Flowers from Mom

She showed up at my door, cute as a button, hair shooting in all directions, and she held in her hands the most beautiful vase filled with Jacob's Ladder roses.
My mother had come over for no other reason than to bring me some of her beautifull roses.
These random acts of kindness and beauty are very commonplace with her and I was the lucky recipient yesterday.

Growing up, my Mom always had flowers planted and it is from those early years when weeding the flower beds, I think I learned to appreciate the smell of newly turned earth.
She has passed her love of flowers onto all 3 of us girls and her garden is one to envy.
When I think mine looks good or is coming along well,  I am humbeled when I see her yard.

You have taught us to enjoy and appreciate so many things Mother. As simple as flowers and as full as the generosity of spirit.
Thank you for that.

Baby Blankets Cute, cute cute!

Check out these swanky handmade baby blankets! They are a perfect gift for a new baby.
http://bbsforbabies.wordpress.com/

Household tip #1 Cheap and effective stain remover

Recently, while sorting laundry, I was out of spot/stain remover. I had a red pasta sauce stain to remove from one of my favorite tops and in desperation, I reached for the dish liquid because that is all I had.
I figured it could not hurt so I squeezed some on, rubbed it in and prayed for the best!
Voila! It came out completely.
 I have since started using dish liquid for my laundry stains instead of sticks and sprays.
It is more effective, easy to dispense and cheaper too!
I don't think it matters what kind, they are all designed to cut grease and clean.
Next time you have a stain that needs a kick in the pants, try it, it works for me!

When you find something awesome....

You just have to share it!

ljctree on etsy (http://www.ljctree.etsy.com/) makes the most scrumptious soaps!
Her fragrances are captivating, the lather, luxurious and creamy. Her packaging is also absolutely beautiful and uniquely ....her. The time and attention to detail she puts into the wrapping of her soapy deliciousness lead me to think that she must surely put as much time into product presentation as she puts into making the product itself.

These are no small bars either! They are a generous 5-6 ounce bar and if you can bear to unwrap it, your skin will thank you for it!
I just had to share about this wonderful seller, her products are as unique and wonderful as she is.
Check out her shop when you have time and perhaps buy a bar or two of her soap.
I do have to warn you though...it is addictive!

New Christmas Mini Muffin Soy Tarts

I have had alot of fun ideas for Christmas candles and tarts swirling around in my head for months. I finally got a chance to create one of them today and I am thrilled with the results.
These little guys are so festive and they smell SO good!
They come in a white bakery box with ribbon, too darn cute!
Tell me what you think!

Making time for those you love

Recently, I learned that my stepdad, Clark, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Although he and my Mother are no longer married, he is and has been a part of my life since I was 11 years old. He has been my friend, mentor, confidant and my rock. He is the one person in this world who I know truly "gets me" and the one that I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I could rely on should I ever need to.
That being said, he only lives about 7 minutes away. We have not made time for one another over the past few years, both busy, busy, busy. He has never been far from my mind or my heart but somehow time has just slipped right on by.
One cannot make up for lost time.
So spend time, make time, for those you truly love. Life passes so fast and in the end, it is those who have touched your life and those lives that you have touched, that really matter.

Traverse City Bay Soap

Traverse City is a beautiful destination here in Michigan.
The views are breathtaking and the town is very quaint & romantic.
My husband and i took a trip near there for a wedding a few years back and it was truly an enjoyable weekend.
Living down in the suburbs of Detroit, sometimes you can forget just how many beautiful places there are in Michigan.
So, this new soap is names "Traverse City Bay" in homage to the beautiful City.
It is a very fresh and clean scent in soothing water colors.
Check it out and tell me what you think!