Scrub-a-dubba

I have discovered a great 100% natural and organic skincare store, Virtue Natural.  Most recently I purchased their Organic Shea Body Scrub in Orange and Patchouli.  I realize that patchouli tends to be a "love it" or "hate it" scent (I'm a lover), but before all you patchouli haters scurry to click to a different website, hang in there.  First, I think even haters would love this scrub's scent as the orange balances out the patchouli and gives it a delicious spicy note.  Second, I have heard rumors that there are more lovely scents in the works for this scrub, such as Lemon Basil, so keep reading as I am about to get into the knitty gritty bits that have nothing to do with the scent and everything to do with why I am in love with this body scrub.

photo property of Virtue Natural

 

While the first thing you notice about any skincare product is its aroma, the next is what it looks like.  What I immediately noticed when I opened the perfectly packaged container was that there was no oily scum sitting on the top unlike so many other body scrubs.  It looks like moist sand and scoops up easily.  The second I began to use the scrub on my legs it felt like that perfect back scratch from a dear friend.  It gives a satisfying scrub that really feels like it is doing something without being irritating.  I don't know if you have ever noticed this before, but other scrubs I have used often leave an oil slick in the bottom of my tub that is quite slippery after I rinse off.  This body scrub did not. I am guessing this has something to do with the reason I did not see any oil resting on the top of the scrub.  After I dried off, the scrub left behind just the right amount of moisture.  Enough so I did not need to add lotion to my legs, but not so much that I felt like I needed to blot my legs with tissue (yes, this has happened to me before as well).  Last, but not least, I appreciate that this scrub is made with sugar and not salt so you do not have to worry about stinging your freshly shaved legs.

The others products I have tried (and greatly enjoy) are the lip balms and the Radiant Complexion Scrub.  There is a wonderful review of the complexion scrub here.  Virtue Natural has many great products. Seriously, check them out!

photo property of Virtue Natural

Woosh! That week's over!

What a crazy busy week it has been! 

I finished 5 additional versions of my Bay Breeze hat for the lovely boutique, Bella Jezza, in Sandpoint, Idaho this week.  The pattern includes a knitted star as an accent, but I decided that a few of the hats needed fun buttons instead.  I sent off a total of 6 hats to their new (hopefully temporary) home in Sandpoint courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service Saturday morning.

I have also been encouraged and motivated to be serious about my fitness both by the SparkPeople website a lovely friend introduced me to, as well as by the fabulous Brie and her loyal fans.  She started a Spin-along/knit-along/lose-weight-along for her Ravelry group.  Which also leads me to my spinning.  I have played around with my spindle, but have not successfully finished a skein of yarn yet.  I will finish this one though!  I am spinning up the Skagway braid by theurchiness (aka Brie). I bought this superwash merino for Mark for Valentine's Day with the promise that I would spin it up and knit him anything he liked.  Not only is blue his favorite color (which the braid has in spades), but I couldn't pass it up because we went to Alaska last summer to celebrate our anniversary.  Here are the beginnings of Mark's present:

This weekend has been jam packed as well between celebrating birthdays, attending the Spokane Women's Show, and discovering new hiking spots. 

View of Lake Coeur d'Alene on the descent from the top of the Mineral Ridge hiking trail.

Next week does not promise to take it easy on me, but I can't complain.  Tuesday night is the Jonny Lang concert and Thursday night is a gardening workshop, then Mark leaves for his annual coastal fishing trip early Friday morning.  I can't wait to stock our deep freeze with fresh fish and Mark always brings my back a pound or more of fresh manila clams (my favorite)!

Ode to a Cruiser

I love my Schwinn Cruiser.  While I cannot say it has been hitting the pavement since the 30's, it is a classic all the same.  There is a reason that people go back to the beach cruiser time and again for an enjoyable bike ride.  See, I am not into surpassing land speed records, I don't care how smoothly my tires run on the pavement, it doesn't matter to me that I can't hit the trails with my bike, and I am perfectly pleased I have no pesky gears to fiddle with. 

What matters is that when people see my bike they totally get why it's mine...

at the end of the ride my behind doesn't ache...

and it is perfectly practical for a quick jaunt to the farmers market in our neighborhood on Wednesday evenings (well, it will be once Mark gets my detachable basket installed for the year anyway)...

I totally understand if you are into gears, trail riding, or street tires.  I get it.  Mark is one of them.  I just prefer it simple, classic, vintage...and orange.

A Breath of Spring

This afternoon after a tasty breakfast at Molly's Cafe we went for a drive on the South Hill and decided to stop in at the Manito Park Gaiser Conservatory.  I am itching for all things spring, especially flowers and growing things, so this was a much needed walk with Mother Nature even if they are all in pots.  Seeing the pretty things of nature always makes me smile and walk a bit softer so I thought I would share a few of my favorites.  By the way, I left the house without my camera (which almost never happens) so these are taken with my cell phone.  Can you believe it?!?