2014 Re-cap And 2015 Resolutions

Oh my neglected blog and my beautiful readers, I promise I have not deserted you completely. I promise in 2015, I will be posting more and showing some love! We had a great year in 2014! My Coco Bear sold 2 Million this year! And we are a bit closer to our home-ownership goal in 2014! We enjoyed some new toys in the household...most notably a telescope, a sewing machine and wireless internet. I bought a brand new car in April after it was determined that my blue P.T. Cruiser had went to P.T. heaven. I still love my new car :) We went on a couple of weekend trips. We spent a lot of weekends holed up at home. And I could not ask for more. Which brings me to... 2015 Resolutions... I've got to lose weight... I'm putting 10% of my pay into savings... Create more awesomeness!!! I Can't Wait!!!

Insta-Natural Argan Oil Hair Mask

Insta-natural Argan Oil Hair Mask

Good Morning Lovelies! Another great product from Insta-Natural today! I'm not one who spends a whole lot of time on their hair but I do see the need to now as I'm getting older and my hair is getting a bit harder to manage.  I'm always on the lookout for products that bring the moisture and I was very pleased with this Argan Oil Hair Mask. Easy to apply and use! Simply wash your hair, coat strands with the hair mask (comb through if necessary) and leave on for about 20 minutes. Rinse off and enjoy your soft, silky locks! I almost forgot the greatest thing about this product...the scent is amazing, like a sweet,  fruity candy! I use this mask about once a week, although I may use it a bit more in the wintertime.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Body Merry Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream

Body Merry Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream

Good Morning Lovelies! Just wanted to share a new body/skincare goody I have recently tried...
Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream! Yes, I have cellulite and I rarely use anything other than regular lotions on my skin. I guess I'm resigned to the fact that when you hit 35, you just deal with it. Lovelies, it's not so!!! This great, non-greasy cream has come to the rescue! It has a creamy almost gel/serum feel that is easily absorbed into your skin and the scent reminds me of a Mojito! Lime and mint really get the senses flowing! The best part though, is the "tingle" that you feel when you apply! You can just about feel it working! I have noticed that my skin, is softer and my "dimples" have plumped out some. Along with proper diet and exercise, I feel this cream would be unstoppable!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Keeping It All Organized! ( A Daily Planner Review)

Sue Hooley's Daily Planner

Good morning, Lovlies! I have been wanting to do a post about daily planners for some time now! I am an old fashioned girl and I have to have a paper and pencil planner to keep me organized! Electronic planners are good too, but I need to write things down!

About six weeks ago, I found the best planner! It is geared toward homemakers but can be used by anyone. It is the Daily Planner by Sue Hooley and it is fabulous! Beautiful artwork, sturdy cover and tabbed! ( I love tabs as I usually use paperclips to keep my place.)

To begin with, there is a front page for your personal info and a four year at-a-glance calendar. There is also a section that instructs on how to use the daily planner and a little info about the author/creator, Sue Hooley. She has been a wife for 23 years and a mother to six children, so she has definitely brought her experience to the table as this planner leaves no stoned un-turned.

The planner is divided into 7 sections (each section includes a small motivational quote too!):

1.) Year - The Year section has a mini calendar (which I use to block off the days I have to work for the year) and  a "Dates to Remember" section (this is where I write down birthdays and anniversaries).

2.) Month - The Month section features December 2013 to January 2015 ( to help with transitioning to a new year). The blocks are a good size and there is a "notes" section that you could write down things that need to be scheduled and such. It also has cut away areas so that your months can be tabbed.

3.) Weekly -  My favorite part of the planner is the Weekly Planning section! It begins with a "Tasks List" to list those items that need to be done that week (in my case, usually blog posts that need to be written), then each day, Mon-Sunday is given its own lined block so that you can organize your day. Each block includes a "Menu" area so you can plan your dinners in advance! I love that each week has a verse from the book of Proverbs to reflect on.

4.) Tasks List - There are 14 blank "lists" here that you could head up with each month and schedule things that fall into those months, which is how I like to use mine. For instance, April, one of my tasks my be switching out my winter clothes for my summer clothes.

5.) Projects - Do you have any projects that you need to schedule? This is the place for those! 28 blank spots to plan for all those projects! Gardening, Sewing, Parties...keep track of it here!

6.) Information - Important contact information goes here with spaces for names, numbers and addresses.

7.) Shopping List - This is a great section! A spot for all the store phone numbers and 18 pages of perforated shopping list, so you never forget an item! I love having a spot so that I can add to a grocery list and take it with me when I go!

Finally, there is a handy pocket at the back of the binder to hold all those important slips of paper that sometimes gets away from us.

I love this planner and definitely will be using the 2015 version that can be purchased here.

Adovia Sulfur Soap

Adovia Natural Sulfur Soap

Adovia's Natural Sulfur Soap is great!  I was hesitant to try it as I felt that sulfur would be smelly and harsh, this was not the case at all! The sulfur soap left my skin soft and clean. I am plagued with an oily t-zone and I wouldn't advise using this soap on dry skin, but oily, acne prone skin will greatly benefit from a daily wash! I also love the fact that this soap can be used on the body (bye-bye, back acne!) and has antiseptic and anti fungal properties which makes it great for those smelly feet as well!

Adovia's natural skincare products are becoming a fast favorite of mine!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Bangers and Mash: A Tragic Tale of a Supper Gone Wrong

Bangers and Mash

Results will vary...

My beautiful Lovelies, I have a confession. I cannot cook. I try, I really do. But I have no skill. I feel like such a fraud, since I have a homemaking blog and all. But now I feel it is time to come clean and tell you all about The Saddest Supper Ever.  It  all started Saturday before last, when my Coco Bear took me to an Irish pub and I ordered the Bangers and Mash. Bangers and Mash is a traditional Irish/British dish containing sausage, gravy and potatoes. It is comfort food at its finest and super simple to make...or so I thought...but I was WRONG!!! Coco Bear seemed pretty taken with it and I thought I would make it for him last Thursday night. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

The components to Bangers and Mash are simple, inexpensive and easily obtained at your local grocery store. Potatoes, gravy and sausage, simple right? WRONG! I guess you could say that my first mistake comes from not knowing the difference between a hot dog and a sausage...they both are basically ground up meat and seasoning in a casing, right? Not so much...So what I thought were "craft sausages" (according to the package) were actually fancy hot dogs.

(oh, so that is the difference!!!)

Homemade mashed potatoes...easy to make, right? Why were mine mashed on the outside and crunchy on the inside?  And gravy? Comes in a packet, just add water!!! Well I managed to mess that up too...it was supposed to "thicken" once taken off the heat source, but  the gravy flavored water that was in the pot, sloshing around five hours later determined that was a lie.

So I'm pretty much off the hook for cooking now...

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil

                                                                        Tea Tree Oil


I just want to mention that I love Tea Tree Oil and I've been using it for a couple years on and off, so I was very pleased to receive Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil. Tea Tree Oil is a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial essential oil that can be used to cure everything from nail/foot fungus to yeast infections. It is also an effective treatment for dandruff, ringworm and head lice.

I started using Tea Tree Oil as a treatment for Athlete's Foot. I work approximately 13-15 hours at a time and I wear very heavy boots and consequently got a rather virulent case on my left foot. I tried everything, powders, sprays, creams to no avail. I read online that Tea Tree Oil worked. I didn't have anything to lose, so I gave it a go and I was amazed! Within a week, I noticed the redness was gone and even though the skin was still peeling, healthy soft skin was underneath. I continued to use it and within about a month, my foot was clear! I still use it a couple times a week, as it kills bacteria that causes odor.

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is awesome. At 24.99 for a 4 oz bottle, it is a great deal as most drugstores only carry 1 oz. bottles and they are pricey.  It has a very strong, but pleasant scent and can be used in cleaning and disinfecting as well. A definite addition to the first aid kit, medicine chest and cleaning caddy. This post is sponsered by Brand Backer and provided free of charge for an honest review.

Insta Natural Youth Express Eye Gel

Insta Natural Youth Express Eye Gel

I'm becoming quite a fan of Insta Natural Beauty Products! They have great customer service and great beauty products! I've recently tried the Insta Natural Youth Express Eye Gel and it is great. It is a thick gel formula and absorbs quickly into the skin, allowing you to apply makeup or moisturizer almost immediately. I especially like the pump bottle, which I feel allows the product to remain fresher longer as it is not readily exposed to air. I've notice since using, softer, firmer skin around my eye area and also a definite diminishing of a few fine lines. Insta Natural Youth Express Eye Gel can be purchased here.

Raw Shea Butter (Beauty By Shea)

Raw Shea Butter (Beauty By Shea)

Good Morning, Lovelies! I hope that you all had a fabulous week and are ready for the weekend!

I don't know about you all, but I love products with Shea Butter such as lotions, soaps, body butters and the such. I've got fairly pale skin and products with Shea Butter seem to make it glow:) I've recently learned that you can purchase raw Shea Butter for use in homemade cosmetics and/or use it by itself. 

I was very pleased with Beauty By Shea's  Raw Shea Butter. 100 percent organic, it comes packaged simply, in a resealable, lined bag that keeps the product fresh.  At 16 oz., it is a great deal as a little raw Shea Butter goes a long way.  The texture is firm and the Shea Butter has a nutty/natural/dull scent. I used a little on my feet and elbows after my shower and the skin was so soft the next day! Usually, even with using lotions on these areas, there is always dryness...Not so with the raw Shea Butter!

As I mentioned before, raw Shea Butter may be used alone or in homemade cosmetics. It can be whipped and scented with a carrier oil for an amazing body butter. It can be mixed with beeswax for an awesome lotion bar. You can find several recipes on Pinterest for diy hair conditioners, soaps and lip balms. I'm looking forward to trying quite a few of them out!

Beauty By Shea's Raw Shea Butter may be purchased here

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Un-Official Official Homemaking Harlot's Bi-Weekly Cleaning Schedule

The Truth is Strong In This...

Hello, Lovelies! I promised a cleaning series and you shall have it! I have decided to try a 2 week cleaning schedule as it fits better with my job and what I have going on at home. There are just two of us, my Coco Bear and I, and we don't really make too big of a mess. We are both, shall I say, lazy when it comes to housework and have been know to put it off until we can no longer handle the mess, lol. We both work full time plus and generally like to do other things than clean on our days off.
However, this no longer works for me so I am putting together a bi-weekly schedule so I can start a *housekeeping routine. So here goes...


The Un-Official Official Homemaking Harlot's Bi-Weekly Cleaning Schedule:


Week One

     Monday: Kitchen, Laundry Room and Entryway
     Tuesday: Dining Room
     Wednesday: Work
     Thursday: Work
     Friday: Bedrooms and Hallway
     Weekends: Free Time


Week Two


     Monday: Work
     Tuesday: Work
     Wednesday: Bathrooms
     Thursday: Living Room and Desk Nook
     Friday : Work
     Weekends: Work

This is just a skeleton so far, eventually I will schedule things like Laundry, Errands, Menu Planning (for when I learn to cook) and Other Tasks. Also I will be working on Daily Tasks, Once A Month Tasks and Spring/Fall Tasks.

I will be trying this schedule out for the next two weeks and tweaking it as necessary.

*subject to change

Insta Natural Deep Cleansing Facial Oil Review

Deep Cleansing Facial Oil

I know cleansing with oil seems counterproductive for those of us who have oily/combination skin, but if you use the right type of oil, you can actually improve the health of your complexion.

Insta Natural Deep Cleansing Facial Oil is amazing! Made with Jojoba, Olive and other oils, and delicately scented with Lavender and Geranium oil, this cleanser is unlike any I have used before. I thought for sure it would leave my skin an oily mess. I can honestly and happily report that was not the case and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results!

For those of you who have not tried/are curious about how to cleanse with oil, this is how I do it:

1. Remove contact lenses (to avoid oily smudges) and pull back hair.
2. Run a sink full of warm water.
3. Pump a few drops of facial oil onto fingertips. Massage gently into skin. If you are wearing mascara or other eye makeup, use the facial oil on a couple of cotton pads to remove it! This facial oil works great as an eye makeup remover!
4. After massaging into skin, apply a warm washcloth over face for a few minutes.
5. Remove washcloth and rinse face well with warm water. Skin should feel soft and smooth!

I like to use this cleanser on days that I wear makeup as it removes it completely and I love the way my skin feels afterward. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Adovia Moisturizing Day Cream

Adovia Moisturizing Day Cream

Good Afternoon, Lovelies...It is a grey, rainy, slightly chilly day here in NC and I am reminded that autumn will soon be here and with it, comes the need to change up my skincare regimen to combat the effects of colder temperatures and drier air. Enter Adovia Moisturizing Day Cream!

This cream is thick, yet melts into the skin effortlessly without feeling greasy. The scent is fresh and clean, not cloying. Formulated with minerals from the Dead Sea and natural oils, it is not tested on animals (think of the bunnies!)  and is cruelty free! 

I love the scent and that my skin is left soft and protected from the elements. This cream is a welcome addition to my morning skincare regimen!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

No Rest For The Wicked...ly Awesome!

It's pretty late, Lovelies. I'm just tying up a few loose ends tonight. This past Wednesday, I was finally forced to go to the doctor to take care of my foot issue...and promptly put out of work until Tuesday :(  Lovelies, when you are not feeling well or have an issue with your health, please don't put it off. Take care of yourselves. I should have dealt with this when I first noticed it and I probably would have been prescribed some shoe inserts, now who knows how and when this will be resolved. My Coco Bear has been awesome and has taken very good care of me and I had a lot of time to spend on my blog, which brings me to...

I LOVE THIS BLOG!!! I know it is fairly new and it's probably narcissistic of me to say that, but this blog has given me the opportunity to "meet" and work with some very awesome people and some very awesome companies. I have shared my blog with lots of people and have gotten constructive feedback, that I feel is going to improve my reviews and content. So in the next few weeks you can expect ...

• Weigh-In Wednesday will make a comeback! NEW! IMPROVED! (and perhaps I will stick with it this time;) 

• Homemaking and House Cleaning Series in the works!

•  and more reviews! I have several new products that I will be reviewing and, dare I say, perhaps a few more giveaways?  

Stay tuned, my Lovelies, the best is yet to come!

Keomi Sea Breeze Soap Review

Keomi Sea Breeze Soap

Order Here

I have a confession...I love bar soap! Yes, I know it is old-school and body washes and "poufs" are in just now.  I can't help it, I love lathering a bar of soap with a washcloth and feeling like I got clean! So when I received the Keomi Sea Breeze soap, I was excited to give it a go!

The first thing you will notice is the scent. OMG, I died and went to heaven! You will smell it through the package. Lavender, Oakmoss and Fir...the scent is amazing. It is fresh and relaxing. I haven't even opened the package yet and I was in LOVE! 

The second thing you will notice, if you can stop sniffing long enough, is the packaging is beautiful. Gift-giving worthy, even! Between the scent and the packaging, it has just elevated bath-time into spa time! It even comes with a tiny brochure on how to care for your soap.

Which brings me to the best part...lathering! This soap is a dream, rich lather and clean rinsing. Skin is left soft, no dryness or itchy-feeling and lightly scented. The soap is made with Dead Sea Salt and Clay and several different oils that leave your skin feeling awesome.

Keomi also offers samples and a VIP club on their website, keomiskincare.com/

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Valentia Vitamin C Serum Review

Valentia Vitamin C Serum

Order Here

 I have noticed, since turning 35(yikes), darker spots on my cheeks (tanning beds are the devil!) and of course my dark circles under my eyes (I've had them forever!), not to mention the fine lines and dryer skin that come about as skin matures. It definitely is incentive to step up my game as far as facial care products go! I think the days of washing with whatever bar soap and slathering on the old school Olay are over. 

One of my current go to products is Valentia Vitamin C Serum. This stuff is all-around awesome! The consistency is great, not too thick and not too watery, it is easily absorbed in the skin. A little goes a long way! The best part about this particular Vitamin C Serum is the light citrus scent that makes me feel just a  

little more awake in the morning.

I like that this product has natural ingredients, such as Rosehip Seed Oil and Sea Buckthorn Oil that help retain moisture in your skin. It also contains Resistem, a natural plant stem cell and botanical Hyaluronic Acid, both of which protect and heal skin.

I have used this product, alone and under moisturizer for the past almost three weeks and have noticed softer skin and more toned skin around my eyes and cheek areas.  I consider it an indispensable part of my morning face care regimen.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

A Week In Review

It has been pretty busy the past week since I got back from Virginia...

Last week was my re-cert week at work. I have one of those jobs where they actually let me carry a gun sometimes, so once a year I have to qualify. That being said, you all are safe...I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. I also have one of those jobs where sometimes, I might be expected to "rassle"...so we learned new and exciting techniques for that.  We also learned how to do "burpees"...I'ma big girl, but surprisingly enough, burpees are now my favorite exercise. They require little to no coordination and can be done pretty much anywhere.

Something new this year, we had training on Wellness and Fitness which included a 12 exercise circuit that we completed in 30 minutes. All the exercises are simple but effective and as our instructors pointed out, could be done in the privacy of your own home, no equipment needed. As it stands, my weight- loss journey is kinda at a standstill, but we will be picking up the Weigh-In Wednesday series again ...soon...I hope!

#whatwhat  #20bucksinmypocket

Friday was my only day off and payday so I visited my favorite thrift shop, Dorcas Thrift Shop...and as always found a few goodies.  I found a lovely cross-stitch pattern, 50 cents,  hand drawn on flexible canvas. I am, as you can see, happily filling it in with some pretty rainbow-variegated floss and plan on outlining it all in black to give it a stained glass look. It will be so pretty on my dresser. 

Pretty Wings

The most exciting thing though, was that this weekend, was Coco Bear and I's second anniversary. Even though I had to work, we still celebrated. He made his awesome Chicken Parmesan. I hate that he will have to wait until Thursday for his gift to arrive, but I know he will love it:) 

He says I'm hard to shop for ...

Weekend Adventures

Good Evening, Lovelies! We had a wonderful weekend away!

My Coco Bear and I went to see his parents in Virginia and we had a lovely time as always...We left Friday, just before noon and arrived right around 4pm. I drove, (shout out to my new car, which turned 2000 miles near Lynchburg!) it rained a little and I got up (and down) the mountain and through the woods without incident.

We went to a Hibachi restaurant, Massaki Japanese Steakhouse, where we were quite entertained by our chef.  Coco Bear's parent's have never been to a restaurant where they cook in front of you and seemed fairly impressed. On our way out of Staunton, I spied this interesting building on the hill...

                                                        Western State Hospital V.A.             

https://roadtrippers.com/us/staunton-va/points-of-interest/dejarnette-childrens-asylum

...and of course now, I am intrigued with it's history! It's one of those places, that much like the places back where I grew up, you look at and think, I've been here before. Plus it's a FREAKIN' ...CHILDREN'S ASYLUM..., if that does't give you a little thrill chill, then brutha, I'm glad I'm not you...

Saturday morning, after fortifying ourselves with an awesome breakfast, we were off to Grottoes, VA to visit the Grand Caverns. I have never legit been inside a cave before, so this was pretty exciting to me!

Cathedral Hall (Washington's Ghost)
www.grandcaverns.com

The guided tour lasted about an hour and covered nearly a mile and a half (there is some back-tracking). Our tour guide, Gunner, was informative and appeared to really enjoy showing the caves and different formations along the way. The cave was cool inside, only about 58 degrees and pathways, while not greatly illuminated, are graveled...that being said, bring a jacket and comfy shoes!

Shenandoah Heritage Market   

After our spelunking, we decide to visit Shenandoah Heritage Market aka The Mennonite Marketplace. A flea-market type place, the stores appear to cater to Mennonite population and tourists who wish to pick up an apron, shoe-fly pie mix or any other wholesome type merchandise that Shenandoah Heritage Market peddles. Two stores of note, Grandma's Pantry and Timeless Toys, are worth the visit! Grandma's pantry has an awesome selection of vintage and homemade candies and delectable hand-made soaps, while Timeless Toys has a great selection of what appeared to be sturdily made wooden toys and doll houses/ doll furniture. Definitely a place that will be on my list to visit again!

https://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/tag/myrtle-knox-ghost-story/

So, being that it was supper time, we went to a delightful place, The Depot Grille.  Located in an old train depot, The Depot Grille has the best Bison burger I have had in a long time. The tables are covered in brown paper and crayons are available for doodling masterpieces while you wait for your food. There is also a bit of ghost story connected with the train depot, Read About It Here, so that makes it just a little bit more fascinating for me!

We had a lovely time and while it was nice to get away, it is always good to be home again.

                   

Harvey Prince's Cherie Blossom Review and Giveaway!

                                                                        Harvey Prince
                                                                       Cherie Blossom

Good evening, Lovelies! I have recently found a very charming perfume company and I thought I would share with you!  Harvey Prince, founded by two brothers who were inspired by their mother, believed that perfume should be affordable and free of toxic chemicals. The perfumes are crafted in the USA, with the finest ingredients and never tested on animals.

I was thrilled to receive Cherie Blossom, a warm soft scent that does not over-power but gets the point across all the same. Delicate, with hints of a musk and vanilla, it is long lasting and perfect for these summer days with a sensuality that moves into summer nights effortlessly.  It is a timeless scent and one that you will no doubt reach for again and again.

The lovely folks at Harvey Prince have kindly offered to host a giveaway here at Homemaking Harlot for three of my lovely readers to win their very own Cherie Blossom perfume. To enter the giveaway, please:

1. Visit Harvey Prince and comment on this blog what perfume you'd love to try!

2. Follow Harvey Prince on Twitter and tweet some love for them with the hashtag  #WhiffLove.

3. Like Harvey Prince on Facebook and use the hashtag #WhiffLove.

4. Subscribe to Harvey Prince's Newsletter Harvey Prince (it's at the top of the page!)

5. Follow on Instagram @harveyprince, use the hashtag #WhiffLove

Three lucky, lovely winners will be contacted on August 29th! Good Luck!!!

Whiff Love indeed,

The Homemaking Harlot

(I was sent this product from Harvey Prince in exchange for an honest review, that being said, I only promote products that I would use or that I feel would benefit my lovely readers!)

B. Witching Bath Co.

www.bwitchingbathco.com

I'm a sucker for bath products...bubbles, oils, scrubs and everything in between! So when I read an article in the August issue of  Woman's Day magazine featuring B. Witching Bath Co.'s Sea Glass Hand Wash, I knew I'd have to check out their website...and I'm so glad I did!

Established in 1969, B. Witching Bath Co. prides itself on its wholesome, yet indulgent products. With items such as One Hundred Roses Organic Bath Oil and  Heirloom Tomato Hand Wash, you will find something to please and pamper yourself.

After checking out the website, I contacted  B. Witching Bath Co and their president, Barbara Bruce-Ross, kindly and graciously offered to send me a few of their awesome items!

The first thing I noticed was their attention to the smallest detail. The items came beautifully packaged, wrapped in tissue paper printed with pictures of herbs. A card with a handwritten message. Even the shipping box is printed with a logo and a storefront. This is indeed a company that takes pride in their product!

So...onto the review. The first item I tried was the Rose Water Balancing Facial Toner. I adore a good rose water toner (yes, I am old-school) and this is the best I have used in a long time. It has a very delicate scent of roses, it is great for sensitive skin and does not strip my skin at all. I love the fact that it does have remnants of rose petals in the bottle.

The next item is the Indian Summer Exfoliating Sugar Scrub. This smells amazing! Picture a fall day so warm that you take your sweater off as you fall into a pile of freshly raked leaves, while looking into a clear afternoon sky. The consistency is unlike any other body scrub I have used, as it is dry.  A little goes a long way and my skin, after my bath felt smooth and soft.

The last item and my favorite was the Natural Honey Facial Cleansing Bar. A sweet warm smell of honey, this bar has a light, clean-rinsing lather. Definitely gentle enough for everyday use, as it is made with royal jelly and not at all drying. This will be a staple along with the Rose Water for my morning facial regimen.

B. Witching Bath Co. will be a go-to place for a lot of my gift shopping as the customer service is awesome, the attention to detail is second to none and the products are natural, ecologically-friendly and never tested on animals.

It's Been a Minute (Blog Update)

Hello all my Lovelies!

I did not mean to be away from my precious project for so long!!!

I have been working a bit more lately and also procrastinating...but I'm proud of myself:) I was able to make the cutest birthday gift for a very special friend and I have another one in the works for someone else...I've also started looking at patterns for cross stitch bracelets and have started one, of course I will post pics here:)

As far as the domestic scene, I feel like I have been on the go lately with work and all, have not really got to do much. I do have a house-keeping plan on paper (rough draft), but have not really implemented much of it. I think that will be my goal for the next two weeks.

I will be starting a new blog series, Weigh-in Wednesday (clever name, right?)  It will chronicle my weight loss adventures. I'm kinda struggling though...should I be completely transparent (embarrassed) or keep somethings to myself?

But for now, I'm enjoying my weekend off and ready to fill up my bathtub and escape into Storm of Swords for a couple of chapters... Hope all my lovely readers enjoy their weekends as well!

The Bon Bon Life...

 

is definitely not the life for me...sad panda :(  Unfortunately, due to the lifestyle I have grown accustomed to (electricity and food, mostly), I am forced to slave away in the dark recesses of somewhere very dark and recessed. With that being said,  I am a very lucky girly...I work in the "Public Safety" sector and as most people know, when you have one of those jobs you will most likely work a dupont-style schedule. In my case this equates to having 14 days off out of 28...so lots of time to get my homemaking/crafting ish on!!!

One thing that I've been dying ( yes DYING!!!) to do is to get on a housecleaning schedule/routine!!! I'm simply amazed at people who can do the same thing at the same time in the same way day after day...

...and yet, I do see the benefit of that...it would be nice for that very boring part of homemaking to be damn near automatic!!!

So one of my many goals is to put my housekeeping on a 2 week schedule coordinating with my days off...because ain't nuthin' gettin' done on my days I have to work.

So, my Lovelies, do you schedule your cleaning or do you do things as they are needed?  Or perhaps a hybrid approach...

Introducing the Homemaking Harlot...

Greetings Lovelies and welcome to the Homemaking Harlot...my little slice of the interwebs where we can explore all things domestic!

I've decided to start this page to chronicle my experiences through the domestic minefield that is known as "Keeping a House". I've always been in awe of and enthralled by the super awesome 1950's house wife...I mean who wouldn't be?

                               

(It was s simpler time, was it not?)

                                                      

A  clean and beautifully decorated house, wholesome and nutritious cooking/baking and she looks amazing while doing it? Where do I sign up? Not to mention a happy and satisfied hubby...who knows how to keep her in line...

                                                       

(Tongue in Cheek) 

So please join me on my adventures! I anticipate fun, excitement and maybe even a few giveaways!!!