tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71758912949078503482024-03-14T03:22:51.769-05:00Scent from Nature100% Pure Beeswax CandlesQueen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-89468322313751014982014-09-13T13:05:00.000-05:002014-09-13T13:06:12.134-05:00Movement Towards Higher Energy Efficiency <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSqw4YXK9ls/VBSFf0m09pI/AAAAAAAAAP8/-O9yCKl6EXU/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSqw4YXK9ls/VBSFf0m09pI/AAAAAAAAAP8/-O9yCKl6EXU/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We built our off-grid homestead and beeswax candle workshop, powered by the sun, over a year ago</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKrw6SZV5y4/VBSFdH6ojgI/AAAAAAAAAP0/8rVG9L89lPA/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKrw6SZV5y4/VBSFdH6ojgI/AAAAAAAAAP0/8rVG9L89lPA/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have in floor heating and heat with an outdoor wood boiler.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKxWem30YOw/VBSFau1RoJI/AAAAAAAAAPk/bO9fBMHxeDU/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKxWem30YOw/VBSFau1RoJI/AAAAAAAAAPk/bO9fBMHxeDU/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have now combined our solar energy and wood-powered in-floor heating, also powered by the sun, to create an even more efficient beeswax melting tank system.</td></tr>
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We've taken another step for <big>energy efficiency</big> and
have just modified our wax tanks to be <big>even more
efficient with our solar energy system</big>. They will continue
to run on solar energy and will also be boosted by our in-floor
heating system that is heated by our outdoor wood furnace, also,
ultimately powered by solar energy. This means less use of our
battery back ups when the sun decides to stay behind the clouds and
the horizon for longer periods of time between about October and
February. We're heating the house and workshop anyway so it makes
sense to share that heat with the wax tanks.<br />
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If you ever find yourselves up in our neck of the woods, please give
us a call to schedule a tour of our tiny solar-powered workshop
in the woods! We'd love to see you. And please let us know when we
can send out your next order of our <big><a href="http://www.scentfromnature.com/">Scent from Nature; 100% Pure Beeswax Candles.</a> We sell online!</big><br />
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<big><br /></big>Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-6446227643464766632014-09-06T09:06:00.000-05:002014-09-06T09:06:09.367-05:00North Woods Garden Update: Late Summer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BItHTGh_Qo4/VAsSqCWniDI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Hbtte9eaL6g/s1600/photo004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BItHTGh_Qo4/VAsSqCWniDI/AAAAAAAAAOc/Hbtte9eaL6g/s1600/photo004.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The straw bale garden is flourishing!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0006wKfBWJY/VAsSnkzo9VI/AAAAAAAAAOI/UVThEspQnxM/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0006wKfBWJY/VAsSnkzo9VI/AAAAAAAAAOI/UVThEspQnxM/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our pure beeswax 4" pillars rests nicely in the fast growing green bean plants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSe2T2bYcyI/VAsSqBMh0eI/AAAAAAAAAOg/XT9_IgCUn4c/s1600/photo005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSe2T2bYcyI/VAsSqBMh0eI/AAAAAAAAAOg/XT9_IgCUn4c/s1600/photo005.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first broccoli!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLi9eWd7VsA/VAsSq-5kkgI/AAAAAAAAAOs/eNdRgxcvNA8/s1600/photo006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLi9eWd7VsA/VAsSq-5kkgI/AAAAAAAAAOs/eNdRgxcvNA8/s1600/photo006.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had our first green bean harvest yesterday</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2m_pab92tNk/VAsSoa0hngI/AAAAAAAAAOU/puoNM2JDye4/s1600/photo003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2m_pab92tNk/VAsSoa0hngI/AAAAAAAAAOU/puoNM2JDye4/s1600/photo003.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our pure beeswax candles next to our one and only melon to show its size</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uO0YJCtghsg/VAsSsWfHUbI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Obe_yOVX2IU/s1600/photo007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uO0YJCtghsg/VAsSsWfHUbI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Obe_yOVX2IU/s1600/photo007.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One melon. Now if I could only remember what kind it is and if I can only keep it alive now that the temperatures are beginning to dip.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75QJ1q8_g9c/VAsSsBgrvMI/AAAAAAAAAO0/zZWarmx_sYw/s1600/photo010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75QJ1q8_g9c/VAsSsBgrvMI/AAAAAAAAAO0/zZWarmx_sYw/s1600/photo010.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cherry tomatoes are beginning to ripen!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brlA0WkSIqY/VAsStZaABaI/AAAAAAAAAPE/K8xGf6X0YBM/s1600/photo011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brlA0WkSIqY/VAsStZaABaI/AAAAAAAAAPE/K8xGf6X0YBM/s1600/photo011.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other tomato varieties are getting bigger. Now all we need is for them to ripen.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqiX5fR-q_4/VAsSuyk7YNI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/eAn6DUz9r1Y/s1600/photo012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqiX5fR-q_4/VAsSuyk7YNI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/eAn6DUz9r1Y/s1600/photo012.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The carrots would have appreciated being in the straw bales versus the shallow stair step containers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMWRYcxn2R8/VAsSnKLu23I/AAAAAAAAAOE/987TbbWwb68/s1600/photo002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMWRYcxn2R8/VAsSnKLu23I/AAAAAAAAAOE/987TbbWwb68/s1600/photo002.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The zucchini has been the most productive of the plants. And yes, you can grow the strangest things in these straw bales. Contact me and I'll send you some Scent from Nature; 100% Pure Beeswax Candles "seed". ;o)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AL8GucrK5LI/VAsSusBfT9I/AAAAAAAAAPM/i_zePCGV4xA/s1600/photo013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AL8GucrK5LI/VAsSusBfT9I/AAAAAAAAAPM/i_zePCGV4xA/s1600/photo013.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All in all, the straw bales won the north woods garden test. I like the look of the stair step container but it didn't do as well. I will add more drainage to the containers next year and see how they do. I plan to triple the size of the straw bale garden.</td></tr>
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<br />Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-53263516439870986942014-08-12T16:28:00.002-05:002014-08-12T16:28:36.989-05:00Scent from Nature Feature<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU2zwZy0YT0/U-qG1gCt2HI/AAAAAAAAAN0/58d_RheAn9Q/s1600/Mahsa%2BHansen%2B%2B-%2Blimoni%2Blimoni-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU2zwZy0YT0/U-qG1gCt2HI/AAAAAAAAAN0/58d_RheAn9Q/s1600/Mahsa%2BHansen%2B%2B-%2Blimoni%2Blimoni-001.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by limoni limoni: a flower studio</td></tr>
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We have just been featured in a photographer's blog post. Please click <a href="http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com/blog/sun-powered-scents-from-nature">here</a> to view these beautiful photos of our product.Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-48671012522015512072014-06-11T22:47:00.002-05:002014-06-11T22:47:55.673-05:00Exciting Announcement!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxWJqsxO-JA/U5kh_aCLENI/AAAAAAAAANk/Ggvz0zT9dXM/s1600/AsterBee1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxWJqsxO-JA/U5kh_aCLENI/AAAAAAAAANk/Ggvz0zT9dXM/s1600/AsterBee1.jpg" height="347" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.scentfromnature.com/">Scent from Nature has a new website!</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many, many thanks to Jeff and Vaughan at <a href="http://www.halogenwebstudio.com/">Halogen Web Studios</a> for their excellent service, product, advice, design, and most of all,
patience. This has been a long process but was very much worth it! We're
so happy with the website. Please check it out and let us know what you
think.</span></div>
Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-50916293669630793932014-06-11T14:16:00.000-05:002014-06-11T14:16:30.657-05:00North Woods Garden Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citronella to keep the skeeters away</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdbBhmKrjvs/U5iozazSRcI/AAAAAAAAAMM/QmqOExNQFhU/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="212" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My porch container garden. I will no longer refer to it as my "pot" garden. That was getting far too many raised eyebrows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8heDmW_1AE/U5io6I585sI/AAAAAAAAANE/l0bjftZz2Bg/s1600/photo002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8heDmW_1AE/U5io6I585sI/AAAAAAAAANE/l0bjftZz2Bg/s1600/photo002.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemongrass to keep the skeeter away. Do you see a theme here?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLguEbaTbcI/U5iozp9zybI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/r1zOh8dm5_U/s1600/photo002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLguEbaTbcI/U5iozp9zybI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/r1zOh8dm5_U/s1600/photo002.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to citronella and lemongrass, we've got rosemary, sage, lavender, lettuce, mint, lemon thyme, and bee balm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKH9LHYKP2c/U5io6JOGueI/AAAAAAAAANA/fgsU7PjFEIk/s1600/photo003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKH9LHYKP2c/U5io6JOGueI/AAAAAAAAANA/fgsU7PjFEIk/s1600/photo003.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini has been planted in the straw bales </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0g_qRkNojA/U5iozwKvaBI/AAAAAAAAAMY/wezkZYrR5Jg/s1600/photo003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0g_qRkNojA/U5iozwKvaBI/AAAAAAAAAMY/wezkZYrR5Jg/s1600/photo003.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stair step containers contain lettuce, beets, carrots and zucchini</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0SC4vdhj5o/U5io7jfO7JI/AAAAAAAAANU/N0hlWV747cI/s1600/photo004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0SC4vdhj5o/U5io7jfO7JI/AAAAAAAAANU/N0hlWV747cI/s1600/photo004.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four varieties of organic, heirloom tomatoes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_MgZa0ZGGU/U5io2FuvlkI/AAAAAAAAAMk/TFppqPOLgko/s1600/photo005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_MgZa0ZGGU/U5io2FuvlkI/AAAAAAAAAMk/TFppqPOLgko/s1600/photo005.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's looking like summer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myBSq2mUVIY/U5io2SDkeDI/AAAAAAAAAMo/WelS6xDLAtU/s1600/photo008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myBSq2mUVIY/U5io2SDkeDI/AAAAAAAAAMo/WelS6xDLAtU/s1600/photo008.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straw bales have been planted!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bydiBVk94Vg/U5io2nKUD1I/AAAAAAAAAMs/t_f1uJwTxYE/s1600/photo010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bydiBVk94Vg/U5io2nKUD1I/AAAAAAAAAMs/t_f1uJwTxYE/s1600/photo010.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straw bales - zucchini, peas, beans, melon, potatoes and broccoli. I think it's broccoli. When I planted the seeds I didn't distinguish it between the Kale and now they look identical so we'll see!</td></tr>
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<br />Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-32128701978941956012014-05-29T15:04:00.000-05:002014-05-29T15:04:20.020-05:00Spring 2014 Firsts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNEo2WCwPw8/U4eR3avvCqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/W9OohzJoprg/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNEo2WCwPw8/U4eR3avvCqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/W9OohzJoprg/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Spring took a while to come and now it seems to have passed quickly with Summer taking the forefront. Here are some Spring first in our balsam and birch heaven:<br />
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Last snowfall (18 inches!) - April 25th<br />
1st Mosquito spotted - May 18th<br />
1st Hummingbird returned - May 18th<br />
Heat turned off - May 24th<br />
Leaf out began - May 25th<br />
Unplugged the Wood Boiler which heats our home - May 28thQueen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-30437175345202229742014-05-29T14:58:00.001-05:002014-05-29T14:58:41.775-05:00North Woods Garden Update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiY9zHvi9Nw/U4eQKX-yGQI/AAAAAAAAALI/ztZ2JDhrzWc/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiY9zHvi9Nw/U4eQKX-yGQI/AAAAAAAAALI/ztZ2JDhrzWc/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaker hoses were added to the bales along with stakes to string wire for climbing plants and cattle panels on each for the same reason.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRdTa9_3-pg/U4eQKg8QUAI/AAAAAAAAALM/YpzoZE1o8B8/s1600/photo002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRdTa9_3-pg/U4eQKg8QUAI/AAAAAAAAALM/YpzoZE1o8B8/s1600/photo002.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bale continues to be conditioned with an organic fertilizer and then soaked with water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9QPf67pSic/U4eQKwnWhDI/AAAAAAAAALY/u8O6XuGKFHk/s1600/photo003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9QPf67pSic/U4eQKwnWhDI/AAAAAAAAALY/u8O6XuGKFHk/s1600/photo003.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fun planter will look nice with our veggies growing in it. Our sled dogs are lounging in the shade in the background - <a href="http://www.points-unknown.com/">Points Unknown</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbJke1VSiKo/U4eQNSzb5PI/AAAAAAAAALg/Yc1Nnvf21as/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbJke1VSiKo/U4eQNSzb5PI/AAAAAAAAALg/Yc1Nnvf21as/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We noticed that a few snowshoe hare were scoping things out. I would suggest staying far away, my little furry friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peaTfCRecRg/U4eQggwU3DI/AAAAAAAAALo/MVvxWWzgCGQ/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peaTfCRecRg/U4eQggwU3DI/AAAAAAAAALo/MVvxWWzgCGQ/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final stage of conditioning is to add wood ash and a bone meal blend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAQNF7ABVhY/U4eQg2JzqNI/AAAAAAAAALs/cfxuT3ms6YY/s1600/photo002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAQNF7ABVhY/U4eQg2JzqNI/AAAAAAAAALs/cfxuT3ms6YY/s1600/photo002.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the wood ash and bone meal blend are added, the bale is soaked again. In 5 days, we can plant!</td></tr>
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Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-65879329928513419412014-05-16T14:55:00.001-05:002014-05-16T14:57:22.958-05:00A Garden for the Bees (and People)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iznoLC_eME/U3ZrgTk_MYI/AAAAAAAAAKw/G5T33IQARCM/s1600/photo002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iznoLC_eME/U3ZrgTk_MYI/AAAAAAAAAKw/G5T33IQARCM/s1600/photo002.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our 4Inch pillars looks so nice resting on top of the beginnings of our garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MPUcXs1FA4/U3ZrghmiH4I/AAAAAAAAAK0/CWD519RqGPo/s1600/photo001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MPUcXs1FA4/U3ZrghmiH4I/AAAAAAAAAK0/CWD519RqGPo/s1600/photo001.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No soil? Use bales!</td></tr>
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We've come to realize that if we want a garden up in our north woods paradise, we have to think out of the box and use a bale! You see, we have no soil to speak of so our research brought us to the use of straw bales for planting vegetables. Not only is this value to us but the blossoms will be valued by the honey bees.<br />
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It takes 10+ days to condition the straw bales to make them ready to plant. We've been using organic fertilizer and water in various amounts on specific days. Now if we could only get some nice warm temperatures so that the bales begin to "cook". With a low of 25 degrees expected over night, I think we're a ways off! Stay tuned. And if you'd like to her more regular updates, please "like" and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scent-from-Nature-100-Pure-Beeswax-Candles/224335950937531">facebook!</a>Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-43132157219879043152014-05-02T10:53:00.001-05:002014-05-02T10:53:27.412-05:00We did it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SsRuLRkr6w/U2O96VLg16I/AAAAAAAAAKg/h7tBw6aYs7k/s1600/SFN+Sun-Icon_Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SsRuLRkr6w/U2O96VLg16I/AAAAAAAAAKg/h7tBw6aYs7k/s1600/SFN+Sun-Icon_Large.jpg" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.scentfromnature.com/">Scent from Nature</a> has finally gone off grid! That's right, we've finally made our move to the remote north woods of Minnesota's Arrowhead Region where we're thoughtfully handcrafting our pure beeswax candles using power from the SUN! How cool (hot) is that?!<br />
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We've also decided, contrary to our most recent post, that it's important to keep separate blogs for <a href="http://www.scentfromnature.com/">Scent from Nature</a> and our other business <a href="http://www.points-unknown.com/">Points Unknown; Dog-Based Adventures, </a>rather than combine them into one "lifestyle" blog. What do you think? You can always check out what we're doing with the sled dogs by visiting the <a href="http://www.topointsunknown.blogspot.com/">Points Unknown blog.</a>Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-5964609487179489712012-04-18T17:39:00.002-05:002012-04-18T17:46:11.391-05:00Simplicity.......To help support our values and direction as we continue on our quest for a more simple lifestyle, we've combined our blogs. We will now post all of our lifestyle updates that include the goings on at Scent from Nature, on our new blog called <a href="http://www.topointsunknown.blogspot.com">Irish Creek Homestead</a>. Please visit us there and follow our journey!Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-67088980367252696962012-03-18T11:15:00.002-05:002012-03-18T11:17:56.612-05:00Spring Events; Come and Visit Us!<h3 style="text-align: center;">Come and visit us at the following events!</h3><p><img src="http://scentfromnature.com/files/5913/3208/1140/natural_living_2012.jpg" alt="natural_living_2012.jpg" width="250" height="130" /></p><p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:large;" >Natural Living Expo 2012</span><br />Veterans Memorial Auditorium</span><br />Des Moines, Iowa<br /><strong>03/31/2012</strong> 10AM-5PM - <strong>04/01/2012</strong> 11AM-4PM<br /><a title="Natural Living Expo 2012" href="http://www.naturallivingexpo.org/">www.naturallivingexpo.org</a></p><p><a title="Natural Living Expo 2012" href="http://www.naturallivingexpo.org/"><br /></a></p><p> </p><p><img style="width: 337px; height: 41px;" src="http://scentfromnature.com/files/cache/95d63ff3adc3fe453a6ea2682200adbd.jpg" alt="Living_Green_Expo.jpg" /></p><p><span style="font-size:large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2012 Living Green Expo</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">May 5-6, 2012</span><br /><span style="font-size:medium;">MN State Fair Grounds<br />Progress Building, 4-H Building, Education Building<br />1265 Snelling Avenue North<br />St. Paul, MN 55108</span></span><br /><a title="2012 Living Green Expo" href="http://www.livinggreenexpo.mn/the-expo/">www.livinggreenexpo.mn/the-expo/</a></p>Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-85672318072297186022011-11-06T12:46:00.004-06:002011-11-06T13:21:45.239-06:00Natural Home & Garden Magazine Mention<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CY3sNg7enQ/TrbWkzLtoRI/AAAAAAAAAJw/UJ9RbYnX2xE/s1600/Natural%2BHome%2Band%2BGarden%2BCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CY3sNg7enQ/TrbWkzLtoRI/AAAAAAAAAJw/UJ9RbYnX2xE/s320/Natural%2BHome%2Band%2BGarden%2BCover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671956708422689042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We've been mentioned as a resource for Beeswax Candles in an article in the November/December 2011 issue of Natural Home & Garden Magazine. Our ad is also in this issue.<br /><br />Please visit this <a href="http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/health/better-burn-beeswax-soy-wax-palm-oil-candles.aspx">link</a> to view the article.Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-71918745704778753732011-10-27T15:55:00.004-05:002011-10-27T16:00:51.094-05:00More Demo Dates!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, November 4th<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;">2PM-5PM</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Wedge<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">2105 Lyndale Avenue South<br />Minneapolis, MN 55403</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">612.871.3993</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Saturday, December 17th<br /></span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">11AM-3PM<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mississippi Market - Selby</span><br /></span>622 Selby Avenue<br />St. Paul, MN 55102<br />651.310.9499<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-10752707002024691142011-10-20T14:24:00.002-05:002011-10-20T14:27:37.901-05:00Natural Home and Garden MagazineMake sure to check out our ad in the November/December issue of Natural Home and Garden Magazine. You'll find it on page 74 in the Green Gifts Guide section.<br /><br />We are also lucky to have been mentioned as a resource for beeswax candles in an article in that same issue on page 81.<br /><br />When the online version comes out, we'll be sure to post the link!Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-77898670427812550022011-10-16T18:47:00.004-05:002011-10-16T18:51:54.223-05:00Beekeeping Course<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hNICjyKsTk/Tpttm2kItcI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/AP7kHckcH4Y/s1600/Bee%2BBeard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 136px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hNICjyKsTk/Tpttm2kItcI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/AP7kHckcH4Y/s320/Bee%2BBeard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664241470598067650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_igbaRhsM2M/TpttnIz17qI/AAAAAAAAAIY/grVhCcuj8nk/s1600/UofM%2BLogo.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 30px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_igbaRhsM2M/TpttnIz17qI/AAAAAAAAAIY/grVhCcuj8nk/s320/UofM%2BLogo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664241475495784098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I attended the <a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/honeybees/components/publiccourses.htm">University of Minnesota's Beekeeping Course</a> this weekend. Unfortunately, Neil was not able to come along so he'll have to go next spring. What a wonderful course! Neil and I plan to begin keeping bees when we make our move and are looking forward to making some of our beeswax candles out of our very own wax!Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-50112779145111158462011-10-13T16:52:00.004-05:002011-10-27T15:55:40.306-05:00Demos for October/NovemberWe periodically make appearances at some of our local stores to display and provide information about our candles. These are some of our current dates.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, October 22nd</span></span><br />11AM-2PM<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">River Market Community Coop<br /></span>221 N. Main Street<br />Stillwater, MN 55082<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>651.439.0366<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />Tuesday, October 25th</span></span><br />11AM-2PM<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lakewinds Natural Foods</span><br />435 Pond Promenade<br />Chanhassen, MN 55317<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, October 29th</span></span><br />11:30AM-2:30PM<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Seward Coop</span><br />2823 East Franklin Avenue<br />Minneapolis, MN 55406<br />612.338.2465<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, November 1st</span></span><br />11AM-2PM<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lakewinds Natural Foods</span><br />17523 Minnetonka Boulevard<br />Minnetonka, MN 55345<br />952.742.1207<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, November 8th</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">3PM-6PM</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Linden Hills Coop</span><br />3815 Sunnyside Ave.<br />Minneapolis, MN 55410<br />612.922.1159<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, November 12th</span></span><br />11AM-2PM<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mississippi Market - W 7th</span><br />1500 W. 7th St.<br />St. Paul, MN, 55102<br />651.690.0507<br /><br />3PM-6PM<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mississippi Market - Selby<br /></span>622 Selby Avenue<br />St. Paul, MN 55102<br />651.310.9499<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-61289919556368863062011-10-10T19:05:00.001-05:002011-10-10T19:06:47.837-05:00"Green" Vs Green ($)<p style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9pFrwRdUunw/TpOGbqLRFnI/AAAAAAAAHv4/D3hppgbf-DA/s1600/photo028.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9pFrwRdUunw/TpOGbqLRFnI/AAAAAAAAHv4/D3hppgbf-DA/s400/photo028.jpg" style="" height="265" width="400" border="0" /></a></p><p>Yesterday, I spent the day mostly in the truck, driving the six hour, one way trip to our little spot in the north woods of Minnesota, to meet the horse logger we had hoped would do our building site clearing. Having <span style="" class="goog-spellcheck-word">15</span> sled dogs at home and a "to do" list the length of my arm, means no luxury of staying over night this time around.</p><p>Mark met me on our property at 1PM on the dot. I love punctuality! This was a great start. He looked like he knew the woods well from his appearance, which gained him my instant respect in that category. I had read a bit about him prior to setting up the meeting and was impressed with what I had read. He had been involved with the US Forest Service for many, many years, working contracts for horse logging and specializing in primitive tools. Raising him even further above the rest was that he had formed a sustainable forestry organization in our area. If anything, I knew I was in for an interesting and educational visit.</p><p> Taking the time to walk our entire flagged area, Mark was kind enough to offer tidbits of knowledge and recommendation along the way when it came to what trees to keep, which ones were on their last leg, what that particular type of fungi was used for and how it was harvested, along with comments on our two "nurse" trees that had fallen and now lay host to a beautiful and fascinating straight-as-an-arrow line of baby Balsam trees. The first comment, however, that made me think we were now heading down a different path with our clearance was, "You won't want to clear all of this". </p><p>We had planned to clear roughly 2.5 acres to make space for our beeswax candle workshop with attached living quarters, pole building, dog kennels with large roof over top, dog food shed and two large hooped garden sites. This size clearance was on our "wish list" and it was designed to comply with Firewise recommendations, our need for solar power and our desire to create a large open space where air could flow, keeping the nasty insects away from our dogs. Mark was aware of our requirements and our tight budget so now we were getting to the reality of what could actually be done with the resources available. </p><p>Excited about the prospect of the horses doing our clearing, I daydreamed of them tromping around in our woods as our "green", wilderness savvy logger, wandered in our present day woods, uttering various indistinguishable exclamatory notes to himself and scratching his head.When his figuring was complete, our journey down the "horse logging trail" took an abrupt turn when the horse logger himself bid the job as a mechanized one, excluding the horses all together, after considering the carnage left from our recent driveway job, making the area to be cleared not as easily accessible by the horses and therefore cost prohibitive. Yikes! That day dream sure met a quick death. But you know, I respect straight, honest and <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">unfluffed</span> information. It saves time! So, all being said and done, even with a project that is mechanized, the clearing looks like it could potentially be under an acre. Nothing like a swift slap in the face by reality.<br /></p>So now we ponder over the new direction life is showing us. Actually, it's all in the same general direction, just a different path leading us to the same end result. It's difficult when you very much would like to follow the path your values send you, knowing that doing so, to the full extent, would mean a nice big clearing as a result of horse and man power alone, but no money left for a roof over your head! "Green" versus Green.($) There's got to be a healthy balance that supports both our values and our pocket book. Still we ponder...........Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-51923318978383588532011-10-06T19:03:00.002-05:002011-10-06T19:05:33.677-05:00Come and See Us!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJEv6wKzKOw/To5COq_iQ5I/AAAAAAAAAII/QVb3pzYLioc/s1600/DoItGreen%2BLogo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 88px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJEv6wKzKOw/To5COq_iQ5I/AAAAAAAAAII/QVb3pzYLioc/s320/DoItGreen%2BLogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660534601477669778" border="0" /></a><br />We'll be selling our Scent from Nature; 100% Pure Beeswax Candles and promoting our wholesale venues at the <a href="http://www.doitgreen.org/gifts-fair">2011 Do it Green! Minnesota Green Gifts Fair.</a> Come and see us!Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-81117873898464313622011-10-06T17:00:00.003-05:002011-10-06T17:05:07.543-05:00New Store; Heartfelt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1NOaJ2gRvM/To4lOrgX0uI/AAAAAAAAAIA/FuFiQomgYkk/s1600/Heartfelt%2BLogo.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1NOaJ2gRvM/To4lOrgX0uI/AAAAAAAAAIA/FuFiQomgYkk/s320/Heartfelt%2BLogo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660502715778192098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We're happy to welcome <a href="http://www.heartfeltonline.com">Heartfelt</a> to our wholesale family. They can be found at 4306 Upton Avenue South in Minneapolis, MN. For a complete list of where our Scent from Nature; 100% Pure Beeswax Candles can be purchased, please click <a href="http://scentfromnature.com/where-to-buy/">here</a>.Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-45799449289610002162011-10-03T12:36:00.004-05:002011-10-03T12:42:29.488-05:00Oake Lake Orchard Project for Out State Food Shelves<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTGEAeAqtiY/TonzDkRyr7I/AAAAAAAAAHw/FYAFJvLe3GA/s1600/photo004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTGEAeAqtiY/TonzDkRyr7I/AAAAAAAAAHw/FYAFJvLe3GA/s320/photo004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659321649371197362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Bill demonstrates the way to pick apples. Never pull or twist, just gently lift the apple up.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syJY8THKDX0/TonzDDqRl-I/AAAAAAAAAHo/mVHvrGcN5z4/s1600/photo003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syJY8THKDX0/TonzDDqRl-I/AAAAAAAAAHo/mVHvrGcN5z4/s320/photo003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659321640615516130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The orchard was buzzing with activity this summer!<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ys7zvdsNXyE/TonzC3v9SLI/AAAAAAAAAHg/Q7O3gLQAFec/s1600/photo002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ys7zvdsNXyE/TonzC3v9SLI/AAAAAAAAAHg/Q7O3gLQAFec/s320/photo002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659321637418125490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Not too long ago the honey bees were in the orchard pollinating, making this all possible!<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5POEwTr2un4/TonzCcuXOfI/AAAAAAAAAHY/KcNoD5TXxLU/s1600/photo001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5POEwTr2un4/TonzCcuXOfI/AAAAAAAAAHY/KcNoD5TXxLU/s320/photo001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659321630163679730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully ripe Honey Crisp apples.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAWj38d11FU/TonzDw3ST8I/AAAAAAAAAH4/Ucm0QiRkHi0/s1600/photo006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAWj38d11FU/TonzDw3ST8I/AAAAAAAAAH4/Ucm0QiRkHi0/s320/photo006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659321652749684674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The branches were overflowing with apples!<br /><br /></span></div><br />It's been a while since I gave an update on the orchard project. The State Fair is over but there are mounds of residual paperwork left to complete so that project may not be wrapped up for another month. Thank goodness we found a good home for the apples this year because, with our schedules, we would either have failed the orchard terrible or be in the loony bin by now, had we taken it on ourselves.<br /><br />To date, our friends in charge of getting the apples to the out state food shelves have picked approximately 24 - 40# boxes of Zestar apples, 2 - 40# boxes of Sweet Sixteen and 22 - 40# boxes of Honey Crisp. The Honey Crisp trees are still heavy with fruit so an additional 22 boxes is expected. There are also Victory apples to be picked and then three different types of pears. The pear trees didn't set well this year so there are fewer than anticipated. Those will be purchased and picked by a local orchard keeper with the funds going directly to the organization picking the apples to be dispersed amongst the food shelves.<br /><br />I think this project is going better than expected for all and my hope is that it can continue for next year. Thanks Bill and all for such a great job!Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-66096910493515519662011-10-01T14:40:00.003-05:002011-10-01T14:43:27.835-05:00Fall on Oake Lake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-R1KoYfpF8/TodtF8AlHNI/AAAAAAAAAHI/GqD_uQizpzk/s1600/photo004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-R1KoYfpF8/TodtF8AlHNI/AAAAAAAAAHI/GqD_uQizpzk/s320/photo004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658611405589650642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LIJ-7YsWcu0/TodtFk7sF7I/AAAAAAAAAHA/z_Ka3fpaGzw/s1600/photo002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LIJ-7YsWcu0/TodtFk7sF7I/AAAAAAAAAHA/z_Ka3fpaGzw/s320/photo002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658611399395121074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpHsx9NsV2k/TodtFeIAAEI/AAAAAAAAAG4/7GrT3q2cTj8/s1600/photo001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpHsx9NsV2k/TodtFeIAAEI/AAAAAAAAAG4/7GrT3q2cTj8/s320/photo001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658611397567709250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VHudedywKk/TodtGDMxQpI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/cnNEamzSGMk/s1600/photo005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VHudedywKk/TodtGDMxQpI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/cnNEamzSGMk/s320/photo005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658611407519826578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">We received the stamp of approval by this little honey bee that wandered into the shot.<br /></span></div>Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-48736099872220845042011-08-24T17:23:00.002-05:002011-08-24T17:28:00.281-05:00New Store; The Muses Three Arts Cafe!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6tSxDnvMrM/TlV59RZyaWI/AAAAAAAAAGw/GLCU2iBIlgw/s1600/TheMuses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6tSxDnvMrM/TlV59RZyaWI/AAAAAAAAAGw/GLCU2iBIlgw/s400/TheMuses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644551801529330018" border="0" /></a>
<br />We're expanding to Arkansas and can be found at <a href="http://www.themusesproject.org/">The Muses Three Arts Cafe</a> on Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs!
<br />Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-39821590583358544152011-07-28T15:48:00.002-05:002011-07-28T15:51:25.028-05:00New Store; General Store of Minnetonka!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Isv7vquJAk/TjHLp_EJwdI/AAAAAAAAAGo/ZGraB5Idmxk/s1600/General%2BStore%2BLogo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 79px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Isv7vquJAk/TjHLp_EJwdI/AAAAAAAAAGo/ZGraB5Idmxk/s400/General%2BStore%2BLogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634508530981126610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We're happy to announce that you will now be able to find our pure beeswax candles at the <a href="http://www.generalstoreofminnetonka.com/">General Store of Minnetonka</a>! If you haven't been there before, set aside a little bit of time for yourself because it is truly a one-of-a-kind shopping experience!Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-59677416240209067092011-07-22T14:38:00.001-05:002011-07-22T14:40:44.728-05:00New Photos Added to the Website!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1U5BlH-vxA/TinR59JKpqI/AAAAAAAAAGY/KzwHXmYktLk/s1600/TL3%2BFlowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1U5BlH-vxA/TinR59JKpqI/AAAAAAAAAGY/KzwHXmYktLk/s400/TL3%2BFlowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632263602599274146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Our Tealight Gift Pack<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLna--kQKh4/TinR5uirZ1I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/m1RFlCNAEP8/s1600/V3%2BFlowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLna--kQKh4/TinR5uirZ1I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/m1RFlCNAEP8/s400/V3%2BFlowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632263598679746386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Our Votive Gift Pack<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qpf0jUz5rE/TinR6EnakVI/AAAAAAAAAGg/obIi5iTgR64/s1600/Group%2Bin%2BFlowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qpf0jUz5rE/TinR6EnakVI/AAAAAAAAAGg/obIi5iTgR64/s400/Group%2Bin%2BFlowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632263604605194578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Pillars, Tealights and Votives. We also carry two sizes of taper candles.<br /></span></div>Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175891294907850348.post-62295380678362319022011-07-22T14:28:00.003-05:002011-07-22T14:37:46.539-05:00Honey Bees Workin' Hard Today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ5GHm-zhWw/TinRVVgmT7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/fas0RVHndro/s1600/photo001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ5GHm-zhWw/TinRVVgmT7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/fas0RVHndro/s400/photo001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632262973484847026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNS5bJm0So4/TinRVBqZATI/AAAAAAAAAF4/kA1tFrnIF0c/s1600/Bee%2BConeflower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNS5bJm0So4/TinRVBqZATI/AAAAAAAAAF4/kA1tFrnIF0c/s400/Bee%2BConeflower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632262968157208882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdDb5oKHpuY/TinRVgp8BgI/AAAAAAAAAGI/13Nz3kxGP4k/s1600/photo003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdDb5oKHpuY/TinRVgp8BgI/AAAAAAAAAGI/13Nz3kxGP4k/s400/photo003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632262976476808706" border="0" /></a><br />The honey bees have been very busy collecting nectar from which to create the wax for our beeswax candles today! I was able to catch a few of them, on camera, while taking some new outdoor shots for the website.Queen Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12469863767190560407noreply@blogger.com