Finally – the nursery wall is completed, thanks to the efforts of my fine SIL, daddy Brandon. He did a GREAT job putting up all the vinyl for his beautiful baby girl, the adorable miss Gabrielle. (is she not exquisite?!?)

​Here it is, for your discerning and definite approval. How can you NOT love it? It’s SLOTHVILLE! (I am a huge fan and consider the sloth 🦥 to be my “spirit animal” if there is such a thing).

This was truly a team effort spearheaded by mama Chelsea who knew exactly what she wanted, sent me sample pictures by which to draw things out, and had the patience of a saint while I wrangled with the vinyl profile and MANY failed attempts at printing and cutting this special vinyl. I think the time and effort was worth it in the end, and will await approval from the princess 👑 once she is able to verbalize. J
 
And now, off to the basement for some soaping🧪. That challenge isn’t going to make itself.
 
#makingitcount
 
Happy EVERY day, y’all! 

So I started this challenge (SO many conversations happening in my head) yesterday to create 30 soaps in 30 days to get stocked up. I started with a new one – dandelion soap! It looks like it turned out great, but it’s going to be a while (cold process needs to cure 4-6 weeks) before I can actually try it out. I tried the Orange Zest in the meantime and was NOT disappointed. Nothing like a citrus scent to make me smile.
😊 Most every soap I offer contains many of the same ingredients in varying amounts. They are ALL organic and will nourish your skin. Some are scented – a few may be colored (naturally) – but they will never rival many of the home-made soaps you might see on various websites or at craft fairs. I will not be using “fragrances” or any colorants that aren’t completely natural/organic, so much of what I have will be a bit “plain Jane” – kinda like myself.😁  I’m SO good with that. 👍
 
I just finished the latest batch of Activated Charcoal soap, but this time it includes Tea Tree essential oil (as requested by a few peeps). Again, 4-6 weeks until I can offer or try it out, but it’s the same batch already produced – just with the essential oil added. This stuff is amazing on your skin if you’ve never tried it. GET ON THAT! Activated Charcoal “is often used to clean water of pollutants like heavy metals, insecticides, and herbicides. It’s also commonly used in emergency rooms to prevent the gut from absorbing ingested drugs and poisons into the bloodstream. The poisons bind to activated charcoal and are swept out of the body.” It feels amazing on my skin. I used it on my old-lady face skin as well and was very pleased. I can’t speak to all the claims of “tighter, firmer, reduction of pore size, clearing of blemishes” as many of my skin issues disappeared with age and I use the BEST moisturizers (PS: I know where you can buy some), but hey, isn’t that what I’m yammering about here to YOU – my (hopefully) customer base? You need to TRY the stuff and see for yourself. OK? OK!

Now, back to the basement for the next batch. Not sure what that should be yet. I guess I’ll check out the soap cabinet and see what needs replenishing. How about some input on this? Use the form – or send an email – and let me know what variety you’d like to see offered. And while you’re waiting, BUY THE SOAPS!

Happy EVERY day, peeps. #makingitcount

Spring has sprung. With the beautiful new life sprouting everywhere and the longer sun filled days, comes the ever-present grainy eyes, stuffy nose and headaches to remind me. I quit taking anti-histamines daily a few years ago (3, I believe?) and took up the neti pot and drinking more infused water. Great trade off, I’d say. I had taken those pills most of my life as I was taught as a youngster that they were helpful and had no detrimental side effects. I dare say that the latter is untrue and I most definitely no longer take any pills to enhance my health if it can be avoided. That being said, I found out (not on purpose) that Armour thyroid and amlodipine are necessary health stabilizers for me (don’t ask how I know). I digress.

The infused water is all kinds of awesomeness. I’m not a plain water fan, but I used to hate it and drank mostly anything BUT water all my life. Fast forward to 2013 and the start of our health journey and abundant research and I found out how VERY bad soda and sugars are for the human body. Most every disease can actually be traced to what we ingest and our daily habits. Sugar is most definitely proven to be an inflammatory poison for the body and with just a bit of research and awareness, you will see just how many products that you buy and use have a BOAT LOAD of sugars added. No wonder every kid (and so many adults) slather ketchup on foods. BLECH! Over time, I’ve stopped baking (and eating) the confections that my body and mind used to crave. I made a batch of some of my all-time favorite cupcakes this week for a certain someone’s special birthday, and I actually did NOT taste test them (I’ll be giving said person a “heads-up” on that fact today). They smelled A M A Z I N G and it’s weird how your brain actually “fires up” (ADDICTION, people) long after you’ve stopped “using”. I KNEW that if I tasted anything, I would EAT more of it, and would feel like complete garbage within a short period of time. It might not have bad effects on my health by just enjoying the occasional sweet at this point, but my body says “no thanks” and that makes it so much easier to just not partake. That retraining of my mind and body probably took at least a year (or 2) and during that time frame, I “cheated” on multiple occasions with just a taste (I have a tendency to be somewhat of a slow learner). At any rate, lesson learned at this point in my life and I now have found other sweets to tantalize my taste buds. Avocado fudgesicles and Coconut Cocoa Crack come to mind immediately. DISCLAIMER: I DO still make ice cream once or twice a year and it involves whole milk, heavy cream and yes, (organic) sugar. I actually salivate writing that line – and buying the ingredients. Old habits die hard, for sure, but it has been worth every single spoonful each and every time. Home-made Waffle/vanilla bean ice cream sandwiches for dinner, coming up SOON! Happy Spring, everyone!
Happy EVERY day.😉 
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