Happy Shower Day!

Today, we're showering baby Avery's parents, Amalia and John, with love and gifts in preparation for arrival!  Care to guess the theme based on our Instagram post?

Munch Turns 10: A Tropical Splish Splash Bash!

OMG! Life has been so upside down and right-side up that we are less than two weeks away from Munchface’s birthday party and I haven’t shared any details!  

Much like her room, Munch mentioned she wanted a pool party mid-summer and it was virtually impossible to find one in our area with her date available.  Just when I was about to give up, my fabulous mommy found a pool!  The local YMCA has a water park and she was able to reserve our date!  OMG! The party is on!

If you’ve been following me on Pinterest, you’ve probably seen my tropical party pins (they’re really cool!  Follow along here).  In addition to a pool party, Munch has been obsessed with the tropics.  Remember the sneak peek of her new room awhile back?

Things I Love: Himalayan Salt Lamp Review

Yesterday, I shared my love for the essential oil diffusers I purchased awhile back.  Today, we’re talking about another natural way to freshen and purify your air.

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When a co-worker first told me about the Himalayan Salt benefits, I was skeptical.  I mean, I enjoyed the pleasant glow of the rock in her office but -- a rock?  With all those benefits?  

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Couldn’t be true.  Could it?

If you know me, you know I research.  Seriously, Islanders.  When in doubt, find it out!  I researched and found the benefits of Himalayan salt to be astounding.  You can learn more here.

I planned to buy one when I saw it on sale at Bed Bath and Beyond but the sale passed and, with it, so did my desire to purchase.  As you know, I frequent my local thrift shops and I was pleasantly surprised to find one priced at $4.90 on a half-off day!  Islanders! THAT’S $2.45!!! OMG!  I rushed home, wiped it down with a damp cloth, then with a dry one and excitedly plugged in my new Himalayan salt lamp!

The ambient glow is great in the space at night.  Yep, now the dog can see when he quickly jumps off the sofa whenever I enter in the room (rolls eyes... my REAL life).

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If you’re looking for a natural remedy to the things listed above, do your research and search for one on sale (they are heavy so shipping may cost more).

Things I Love: Skyroku Oil Diffuser Review

Hi! I’ve shared how the smell of my home can instantly make or break my mood when I walk through the door.  I will wash a load of whites for the scent (because you know I ain't interested in laundry - haha),  I use fabric softener in my homemade Febreez recipe, I have placed vanilla extract into a small foil “bowl” and baked it, I have plug-ins, I burn candles, and more!  I go to great lengths to ensure my house smells as fresh as possible.

Then, I got a dog.  I love my dog but I hate how my dog smells... especially after a walk in the summer heat.

Like, I hate it.  I hate how my dog makes my house smell after a walk or when he farts or burps or ugh. I hate it.  I hate it. I hate it!

My boo, Sheena, always keeps me up on the latest and greatest cleaning products.  She told me about the lemon- and then the lavender- scented Pine-Sol cleaning solutions when they first hit the shelves.  She told me the benefits of hiring a cleaning service to clean the areas of the home often neglected (like ceiling fans, windows and door frames).  One day, she sent me the above picture to start the conversation about her latest gadget that was a game-changer in her house.  What's that, you ask?

It’s an essential oil diffuser and, Islanders, it’s awesome.  I went to Amazon and ordered two Skyroku brand diffusers for less than $30 total.

The Skyroku diffusers have two diffusing settings, continuous and 30-second intervals.  Oh, and Munchface loves them!  Her favorite part is the many lighting options.  She has the option to select one of many color options, the light show option (it cycles through all colors) or to have no light at all.

 That's a video of the light show captured while Munch was sleeping.

Another favorite part for Munch is choosing her oil.  We especially enjoy the peppermint, lemon and lavender scents.  We got the above set for $17!  If you've ever purchased essential oils, you know they cost anywhere from $5-$12 each so, a set of 6 for that price is a great deal!  Here's how it works:

1.  You remove the top and fill the cup like portion with water to the Fill Line.

2.  Add 3-5 drops (more if you have a larger space) to the water.
3.  Return the top to its place and align the 'lock'
4.  Press the power button and design a setting (green for intervals or red for continuous)
5.  Enjoy the fresh scent using oils known for their health benefits and functionality.

An added bonus?  The increased moisture in the air has similar effects to a humidifier and can help with allergies, colds and restless sleeping habits.  I placed one in Munch's room and the other in our family room.  We love the functionality and freshness!