The Treat of Christmas Trades

This past week I agreed to doing an exchange with Soft Paw Creations for Christmas.  I had purchased from Michelle before so I knew I would love what I got.

I got my items today and they are even more beautiful and elegant than in the the pictures.  So I'm dedicating today to showing off some of her beautiful items.

Let me share a little about Michelle with you.  In Michelle's words: "Regardless of our age, gender or season, we are all unique individuals.  Every item I create belongs with someone special.  Life is full of chances for us to show the world what makes us unique.  So, take a look through my shop and find the item(s) that is just waiting for you.  If you don't see exactly what you wanted, send me a note and I would love to create a piece to fit you perfectly."

Red Agate Necklace - These wonderful red agate beads showcase the splendor of Mother Nature.  Each bead is unique in color and patter. 

Turquoise Aqua Bracelet - I love the colors of the sea, and this handmade bracelet has a lot of them.  I have used glass turquoise beads, chalk turquoise, and Czech fire polished beads that shimmer in the light.

Cameo Necklace -  Cameo's are a symbol of times past, when romance was in the air and a racy date was riding in a carriage with the top up. 

Handmade Rosary - Looking for the perfect gift?  This may be what you're looking for.

Take a look at all the other beautiful items Michelle is offering at Soft Paw Creations.  Use coupon code "winter12" at checkout for 15% off.  Don't forget to ask for a custom order if you need something special!

Whats on Your Skin

Shea Body Butter

Everyone these days are trying to better there health.  Are you watching what you eat, reading labels and counting calories?  Exercising more?  What about your skin, are you reading the labels of your favorite skin care or lotion?  Not many of us do.  I know I didn't think twice about it before I started my own cosmetics and skin care shop.  I love lotion that can not only smell wonderful but does what it is suppose to.  If you have dry skin, Shea Body Butter is what you need, but you need a healthy, natural lotion.  My Shea Butter is full of beautiful whipped organic Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Sweet Almond Oil.  Can't go wrong there, unless you have an allergy to nuts, then you may not want to risk the Almond Oil.  
Let me tell you the ingredients from my favorite night time cream BEFORE I realized what I was putting on my skin.  

• Glycerin which is ok if it is plant based.  Animal based has been researched to have cancer agents.  It's called a "polyhydric alcohol" which is a substance that is extremely drying to the skin, which is used in lotion that is suppose to nourish our dry skin.
• Cetyl Alcohol and all alcohol is drying to the skin
• Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Ethylparaben these are parabens that are used to extend shelf life of products.  They can cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes.
• Mineral Oil is a common ingredient in commercial lotions, skin care and baby products.  Mineral Oil is not a natural ingredient it is a byproduct that is produced by man.  In short this oil cannot be absorb by your skin.  It clogs your pores which allows for moisture and bacteria to breed.  Your skin can't breath and the end result will be skin irritation and acne.

We all want that youthful soft glowing skin, don't we?  So many products out there offer just that.  Here is one problem:  the ingredients.  Most products that promise the sun and moon are full of chemicals.  Take some time and read what your putting on your skin.  If you can't read the label you might want to try all-natural.  Be good to the skin your in!

Welcome

I would like to start by introducing myself.  My name is Amee and I am the mother of 2 boys.  As a stay at home mother I began to feel as if there wasn't much in my life that was just about me.

Brass Buttercup Glitter

I started making my own mineral makeup so I could have gifts for birthdays and holidays.  It wasn't long before I realized I had gone overboard and had way too much stuff.  I took a shot on Etsy and found that I could sell my hobby.

Firecracker

I decided one day to invite my sister Lisa into my creations.  I needed new ideas and I was drawing a blank.  Her fresh look on things was just what was needed.  We now have incorporated bath and body products and skin care products to our Etsy shop and have our own website visualeyescosmetics.indiemade.com  All of our ingredients are carefully researched.  We sell only all-natural, organic and vegan products.

I have learned so much about running my own online store and I can't wait to give you some tips that have helped me.