Winter Has Arrived

Winter's arrival can be marked by what the calendar says or the snow on the ground, but in this house, we know it is winter when our skin turns red, dry and cracked. My daughter's hands are in especially rough shape right now. I wanted to find a way to make it better.

before

Over the past ten years, I have worked hard to get the chemical, toxins and bad stuff out of the products we use. Specifically the products we use on our skin everyday: soaps, shampoos, lotions.... I have found natural products that I like and work but am always on the look out for the "perfect" natural product.
Over the summer I was introduced to Avapure bath and body products through a Facebook friend. I liked what people where saying about these products and knew they were natural and safe. I decided to buy some products and try for myself. I quickly fell in love with the products. I also came to appreciate the help and advice I received from Avapure.
Fast forward to me needing help for my daughter, I messaged Avapure asking to see what products she would recommend. She quickly responded with these products, hand cream, Calendula Healing Balm and Recovery Balm. I ordered them all, anxious to bring relief to my daughter.
And relief we found! I used the balm to protect her hands before a bath and the healing balm covered with hand cream at bedtime and whenever she would let me. A week later, I saw improvement. I know her hands were not as sore because she stopped complaining.

after (ignore the green cap, five year olds!)

I appreciate being able to use products that are safe AND work. Thanks to Avapure, I found some things that I will no longer be without!!!

*I am sharing my opinions and reviews on these products of my own free will.*

11 years

Layout made with Key to My Heart by Truman Studio

I wanted to post this on June 7th for our anniversary......best laid plans. I just got busy ;) But the lateness does not change the love and affection of my intended posting. I met my husband teaching summer school together when he was kind enough to help out a very "green" teacher. We have been helping each other ever since. I am truly blessed and grateful.

Happy Friday!

Being a on a creative team sometimes means keeping layouts a secret until their release. I have been sitting on this particular one since Feb. and am happy to set it free! Mommyish can know be found at Pixels and Company. (link before)

Life at Sea by Mommyish

Following Their Lead

Sometimes, I think I have to create these amazing projects for the kids' learning and creating. That pressure can keep me from even trying.
Today a project came to us very simply...I just followed her lead.
My little person is OBSESSED with LaLaLoopsy and recently received a coloring book of the dolls. It started with coloring a doll face to exact reproduction, then a request to cut out the "mask." Before you know it, I pulled out the craft stick and tape....puppets.
After all was said and done, nine Loopsy puppets were made and she has been playing with them ever since. (No exaggeration).
See what happens sometimes?

Unexpected

I have been busy....with just the usual, but busy nonetheless.
Wanted to share a layout I finished tonight.

I used the April Freebie kit from Word Art World by Jennifer and a few elements from the Sweetish Spring kit by Mommyish. I also used a click n fill page from Creative Memories. 

Into the Woods

You can find details about the kit used and other layouts for inspiration here.

Kit: Into the Woodlands by Tickled Pink Studio

Template by Little Green Frog Designs

Cute as Can Bee

Sharing this LO because the kit I used is on sale at the Truman Studio Etsy shop right now and there are some fun things happening on the Truman Studio Facebook page; a contest and a freebie coming soon....

                                                                   Cute as Can Bee

Truman Studio

I recently became a Studio Artist for Truman Studio and want to share some layouts.

Glad Project-a freebie right now at MSA

Totally You which can be found at the new Truman Studio Esty Shop

A "Gleek" friendly work out

I love TV and tolerate working out. If I can find a way to make it fun, then I can stick with it. Which is one of the reasons I love my Zumba class. I still  want to continue to run, as well, and recently found a way to make time on the treadmill fun (it is possible). Thanks to netflix and my iPhone, I can pick my favorite episode of Glee, walk quickly (4 mph) during the non musical parts and run as fast as I can (6 mph) during the musical numbers. I end up getting my heart rate up for about 30-40 minutes and have fun while doing it.

This blogging thing is very outside of my comfort zone....I am trying something new. I couldn't do it without some people gently pushing me. My husband (howeprincipal@wordpress.net) and best friend(http://thissplendidlittlelife.blogspot.com/).

Til next time....