Inexpensive and Simple Scented Hand soap

O.k., I'll admit it, I'm a hand soap snob! There, I said it.

I am an addict for fabulous smelling and looking hand soap.  Nothing

makes me happier than washing my hands after getting my haircut at the Aveda salon in my town.  They have THE most fabulous Rosemary and Mint scented hand soap but at $17.00 a bottle for 8.5 ounces I just can't bring myself to purchase it.  Not only because I think it's insanely overpriced but I also have a 16 year old who uses about 1/4 cup every time he washes his hands!

This dilemma made me take matters into my own hands, no pun intended.

I decided to make my own scented hand soap for a fraction of the cost.

It's quite simple.  All you need is some UNSCENTED liquid soap, available in a ton of different brands and colors.

You will also need to purchase some essential oils, choose whatever fragrances you like best or better yet, experiment with combining scents to make it uniquely your own.

First pour the liquid soap into whatever container you want to use.

Leave some room at the top for the appropriate amount of essential oils.

The amount you use will determine how much liquid soap you are using and your own personal preference.  Just remember, concentrated essential oils can be quite strong so go easy at first, you can always add more later.

Once you add your oils shake well and voila, you now have your own scented hand soap for pennies on the dollar!

Enjoy!

DIY Mini book Necklace with Charms

I absolutely love the look of these mini book necklaces.  I found this fabulous site that explains how to make these adorable creations.  I have thought of SO many different and interesting ways these could be done, the possibilities are endless!!  If you want to give it a shot, here is the link.  If you decide to try these please post some pics of your finished pieces :)
The images in this post are from the original posting of this tutorial, I did not make these.

http://books-on-the-floor.tumblr.com/post/16724413778/truebluemeandyou-diy-mini-book-necklaces-with

http://apexpeakfest.com/

May 4, 2013 – Historic Downtown Apex  9:00AM – 5:00PM

Come see me at the Apex PeakFest!!

Can hardly wait to get back to Apex to do the PeakFest this year.  This is a fabulous festival featuring many talented artisans in a variety of mediums.  There will be live music all day, a car show, entertainment for the kids, great food and more!  

If you are unfamiliar with Apex, NC then you are in for a treat.  Historic downtown Apex is charming!  It is filled with fabulous boutiques, gift stores, restaurants, bakeries and more!

So come on down for a great festival and stop by my tent to say Hi!

Who doesn't ♥ free gifts!!!!

♥ Receive a free gift- For a limited time!! ♥

http://www.etsy.com/shop/secretgardennotes

Hi everyone!  I am offering a free gift with every purchase in my Etsy shop.

This offer is good for the first 15 customers, so hurry before their all gone!

It's quite simple.  First, follow my blog, then purchase any item in my shop (minimum purchase $25) and receive a free pair of filigree earrings.

Description:  Diamond shaped antique bronze filigree earrings.  These beautiful earrings are accented with sparkling clear Swarovski crystals.

Measurement of diamond filigree is 24mm X 45mm (1" X 1.75")

They are suspended from gorgeous antique bronze kidney earwires

measuring 18mm (.75")

A $15 value.

Upon checkout put code "Blog Giveaway" in the notes to seller box.

As always, thank you for supporting handmade ♥
www.etsy.com/shop/secretgardennotes

Are you going to be sporting this latest trend?

Colored pants.... this look takes me back to my high school years in the early 80's, I don't see myself repeating the trend, mainly because I don't have pencil thin legs and this isn't an area on my body I like to highlight, lol!

From the royals to celebrities, this look is hitting the streets this Spring, here's a sneak peak of how it's being worn and by whom.

Kate Middleton, can she not look good in something?  She wore these bright tangerine jeans to visit Great Britain's hockey team last year and the fashion world took notice.  She did a great job pulling off the look with style and grace and in the process, making the trend an instant hit with the world's fashionistas.

Recognize any of these familiar faces?

 As you can see from these images, the color spectrum is vast with this style.  While the tangerines and pinks have been popular as of late, the other colors such as blue, green, yellow, etc. are starting to pick up speed.  If these colors aren't bold enough for you, no worries, they are also available in patterns.




Now for some tips on wearing these the right way.

• If you are going to choose very bright or neon colors then keep the top half plain.  good contrasting colors are navy, white, black, brown  and grey.
• If you want to make the look a little more sophisticated finish it off with a well-cut tailored blazer.
• Nude toned shoes work great with this look but don't be afraid to experiment, just keep in mind, the simpler the better.
• Some color combinations can be a bit much such as black and yellow, cute bumblebee is not usually the image one wants to project.
• Keep that in mind for orange and black too, a bit Halloweenish.

The most important part of this is to go with what you feel the best in, let's face it, confidence is the greatest look of all!

Hurry up Spring!!!

This past summer we had a pergola built in our backyard.  I am so anxious for Spring to arrive so I can start tweaking my little oasis!  I think having an outdoor room is such a treat and a fabulous way to enjoy the weather when it's nice.  It's also a great place to entertain, who cares about spilled red wine!!  :)

Secret Garden Notes Giveaway on

The Fashionable Housewife's blog!!

Have you heard of The Fashionable Housewife?  This is a fabulous blog that caters to us fashion conscious, non elastic waistband Moms!  Btw, I have nothing again elastic waistbands, but they should never be in a pair of jeans, lol!

If you are looking for some cool fashion inspiration for yourself, your children, your home, etc. then head on over.  They have many different "divisions" such as The Fashionable Bambino, The Fashionable Gal, The Fashionable Plate, The Fashionable Philosopher and Fashionable Holiday.

Right now they are having a free giveaway for a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate to my Secret Garden Notes shop on Etsy.  In fact, you have 10 chances to win as I am giving away 10 free gift certificates through their site.

So grab a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or whatever your prefer, and sit and stay awhile on their site, you won't be disappointed!

http://www.thefashionablehousewife.com/02/2013/secret-garden-notes-lockets-giveaway/