Eating Outside, Space Aliens, Back Problems

We had our first meal outside for the 2009 season a couple of weeks ago! It was a bit cool, but the kids wanted to do it. Some friends joined us and we all had a great evening. Our menu was pizza, salad and broccoli.






We had a stranger, alien I'm convinced, visit this afternoon. Scarlet embraced out new friend without hesitation. I on the other hand, am not sure about our visitor.


Blew my back out Thursday morning. On Friday, I went to a massage therapist and she worked me over. As I was leaving, she showed me an exercise that I can do to strengthen my weak muscle. It just so happens to be a stretching motion that I did one week ago, about 150 times over a 3 hour period when I was substituting for a PE teacher. I apparently strained it a week ago, and then it completely blew the other day. I stayed in bed all day Thursday, had the massage Friday, and am feeling much better today (Saturday). The last time I had a problem with my back was almost three years ago, back in September '06. That was a MASSIVE blow out that had me down for three days.

The weather was beautiful Thursday and Friday, even summer like. The grass was begging to be mowed, but I couldn't. It's rained all day today, Saturday, and is expected to rain for the next few days. The grass is going to be a mile high.

Later, Brad
Herbs of Grace, Inc.

April Fools!, Snow, UW Campus, April Sale

Vanessa and I woke up this morning to “Hey Mom, there’s a rainbow outside!”, “Hey Dad, there’s a bat in the house!”, “Hey Mom, the rabbits and chickens are loose!”, “Hey Dad, there’s a crab in the bathtub” and all of them were followed by “April Fools!”. In the past, there have been bats in the house, the chickens and rabbits have been loose, and there are always rainbows in the yard with three kids in the family. Although I have not seen, nor have I heard any stories about, a crab in the bathtub.

It’s been snowing today. Finally around 2:30, it turned to rain. Begrudgingly, I took the studded snow tires off the car, only because Washington law says I have to. The kids and I were up at the pass yesterday playing in a blizzard. Compact snow and ice on the road starting at about 3000 feet. Seems to me that a two week exemption should be made this year. After I had the tires changed, I read an article in the paper that the state patrol has the authority to make decisions in the field as to whether the studs are needed or not.

We met some friends at the ski area and ended our day swimming in a 100 degree swimming pool, during the blizzard. We ran to the pool in our bathing suits and bare feet, with 6 inches of snow on the ground and snow swirling in the air. After we warmed up, we rolled in the snow and then jumped back into the pool. The girls had a great time. Experiencing a new definition of fun is a great thing!

We were in Seattle the other day for the Whole Foods Holiday show. The girls and I took some time to tour the UW campus.

Suzzallo Library, UW campus.

Fischer Fountain, UW Campus

We also cruised the Student Union and a couple of academic buildings. It was spring break so everything was quiet. We’ll have to visit again during a business day.

One of the kids has been taking pictures again.

March Sunset

Gravel and Grass Collage

All brushes are on sale this month. Check ‘em out. Coupon code is: Brush Sale.

Herbs of Grace Brushes

Later, Brad

Herbs of Grace, Inc.

SkiPig, Parties, Upcoming Events

The license plate on my rig says SKIPIG. I went skiing today and last Sunday with a couple of buddies. The kids and I went skiing last Thursday. My buddies and I go when there is lots of new snow. We all have passes so we ski the morning and are home by 1:00. I take the kids skiing when it’s nice and sunny. They love it, I love it. It’s a win/win for everybody. Managed to go head over toes and post hole straight into a snow drift. Nothing to see but my butt, legs and skis. Got some great hoots from the chair. It was funny. Rolled out of the hole, covered in snow, giggling, laughing and shaking my head.

We went to a birthday party for Finn this afternoon. We all met a the local bowling alley. Everyone had a great time. We haven’t been bowling for years. The Kids thought bowling was “FUN!” and can’t wait to do it again.

We had a retirement party for Gramma Joyce a couple of weeks ago in Vancouver. The girls wrote a poem and read it to the crowd. Scarlet was a bit intimidated by the situation and held her hands over her eyes the entire reading.

Poem for Gramma

Poem, page 1

Poem, page 2

Herbs of Grace has a few events coming up:

March 25, 2009, 10:00-4:00, Whole Foods Holiday Show
Hotel Deca, 4705 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, 888-818-1831

March 27, 2009, 4:00-6:00, Spring Fling
Country Lunch Box, Mossyrock, WA 98564, 888-818-1831

March 29, 2009, 11:00-2:00, In Store Product Demo and Makeovers
New Seasons Markets, Orenco Station, 1453 NE 61st Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124, 503-648-6968 call for an appointment.

March 29, 2009, 3:00-6:00, In Store Product Demo and Makeovers
Food Front Southwest, 6344 SW Capitol Highway, Hillsdale Shopping Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, 503.546.6559

We are also keeping our fingers crossed in hopes that Whole Foods, Inc. accepts our product line for a holiday show coming up on March 18, 2009. We’ll keep you posted. - UPDATE: Got word from WF that we have been invited to attend the show! See above for details.

You can see more on our events page.

Later, Brad

Herbs of Grace

Early Morning, Spring and the Economy, Daylite Savings.

Maleah used to get up with me in the morning to see me off to work. It was a nice start to my day. She and I would talk small and look at each other bleary eyed, while eating our oatmeal. After breakfast, she and Sheba our dog, would walk to the end of the driveway to give me a send off as I drove up the road. The other morning, Maleah grabbed the camera to take some early AM shots.

Early Morning I

Early Morning II

Early Morning III

After I leave, she gets some quality computer time before everyone else wakes up.

All the girls performed at their piano recital in early February. Here are some movies.

The economic news these days is not optimistic, which makes Springs job all the more important. We have appreciated the dry Winter and mild January and February, but are looking forward to a renewed and refreshing take on life. Had it been a cold, wet, dreary Winter, I think the economy would have overwhelmed us. As it is, thanks in part to the mild weather, I just put it out of my mind, there is nothing I can do about it anyway.

We had a 20% sale on all multi-purpose colors during February. Out next sale is during April; you’ll get 20% off all brush purchases. All of our specials are posted at the top of our home page.

Vanessa has been tending her green house all winter. We have a couple of heat lamps on a thermometer switch to keep the tiny starts happy. The lights come on at 38 degrees and kick off at 45 or so. She’s been harvesting greens for salads the past couple of weeks.

Green House, Winter '09

Daylight savings time is upon us. Set your clocks ahead one hour this Sunday.

Later, Brad
Herbs of Grace, Natural Look Mineral Makeup

Rain, Old Green House Goodbye, Beautiful Weather, Birthday Party.

We had torrents of rain in late December. Check it out.

I got rid of the old green house today. This rickety old thing served us well until we got our new green house in the garden. You can see another picture of it in this panorama: May 22, 2007, Lawn repair, Other yard projects and Weather.

Old Green House.

Green house fully engulfed.

No more green house.

We roasted marshmallows after the flames died down. I’ll til the ground and plant grass seed and by May it will be completely gone. Actually, I’m going to build an arbor and the old green house needed to go.

We’ve had quite a stretch of un-winter like weather. Starting a couple of weeks back, the sun has been out, little to no wind, and hardly a cloud in the sky. Very un-western Washington for this time of year. This is a welcome reprieve from the 3 weeks of snow and torrential rain we had in late December and early January.

There is 5 year old in the house! Isabel had her party on Sunday. With perfect weather, we spent almost the entire day outside. We started out the day with hot chocolate at the picnic table, then had a treasure hunt. After the treasure hunt, we had lunch and cake, then presents. Everyone was relaxed and happy about the weather and company. It was a great “day off” for all.

Birthday Girl.

Later, Brad.

Back to Herbs of Grace.

Full Circle, Summer Projets, Fall Trade Show

Fall temperatures, shorter days, great flora displays, messing with the clocks and the creek started flowing again, once again brings us full circle. We are getting ready to hunker down for the winter; piling in the wood, one last mow of the yard, putting the yard furniture away. V has been busy in the garden prepping the beds for winter planting. We found an old fiberglass green house back in May. V had it full of starts in the spring and now has different starts for the fall/winter. We have heat lamps for when it gets really cold, but I don’t know if they will be enough to ward off the super cold nights. We’ll see.

Greenhouse and garden.

Did a bit of landscaping this summer. I cleared some scrubby brush and was able to till and grade the area smooth. At least it’s mow-able now. For me, it’s better than trashy looking brush. I also took the tiller to our path system. I have measured a bunch of paths around the yard, but I haven’t done anything but till them. I need to get 6″ of sawdust, or bark chips on the paths to keep the weeds down. Also dressed up the driveway with some additional gravel. Sure looks nice with sharp edges and smooth, even surface. We’ll see how it looks after a couple of months of rain and driving.

New gravel on the driveway.

We have a 100′x150′ pasture area that we have never maintained, so the grass grows to darn near 8′ tall. I took a brush hog to it and made a maze system for M’s birthday party. It was great fun. The grass is tall enough so that the kids can’t see over it. They really enjoyed it.

Oh, and I suppose the highlight of the summer landscaping is the labyrinth.

Yard labyrinth.

There is only one entrance and one exit. The labyrinth is designed around 7 fruit trees. The paths are about mower width, the flower beds between the paths are about 18″ wide. We’ll plant mint, black-eyed Susans, rosemary and lavender. Should be neat next summer.

We returned from a trade show in Seattle on Sunday night. The show was good for us in that we get to talk with our sales reps and make sure they know how to sell our product line.

Later, Brad

Return to Herbs of Grace

New Display Holds Timeless Color Palette.

PRESS RELEASE

Smaller footprint, lower price, same great quality.

MOSSYROCK, Washington — November 1, 2008 — Herbs of Grace, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of a new display to our line; the Madrone.

The Madrone is compact product display, with a well designed product layout. Its color palette is timeless and will outlast color swings caused by fads and fashion hype.

The Madrone includes: 2 each plus tester, of 16 multipurpose colors and 6 foundation shades. Also included are two different Kabuki brushes; a natural hair Kabuki and a vegan bristle Kabuki. These items are necessary for any person to maintain a serious makeup collection.

The Madrones tight dimensions measure out at 14.5” wide, by 16.5” deep and 14” tall. Also available is a floor stand that elevates the Madrone to a comfortable counter height.

The first 9 Madrone displays were placed in the New Seasons Markets, in Portland, OR.

The Madrone is ready for placement in all retail establishments. It wholesales for $299. Manufacturers suggested retail price is $545.

Madrone Display

– END –

Permission to Reprint: Journalists, newsletter publishers, bloggers and others: Reprint of any Herbs of Grace, Inc.® press release must include our URL; http://www.herbsofgrace.com. Thanks.

Contact: Brad Klein
301 Young Rd., Mossyrock, WA 98564
brad@herbsofgrace.com
www.herbsofgrace.com
888-817-1831

Mothering Magazine

PRESS RELEASE

Article highlights Natural Look Mineral Makeup™

MOSSYROCK, Washington — July 10, 2008 — We are proud to be included in the current issue of Mothering Magazine. Mothering mag showcased our products as a “Stroke of Genius” item in the July/August issue, page 82. Mothering magazine can be found online at mothering.com.

Mothering Magazine

– END –

Permission to Reprint: Journalists, newsletter publishers, bloggers and others: Reprint of any Herbs of Grace, Inc.® press release must include our URL; http://www.herbsofgrace.com. Thanks.

Contact: Brad Klein
301 Young Rd., Mossyrock, WA 98564
brad@herbsofgrace.com
www.herbsofgrace.com
888-817-1831

Rabbits, Camping, New display

That pesky wabbit! That big white rabbit I was writing about in my previous post, turned out to be a male and yup, you guessed it, knocked up the female he was frolicking with. Now we have 6 baby rabbits! Thankfully all of them are spoken for. V and the kids ended up catching him, so now at least he’s caged, but we do need to find a home for him. (insert favorite expletive here, and begin gnashing teeth)

Pesky Wabbit.

We went camping at our local camp ground early last week. It was a bit cool and windy, but the sun was out and the temperature eventually warmed up. We fished with the kids new fishing poles, played at the play area, hiked, enjoyed the camp fire, roasted marshmallows, stayed up late telling stories around the campfire and took campfire smoke baths. The kids really enjoyed living outside. Hopefully next time, it’ll be warmer and we can swim. All in all, a successful trip.

We received shipment of our new display. The Madrones color palette is timeless and will outlast color swings caused by fads and fashion hype. It includes: 12 basic colors and 6 foundations, that every person needs to maintain a serious makeup collection, and it has 4 extra slots for seasonal offerings. It is ready for placement in retail outlets now. (Press Release)

Madrone mineral makeup display.

Later, Brad

Return to Herbs of Grace

SNOW!, Rabbits, New Display

April 19, 2008. Woke up to SNOW flurries this morning. Not too bad really, a slight dusting of snow across the yard. Although, as morning progressed, the snow has increased. At 11:00am there was an inch of snow on the picnic table outside the office window. Our breathable house is in need of a heat fix. The pass is reporting 18 degrees with 7″ of new over night. The girls wanted to ski today, but with 18 degrees, I vetoed. We were hoping for a sunny spring day. The ski area closes next Sunday, so we gotta do it next weekend.

Last ski day of the season.

1:00 Update: 3″ of snow on the picnic table, but now we see some blue sky.

We have two female rabbits. They live in their cages, quite happily, along the edge of the garden. Recently, there has been a large white rabbit that has been visiting. We don’t know where it comes from, nor where it goes to when it leaves. It used to arrive around dusk, although it has become quite bold over the past few weeks and makes appearances often, during the day, now. The other day, V came home from teaching her belly dance class, around 7:30. She noticed that Jessica, one of the females, and this new rabbit were frolicing in the yard together. Apparently, the large white rabbit has figured out how to open the latch on Jessicas cage. Anyway, V put Jessica back in the cage and all was safe at Three Girls Grove again. About 15 minutes later, I yells, “Hey, Jessica is in the yard with the white rabbit!” So with a flurry of activity, the three kids dash out the door, round up Jessica and put her back in the cage a second time. This time, adjusting the latch. A few days later, a good friend of ours tells us that rabbits ovulate ON DEMAND, UPON INSERTION! We don’t know if the visiting rabbit is male or female. Time will tell if Three Girls Grove is safe for rabbits. Stay tuned, we may have free bunnys available.

Our new display prototype will be arriving later this week. We have three displays. The Sequoia is our flagship display, that holds our entire product line. The Cedar holds half of our product line, and the new Madrone display will hold about a third of our product line. I’ll post some pictures when it arrives.

Later, Brad

Take me back to Herbs of Grace