THE IMPOSSIBLE HAS HAPPENED! I'M BACK ON ETSY!

It's been a while since my last post because I was at a loss of what to do to sell my handmade cards, faux leather accessories and digital items since I had been banned by Etsy.  I have to admit I was a little depressed for a while but decided I had to get up off my sofa and get back to work.

I've decided to sell my essential oils at a local vendor where I used to have a booth.  I ran into the owner at a Walmart and asked if she had any way of just giving me a shelf instead of an entire booth.  She said "Yes"!  Instead of charging rent she would ask for 20% commission.  That was fair because if I had a booth I would be paying rent plus 10% commission.  So I went to work on my prices am ready to let her know that I'll accept her terms.  That made me feel a bit better!

I had read about others that had their Etsy account suspended!  Almost all of them said they tried but it was impossible to get re-instated because Etsy uses 'BOTS' to make these decisions.  However 1 seller said he got his store back!  I read what he did and followed his lead.  AND I GOT MY ETSY STORE BACK!

I'm not going to say how I did it because I don't know if this would work for everyone but I will give this advise - find a way that a 'person' will have to look at your account.  It's amazing what can happen if you talk to a person instead of a machine!

Please don't ask how I did it but if you will email me at mimismarketva@gmail.com,  I will share what I ended up doing.  Please don't use the Comments below to ask,  I don't want to have Etsy suspend me again for disclosing how I got reinstated.

So now I'm working on getting my handmade cards organized, adding sentiments to those that were blank inside and taking pictures!  I added 4 listings just as a starter and will be editing them as I complete all the pictures and videos for each item.

So wish me luck and pray that my store will be a success!

Nixxed By Etsy!!! What To Do Now?!

 I started this blog to share my journey with essential oils.  I also am a wholesaler for Simply Earth and had created an Etsy Store to sell my inventory.  I had been on Etsy many years ago and, silly me, thought I knew enough about Etsy to build my own store.

When I found that Etsy had changed, I joined an Etsy training group led by someone I had done business with in the past and respected her and her knowledge.  The training wasn't cheap but I felt it was worth it and would recoup my expense with my Etsy sales.  She was a tremendous help and I followed her advise on setting up my store (Home Page, SEO, Title, Description, etc).  

When I was happy with my store I got up enough nerve to list 21 items as craft supplies for soap and candle makers.  Within about 24 hours, I received an email from Etsy saying they had removed some of my items because I had violated Etsy's Medical Claims Policy.  The email said that they had reached out to my several times - I had only received that email!  There was no detail on how I had violated their policy so I read the Medical Claims Policy and to see if I could figure out what I had done wrong.  I didn't see anything that applied to my listings but to be cautious I revised my listings, only 3 of the21, and reposted.  Two of them were successful but 1 was deleted again for the same reason.  So I revised my listing and removed my entire description so it was blank.  I thought that ought to do it.  To my surprise, it was deleted again.  Same email with no explanation except that it violated their Medical Claims Policy.

That listing was an essential oil blend named Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend so I thought maybe it was the name of the product that was the problem but I couldn't change the name and I looked and there were several other sellers that sold essential oils with the name Breathe Easy so this time I removed tags, changed the title as much as I could and relisted it.  You guessed it, the item was deleted again!

When I went to my email the next morning there was another email from Etsy saying my account had been permanently suspended due to repeatedly listing a prohibited item.  I was shocked!

I tried to contact them but the only way I could find was a message board in the support department.  No phone numbers.  I sent a message and got almost an identical message than the one I received before.  Could this be a BOT?  I found an email for anyone that wanted to contact Etsy Support but it came back as a non-monitored email.  Then WHY was it listed???  

By now I was not only hurt but now I'm angry.  I don't like to get angry so this made me feel even worse.  I started looking for others that had their accounts suspended and was amazed at the number I found.  If I found hundreds then there are probably thousands!

To make it worse, I had planned to create another Etsy shop to sell homemade greeting cards among other things.  Now that's not possible.

I had ordered hundred of dollars of inventory and now have no way to sell them!  AND I haven't even finished paying for the Etsy course that I bought.  I still have 1 more payment!

I'm at a loss.  I'm a senior and not able to go to weekend markets.  I don't know what to do.  I also live in a rural area so there's no local places I could try.

I've said all this to hopefully help anyone that might be opening an Etsy Store.  BE CAREFUL!  Read the Etsy Sellers Handbook and then read it again!  Don't do anything that is against Etsy's rules.  I've learned my lesson and hope you never have this happen to you!

I'm sorry for such a rant.  I promise my next post will be more upbeat!

Stay balanced and breathe easy. 

Gayle Thompson - Your Guide to Essential Oils

My Journey Started With My Body Lotion!

 

Alright, I’ll confess: Not too long ago, I used to judge the effectiveness of my body lotions solely on how whimsical and sweet their aromas were.  When I found a fragrance I liked, I’d buy as many as I could in case it got discontinued - which happened too often!  Flash forward to today, I now have an awkward drawer in my bathroom full of lotion that I hardly ever, ever use. 

One fateful day I decided to do a full-fledged investigation of the ingredients in all of my moisturizers, regardless of how magnificent they smelled. After becoming ever so slightly mortified by how unfamiliar and unpronounceable the ingredients were in my fragrant and not-actually-that-effective lotions, I chucked all of my moisturizers into the aforementioned shame drawer. Yes, yes I am frustrated about the money I wasted. 

Then I found Simply Earth!  I have used essential oils through the years for fragrance and maybe for disinfecting but never thought of them as a way of life!  I’ve learned so much since I started subscribing to the Simply Earth Monthly Recipe Box!!  I’ve discarded all of the lotions, creams, shampoos, and many other things and make my own!

The main ingredients in a lotion are:

Distilled Water  As anyone who has ever made their own lotion knows, one of the most important ingredients is water. Distilled water is often used in lotion recipes because it helps the product last longer than if tap water were used. The reason for this is that distilled water is free of minerals and other impurities that can speed up the degrading process.

Vegetable Glycerin  can help improve the appearance of the skin by drawing water to it. The main function of glycerin is to attract and retain moisture, which is essential for keeping the skin looking plump, hydrated, and smooth.

Solid Coconut oil is a natural ingredient that can be used to nourish the skin. It is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that help protect the skin from damage. When used in a lotion, coconut oil can help soothe and hydrate the skin.

Emulsifying Wax is a natural ingredient derived from plant sources that help mix water and oil. When used in lotions and creams, it helps create a smooth, evenly textured product. It helps prevent separation and clumping, keeping the product looking fresh and new for longer.

Beeswax is a natural substance not only helps thicken the lotion, but also has numerous benefits for the skin. Beeswax is a natural emollient, meaning it helps moisturize and protect the skin. In addition, beeswax creates a barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture and keep environmental pollutants out.

Almond oil has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for the skin. Rich in vitamins and minerals, almond oil is a highly effective way to nourish and moisturize the skin.

Geoguard ECT Preservative (optional) is derived from natural sources and helps prolong the shelf life of the lotion.

Here is a BASIC Natural Lotion Recipe

Ingredients

• ¼ cup distilled water

• ½ tsp vegetable glycerin

• 2 tsp coconut oil (solid)

• 2 tsp emulsifying wax

• ¼ tsp beeswax

• 1 Tbsp almond oil

• Essential Oils of Choice (see below for suggestions)

• Small blender or Stick blender

• Food thermometer

• Small sealable container

DIRECTIONS

• In a double boiler, stir distilled water and vegetable glycerine together.

• In a separate double boiler (or a jar resting in a pan with 2 inches of water) add almond oil, coconut oil beeswax, and emulsifying wax. 

• At the same time, heat mixtures until they reach 150 °F. Both mixtures need to be this temperature in order for the emulsion to occur correctly. 

• Once both mixtures have reached the same temperature, take them off the heat. Pour water mixture into a bowl (if using a stick blender) or into a blender. Turn on the blender so that a vortex forms. Slowly add wax mixture and blend for 5-7 minutes until it is thoroughly blended. 

• Allow to cool. Add essential oils and blend to incorporate. 

• Pour into a sealable container and label. To use, apply to hands or feet. Wrap a warm wet towel around the area for a deep moisturizing mask. 

Suggested Essential Oils for this recipe

My favorite summer time recipe 

4 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil

7 drops Mandarin Essential Oil

My favorite night time sleep recipe

60 drops Sweet Dreams Essential Oil Blend

Fight off bugs with:

12 drops Camphor Essential Oil

Or

10 drops Bug Fighter Essential Oil Blend (Safe for children over 2 yrs)

You can get these essential oils from my website  My Simply Earth Site

Join me!

 

It’s time for the new Simply Earth Recipe Box!  This month’s theme is Bath & Spa!

Are you tired of feeling worked up and exhausted? Do you find yourself struggling to relax and unwind after a long day? We've all been there. But what if I told you there is a solution to all these problems right at your fingertips?

This month's rejuvenating Bath and Spa Box, with a delightful emphasis on Bath Oils and Melts, will transform your self-care routine.

Introducing the Bath + Spa Recipe Box Oils! 

This carefully curated box contains 4 powerful oils, each with unique benefits to help improve your overall well-being.

• Boost your mood with the uplifting benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil. This citrus oil is sure to become a favorite.

• Need some relaxation after a demanding day? Look no further than the Tranquility Essential Oil Blend.

• For those struggling with sleep, our Sleepy Essential Oil Blend will provide the perfect blend of calming scents to help you drift off peacefully.

• Fir Needle Essential Oil offers numerous benefits, such as respiratory support and a boost in energy levels. This versatile oil covers you no matter where you live or your needs.

Try these oils today by grabbing the Bath + Spa Recipe Box, and experience the amazing benefits for yourself.

When you subscribe, you get-- 

• A free Big Bonus Box worth $47.84 containing carrier oils, natural ingredients, and containers for your recipes. 

• Free Essential Oil Hero Course - a course that teaches you how to make your own DIY Essential Oil Recipes. 

• 10% off add-ons--all the time! 

• Enrolled on a Learning Journey! 

• More rewards when you hit a milestone on your Recipe Box subscription (1st one comes after your 1st Box!!!). 

• Member Only Sales - exclusive deals for Earthies! 

• Exclusive Community (through our Facebook group)

• PLUS, order from my Simply Earth Ambassador Link

            and get $15 off your 1st Recipe Box

• PLUS use my discount code MIMISMARKETFREE at CHECKOUT and receive a FREE $45 E-Gift Certificate by email to be used for any future purchase on the Simply Earth website!

All this for $29.99 ($44.99 - $15.00)!!!

So, what are you waiting for?? 

Subscribe today, get the FREEBIE, $15 OFF, and enjoy these benefits! 

 

All You Need To Know About Essential Oils for Dogs

In my last post I introduced you to my kitten!  His best friend is my dog, Ellie!

Ellie is a 6 year old Beagle Mix!  She didn’t get much exercise until Nippet (my kitten) came to live with us.  Now they play all morning (and sometimes in the evening) then they both take a nap!  

I want nothing but the best for both of them and want to keep both of them safe.  I already explained in my previous post about cats and essential oils.  Now I’m sharing the info about essential oils and dogs. 

Are essential oils safe to use with your pet? If you look through the internet you’ll find some heated debates and confusing information. 

Each pet is different and it can be hard to predict how a pet will react to an essential oil. Before using essential oils with your pet, talk to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to talk you through whether or not you should use essential oils with your pet, whether that means simply diffusing oils or applying them topically. .

Your veterinarian will have the best advice for you to follow.  I am not a vet and essential oils should not take the place of the advice, treatment, or medication given by your vet.

After you get the okay from your vet, start with an oil that’s generally safe for your dog. 

Here’s a list of oils generally considered safe for pets.

Amyris – Stress Relief, Skincare Angelica Root Balsam Fir  Basil – calms, nausea Bergamont Black Pepper  Blood Orange – soothes anxiety Cajeput Cardamom – helps digestion Cedarwood Chamomile Citronella – insect repellant  Clary Sage – pain relief Coffee Copaiba Frankincense Geranium Ginger Grapefruit – soothes anxiety Ho Wood Helichrysum – skin healing Jasmine Juniper Berry – insect repellent, deodorizes Lavender – calming, pain relief

Lemongrass – pain relief, soothes anxiety Lime Mandarin Marjoram Melissa Myrrh Neroli Lemon – uplifting Lemon Eucalyptus Lemon Myrtle Lavender – calming, pain relief Lemon – uplifting Lemon Eucalyptus Lemon Myrtle Orange Palmarosa Patchouli Peru Balsam Ravensara Sandalwood Tangerine Vetiver – soothes anxiety, skin health, aides sleep

While these oils are generally safe to use, some oils can be dangerous for your pet. Some oils to be especially careful of include Tea Tree, Birch, and Wintergreen. With this in mind, make sure you store your oils out of reach from your pet. Doing so prevents your pet from ingesting any oils, which can cause serious reactions or death. Negative reactions include difficulty breathing, tremors, or vomiting. If this occurs, take your pet outside for some fresh air. If symptoms are serious or don’t subside immediately, take your pet to the vet.

Introduce The Oil to Your Pet

Once you’ve chosen an oil generally considered safe, introduce it to your pet. With the cap on, let your dog smell the oil. Do they seem interested or lick their nose? Those are good signs that your pet is okay with the oil. If they avoid the oil, avoid using it as it will likely cause your pet distress. 

Take It Slow Trying Recipes with Your Pet

Once the oil has been approved by your dog, take it slow. Start by trying the oil in the diffuser with 1-2 drops. Whenever you are using oils, make sure to leave the door open. This will allow your pet to escape the room if the oil bothers them. 

If your pet leaves the room when you’re using a particular oil, that’s another sign that the oil is not a good fit for them. 

Once your pet has shown they are comfortable with a particular oil. You can try it topically. Only use an oil topically if you are using it for a particular purpose, like soothing itchy skin or preventing insect bites.

Here are some tips for using essential oils topically with your pet. 

• If your pet is over 20 pounds, you can use a 0.5% dilution rate or less.

• If your pet is smaller than 20 pounds, use a 0.25% dilution rate or less. You can also choose to use a hydrosol as a safer option for a smaller pet. 

• Avoid applying an oil before your pet enters a confined space, such as a cage or kennel as the aroma could become overwhelming for your pet.

As always, if you have any questions, please comment below and I'll be happy to find you an answer.

Until next time, stay safe!