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!