A Goodbye Letter to Molly our Beloved Family Member, Companion and a Dachshund Dog

Rest in peace, dearest Molly a.k.a Molly Girl. Today, after 10 days I've finally come to realize you’re truly gone. It was so sudden it feels like a bad dream and I’m pleading with you to wake me from it. At first I screamed no from the very depths of my being but then it was like it didn't really happen maybe, because I simply want to understand why, and I don't. I still simply don't.

We were your third family.  Your previous owners loved you but for whatever reasons couldn't keep you. How lucky that turned out to be for us. For 7.50 years your loving ways of several licks could solve just about any problem. How you would wait for Mama to make your bed for you. I've been holding onto that blanket that you began to claim as your own. I'd be so happy to wrap you up in it right now. 

 I wish I could see your antics of pulling all squeaky toys off the store shelves again, and as much I used to want to get some relief from your never ending squeaking of said toys I would gladly go without sleep if I could gaze into your soulful brown eyes, pet your soft fur and, get one of your gentle kisses.

We had a ton of snow a couple of days ago. You used really enjoy to hopping around in it. I wish you had been here for that.

 

 9:00 pm was your sit and remind us time that is was time for slices of watermelon or cantaloupe and oh how you would whine in anticipation. I've always liked watermelon and cantaloupe but, it certainly won't be the same without sharing it with you.

Zoie, has been barking and tugging at your blanket. I know she could get on your nerves at times but she does miss you. She has been walking about the house in search of her friend and looking to us as if to ask where have we hidden you.

Summer will be hard. Papa misses you so, so much. Summer was your really major be outside and play ball time for what seemed like hours with Papa. Gosh, how you would cry to be outside with him when he would be working in the yard.  I used to get so startled how motionless you would lay out the hottest sun and felt such relief each time you would lift your head when I would check on you.

 

Sweet, sweet Molly Girl. I positively know you went to heaven. I just know it.  You’re such a good and kind girl and I hope there are more squeaky toys, soft blankets, tennis balls and your favorite fruits up there then you can imagine.

It was an honor and a privilege to have been your family. I hope you knew how loved you were and still are. Say hello to your sisters for us. Until then we will hold you in our hearts until we meet again.

XO,

Mama & Papa

 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day Gift Ideas. This year give Mom something a little different.  A hand stamped spoon bearing a sweet message of affection.

Here's one for Mom's morning coffee.

A simple message of love accented with a small heart.

A gift from the children.

Because all Mom's are beautiful.

Find these and other styles at my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeachHouseLiving

Trying out Herbivore Botanticals Skin Care

This post about my experience trying Herbivore Botantical's skin products is long overdue especially considering I made my purchase on April 6, 2014 and it shipped on April 15, 2014. 

I purchased the facial skin care set via their Etsy shop that consisted of pink clay mask and soap, nourish facial serum and facial toning elixir for $68.00 plus $7.50 shipping. The sea mist sea salt hair spray skin refresher in the lavender waves scent for &18.00 with reduced shipping of $5.50 and the dead sea clay soap for $9.00 with reduced shipping of $2.00.  My grand total was $110.00. 

My receipt indicated since the items were made in small batches it would take 3-6 "business days". I eagerly awaited my order.

 A wonderful whiff of clean greeted me as I opened the box.

I'm a sucker clean looking simple packaging and really like the glass. Herbivore didn't disappoint there!  I admit I also liked how nice the glass bottles looked displayed together.

What did surprise me was the lack of "seals" on the packaging.  That may have changed since my purchase.

 

 The other was the closures didn't match.  Not a big deal but set up in my all white cabinet the black top stood out like a sore thumb.  

The other issue was the sprayers themselves seemed to be on the wrong bottles.  The hydrate spray for the face came out stronger while the sea mist for my hair I had to keep pumping.  "Sea mist" lavender get's a thumbs up!

 

The sizing of the soaps was accurate.

I preferred the "pink clay" soap.  It produced a low soft lather and had a nice light scent.

The "pink clay mask" is a powder that you need to mix with water.   The smaller the container you use the better.

I scooped out the power with a plastic disposable knife added some warm water, and stirred with a disinfected metal nail cuticle pusher.

The "pink clay mask" is a very fine powder that needs to be mixed well.  The consistency will be little grainy.

I picked up the mixture with a small spatula and placed it on a stiff bristled "fan" brush to apply it to my face.  It dried fairly quickly and crusty and I removed the mask with facial sponges.  A washcloth will work just fine. For me, some old cosmetic industry training still sticks.

Herbivore's facial "hydrate" spray.  I really like this product.

My absolute favorite product was the 1oz "nourish" restorative facial serum. At the time of my purchase "nourish" by itself it was $36.00 for 1 oz/ 29 ml size.

I also was very pleased with how this product dispensed.  An eye dropper helps keep the product from picking up any residue you might have on your hands.

I was disappointed when I went to purchase "nourish" again that it had been discontinued and replaced with a new formulation called "Phoenix" I wrote to Herbivore expressing my disappointment wishing they had "nourish" and added "Phoenix" to the line up.  It was my hope being a smaller skin care business they might make a batch of  my beloved "nourish" 1 oz size in the round dropper bottle or better yet put back in their product line. 

Here is to hoping Herbivore doesn't change their "hydrate" and "sea mist" sprays.

Herbivore Botanicals are available at their own online site , select retail shops and Etsy.

No compensation of any kind was received from Herbivore Botanicals.  Opinions expressed are based on my personal experience, yours may differ. Photos copyright 2014 beach house living.