This is a post I've gone back and forth about. Mostly because I have just a tiny bit of vanity left and these photos are going to squash that. Ultimately I decided that this is for the greater good, so my pride can take a hit.

Today I'm talking about makeup. I don't wear makeup everyday because I don't actually go out everyday, but when I do go out I like to look nice. As much as I like playing in the dirt, there's still a part of me that is very much female. That's the part that likes high heels, makeup, and clothes without stains.

I'm featuring four products that are economical AND natural. Most importantly, they are all paraben and talc free. Have you tried finding affordable natural products? It's not easy!



First we will talk about mascara. I didn't have high hopes for good organic mascara because I'm pretty picky about it in general. However, I was very pleasantly surprised! I'm using Physicians Formula Organic Wear ($9) and I LOVE it!

Pros: Great coverage, comes off easily
Cons: It runs a little easier than traditional mascara

Next we will talk about foundation. Another Physicians Formula product, I love their mineral wear powder ($10) because it covers beautifully and it's so light it's like wearing nothing at all. I don't love that it has built in 30 spf but it is by far the best option I've found.

Pros: Wonderful light coverage, relatively long-lasting for a powder, great for summer
Cons: It won't work if you want heavy coverage.

Staying with the Physicians Formula theme, the next product is their liquid eyeliner ($10). The coverage is great, just as good as traditional products and I haven't had any trouble with it running or wiping off. It says it boosts lashes, but I don't think I wear it often enough to see any benefit from that.

Pros: Easy to put on, long-lasting
Cons: None!

I haven't really reached out into the world of paraben-free lipsticks yet, but I started with Burt's Bees lip shimmer ($7). I tend to stay with the lighter shades of lip color because I have very full lips and dark or bright colors overwhelm the rest of my face. I'm more of a chapstick girl, so my lips are most often covered with Chicken Poop Lip Junk.

Pros: Sheer enough for any occasion, long lasting
Cons: None!

I'm not willing to sacrifice health for beauty. Now I don't have to worry about that.

Do you have any natural make up products or tips?

I had way too many photos of the yard to put it all in one post yesterday, so here's part two. We have enjoyed our first harvests from the new garden this week: Dill and oregano. Yum! One of my favorite summer dishes, refrigerator pickles, is already setting up in the kitchen today.

How are things growing in your neck of the woods?

Getting the counter tops done was just the kick in the pants I needed to finish the rest of the kitchen. There's something about seeing the results of one minor improvement that really spurs me on to continue. Last weekend I spent a whole day squeezing around and behind furniture to get rid of the school bus color in favor of a gentle, buttery yellow (which will be a common theme in my house...eventually).

As a reminder, here are a few before photos...

I still have to add a wood border above the black backsplash, replace the vent hood, and I'm looking for a little bar-top table for the end of the counter for extra counter space and seating. Eventually I'll add a bi-fold door to the laundry room. I guess I just have to accept the fact that in a 1950's house, we will never truly be finished.  Even though it's not perfect, I'm really happy with how it looks.

 When the stove was installed the installer reached up to open the cabinets above the stove and the door came off. I just took the other door off and created a display space. 

The view from the house

We've created a nice little seating nook in the coolest,shadiest part of the yard. In between the two folding chairs I have a stump we're using for a table. Just the right height!

Containers with celosia, milkweed, and begonias. Another stump used as a table. Isn't it interesting?

My post over at Ozark Natural Foods today is about cucumbers. Well, really it's about Buddy....

"Just over a year ago we met Buddy, a mangy, sickly dog brought to the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market from the Fayetteville Animal Shelter. Gentle and sweet, we decided almost immediately to bring him home. After a few treatments from the vet, and a nice comfy couch to rest on, Buddy came out of his illness beautifully. But, we found out he has a dark side..."

Grandma bought cucumbers at the Farmer's Market this morning and was kind enough to share. Buddy is one happy pooch after his first cuc of the season!

We might as well just consider this a holiday. 

Happy Cucumber Buddy day!

The hardest part of pet ownership by far is saying goodbye. I hate it. I loathe it.

It hurts.

Since we had a gaggle of pets when we first got married, and we've been married almost 12 years now, the last few years we have lost several of our precious animals. In fact, Brenna was number 4 in the last 2 1/2 years. Because of my recent experience with this terrible time, I've come to learn to accept death as a part of life. At least to some extent. When it's time, it's time, and that's out of my control.

So Brenna, sweet girl, we will meet you over the rainbow bridge, with your many brothers and sisters. Our little cottage in heaven will be very, very full.

For now we mourn, but the hole in our hearts will become less painful. Eventually it will be time to adopt again which is, as far as I'm concerned, the silver lining. We are sad for the loss, but it will be an opportunity to save another life.

Poppies are definitely in my top 5 favorite flowers. They are so delicate, so simple, yet in a group they are absolutely stunning. They are also extremely easy to grow. My grandfather has a big patch that blooms each year and, now that we are in our permanent home, I want to have that to look forward to each Spring.

Instead of buying a boring packet of seeds, we purchased a bouquet of poppies at the Fayetteville Farmer's Market. Poppies are easy to harvest seeds from and we got the added benefit of enjoying some stunning colors. Apparently I was so busy enjoying them that I forgot to take a photo. Sorry about that.

Once the petals fell off, I trimmed the stems, tied them together and let them dry. I always have a sturdy string tied on my kitchen window for drying herbs, cleaning my work gloves (as pictured), and pretty much anything for which you might need a mini-clothes line.

Once I saw that they were dry enough to start sprinkling seeds, I covered them with a bag.   

 

That's about as easy as seed saving gets! Early next Spring I will sprinkle these babies around the back yard and hope to have my own poppy bouquet outside.

My beautiful mom!

Upon opening my eyes for the first time this morning, the boys pounced. While I can't say that I was thrilled that my plan to turn over and go back to sleep was thwarted, it was sweet that they just couldn't wait to start the festivities.

Festivities.

If you know me, you know I don't really like holidays. Before filing me away with the rest of the scrooges, you should know that I truly love everyday. I do what I can to make each day special, to spend time with my family, and just try to live well daily. The pressure of "celebrating" just isn't for me. I guess I just like routine.

Regardless, I don't really see Mother's Day as an event as much an opportunity to appreciate. Being a mother is a hard job. It's certainly the hardest job I've ever had. There are days I'm not sure I'm cut out for it, but then there are great days and everything balances out. Certainly at this point in my life I appreciate my mom so much more, as a single mom she worked hard and always encouraged me to be myself. While I appreciate her everyday, I don't remember to say it. That's why we have Mother's Day.

If you're struggling today because your mama has passed away, because you've lost a baby, or for any other reason, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember the first Mother's Day after our first adoption fell through. I didn't want the day to exist. I have no advice, just love to send your way. Be kind to yourself, don't feel bad about feeling bad. Just feel it and know tomorrow will be better.

The boys won't allow me to piddle around in the garden all day, insisting that to celebrate is to do something, so this morning really is about them making sure I know they appreciate me. This afternoon, I will insist upon an uninterrupted nap. That's about me.

So, whether you're ready to be the center of attention, trying to get through the day, or you're just looking for a nap....