable farming. 
The subtitle of this book really gives you the idea of what this book is about "An urban couple, a rural calling and a dream of farming in harmony with nature". 
I really liked this real world story of how this couple came to decide to leave the rat race and farm. What is interesting is how it hit them both seemingly out of the blue. Another great development in the story is their decision to farm for other people. (They have come a long way and now produce award winning handmade cheeses.)
One thing I understand but do not agree with in the farming practices that they do not treat their animals. I mean I can understand not using conventional methods of treatment.( I do agree with not using the conventional methods of chemical worming and antibiotic use.) I still think that a natural option for treatments would not necessarily hinder an animal on becoming more "hardy" to the natural farming method. That is just my opinion as that is my plan to care for my future farm. I also would see it as sustainable as one would be able to grow the herbs and things needed or otherwise barter to get the things you cannot produce yourself. 

Over all this book was very well written and easy to read. It was one of those books that described so wonderfully the farm life that I dream of that I got the relaxed feeling like I was already there. I like that they also do not sugar coat the realities of farm life and give you a real idea what it is like. It is work...but it is worth it...if it is what you really want. As with most things in life I suppose. 
This book I think I would get on kindle or to have on my shelf to share with others. 

For more info on Tim & Liz and their farm you can visit Nature's Harmony Farm Website.

August 29, 2013

Camper/Travel Trailer/Survival Vehicle


Ever since I have seen these DIY revamps for camper/survival vehicles I am hooked! I would really love to have something like this for camping- or maybe a long road trip! (Or in the case of the last photo Zombie apocalypse) ^.^ So this is on my I want it sooner than later list :) 
*Excuse me while I cruise craigslist*


I love these little teardrop trailers- more for short term camping though. I think that Nick has some DIY plans for one of these :) (Photo Link)

This is a school bus turned camper. This kind of thing would be perfect for long term road trips. Would just have to figure out the fuel...maybe bio-Diesel conversion? To find out more and see more photos Click here!

This is just adorable! More of a weekend or week long camper- I just want to pinch it :) (Photo Link)

So this speaks to my bug out survivalist mentality. But come on this things is amazing sauce! It is like the Tardis- it's bigger on the inside! I would totally have one of these! (Photo Link)

Natural Pools

TO add more fun elements to my blog I thought I would do some posts of things I would like to have for my future homestead/farm. The first one is natural pools. 

Natural pool are man made bodies of water that are kept clean with filtration by plants (rooted hydroponically). I think this a great alternative to chemically treated pools or even salt water pools. 

Links to DIY Natural Pools: 
Permaculture Media (clips from instructional DVD)

Links to companys  that specialize in natural pool set up: (For those who are not DIY)

Here are some great photos: 
This is more of a water feature but same idea (via pintrest)

This is a small pool- more like a spa (photo link)

Love this idea! (Photo Link)

Lily pads soo pretty (photo link)


Vacation, Moving and New/Fun Ideas- will be launching soon......

(Artwork Credit)

Well Life has been a little bit of a whirl wind lately....

Michigan
I was lucky enough to take a 10 day vacation to see my beautiful family in Michigan. Of course as always I didn't get enough photos! ^o^ Below are some that I did get. As always I had a great time and was sad to leave. At the same time I was happy to get back to LA to my other family (who missed me). 
While I was in Michigan we did the regular things- went to Frankenmuth for taffy, cheese and fudge- went to the Shiawassee fair for lemonade, elephant ears, and to ride the surrey ride- One day I got to see extended family and play UNO- and various other things. Most important I got to spend time with the family!
Mom and Dad in Frankenmuth

Another one :)

I was with my mom walking around Owosso and saw this in an alley...had to take a shot.

My sister in Frankenmuth. I just asked her to hold this cute unicorn so I could get a photo...this is the result :P





Moving
When I got back to LA it was sleep...then getting up the next day to finishing moving. Luckily I have one of the best guys in the world who moved pretty much everything while I was on vacation ^.^ We are still working on final organization but I am very happy with the new place! A great perk is the view. I get the Hollywood sign, Hollywood, K-town, and Century City. It has been a bit of an adjustment not being about to walk home for lunch but so far it is working out.

New/Fun Ideas
After the move I am getting back into my sewing and crafting. I have lots of fun new ideas for Chibi Bubble Ninja's Sewing & Kigurumi Cafe. Some of which I have mentioned in a previous post. Some of which are still in the works. So I look forward to presenting those soon! I am SO looking forward to upcoming conventions. I am still ironing out all the fine details. Stay in touch for the latest on my Facebook page: Chibi Bubble Ninja Cosplay and Chibi Bubble Ninja's Sewing & Kigurumi Cafe. New photos coming soon on both!

Ninja Con 2013


 Objective
"A small-scale convention sharing the many popular elements and attractions featured in larger conventions will allow everyone to enjoy and interact with a friendly and passionate community. Ninja-con’s focus is to allow and encourage group participation in the many featured events held in reserved live programming rooms. Events will be run by popular cosplay professionals and anime enthusiasts who are willing to discuss and share their hobbies with anime and culture fans new and old. Ninja-con’s friendly atmosphere will welcome new con-goers and convention veterans alike. From special guests to concerts, Ninja-con will have something in store for everyone."


Danny “Dboy” Gonzales
Founder and CEO of Ninja-Con

This was my first year at Ninja Con-in fact this was the first year for Ninja Con! ^.^ It was held in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. I love that there was finally an anime convention here. Little Tokyo is the perfect setting.  I was there as an assistant to another cosplay commissioner and to assist in the fashion show that I had assisted in making pieces for. I had a great time and I met a lot of great people!
I hope to be back next year!
For more photos and video check out my website.


Tomyo-Chan Cosplay and Myself- Great girl I was so glad to finally meet her!


Me as Orihime (Maid Version) Photo by: Art of Zekie Cho


At four leaf- pretending to be a maid ^.^




Love that you can actually see my contacts in this one- btw this crepe was DELICIOUS!