Cherries and Pooh

While watching Winnie the Pooh with my little one today (after we had vacuumed the whole house, yes we,) I had a sudden urge to grab the bag of cherries from our fridge.  I followed that urge. 

Next, I found myself back on the couch with my nearly two year old baby girl cuddled next to me.  I would take a bite from a cherry, toss the seed into a bowl and give her the other half.  Quickly, she'd chew it up then sign and say, "more."  We were eating cherries together, watching Pooh together and completely enjoying each other's company.  A sense came over me - completeness, peace.

In that moment I realize just how special our bond was.  Up 'til now, she'd been my baby.  But from here on out, she was a girl.  (Ok, Sweetie, remember that big girls don't drink from a bottle!)  Every time I look at her face I will always see a beautiful tiny baby.  But today, she became my daughter.

Growing up, wearing pink and red together was totally a fashion "no-no."  Now, any color combo seems to go.  So you never know when two unlikely things will go together and bring about a special moment for you and your child.

Today, it was cherries and Pooh.

Bridal Shower - Revisited

On my previous blog I had posted these pictures.  Xanga and Blogger obviously aren't connected so I can't transfer old posts over here.  Sorry if you've seen these before - if not - enjoy!

These are pics from a bridal shower I co-hosted last fall for a friend.  While I had great help with the decorating, the ideas were mine (or copied from various sources!) and most of the creating/crafting was mine too!  Such fun.

*One great tip was having the ladies self-address an envelope for the Bride to send out a thank you!

Food service area.  Food made by another friend!

Signs with different words added to flower arrangements.

Front and center.

Cake made by a friend with decor by me!

Table centerpieces.

Game prizes.

Made by http://www.etsy.com/shop/Joosycardco?ref=pr_shop .

Name tags and guest book table.

Desert Essence - Natural Product Review

Wow.  That's all I can say about the Coconut Shampoo by Desert Essence.  I'm hearing this from friends and others who are branching out and trying another product.  But the buck stops here. 

All you really need is the shampoo too!  My hair was so soft and easily combed.  Having thick, curly hair, conditioner was always needed...but not anymore!  My curls are also more defined and bouncy.   No more massive tangles at the nape of my neck.

After years of trying 'el cheapo all the way to super expensive shampoos and conditioners (some natural, some not) I've FINALLY landed on something I am in LOVE with. 

100% Vegan, Wheat and Gluten Free.  No: Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates, Phthalates, Artificial Colors, Silicones, EDTA, Glycol or Petroleum-Based Ingredients. 

Order from their site and get free shipping with orders over $50, plus free samples!  Also, sign-up for their email subscription and get 10% off your first order.

At $8.99 for 8 fl. oz. on their website, this is money very well spent for the Coconut Shampoo.  A dime sized dollop is about all you need!  Should last for quite a while unless you're like us...

This has been come our family shampoo.  Mommy, Daddy and little one.  Nice for traveling - we only need one thing for the whole family!


Their Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste, Tea Tree Oil Deodorant with Lavender and Daily Essential Defense Lotion SPF 15 also get five stars. 

The toothpaste tastes great, the deodorant actually works, (many natural deodorants fall short for me) with the daily lotion having a wonderfully light scent leaving my face feeling oh so supple. 



Other Desert Essence products have caught my eye such as their Thoroughly Clean Face Wash and the NEW! Coconut Lime Hand and Body Lotion. 

Have you ever tried Desert Essence products?  What's your favorite natural body care line?

Bedside Reading

Typically there is a stack of books "thiiiiiiiiis" high next to my bed. But, currently, there are only three...

Fearless by Max Lucado



Hormones, Health and Happiness: A Natural Medical Formula For Rediscovering Youth With Biodentical Hormones by Dr. Steven F. Hotze



Could It Be This Simple?: A Biblical Model For healing The Mind by Timothy R. Jennings




All three are keeping my head and heart busy.

As usual, Max Lucado has a book here that truly hits home. No matter what stage you are in life, there's always something to fear - childbirth, child rearing, sickness, death, marriage and so on. He helps put things into perspective and remind us Who we can always trust.

I would challenge all women to read Dr. Hotze's book. No matter your views on medical vs. natural treatments, this book will give you an new look at your health...and what you can do to improve it! The links to hormone imbalance and food/airborne allergies is especially interesting.

And why you may or may not agree with everything Mr. Jennings believes, his book will stretch your mind. Does your mind believe truth or lies? What makes you "tick?" Are you easily deceived? Are you grounded in Biblical truth or have you accepted fallacies?

Has anyone read any of the above mentioned books? What's on your reading list for the summer?

Greetings Earthlings!

My old blog can still be found here. 
Upon finding that NO one uses Xanga anymore, I decided to try a new more up-to-date method!

Hold on, I'm still figuring this new system out.

Joy to you and yours...