Happy Facial Monday! + Giveaway!!!

Hurray, it is Monday again!

How was your week? I hope you enjoyed the amazing results you experienced from masking! I bet you have a new face today with less fine-lines and wrinkles...not saying you have any, smaller pores, and skin that is glowing!!!

I have been busy running around here today, getting ready for a spa party in Leavenworth, WA, and haven't even gotten to my facial today! But never fear, I have a plan for a bubble bath and a facial before bed...doesn't that sound heavenly!

So our focus for today is toner! Surely that is a step you can skip, right? No way, let me tell you why! Toner is a step that will not only save you money but it will also save you time. I know what you are thinking, how can another step save me time? Well, the toner's job is to prepare your skin for repair products and moisture. It does this by balancing your skin's PH and hydrating your skin. By balancing and hydrating, your skin is ready for the next step and will need to absorb less, therefore you will use less. This saves you time and money. Toner is also great for skin that is exposed to the sun. Spritz a little on after being outside and your skin will feel cooler, moisturized, and the skin cells will begin to repair from the sun's damage!

Important note: Find a toner that doesn't have alcohol in it! This is very important. Toner needs to hydrate your skin not cause extra drying!

Well, my bags are packed, I am ready to go....

One last thing, don't forget about the skincare challenge and giveaway. I would love for you to receive a free basic skincare package. See Skincare Challenge post for more details and rules!

Photo:1912bunaglow.com-bathtub

Peacocks and Succulents!

A while back I posted on how much I love and admire doors and door knobs. I love the stories behind doors, the variety of materials, how a door can be uniquely yours with a few minor changes, and most of all I love the idea that a door can make an impression about you to all who view it!

Unique Fall Inspiration Wreaths

During the winter, I have a business making custom holiday wreaths. I have always loved wreaths and their power to transform an ordinary door into a festive, glamorous, and welcoming site during the holidays. I love that wreaths can transition from the colors and textures of fall, into the the smells and sparkle of the winter holidays! Wreath and doors go hand in hand...love it!

Winter-Alaskan Wild

As much as I love a fresh evergreen wreath, I have recently decided that I would like to try my hand at another type of wreath. Not many people are looking for sparkle, ribbons, and ornaments in May, June, and July! I picked up the latest special addition of Better Homes and Gardens, Outdoor Rooms. The cover grabbed my attention with a beautiful outdoor entertaining space...it was love at first sight. But that is a blog for another day. In the middle of the magazine, was the most beautiful succulent wreath I have ever seen! I have always thought succulent plants were amazingly curious, and love their variety. I had a misperception of succulents, that they were temperamental and delicate. However, the article contradicts this perception. Of course they make the process look so simple, fool proof, and results in a low maintenance, lush, unique living wreath!

My new challenge!

The above wreath isn't from BHG, but it is close!

This is my kind of project, and I am up to the challenge. I will keep you posted on my progress. If all goes well, I would love to add living wreaths to my business. We will see! Wish me luck!

Photos: Knob & Alaskan Wild-www.premiumwreathdesign.vpweb.com, peacock wreath-Lori-Ann, berry-countryhome, citrus-countryhome, living succulent wreath-Dhast, succulent wreath-topiary artworks.

Skin Care Challenge-Giveaway!

During the last four weeks, every Monday, I have been discussing the 6 steps to a great facial and the importance of taking some time for yourself! As a mom of two very busy boys, I know that time is precious. However, I also believe that taking care of yourself and incorporating simple skincare rituals into your week can improve your outlook on life, your mental well being, not to mention make your skin look AMAZING! You deserve time for you!

So I am proposing that if you would like to follow along and incorporate my skincare tips into your week...including the tips from the past 4 weeks, then I will do a drawing for a Sensaria Natural Bodycare basic skincare package at the end of the six weeks! This is a $45.00 value, FREE! Why am I doing this, because I know how transforming self care can be. So many of us are busy taking care of those around us, we forget about doing something nice for us! This is a simple step, but so powerful!

Why would you want to win a Sensaria basic skincare package? Well, Sensaria's products are; naturally based, spa quality products made from the finest ingredients, with calming and soothing botanical extracts, and fragrant essential oils. The products are guaranteed to; repair, restore, soothe, smooth, relax, and rejuvenate! Sounds great, right?

Bring the spa home!

To win the skincare package, you must be a follower and leave a comment every Monday...regarding either the previous tip or the new tip! Stay turned for a new Facial Monday post!

For more information on Sensaria's amazing products: www.mysensaria/allnatural

Photos: Skincare package-Sensaria, Spa-Kauai-Hyatt

Raining Lemons!

Today has been a very grey day! So I thought that we all might need a little splash of color, zest, some fun, and a little flavor to our lives! One of my most favorite things-LEMON!!!






Who wouldn't smile at lemons? They are beautiful, so happy, smell wonderful, and taste amazing...

Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe
Ina Garten
Ingredients
2 cups frozen vodka
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Ice
Directions
Combine the vodka, lemon juice, and sugar and pour into a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into martini glasses and garnish with lemon slices.
Makes 6 cocktails! Happy Friday!





photos: istockphoto-rain clouds, ann stratton with country living-lemon shots, occasionsmagazine-cocktail.

Brothers, Beaches, and Fans!

I have two boys who I am, with their Daddy, trying to raise as respectful, loving, kind, Godly, and generous little men. Johan is 4 and Erik is almost 3, and some days are easier than others. We literally don't stop moving from the moment we wake up, until we lay their sweet little heads on their pillows. I am so thankful for all the joy, and energy they bring into my life, and for those moments when all my diligence and consistency gleams in one amazing moment! Tonight, I was given one of those moments.



Each night before our boys go to bed we move through a routine...P.J's, stories, brushing & flushing, prayers, and either a Bible story or an adventure with Daddy. Tonight I was on my own for the routine, and so I decided to have both boys pray together. I asked them what they were thankful for; Erik...the fan in the window, Johan...the special time we had at the beach today with friends. I was about to launch into our prayers when Johan asked me if he could do the praying. I was speechless, and so blessed by his sweet spirit. He went ahead and prayed the most sincere, articulate, loving prayer where he covered; our day, both his and Erik's thankfuls, asked for good dreams, and then thanked Jesus for "the best little brother he could have...!" We ended our evening with big hugs and kisses, and he told his little brother that he loved him the "mostest"!
I tell you, I was so blessed by this sweet little four year old. I love that he is beginning to have a relationship with Jesus, and that he loves his brother! I couldn't be prouder of him!


mark weiss-this old house

Knobs that Greet!

Have you ever thought about what kind of impression your front door, or even your door handle/knob, says to your guests? Most of the time your front door is the first impression someone has about your house, you, and what to expect when they walk through the door. The feeling of your door knob leaves a tactile impression, subtle, but important. Your door also has a lot to do with your curb appeal. You would be amazed at how many people drive by your home and look at your door. What are they seeing?

I love that you can create such a dramatic statement about yourself, with something as simple as your door knob. I love the colors, architecture, materials, and the stories behind doors. We have some friends who own a winery, Icicle Ridge Winery, just outside of Leavenworth, WA. The business is family run, and at one point or time the entire family, including the grandkids, have been involved in the business. The house used for their tasting room was built by Louie, the Grandpa, and is a work of; love, time, and incredible craftsmanship. He was involved in every step of the building process; from falling and peeling each log, to setting them in place, and building the furniture, cabinets, handles, knobs, and doors. I guarantee you have never seen such an amazing house with all its details. The love and care put into the house only adds to your wine tasting experience, as does the welcoming family. The Wagoner family puts that same amount of love and care into their wine, the property, their business, and your experience. You spend and hour with them, and you will leave feeling like you are part of something bigger, part of a family. So back to doors, the doors at Icicle Ridge Winery are amazing! The are hand carved, arched doors, with very cool hand made iron hinges and handles. They truly set the tone for the experience you are about to have, and once again say so much about the person who took all the time and love to make them!

What does your door say about you? Is it looking a little unloved or in need of a face lift? Well, changing that impression is actually not that difficult, and can make all the difference! A paint color or stain that coordinates with your home and surrounding landscape is a must. Choose some hardware that is not only functional but says something about you! Think about how you would want to greet your guests if your couldn't be there. Would you want your door to say; we are fun and whimsical, we care about craftsmanship, we love history and want our home to carry a story, we love color, we are minimalist, we have kids and are proud of it, or stay away... we don't like company? I hope not the last impression, but the point is, you have the power to choose what kind of impression you are making!

I hope I have inspired you you take a second look at the entrance to your home. I would love to see pictures of your front door! I would love to hear the story behind how your door came to live at your house! Do you have an interesting door knob? I would love to see it too!

For more information about Icicle Ridge Winery, their amazing house, or their wine tasting hours please visit: www.icicleridgewinery.com

Photos courtesy of: warrenbedellphotography.com (door), www.baltica.com (silver knob), www.countryliving.com (pile of knobs), and www.atticmag.com (wall of knobs)

First Day of Summer

How did you spend the first day of Summer?
I love Summer, and can't wait for it to begin. Summer for me is; time with family, sunscreen, lots of water related events, watermelons, BBQ's, Summer recipes, farmer's market, patio twinkle lights, biking, berry picking, hot days-cool nights, Summer Theater under the stars, floating the river, miniature golf, and so much more FUN! What does Summer mean to you?

I love cooking, and Summer brings out a whole different set of recipes! I am so excited for the fresh ingredients and outside cooking! I would love to share a favorite and hopefully inspire you to get cooking! Happy Summer!

Mussels Picture: www.curtisstone.com, amazing recipes!!!!

Lemon Cake (Makes two 8-inch loaves)Copyright, 2001 Barefoot Contessa Parties, All Rights Reserved Photo: James Merrell

1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1/3 cup grated lemon zest (6 to 8 large lemons)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup buttermilk at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the glaze:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 8 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans.

Cream the butter and 2 cups granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, one at a time, and the lemon zest.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.

Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves.

When the cakes are done, let them cool for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a rack set over a tray, and spoon the lemon syrup over the cakes. Allow the cakes to cool completely.

For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour over the top of the cakes and allow the glaze to drizzle down the sides.

Happy Facial Monday!

Hurray it is Monday again!!! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and celebrated all the Dad's in your life!

How did your week of exfoliation go? I hope you took the time to add it into your skincare rituals. Like I said before, it is so vital to healthy skin! It is possibly the easiest and cheapest way to give yourself an instant face lift!

Today's step is just as important, so simple, and will also add to the face lift effect! Masking! Much like exfoliation, people will skip masking due to time and and expense. I love masking, my skin feels so great during and after. My favorite is a sea silk mask, the active ingredient is red algae. The red algae stimulates new skin cell production, helps to heal the skin after exfoliation, firms and tightens the skin, and and improves the appearance of the skin. And, a sea silk mask is gentle enough that it can be left on all night, extra bonus! Who wouldn't want to experience all those benefits? Sea silk masks can also be used to help repair sun burned skin, a must have for all the time in the sun this summer!

I had never thought that masking was all that important, and regularly would skip this step. However, in the last year I made the effort to mask at least once a week. My skin has dramatically improved. I have seen my pore size reduce, fine lines and wrinkles fade, my skin is smoother, and most importantly it holds its moisture longer! All of these benefits have also reduced the amount of product I need to use during each application.

I love masking, and would recommend that you include it at least once in your routine this week. Remember to follow with moisture!!!
See and feel the differences, and return next week with glowing skin!


www.mysensaria.com/allnatural

Pictures courtesy of: Census of Coral Reefs & NOAA Ocean Explorer

An Amazing Man

My dad has been one of the most important people in my life. Since I was a little, I have always been a Daddy's girl. Some of my fondest memories of my dad are some of the most simple times, living life and just being together.

As a child I loved going to the dump with my dad, yes the dump. He would always ask me to ride along in his big blue truck. I got to sit in the middle all snuggled up with him. I thought the dump was fascinating, all those discarded treasures. I always knew we would find something that would just have to go home with us! Then when our treasure adventure was over he would treat me to a bag of peanut M&Ms. Simple right, but I thought it was the best. I loved reading in the hammock under a mountain of blankets, together giggling at the ridiculous story we were reading. I loved flying with my dad, we had some amazing adventures together. Whenever I was with him, no matter where we were, I always felt that we were in an world of our own. Bright, exciting, untapped adventures with him by my side. I am so thankful for the safety and security I had/have in his arms!

My dad is also a man of many talents. In my eyes, there isn't anything he can't do. Here are just a few of his many talents; teacher, first Kindergarten then High School art, amazing artist...pretty much any medium, electrician, top chef, cyclist, pilot, an amazing builder and carver, he races cars, skis, hikes, fishes, hunts, etc.., ect..., etc... My dad is my go-to guy. I know if I have a problem I need solving, I can call him!! Can't figure out why my light switch in the hall is crackling...call Dad. Need to know if I should add 12 tablespoons of butter or 12 teaspoons to the dish I am re-creating...call Dad. Wondering how long a trout can stay in the freezer...call Dad. How do I raise chickens...call Dad. My son just turned on the main gas line in my house, and my entire house is filled with gas...call Dad (outside). The light fell out of the ceiling during my baby's nap, fire hazard? or can I re-wire it...call Dad. How many strings of lights can I connect together on one tree...call Dad. Dog is being attacked my a bear, need to know how to shoot his gun, over the phone...call Dad. Need a report cover done for a report on Elephants, due tomorrow...call Dad. I never worry that he can't solve my problems. I am so thankful for his talents, skills, and ability to teach with patience!

So I love being with my Dad, he is my hero, and my go-to guy. But that isn't what makes my Dad one of the most amazing men I have met. His love for the Lord and his true and pure character are really what makes my Dad special! My Dad has always lead a quiet, faithful walk with the Lord, and I admire the strength he carries with him in all situations. I know that he truly believes, that with God all things are possible, because I have seen it in his everyday life. When I was little I loved standing next to my Dad, listening to his deep voice sing out Amazing Grace, with all the sincerity one could voice behind the lyrics. He jokes that he sings in the key of P, but I think his voice is beautiful! He has always treated my mom and both my sister and I with love and respect. His love is patient, kind, not jealous. His love does not brag and is not arrogant, he does not act unbecomingly and does not seek his own. He is not easily provoked and does not take into account a wrong suffered. He does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. My Dad's love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. His love never fails! (But now faith, hope, love, abide in these three); but the greatest of these is his love). 1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13 I know that this may seem over the top to describe my Dad's love with a scripture verse, but this is really who he is. I can't think of a more perfect way to describe him and his love. I am so thankful for this constant and steady example in my life. I am a stronger person and more confident in who God created me to be because of my Dad exhibiting God's love in my life.


Thank you Dad for your zeal for life, for being my hero, my go-to guy, and for your love. Your walk with the Lord is so encouraging and contagious! Thank you for always loving me, and encouraging me to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for your support and encouragement as I have moved through life's challenges! I love you, my life is better because of you!
Happy Father's Day! XXOO

P.S. My Dad is also an amazing Papa to his five talented grandchildren! They love him almost as much as I do, I just have had the privilage of a longer history with him! Also, VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: My dad wouldn't be half of the amazing man he is without the love and support of my mom. She has refined and encouraged him in their 46 years of knowing one another, and 40 years of marriage! Thank you mom for being Dad's constant support! Love you!

I Spy With My Little Eye...

Do you know what I spotted yesterday in between rain showers, our very first red berry! I am so excited. This is our first year growing strawberries. I put them in a hanging basket to ward off the invasion of slugs, so far so good! Due to the very cloudy weather the berries have been delayed in their growth. However, I am so pleased that they aren't rotting! Hopefully we will be enjoying delicious red berries all summer long!

Little Friends

We have a visitor! He really likes the clover growing in our grass! He is very fast, has a twitchy nose, and very long ears to hear danger approaching...like two little boys who would love to pet him! Can you guess who he is???



We love that he enjoys our yard, Mr. Cottontail is welcome anytime! We just wish he would hang out a little longer for us to enjoy his very funny movements!

Coffee in the Rain!

There has been a song running through my brain all afternoon maybe you know it. " Do you like pina coladas, do you like dancing in the rain..." Although I like this song, I changed the words, and I think my version is a better fit for our rainy Seattle weather! " Do you like little cozy corners, do you like coffee in the rain..."
I have always been a fan of cozy spots, the rain, and coffee!!! I love having a place just my own to curl up and read, drink a cup of coffee, take a nap, or watch the beauty around me! When I was growing up, my parents had a window bench over a very cozy heater. I spent many hours all snuggled up on that bench! Now in every home I have had since getting married, I try to re-create that cozy spot...sometimes I have several places in my home I enjoy!
My latest cozy spot is on my front porch. My mom gave me a brown bench that she no longer had room for...it fit perfectly in an unused corner. I have added two great pillows that I scored on, a throw for extra coziness, some pretty potted flowers, and I am set for some quiet time! The spot still needs a little something on the wall behind it, but I would say that it still feels so cozy and I am really loving it!
Seattle has had a lot of rain recently! I love the rain, it is so peaceful and refreshing, some of my happiest memories involve rain. I was able to enjoy an amazing storm the other day, I will share some pics of my rainy view from my newest spot!

I hope you enjoy an afternoon cup of coffee, some quiet time, and the view from your cozy spot!

Happy Facial Monday!

Guess what, it is Monday again!!! I am hoping you had a great week cleansing, and you were able to see your stress literally wash away! I love starting my morning by washing my face, my cleanser smells soooo good and my skin feels invigorated!

Moving forward, step two on your way to a new, shiny, and happier you, exfoliation! This is such an important step. Cleansing is the most foundational step, but exfoliation to crucial to the new, and shiny... Most people will skip right over this step because it is just one more product to purchase and one more step added to their routine. However, this isn't a step to skip. As you age your natural exfoliation process slows down. This means that those dead skin cells are just sitting on your face absorbing the skins much needed moisture, and causing your skin to look dull/grey. So, by regularly removing those dead skin cells, you are improving the appearance of your skin, the tone and texture, helping to maintain your skins moisture, and stimulating the cells to begin the regeneration process!!! BOTTOM LINE, YOU LOOK YOUNGER!! So important!!! You can exfoliate twice a week, oh shoot...I guess you will just have to add another facial day to your week! Remember to cleanse before you exfoliate!

Something important to remember about exfoliation: lite pressure! There is no reason you need to scrub off your face. A good exfoliator will remove the dead skin cells without much effort on your part. Also look for fine buffing crystals, no reason for really big chunks. If you have very sensitive skin you may want to consider an enzyme exfoliator. This will allow you to exfoliate the dead skin cells without scrubbing your face.

Have fun buffing this week, and enjoy the time you have set aside for yourself!

Your skin without exfoliation...

www.mysensaria.com/allnatural

A Splash of Color In A Lot of Grey!

It is well known that this has been one of the rainiest Springs we have seen in Seattle in a very long time. We have been greeted with grey clouds almost every morning, which bring lots of rain and wind. The sun makes a glorious appearance every now and then, and we all experience a little rejuvenation of the spirit!
This weekend I was thankful for a rejuvenation of a different kind! I drove the I405 corridor several times this weekend, normally a sea of concrete and cars....more grey. However this weekend I was surprised by a sea of happy red poppies! I was so encouraged and blessed by this simple splash of color! Thank you to the person with the WADOT who suggested that wild flowers be planted next to the freeway! My weekend was made better by this lovely gesture! Wishing you a splash of happy color this week!

Happy Facial Monday!

Most people don't look forward to Mondays! Mondays mark the end of the weekend, another week of work, stress, time away from family, etc. But I believe that Mondays can be a day to look forward to, even if you have to work. It is all in your mentality.

For example, I have two pre-school aged boys and life, especially over the weekends, can be crazy. Often I don't get all the house work done, extra laundry is created with all our play, piles are created because Mommy is too tired to pick-up, and "me" time is so limited! So, because I am a stay at home mom, I use Mondays to catch-up. Laundry gets tackled, bills paid, errands run, and best of all, I do something nice for myself. I know that not everyone has the luxury of staying at home and a catch-up day isn't always an option, but EVERYONE has time to do something nice for themselves that will make a difference in their otherwise stressful week! We all have something we love, something simple, that would create joy in our life. It is my hope that you will bring that "something" into Monday!

I love facials, and Monday is facial day!!! I love the feeling of a clean face, and I love doing something simple that makes the rest of my week so much better! I would love to go to the spa every week, but that isn't practical. So I have learned how to re-create the spa rituals in my own home every week, and I look forward to it!!! Taking care of your skin is so important, and it CAN be pampering!

There are six easy steps to a new, shiny, and happier you! But, lets begin with the easiest and most foundational step, CLEASING! Try for a week cleansing both morning and night, and see what a difference it makes not only for your skin but also your mood and outlook on life! Don't believe that washing your face will make a difference in your mood? Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed or going through a crisis your skin breaks out? That is because your skin is the outward sign of what is going on inside your body, and it will show your stress! By washing and taking care of your face with a high quality cleanser, designed for your skin type, you can literally wash the stress away! I bet you are wondering what your skin type is and how to choose a cleanser that is right for you...
Normal/Combo: Oily T-zone by noon, visible pores in T-zone, Drier on cheeks...
Sensitive: Easily irritated, reddens easily, ranges from dry to oily...
Dry: Dry, tight feeling skin, no visible pores, fine lines and wrinkles...
Oily: Oily shine by noon, larger pores, blemishes...
It is really important to use a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type, so take your time making this decision! You can actually make your skin look and feel worse by using the wrong products!

Okay, Happy Monday! I hope you join me for "Facial Mondays." I will continue on Mondays to talk about skincare. I know you will see and feel a difference this week! If facials aren't for you, that is okay, but I encourage you to find something to incorporate into Monday for a little pampering! You deserve it!


This is what can happen if you don't take care of your skin! : )

www.mysensaria.com/allnatural

A party that left quite the impression...

I had a host create such an amazing evening for her friends last night! She created an environment that was festive, fun, inviting, and really set the stage for an relaxing evening. She and her friends work so hard every week serving 2,3,4, and 5 year old children, this is not an easy job. They are the most generous, patient, and kind group of women and they deserved to be pampered! I was so thrilled that they were able to relax and truly enjoy themselves! Here are just a few pictures of her creative and festive treats!

If you would like to host a party, I would love to hear from you!
www.mysensaria.com/allnatural