~Three Seeds Naturals~

I believe in Simple Living and when I discovered this wonderful company Three Seeds Naturals I was thrilled! Three Seeds Natural makes Everyday Body Lotion, Ultra Moisturizing Cream, Sugar Body Scrubs, & Smooth Lip Balm. Not only are these products hand made, but Three Seeds Naturals uses only simple and natural ingredients.

I am so thrilled to have Three Seeds Natural as my first product in my OpenSky shop!

If you have dry and some what sensitive skin like me Three Seeds Naturals might help your moisture seeking skin out! I have been using Ultra Moisturizing Cream - Coconut Lime and Everyday Body Lotion (Fresh Lemongrass, Coconut Lime, Almond Vanilla, Vanilla Fig, Signature Pomegranate) for the past week now and my skin has been soft and moisturized.

When I first saw that they had Coconut Lime scent I was thrilled. In the past I had found a very similar scented lotion and have not been able to find another, so I was thrilled to find this. When I tried all the scents though I do have to say that my favorite is actually the Signature Pomegranate! I was also very surprised as to how long the scent lasts on the skin. I would apply some in the morning and by mid afternoon I could still smell the wonderful scents!

All the scents that Three Seeds Naturals has are wonderful and very true to their Story. :

"What is Three Seeds NaturalsTM?

Greek mythology tells us the story of Persephone, who was kidnapped by Hades and whisked away to the underworld. Her mother Demeter, the Goddess of the Seasons and nourisher of the Earth, was so distraught she halted the seasons and the earth fell into a barren winter.


Persephone was forbidden from eating in the underworld, but she gave in and ate a few delicious pomegranate seeds. Eventually, Hades freed Persephone, but as punishment for eating, Persephone must spend 1 month each year in the underworld for each precious pomegranate seed she enjoyed.


When Persephone and Demeter are united, the earth blossoms with the seasons of Spring, Summer, and Autumn. And for 3 months each Winter, the earth darkens as Persephone returns to the underworld.

At Three Seeds Naturals TM, we believe that every scent has a season. Our name pays tribute to the story of the seasons, and we cherish the Earth's treasures by using its natural ingredients. "

I also had the privilege to try out the Lip Balm in Coconut Lime. I did not have to apply this product very often, as my lips stayed very moist all day long.

~All I Ever Wanted By Kristan Higgins~ Giveaway

All I Ever Wanted

By Kristan Higgins
Published by HQN Books
August 2010;$7.99US/$9.99CAN; 978-0-373-77458-6

One Happily-Ever-After Rocking Chair . . .

And no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track, because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.
Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals. . . . So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But, dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor. . . .

Author Bio

Kristan Higgins, author of All I Ever Wanted, combines real life, true love and lots of laughs in her stories. Her books have received praise and accolades from readers and reviewers alike. Kristan won a Romance Writers of America's RITA® Award in 2008 for Catch of the Day, and received a 2010 nomination for Too Good To Be True. Called "one of the most honest and creative voices in contemporary romance," Kristan is hard at work on her next book. She lives in a small Connecticut town with her heroic firefighter husband, two lovely children, one devoted dog and a regal cat. Kristan loves to hear from readers! Visit her website at http://www.kristanhiggins.com/.
Follow the author on Facebook.

My View

I do have to say that I absolutely LOVED this book! I was somewhat skeptical at first because I generally love books that are more historically themed and have a hard time liking and actually reading the whole book if it's not historical. All I Ever Wanted is truly a modern day book. Callie the books main character is amazing! You really get to know her and her little "Betty Boop" and "Michelle Obama" mental sidekicks. Although Callie does get the occasional "emotional diarrhea" as someone comments to her, but all in all she is a wonderful woman. I feel that many women could relate to her and her all caring, bubbly, and friendly personality.

At different times in the book I would just start laughing and I have never had one that really made me laugh as may times as this book does. I also had a few tears as well, but there is plenty of laughter to make up for those tears.

I really loved this book and I hope that you would also love to read it as well. That's why I am doing a giveaway of this book!!

Mandatory Entry:
Be a public follower. AND
Visit Kristen Higgins site and tell me what other book of hers you would love to read.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" Kristen Higgins on Facebook
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• Follow me on twitter and tweet the following:

All I Ever Wanted #Giveaway @carriesymes  http://bit.ly/9blJnp
You may tweet once a day.

• Blog about the giveaway- 5 entries
• Become a follower of my other blog Simply Fitting Into Life...and my old jeans- 2 entries
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• Subscribe via Email to Simply Fitting Into Life...and my old jeans

Open to US and Canada only please. Please use separate comments for each entry. Include an email in the comments if it is not available in your Blogger profile. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Ends August 29, 2010 at 11:59 est.

*Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post. These are my own and honest opinions and thoughts.

~Milly~

I just cannot believe my little baby is gonna be 2 in September! The time just flies by.... One thing that she has always loved even as an infant is kitties. We have 2 real cats and she just loves them, but the relationship is not reciprocal. So she has a few stuffed kitties that she has with her all the time.

Isn't this one so cute!! MILLY BIRTHDAY GIRL is her name and I hope that she will make a special appearance for Bella's 2nd Birthday! A Nut in a Nutshell is giving away a Milly to a special winner on her blog. You may want to go and check it out!!

Handmade Soap

Have you ever tried using handmade soaps before? Well, if you have not then you really should consider it. Did you know that most of the soaps that you buy at your local store have synthetic ingredients and harsh detergents in them? These can make your skin get very dry and possibly be harmful to your skin.

When I look at any product, whether it be soap or food, I look at the ingredients. If I cannot pronounce something that is listed in the ingredients, then I generally DO NOT buy it. My family and I have somewhat sensitive skin so natural ingredients are almost always a must for us.

Here are some benefits to using Handmade soap:

• It's made with natural ingredients
• It's chemical free
• It's rich and moisturizing
• It soothes and softens the skin
• There are a variety of different scents to choose from
• It's also great for people with sensitive/allergy prone skin

You should really try using Natural Handmade soap instead of the store bought chemical soaps. One great place that you can find these is at Gypsyjens Etsy Store.

"Gypsyjens handmade mini spa soaps are made of natural ingredients. Some are scented with essential oils. Some are naturally scented."

You can also try and win Gift Bag of some of Gypsyjens goodies at Review Retreat, Little Yaya's, & Simply Stacie! So you have three chances at trying  to win some great Natural Goodies!

Blogging Around Mondays

~Our Wedding~ Part IV

VOWS

Carrie,

I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you no more than you can give.

I promise to accept you the way you are.

I fell in love with you for the qualities, abilities, and outlook on life that you have,
and won't try to reshape you in a different image.

I promise to respect you as a person with your own interests, desires, and needs,
and to realize that those are sometimes different, but no less important than my own.
I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the window of my personal
world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams.

I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face change as we both change
in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting.

And finally, I promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to give
and all I feel inside in the only way I know how... completely and forever.

Jeremy,
I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you no more than you can give.
I promise to accept you the way you are.
I fell in love with you for the qualities, abilities, and outlook on life that you have,
and won't try to reshape you in a different image.

I promise to respect you as a person with your own interests, desires, and needs,
and to realize that those are sometimes different, but no less important than my own.
I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the window of my personal
world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams.

I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face change as we both change
in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting.
And finally, I promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to give
and all I feel inside in the only way I know how... completely and forever.

BLESSING

Traditional Irish Blessing

Dulcimer-~May the Road Rise to Meet You~

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you;

May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,

May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward.

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,

And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,

May true be the hearts that love you.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE

Pronouncement of Marriage

Jeremy and Carrie you have shared this moment and these promises with your family and friends, as a symbol of deeply loving each other. You have formed your own union in friendship and respect for one another as well as in love. Therefore, it is my honor and great pleasure to pronounce you as husband and wife. Please seal your union with a kiss!

Introduction of Newlywed Couple

Family and friends, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Symes. Please rejoice with them in their love and happiness and support them as they go forward in their new life.

 Our Cake! We are eating the top tonight!

 We just love joking around!

 These bridge pics are my favorites!

 I hand wrote out all of these cards! 12 tables with 8 cards =96 cards!!! Took me almost 2 days!

 I just love black and white pics!

My Beautiful Family!

~Our Wedding~ Part III

LIGHTING OF UNITY CANDLE

From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls are destined for each other and find each other, their streams of light flow together and a brighter light goes forth from them being united. As a symbol of their marriage, Carrie and Jeremy will light their unity candle. The two outside candles have been lit by their mothers to represent their lives to this moment. The lights, representing the faith, wisdom and love they have received by their parents, are individual and unique, and burning alone. Carrie and Jeremy light the center candle to symbolize the union of their lives. This is what God meant when He said, On this account a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one. From now on their thoughts shall be for each other rather than for their individual selves. Their plans shall be mutual, their joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. By allowing the flame of the two smaller candles to remain lit, they also accept the individuality of each other. May the radiance of this one light and their journey together be a testimony of their unity.

RINGS

Is your intent in this circle of family that you commit to your new life together and ask for their blessings?

Response: It is.

Carrie and Jeremy, please turn toward each other and take each other's hand.
Is it your mutual desire to be united by me in this marriage to one another?

RESPONSE: It is.

Facing the GROOM:

Do you Jeremy take Carrie to be your wife, secure in the knowledge that you will be her constant friend, her faithful partner in life, and her one true love? In the presence of God and your family, do you promise to stay by her side in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love her without reservation as long as you both shall live?

RESPONSE: I do.

Facing the GROOM:

Jeremy, please place the ring on Carrie's finger, and repeat after me.

Let this ring serve as a key, unlocking the secrets of our hearts for only each other to know and thus bringing us closer together forever. As the ring is gently placed on your beloveds finger, the unbroken circle of the wedding band represents eternity, a circle of love that has no end.

Do you, Carrie, take Jeremy to be your husband, secure in the knowledge that you will be his constant friend, his faithful partner in life, and his one true love? In the presence of God and your family, do you promise to stay by his side in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love him without reservation as long as you both shall live?

RESPONSE: I do.

Facing the BRIDE:

Carrie, please place the ring on Jeremy's finger, and repeat after me.

Let this ring serve as a key, unlocking the secrets of our hearts, for only each other to know and thus bringing us closer together forever. As the ring is gently placed on your beloveds finger, the unbroken circle of the wedding band represent eternity, a circle of love that has no end.

You came to me as two single people and you will now leave me as a married couple, united to each other by the binding contract of love that you have just entered.

Our Family

Oh, and yes we almost caught the church on fire!

~Friday Blog Hops~

Hi to all you hopping bloggers out there! Welcome to The Simple Jocabell Life!

~Our Wedding~ Part II

The back of the Program which I made. I spent 2 days trying to find a printer to print these out on the week before the Wedding.

The Guys before the Ceremony. You can tell what they are up to huh!

A Marriage Prayer

Our Father, love has been Your richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between a man and woman which matures into marriage is one of Your most beautiful types of loves. Today we celebrate that love. May your blessing be on this wedding service. Protect, guide, and bless Jeremy and Carrie in their marriage. Surround them and us with Your love now and always. Amen.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIAL:
Jeremy, as the man, you are the essence of all men. You are the maker of life, the son, the lover, the father, the wise old man, and the warrior. Will you promise to be the man, the adventurous young son, the father of your children, the lover of your woman, her advisor, supporter and protector when need be? If you come to this union with open eyes and open heart, of your own free will, say I will.

Jeremy:
I will.

OFFICIAL:

Carrie, as the woman, you are the essence of all women. You are the giver of life, the daughter, the lover, the mother and the wise old crone. Will you promise to be the woman, the curious young girl, the mother of your children, the lover of your man, his adviser, his supporter and his lawgiver when need be? If you come to this union with open eyes and open heart, of your own free will, say I will.

Carrie:
I will.

~Our Wedding~ Part I

Sunday will be our First Wedding Anniversary, although we have been together and married in our hearts for over 7 years. One of the biggest reasons that we held off on getting married was, Jeremy was in a car accident in 2000. Due to that accident he lost a few front teeth. The insurance companies could not decide who was at fault, thus resulting in him not being able to get his teeth fixed. He also did not have a lot of money at the time. So, long story short he said that we couldn't get married until he got his teeth fixed. In 2006 we were able to somewhat afford for him to get them fixed, costing about $12,000. We started planning the wedding in 2007 and scheduled it for October of 2008. My mom and I bought my dress in mid January, by the beginning of February I found out that I was pregnant with the second! I was due in September, which by no means was I going to be able to fit into my dress. August 8, 2009 was our new date and just about everything went as planned, but I would not have changed a thing! It was beautiful and one of the best days of my life.

For the next few days I am going to post some pictures of the wedding as well as some of the ceremony wording, because it is so beautiful. I am not traditional by any means, so here are a few things that we did. We had one Matron of Honor, one Best Man, and 1(grooms man, will explain in a but). The Matron of Honor & Best Man were husband and wife. We also had 3 flower girls:

• Joc(Our daughter She was 5)
• Baby Joc(the Matron of Honor & Best Man's daughter. She was 3)And yes the 2 have the same name just spelled different
• Bell(Our daughter. She was 10 months)

Our ring bearer was Jare(the Matron of Honor & Best Man's son. He was about 9 months). In order for us to get all these kids down the isle we had the "Grooms Man" if you will, pull the 2 littlest one down in a wagon and kind of pushed the other two along in front of him.

Instead of having someone play the organ or piano I asked my grandmother's Mountain Dulcimer group to play for the wedding. It was beautiful. If you have not heard a dulcimer it sounds like a guitar and harp mix. The sound is so beautiful.

And yes we did do the traditional bouquet and garter toss, but we didn't leave the kids out! We also did a Teddy bear toss! So all the little ones went home with a teddy bear! I also made a cute table for the kids at the reception. I created coloring books for them along with crayons.

Well here is the greeting for the ceremony:


Greetings and good afternoon everyone, we have gathered here today to be part of a story. Some of you have been in the story for many years, some when the story first began; others have entered more recently and in time to be part of a most wonderful chapter. We arrive together in the story at the end of a chapter of great happiness, love, and friendship. Our friends, Jeremy and Carrie, have gathered us all as witnesses as they proclaim their love to the world, and we rejoice with them.

The oldest and most powerful force under the heavens is love, and yet love is always unique and new. Love expresses itself through patience and kindness, through truth and trust. It is never selfish or vain, never self-serving, but instead the foundation of hopes and dreams. Love gives freely of itself and asks no more than is offered freely in return.

Love is the light in our lives that kindles warmth in our hearts and our dreams, the warmth that nourishes the spirit and creates the spark of faith that brings the peace and blessings of the Lord of Light into our lives.

With open hearts we humbly welcome and invoke the blessings of the Lord of All Creation, even as we know that He is with us now, always and wherever two or more are gathered in the name of Love.