My Rainbow Story

Oh my, the world is so colorful!

Yesterday around dusk, I looked up and said aloud, "I think the sky split open like a 50-50 bar!" You see, we're experiencing a tropical storm coming up from Baja, so it's been hot and humid with temps in the 90's. How is it where you are? For more sky photos, visit Skywatch Friday

What is a rainbow, anyways?

A rainbow is an optical and meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection of light in water droplets in the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It takes the form of a multicoloured arc. Rainbows caused by sunlight always appear in the section of sky directly opposite the sun. Read more from Wikipedia.

So, what are you reading?

I've opened up the 433 page book by Franklin Graham that is all about quoting his Dad! It's from ThomasNelson, Billy Graham in Quotes

The Friday 56

When confronted with the world's problems, we Christians say automatically: "Christianity is the answer." But this is not true! It is the application of Christianity that is the answer.

-- Billy Graham

My Story

For those of you who may not know, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer in January of this year. After many tests, like mammograms, ultra sound and an MRI... I'm happy overjoyed to share with you my good news and hope that you will rejoice with me, I am cancer free.

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Gen.9: 13-16

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,  I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.  Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."  

Irish Blessing  

I chose one word, JOY at the beginning of 2013 because I wanted to follow a blog meme at, Only A Breath. I desired to have real joy in my life, not just because 5 grandchildren already bring me an unlimited amount of joy... but because I sensed the stress that was increasing in this very troubled world we live in and I wanted to experience something deep within that could carry me beyond my feelings and be a lifeline, if you will... to whatever I was experiencing or seeing at the time. Little did I know, He had a plan for me through it all! So, for now I'm out of the woods but this is a yearly, on-going test and they say early detection is best. I agree... and I'm learning to express the joy in my heart with thanksgiving and praise each new day. Would you agree?

May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer. 

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone!


Blessings,






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: Vacations with Buster (The Buster Series, #2)

I was thrilled to hear that I would be working again with author, London Lake Pickett. What I mean is that I have this wonderful opportunity to write a review for the second children's book in a series, Vacations with Buster. I met Buster in the first book, a warm and like-able pet... plus, he's a very smart guide dog and I blogged about my reading experience at Adventures with Buster.

• About The Book

"Vacations with Buster" is the second book in a series about guide dogs and blindness. London Lake Pickett shares experiences she has had with her guide dog named Buster. Although it is a children's book, the story will entertain and educate all readers.

• My Review

Buster is a special, well-behaved guide dog who has been trained to safely guide London to many places. You see, they go everywhere together because she has an eye disease (blind in left eye and has ten percent right vision). Sometimes we all need one another and Buster helps London to avoid tripping and falling, especially bumping into things or getting lost. You can't help but want to pet these dogs when you see them, but the author tells us it's best to let the dog do his job of protecting someone who cannot see above or below or all round the side very well. These messages are an important theme throughout the book.

There's another part of the story that I especially like. It's about fun and friendship together! You never know what Buster and London will find on their walk. You'll read all about Buster's adventures at a school, enjoying the beach, taking a hiking trip to the mountains and the desert, and having a wonderful time together with London.  Love-able, 100 pound Buster even knows how to be quiet and he's well behaved in a small shop with life-size stuffed animals.  London communicates by saying commands and Buster follows them. Learn a list of commands in the back of the book. The illustrations are nice.

I highly recommend this educational book about blindness and guide dogs. It will make a great addition to home, school and church libraries. 5/5 stars!

• About The Author

Buster lives in North Carolina with London, her husband and children, their three dogs, a cat named Bear and four fish."Adventures with Buster" is the first in a series, "The Buster Series". "Vacations with Buster" "The Adventures Continue with a Guide Dog Named Buster" is available for purchase.

Vacations with Buster (The Buster Series, #2)


Happy Reading!






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Review: Love Thug (a.k.a Can't I Do Anything Wrong?)

Romantic comedy, especially for boys 10-13

                                       LOVE THUG (a.k.a. Can't I Do Anything Wrong?)

I was fortunate to have Daniel Berenson contact LadyD Books for a review on his recently published book, Love Thug. I'm the lucky one! The bug has 81 pages with an illustration for each chapter.

About The Book

 Billy Cantrell, normally a highly motivated student, is having the biggest crisis of his life. He has fallen madly in love with the hottest babe in his class.

There's only one problem: she already has a boyfriend, who happens to be a low-achieving dude with a totally crude 'tude--in other words, the exact opposite of Billy.

What's a guy like Billy to do? Well, he's going to do a major makeover, that's what. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more trying to please his teachers or parents. To win the girl of his dreams, Billy will turn himself into a LOVE THUG. Then he'll have to outduel his competitor in a real-life punkathon to see who ends up as the new King of the Hill.

Will Billy triumph and win his dearly beloved or go down in flames?

LOVE THUG is a romantic comedy--full of love, heartache, and silliness. Anyone who's ever been crazy in love will identify with this story of kids doing what they do best: following their dream no matter where it takes them, no matter what the cost.

Love Thug Trailer

My Review

The writing is smart and hilarious with some deeper meanings that come out well. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and loved the ambitious drive of the main character, Billy who desperately pursues a romantic relationship with school heart-throb Veronica, but she already has a boyfriend. The story plot has a great universal hook in that most tween boys like girls. Plus, there's a great moral lesson to be learned from best friends, Kevin and Laurie. Mostly, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself and simply be you! From love thug to love bug you'll enjoy this classic comic novella for kids. I highly recommend this adolescent love story. I guarantee it will give you a chuckle. 5/5 stars!

Biography

Daniel Berenson is a long time elementary and middle school educator in North Carolina (with a year in England as a Fulbright Exchange Teacher thrown in). He is the founder and principal contributor at Freaky Dude Books, where he posts original poetry, videos, and achingly poignant pearls of wisdom. At the site he also maintains a blog with news and timely, incisive comments. However the blog has been in essence taken over by Dr. Crankenfuss, the middle schooler who lives in Daniel's head and who invests most of his energy in perpetual rants against real or perceived injustices. Daniel writes novels, short story collections, poetry, and joke books for kids aged nine and up including maturity-challenged adults.

Happy Reading!






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Summer Sunset: August Sky

At the beginning of this month, our granddaughter came to SoCal for a visit from up North. We were so fortunate to step outside and see these glorious skies lit-up in the West. The temperature here has been in the low 80s and really not too hot for this time of year. Already we have harvested the corn and green beans from our garden and now everyone is enjoying fresh watermelon off the vine.

Be sure and visit more sunsets at Skywatch Friday

The silhouettes of old fan palms are a familiar site in Southern California. I have always admired their tall standing, especially at the beach!

Did you know that the Mexican Fan Palm can reach heights to over 100 feet? For more information, visit www.sunpalmtrees.com

I think this is a spectacular summer sunset and I've been so fortunate to pretty much have it all to myself. Living in a rural area has its advantages because the house lots are zoned for 1 1/2 - 2 acre parcels.

Now, don't go thinking I'm all alone, like this lonely palm tree out in the avocado grove. You see, we have lovely neighbors all around and many of them are avocado growers, too. Do you like avocados? We harvest ours twice a year to market.

Maybe you can spot our overhead power lines in the lower left corner. Perhaps this is a disadvantage to living out in the country but I don't mind. It would cost a fortune to do under ground utilities... maybe someday my grandchildren will see the development but for now, I love their silhouettes also. Are the overhead lines where you are?

I have lived in Southern California since I was 3 and continue to enjoy our wonderful weather. As our summer days come to a close and kids head off to school (many districts began mid-august) while others start after Labor Day, I hope your summer has been filled with warm memories and glorious sunsets!
Oh, and maybe you can join me on Pinterest to see books, sunsets and more boards at LadyDpiano on Pinterest





The Friday 56



About The Book

Tom Brokaw of NBC Nightly News once said of the American icon Fred Rogers, "Mister Rogers was an ordained minister, but he never talked about God on his program. He didn't need to."
Eight years before his death, Fred Rogers met author, educator, and speaker Amy Hollingsworth. What started as a television interview turned into a wonderful friendship spanning dozens of letters detailing the driving force behind this gentle man of extraordinary influence. Educator? Philosopher? Psychologist? Minister? Here is an intimate portrait of the real Mister Rogers.
The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers focuses on Mr. Rogers' spiritual legacy, but it is much more than that. It shows us a man who, to paraphrase the words of St. Francis of Assisi, "preached the gospel at all times; when necessary he used words."

About the Author

Amy Hollingsworth is the author of The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers: Spiritual Insights from the World's Most Beloved Neighbor, based on her nine-year friendship with television's Fred Rogers. She has a master's degree in counseling psychology and a bachelor's degree in English and is an adjunct professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she lives with her husband Jeff and their children, Jonathan and Emily. She has written for various magazines, including ParentLife, and was a writer for eight years for The 700 Club television program.    

"Once on his program, Fred went to visit portrait painter Dianne Dengel, who had previously painted a portrait of Fred's father. Dianne had painted the portrait when she was a teenager, and because she was too poor to buy paintbrushes, she had used what she could: her fingers and little rolled-up pieces of paper."  -- Amy Hollingsworth        

I have always loved Mr. Rogers and my children grew up watching him on television.

TGIF! Happy weekend, everyone!








“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: Natural Vitamin Water Recipes

Book Description

Refreshing, Easy, Healthy Vitamin Water Drink Recipes

Plain water can be boring, and to get away from this we often turn to overly sweet drinks loaded with sugar or sugar alternatives. We know these aren’t good for our health, but many times we probably find ourselves rationalizing that it’s better than nothing. But thanks to natural vitamin water you can say goodbye to soft drinks, juice, sports drinks, and other sugary processed beverages. Vitamin water is a healthy, safe alternative that will improve your health and wellness, and help you take off and keep off excess weight.

So what exactly is it? Natural vitamin water is water that has been infused with fruit, vegetables, or herbs. It’s a lot like a supercharged spa water, but made for every day use and completely affordable and healthy. It’s finally an alternative to soda and juice!

In Natural Vitamin Water Recipes, You Will Discover:

• Tons of healthy, tasty natural vitamin water recipes. Each recipe includes what it does for you (energize, for example), and the nutritional facts.
• Natural vitamin water's history, and the truth about commercial vitamin waters.
• How to make natural vitamin waters from scratch. When you're done this book, not only will you be able to make the recipes in the book, but you will know how to start creating your own unique recipes.

It's finally an alternative to soda and juice.

In Natural Vitamin Water Recipes, You Will Discover:

• Tons of healthy, tasty natural vitamin water recipes. Each recipe includes what it does for you (energize, for example), and the nutritional facts.
• Natural vitamin water's history, and the truth about commercial vitamin waters.
• How to make natural vitamin waters from scratch. When you're done this book, not only will you be able to make the recipes in the book, but you will know how to start creating your own unique recipes.

Book Review

A well organized book with beautiful pictures of healthy Vitamin Water. You'll find numerous recipes that will rejuvenate, relax, recharge, heal and soothe the body. What I enjoy the most is the simplicity of adding fruits, veggies and herbs to your water with ingredients that you probably have on hand or nearby in the garden. I especially like Berry Basil and Berry Spice for energy. In addition, Apple Pie and Apple Ginger provide a refreshing drink for healing. It's so nice to drink water that is so beneficial to the body, low in calories and tastes good, too.    

5/5 stars. Recommend!

Personal Note

I'm using a quart canning jar and putting it in the refrigerator overnight.

Berry Basil is simply 1/2 c. blueberries, 5 basil leaves and 3 lemon slices.

Mint & Cuke Spa Water  uses 5 mint leaves and 10 cucumber slices.

Apple Pie has 1 apple and 2 cinnamon sticks. You could add a 2" piece of fresh ginger, too.

Lemon and mint is a good combo, along with 2 vanilla beans in your water.

Vitamin Water Recipes - Refreshing, Easy, Healthy Vitamin Water Drink Recipes (The Easy Recipe)

Enjoy!







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Book Review: We Laugh We Cry We Cook

We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook A Mom and Daughter Dish about the Food That Delights Them and the Love That Binds Them

By Becky Johnson and Rachel Randolph
Published by Zondervan   

 

Book Description

With down-to-earth wit, charm, love and laughter, a butter and bacon lovin’ mama and a vegan bean eatin’ daughter share humorous stories about the differences that test them, the foods that entice them, and the love that binds them.
Becky Johnson and her daughter Rachel Randolph come from a long line of laughter. The female side of her family tree is dotted with funny storytellers, prolific authors, hospitable home cooks, and champion chatters.
In We Love, We Laugh, We Cook, Becky—a butter and bacon loving mama—and Rachel—a vegan bean eating daughter—share stories of their crazy, wonderful, and sometimes challenging lives as Rachel becomes a mother herself.
Becky is messy; Rachel craves order. Becky forgets what month it is; Rachel is an organizational genius. (At least before baby arrives.) Sprinkled throughout are the lip-smacking, nourishing recipes they love to make and share.

From food for a family reunion of thirty, to lunch for a party of one in a high chair, to a hot meal for a sick friend, the authors demonstrate grace, acceptance, and love to others through the bonding gifts of humor, attentive listening, and cooking … whether diners prefer beef or tofu in their stew.           

My Review

A sensational read about two very different people, a mother and daughter, who love each other very much and cook up a storm from their unique perspectives that make this one extraordinary cookbook! I guarantee you will find laughter around your table like Becky Johnson and Rachel Randolph have.
Along with family memories being shared in this heart-felt book, you'll glean some new new recipes that for sure are winners in my book, from meat and potatoes to healthy vegan entrees. There's 12 easy chapters to read that will bring a smile to your face, along with a recipe or two to enjoy. I especially like that the recipes are indexed in the back of the book; veg, v, and gf. Congratulations to these authors and food bloggers because I rate this book 5/5 stars and happily welcome this wonderful cookbook to my kitchen library. Get the book. You won't be disappointed.

Visit www.laughcrycook.com

Here's what others are saying about the book:
We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook: A Mom and Daughter Dish about the Food That Delights Them and the Love That Binds Them

 





 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: The Dance of the Caterpillars

Book Description

While watching her Chinese immigrant son-in-law learn the English language, it became apparent to the author that prepositions are one of the most difficult concepts to comprehend. Therefore, The Dance of The Caterpillars was written as a fun way to teach prepositions. This exciting children’s book contains twenty-two prepositions, one two-word multiple, and two three-word multiples. It is destined to become a valuable learning tool for children as well as English as a second language students. This book includes English, traditional Korean characters, and Korean transliteration. There is also a vocabulary list at the back of the book for your continued study.

My Review

If you love fairies, frogs, toads, crickets, caterpillars and butterflies, you'll LOVE this book. The author has written not just a charming story that holds your interest throughout, but has provided a learning study for the Korean language. The brightly colored illustrations are adorned with musical notes that I especially like. The story line shows young ones how caterpillars gather in the garden and begin to dance, while fairies sprinkle magic dust. You know what happens next, what fun! My favorite line is, "They cha-cha-cha up one side of the pagoda, over the top and down the other side."

5/5 stars. Recommend.

Biography

"Alphabet Alliteration" is a new twist on an old subject, learning the English alphabet. "How The Fox Got His Color" and "Where Hummingbirds Come From" are picture books for children ages 3 - 6 years of age. "The Dance of The Caterpillars", a lesson in prepositions is designed for 2nd grade students. "The Gnomes of Knot-Hole Manor" is a chapter book targeting 3rd graders. It teaches words with silent letters and words that sound the same but are spelled differently.

"Catherine's Travels" is an historic novel that takes place in Missouri during the 1800's. Catherine and her family flee war torn Austria seeking a new life in America. Disaster strikes and Catherine finds herself alone in the wilderness.

Here's what others are saying: The Dance of the Caterpillars Bilingual Korean English

Happy Reading!







 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: Making Soap from Scratch

Making Soap from Scratch: Complete Beginner's Guide to Natural Handmade Soaps [Kindle Edition]

Book Description

“From start to finish, this guide makes natural, cold process soap making easy to master at any level. Thank you, Summer, for sharing your experience and recipes.” – Praise for Making Soap from Scratch

Cold process handmade soap is a surprisingly simple craft and art…when you’ve got the right guide. Look no further, Making Soap from Scratch is it!

With easy-to-follow instructions and straight-forward advice, soaping professional and instructor, Summer Vautier, will help you make natural soap at home from start to finish.

With this complete guide, you’ll easily master making natural soap for friends, family and for profit. This book includes:

• Step-by-step instructions for making cold process and hot process soap
• Equipment and ingredient checklists
• How to use molds, plus cutting and curing your soap
• Small and large batch soap recipes, from the luxurious to economical
• A guide to using essential oils and fragrances
• How to meet labeling requirements, plus getting creative with packaging for selling and gifting soap

This guide also includes swirling colors, making expensive-looking layers, incorporating embeds, and more! You’ll soon be making delicious-looking and smelling soaps, like:
Sweet Baby Chamomile Soap
Tough Guy Mahogany Soap
Chai Tea Latte Soap
Chocolate Peppermint Patty Soap
The Perfect Face Bar
Hawaiian Sunrise Soap
Fresh Cut Grass Soap
Spiced Holiday Pumpkin Pie Soap
Vanilla-Cherry Chip Soap
Lavender Sprig Soap
Lemon Crème Soap
Orange Sherbet Soap
Espresso Roast Soap
And more!

My Review

The author has shared her knowledge and experience of soap making to the beginner, as well as the experienced hobbyist. I have always admired this artwork and have enjoyed homemade bars of soap from the Farmer's Market. Here you'll discover the ins and outs to the craft from supplies and merchandise to safety gear and molds. Some of the recipes mentioned have a citrusy, pleasant scent while others have a buttery conditioning property. Others have a refreshing, cooling effect on the skin. An interesting note, there's a breakdown on how to make "Tough Guy's Soap" that is manly and mild, and soap for babies. In addition, clear steps are listed for dry skin and fragrance/color-free soap bars. If you love soap making, get the book.  (Very informative) 5/5 stars!

Biography

Summer Vautier first fell in love with natural soaps as a young girl. As an adult, she grew to fully appreciate homemade soaps and other natural goods for their purity and positive impact.

Summer is a soaping instructor, artist and entrepreneur. When not spending time with her husband and children, you can find her creating new soaps for her Lather Bee soap line, gardening, or lost in the jungle that is her craft room.

I personally don't know if I'd make my own soaps but I sure do like to buy so many of them at our local Farmer's Market. The delightful smells and aromas are marvelous, especially so many varieties with all kinds of shapes and sizes. I found this book to be very informative for soap making.

Making Soap from Scratch: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Natural Handmade Soaps

Happy reading!

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: A Day at The Zoo

Book Description

A day at the zoo is a book you can show and read to your kids that takes you on a poetic journey through the zoo with all your favorite animals and more. Read it to your kids for fun time or bed time, either way everyone will enjoy a day at the zoo.

My Thoughts

The author has captured 20 subjects (like animals, flowers and rainbows) with well written rhyme, no more than 6 lines of words. Along with some nice pictures, I found this book to be quite informative. My grandson, who is 5 especially likes The Ant Hill, while our 3 year old granddaughter loves Zebras! Perhaps you will see larger photos on your e-reader but on my iPad the pictures were fairly small. All in all, a wonderful visit to the zoo.    

4/5 stars. Recommend for young children.
 A Day at The Zoo

Biography

Terry Thompson grew up in a military family and has spent his entire life travelling around the world gaining valuable knowledge and experience that he shares with you through his writing about life and leadership. Terry has served in multiple positions of increased authority and responsibility that spans many assignment locations to include two deployments to Iraq, and one to Afghanistan. Terry has led teams as small as 3 to much larger groups of over 200. Terry brings to you valuable insight that he has gained from his personal and professional life that will lead you to success. Terry does this through multiple platforms to include his website (Leadertank.com) and his two books (Leadership Solved, Push Start, and What it takes to become a MENTOR).    

     

While my granddaughter was here for a visit, we were able to go to the Safari Park together once again. The lion and lioness were sleeping... well, maybe resting a bit in the shade from the warm temps but then, all of a sudden the lion sat up. I was able to take these pictures through the glass.

It was so nice to come home and read this eBook afterwards. Children really seem to like animals and enjoy reading about them, too.

A Day at The Zoo



 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Review: I Really Love You, Ava

                                                              I Really Love You, Ava

About The Book

What is real love? Little Ava Jacobs is dying to find the answer to this seemingly simple question. Through a mother's patience, grandparents' joy, and a couple's kindness, Ava finds the meaning of real love.

My Thoughts

Author, Amberly (Krissy) Clowe contacted LadyD Books in regards to reviewing her recently released picture book, I Really Love You, Ava. Naturally, since I have a sweet granddaughter (yes, and 4 wonderful grandsons, too)... well,  I said yes! The warm title of the book grabbed my heart right away and I was anxious to discover what was inside!

My Review  

I love when books open with a question and indeed, a little girl named Ava has a simple yearning, yet complex desire in her search to find what real love is. Being a grandmother of 5, for me this well written story hits home for every child's security and self-esteem issues and that is to recognize what love looks like and to process in their own way what love feels like. With the warm reflection of care and hope on the face of Ava's mother, she answers her daughter's question, "Sweetie, when you see it, you'll know." A most needed heart-felt message in today's world, along with warm illustrations about Ava Grace and her wonderful family life makes a great addition for home, school and church library.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend.

About The Author

Amberly Kristen Clowe has been writing stories since she was a little girl. She studied cihldren’s literature in college and graduated with a degree in early childhood education. After college, Amberly taught second grade for several years. Her students inspired her to revisit her passion for writing children’s literature. She credits them as the inspiration for her first picture book, Katie Ling Fashion Queen, which was published in 2011 with AwareNow Publishing. I Really Love You, Ava is Amberly’s second picture book. Her son, George, inspired this story about love and family. Today, caring for George and her daughter, Emma, as well as tackling many writing projects, keep Amberly very busy. She lives in Texas with her husband, children, two dogs, and six fish.   -- Amberly Kristen Clowe

Here's what others are saying about I Really Love You, Ava.

I look forward to reading more from the author. Thanks for the opportunity to read this sweet story, Amberly Kristen Clowe. Best wishes and much continued success!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Strawberry Fields Forever

In our neighborhood near this avocado grove, you'll find a huge farming operation of strawberry growers. Since the season is over now, there has been a tractor and a water truck on the land preparing the soil. Soon they'll be laying down the water pipes and the strawberry planting begins again.

Photo for Skywatch Friday

Farmer's have lots of faith and they work so hard in the fields. They get the job done! It will be worth the wait again, longing to enjoy this wonderful fruit again. Do you like strawberries? WE sure do!

Garden Blog and Website

I received a note from Dianne of www.igardenplanting.com awhile back. She came across the lovely strawberry photos and wanted to share one of their helpful articles with my readers. Have a look at, Complete Guide How To Grow Strawberries.

Hope you enjoyed this very informative article on growing strawberries. They truly are berry good for you!! Thanks, Dianne for your wonderful addition to this photography meme post!

The Friday 56

Vanilla-Cherry Chip Soap

"This is a recipe that challenges your soap making skills by incorporating embeds. The result is a delicious-looking vanilla soap bar with maraschino cherry chips." -- Summer Vautier

I wasn't able to find a strawberry soap bar recipe but this quote is the next best thing. Now we can smell good, too. I've never made my own soaps before... have you? I might want to try this someday but for now, I enjoy buying them from our local Farmer's Market.

Book Description

“From start to finish, this guide makes natural, cold process soap making easy to master at any level. Thank you, Summer, for sharing your experience and recipes.” – Praise for Making Soap from Scratch

Cold process handmade soap is a surprisingly simple craft and art…when you’ve got the right guide. Look no further, Making Soap from Scratch is it!

With easy-to-follow instructions and straight-forward advice, soaping professional and instructor, Summer Vautier, will help you make natural soap at home from start to finish.

With this complete guide, you’ll easily master making natural soap for friends, family and for profit. This book includes:

• Step-by-step instructions for making cold process and hot process soap
• Equipment and ingredient checklists
• How to use molds, plus cutting and curing your soap
• Small and large batch soap recipes, from the luxurious to economical
• A guide to using essential oils and fragrances
• How to meet labeling requirements, plus getting creative with packaging for selling and gifting soap

This guide also includes swirling colors, making expensive-looking layers, incorporating embeds, and more! You’ll soon be making delicious-looking and smelling soaps, like:
Sweet Baby Chamomile Soap
Tough Guy Mahogany Soap
Chai Tea Latte Soap
Chocolate Peppermint Patty Soap
The Perfect Face Bar
Hawaiian Sunrise Soap
Fresh Cut Grass Soap
Spiced Holiday Pumpkin Pie Soap
Vanilla-Cherry Chip Soap
Lavender Sprig Soap
Lemon Crème Soap
Orange Sherbet Soap
Espresso Roast Soap
And more!

Making Soap from Scratch: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Natural Handmade Soaps

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2013 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books