{ 1 Lucky Follower }

I've got the lucky Follower! Literally!

ONE lucky follower of my blog!

You just won this month’s fabulous giveaway.

Thank you everyone who participated in this month’s giveaway!

The lucky winner of a Natural Garden Soaps Gift Tote {42.50 value}

is...Kristin with Home Spun with Love!!!

Congratulations Kristin.

;o)

Just take a look at what you WON.

We are now into a new month,

which could only mean one thing...

a new monthly giveaway for you all.

;o)

Check back in within the next few days to see

what you can WIN in June.

Smiles, Paula

DIY Strawberry Foot Scrub

I know that my feet can always use a little help in the summer,

when my feet are no longer hiding to closed shoes

and are fully exposed in flip flops.

This strawberry foot scrub is a luxurious treatment
for anyones feet?

Work this simple and sweet scented natural scrub into your feet.

This natural and easy scrub helps slough away the roughness.

Strawberry Foot Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Teaspoons of Sea Salt
2 Tablespoons of Organic Sunflower Oil or Olive Oil
8 Fresh Strawberries

1. Pour salt into a mixing bowl, add the oil and stir to combine. Remove caps from strawberries and chop them. Add the strawberries to the salt mixture and mash with fork. The mixture will be a bit chunky.
2. Rub this mixture onto your feet, massaging the balls of the feet and the heels. Leave on about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, Rinse and coat your feet with Shea Butter lotion.
3. Store the remaining scrub in a seal tight container in the fridge, for another treatment.

Strawberries are a fruit very rich in antioxidants,

that help promote anti-aging.
Love It!

This is great reason why you should use strawberries on your skin,

plus they are packed full of vitamin C.

Vitamin C plays the role in the production of collagen.

Vitamin C promotes anti-aging,

and helps reduce wrinkles, along with blemishes.

Strawberries are wonderful for a scrub because they contain

salicylic acid which can get rid of dead skin cells.

While strawberries are still in season,

why not go grab some yummy berries.

Whip up a exfoliating foot scrub.
Smiles, Paula

{ handmade cards }

Recently at the Hilltop Memories crop I picked up the

new Bo Bunny Press, Ambrosia Collection paper pack.

I absolutely Love it!

It just shouts out Spring and Summer with it’s bright fun colors.

I was in the need of a some handmade cards

for Mother’s Day and one for my neighbor’s who is at home

recovering from knee surgery.

I am sharing with you one of the cards that I created.

I adore butterflies, they are so amazing.

What a beautiful gift from God they are for us to treasure.

I used my rubber stamp of a butterfly from Hero Arts,

my new Ambrosia paper pack with the so pretty

coordinating butterfly stickers.

Here is a few photos of one my newest handmade cards.

I love paper crafting the options of designs seem endless.

Have a creative day.

Smiles, Paula

Skincare Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil has a small molecular structure which allows it to be easily absorbed into your skin, giving it a soft, smooth texture. It is an ideal ointment for the relief of dry, rough and wrinkled skin. Eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis sufferers often see great improvements with coconut oil based soaps and coconut skincare products. Coconut oil has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, so it is perfect for protecting and enhancing the skin’s natural life. It has wonderful antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage, has the ability to nourish and heal your skin. I love using coconut oil in my handmade soap because of all of these reasons, plus coconut oil gives my soap a big fluffy lather, which is simply luxurious cleansing experience.

Here are some other great tips on how to use coconut oil for everyday skincare.

Age Spots

Applying coconut oil directly to the age spot to help it fade in color. Love It!

Body Scrub

Mix coconut oil and sugar together, then rub all over your body in a circular motion. Rinse off and your skin will be super soft. You can add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil, for a wonderful smell.

Bruises

Applied directly to the bruise, coconut oil enhances the healing process, plus reduce swelling and redness.

Bug Bites

When applied directly to a nasty bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as quicken the healing process. Safe for the little ones. ;o)

Cradle Cap

To deal with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps get rid of cradle cap. Just rub about a pea size of coconut oil onto their scalp daily. Wha-La!

Dandruff

Coconut oil soaks into the scalp moisturizing dry skin and relieves symptoms of dandruff. It also helps to control oil secretion from the scalp, another leading cause of dandruff. Simply rub a small amount into your scalp.

Diaper Rash

Coconut oil is very comforting on a rashy bum with no unwanted harsh chemicals.

Eye Cream

Apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.

Hair Conditioner

If your locks are looking more like straw than silk, massage coconut oil into dry to help strengthen and add luster. Use as a leave-in hair conditioner by applying a pea size amount of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair. Beauticians who are familiar with coconut swear by it. I do this at least once a week, you will love the results as much as I do.

Natural Lip Balm

Just rub a little into your lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 for a tad bit of sun protection.

Makeup Remover

This is one of my favorites. Simply, dab a small amount of coconut oil on your eyes to remove eye makeup. You will be amazed at how well it works!

Pre-Shave Treatment

Coconut oil will prepare your skin for the possible damage caused by shaving.

Prevent Breakouts
If you have acne-prone skin or get the occasional breakout, coconut oil can help. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, so it will help to prevent spots. If you have a breakout, use a bit of oil on it as a spot treatment.

Stretch Mark Cream

Coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will definitely help.

Wrinkle Prevention and Reducer

Rubbing coconut oil on wrinkles and sagging skin helps strengthen the connective tissues to bring back that youthful look!

I would love to hear from you, so if you have any coconut oil skincare tips or a comment please post it below.

Smiles, Paula

Lip Balm Key Chain Holder

Recently when I was checking out some of the links on

Jennie’s weekly link up party on her blog “Craft O Maniac”.

I came across a blog post with a super clever tutorial to make

your own chapstick holder key fob {fancy word for keychain}.

This DIY tutorial can be found here on Victoria’s blog Vixen Made.

You must link on over and check it out. ;o)

I can’t tell you how many times I have found myself digging

in the bottom of my purse to find my lip balm.

Well, no more of that craziness.

I followed the super simple instructions with photos

that Victoria posted and made

six new adorable lip balm holders.

Great Post, Girl!

I was so lucky to find all the materials that I needed

right in my craft/sewing/office space.

I was super pumped about this project because

my youngest daughter Destiny

{some of you already know}

makes natural lip balm.

Perfect timing, with school ending in just a few short weeks.

I popped a few of her lip balms into the new holders.

Hooray, they were the perfect addition to

Destiny’s teacher’s gift bags of goodies.

Here are some photos of our new lip balm key chain holders.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog.

Don’t forget to enter into my,

May's Followers Appreciation Giveaway.

To Enter:

{ Follow, Comment and WIN }

Follow my Blog and leave a comment on any post

during the month of May.

One lucky follower will WIN a Natural Garden Soaps Gift Tote

packed full of organic skincare items {42.50 value} on May 31st.

Good Luck.

Smiles, Paula

{ getting older }

Don’t you love getting older?

I’m not referring to the wrinkles,

but to the wisdom that each year brings.

When I was nine years old,

I viewed my Mom as the person who

cleaned the house, did the laundry,

cooked yummy dinners each night,

bugged me to finish a task

and yes occasionally hollered at me

for being ungrateful.

Now, that I’m grown up

and a mother of four children myself.

I see my Mom as a amazing, caring,

loving, quick witted, calm,

and enthusiastic women.

Love you Mom!

Myself with my Mom and Dad

You are the Best Mom

a girl could wish for in her life.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mom and Me

Have a wonderful weekend.

Smiles, Paula

DIY Fizzie Bath Bombs

I love homemade bath fizzies. There is something magical and captivating about watching it fizz and bubble away down into the bath water. They seem to take on a new life once it hits the water.  They fizz, hiss, and melt, leaving the fantastic smell of essential oils, and at the same time the natural oil leaves your skin smooth, soft and super moisturized. It was a beautiful thing, plus super fun at the same time.

DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Citric Acid
• 1 cup Baking Soda
• ½ cup Cornstarch
• ½ cup of Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, or Sunflower Oil
• 5 to 8 Drops of Essential Oil (of your choice)
• Spray Bottle filled with Distilled Water
• Soy Food Coloring (optional)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, place citric acid, baking soda, cornstarch and mix, then add the oil.
• Add your choice of essential oil.
• Mix well with a fork, then with your hands until a soft dough is formed.
• If you find that the mixture is too crumbly, spray with tiny bit of water to moisten.
• Knead into a ball, the consistency should be like soft biscuit dough.
• Press the soft dough into any molds of your choice.

Tips:

• You can add colored epson salt, oatmeal, dried herbs or flowers into the bottom of the molds for an extra special touch. Sprinkle in just before pressing the dough into the mold.
• Silicone baking molds work the best.
• Customize your scent to take full advantage of aromatherapy benefits. Lavender essential oil will bring calm and comfort. Peppermint essential oil increases energy and clears your mind.

I made one batch of eucalyptus fizzies to keep on hand, which is a great choice during allergy season and if anyone is feeling a bit of congestion. I also created a batch of jasmine fizzies with jasmine petals from our yard. Jasmine essential oil is known to have a uplifting effect on the mind and fights depression anxiety and stress.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and visiting my blog.

Smiles, Paula

{ Follow, Comment and WIN }

Woo Who! It’s that time again!

{ Presenting }

May's Followers Appreciation Giveaway.

I just love giving away my handmade organic skincare products.

This month I am giving away a Grapefruit Vanilla Gift Tote.

This tote is packed full of amazing skincare goodies {42.50 value}.

Gift Tote Includes:

Grapefruit Vanilla Soap Bar

Handcrafted Wooden Soap Dish

White Crocheted Washcloth

Grapefruit Natural Lip Balm

Grapefruit Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Grapefruit Vanilla Shea Butter Body Lotion

Gift Tote with Flower and Ribbon

This amazing gift tote has been flying out

of my Online Shop in the last month.

How To Enter:

May's Followers Appreciation Giveaway.

Follow my Blog and leave a comment on any post

during the month of May.

The May’s Monthly Giveaway is now OPEN!

One monthly winner is randomly selected on May 31st.

Good Luck!

Please remember to leave a way for me to contact you if you win, I prefer an email address.

PLEASE NOTE: Must be US resident.

Smiles, Paula

{ April's Giveaway Winner }

My monthly giveaway for April is now closed!

I have randomly selected a winner!

Before I announce the winner, I would like to thank

everyone who participated!

The lucky winner won a jar packed full of wonderful

“Jasmine Exfoliating Solid Sugar Cubes”.

{ Jenilyn with Grits & Giggles }

Stop by and visit Jenilyn on her blog,

and congratulate her on winning.

Check out her Etsy shop,

packed full of creative handmade goodies.

Congratulations!!!

Jenilyn

;o)

I will be contacting you ASAP!

If you had your heart set on winning this giveaway.

No worries I will be posting a new giveaway,

this week for the month of May.

Sooooooo, check back.

Smiles, Paula