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Everything Southern & So Cotton Pickin Cute

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Getting Creative with the New Spellbinders Celebrations Collection

Being a Purex Insider you can usually expect me to show you the newest products to keep your clothes looking and smelling their best but today we're going in a whole new direction.

We're getting creative with PAPERCRAFTS!!



Today we're talking about the new Spellbinders Celebra'tions Collection by Richard Garay.  Richards new collection makes it easy for anyone to look like a crafting superstar. His complete collection features dies, stamps, paper, inks & accessories all coordinated to work perfectly together. They're making it easy for you to impress your friends with one-of-a-kind cards, gifts, scrapbook layouts & more.

When you see how these little kits make it so easy to create something unique, you'll realize you can make a card in minutes.  No more running out to the store for a last minute card that frankly, is less than impressive.


I was sent these two "make and take" kits that gave me everything I needed to create two beautiful projects, including an instruction sheet.  I changed a few things to make it my own, but didn't veer too far from their directions so you could see just how quick and easy they are to make.


I couldn't wait to create the "Celebrate Party Hat Card".  You can see I stayed with the original theme while still putting my own spin on it.


The polka-dot paper was two sided so I chose not to go with the pink. I have some decorative edge scissors so I used them to trim the papers.  Every time I looked at the instructions, the photo looked more like a slice of cheese to me than a party hat.  That's why I chose to put the flower at the top. Now that's a party hat.  I added a few extra rhinestones I had too.


I wanted to add a sentiment to the inside of my card since they included a set of 15 fun stamps that are made of photopolymer and feature cling technology so they can effortlessly adhere to clear blocks.  I love this set.  I'm going to be able to use it on so many projects.


I had a block and ink on hand so I was all set.  So easy peasy!!  A totally unique & cotton pickin' cute card in less that 10 minutes. Yay!


Time to create the next craft, which is the "Best Day Ever Treat Bag".

This was even faster than the card.  I cut the top of the bag with my decorative edge scissors and used my ink pad to add a touch of turquoise.  Glued the little "Happy Day" phrase they included to the tags that I also cut with decorative edge scissors, and popped on a little rhinestone.  After filling the bag with some candy, I wrapped the top of the bag with the twine included, threaded the tags and a sequin onto the string, and tied the bow.  Boom, Bam, Done!!


Every day is the perfect day for a Celebration!


Creating paper crafts is a fun way to pass the time and have something wonderful when you finish.  It's also a wonderful way to spend time with your kids. You can make something as simple or elaborate as you like.  You're only limited by your imagination.

You can learn more about Spellbinders, including video tutorials by visiting their website at: https://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Home.aspx

Disclosure:  The Spellbinders brand provided me this sample of Spellbinders Celebrations in exchange for this product review.  As alway all opinions are 100% my own.

Hugs Y'all...


But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.
~ Isaiah 64:8

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

What's In My Beach Bag - #LivingtheSaltLife


It's just now occurring to me that I haven't even shown you what's in my beach tote this summer.  I mean, I have been spending more time with this bag than I have with my purse.


I have my usual Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion and Coppertone dry oil but this year I also added Neutrogena Sport Face lotion for even more protection.

Two beach towels and a camera are a must.


In this little mesh cosmetic bag I keep my hair supplies and chap stick.  I love the Burt's Bees Shimmer Stick. It adds a touch of sheer sparkling color.


You can't hit the beach without shades.  We can't leave the beach without picking up a few shells, so I made this little beach shell collecting bag earlier this year.  I even added a little pouch for sharks teeth.


I take a book to read and Neil usually brings a crossword book to pass the time.  Since the beach can make you ravenous, I always pack plenty of snacks, the non-melting kind, along with water and drinks.  Neil's drink of choice is Lipton Diet Sparkling Kiwi Green Tea, he loves it.  Mine is always coke, but I'm actually enjoying water more than soda these days.


I also have this cool little insulated beach cooler seat.  It folds up and is so easy to tote. It's the perfect size for the 2 of us.  It's got 2 zippered compartments, one can hold a whole 6 pack of drinks.  The other's perfect for keys, change, etc...


I almost forgot, a cover-up like this tee-shirt dress is a must.  No putting shorts on over my bathing suit for the ride home.  Yuck.

My Top Tips

Tip #1:  I hand wash my swimsuit out as soon as I get home for 2 simple reasons.  First it keeps my suit from fading and keeps it nice looking, secondly it's washed and ready for that next trip to the beach or pool.

Tip #2:  I wash my beach towels and repack my tote, so that I'm ready to go at a moments notice.  I NEVER turn down a trip to the beach.

This year I traded in my usual beach bag for this huge tote bag instead.  I'm loving how roomy it is.  It's so much easier to find things now. But I did need to glam it up, so I sewed on a cute shell charm to the front.  Every bag needs a little sparkle.

So that's a glimpse inside my beach tote.  My motto is keep it simple.  Of course I don't have any little ones to pack for.  Been there - done that.

Are you a beach, lake or pool type of girl or guy?  What's in your bag?



Sunshine Wishes...


Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters; They have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders of the deep.
~ Psalms 107:23-24

Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash Giveaway #GetNoticed

Disclosure:  I love trying new products and being able to share my opinions with you.  I received the Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash from the Dial brand to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% my own. 

Just when I think Dial can't come up with anything I'll like more, they do.  I'd like to introduce you to the NEW Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash, the newest member of the Dial Coconut Water family.

Coconut Water
& Mango

Ultra Fresh Hydrating Body Wash
Summer 2014 seems to be the season of mango for me.  I fell in love with Mango tea and now I can bath in that same great mango scent!  Really, I wish I had smell vision for y'all.  I love the refreshing scent. Does summer have a scent?  I think so and Dial put it in a bottle for us to enjoy. Just a simple little something that makes me happy.

Healthier Skin.  Healthier You.

Coconut water is a leading trend known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes that help provide replenishing hydration. Mango is known for being nutrient rich and adds a touch of tropical freshness.

Win It

Thanks to Dial 2 Cotton Pickin Cute readers will each win a coupon for a FREE Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash.  To enter the giveaway, use the Giveaway Tools form below.

This giveaway will August 6th, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST.  The winners will have 48 hours to respond once notified by email, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.


Best of luck...


He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.
~ Acts 15:9

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Win a Years Supply of Purex Fels-Naptha "America's Stain Remover" #Giveaway


Who says older isn't better?  Not me, because the newest product on the block isn't always the best.  Take Purex's  Fel-Naptha laundry bar for instance.  Fels-Naptha has been removing stains for over 100 years.  

No kidding, since 1894 Purex Fels-Naptha laundry bar has been working overtime to remove greasy, oily stains, perspiration, and ring-around- the-collar.  To celebrate they will be giving away a year's supply each day from July 14-23 at 6 PM .

There's no time to waste......
Enter HERE Now!!!

Best of luck y'all...


Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
~ Psalm 51:7

Monday, July 21, 2014

Win a $1000 GC in the Purex One Step Ahead #Giveaway



Purex is a giving machine!  They don't just save you money on the best detergents around, but they also give away prizes because they appreciate their fans and customers so much.

I love being a Purex Insider because I get to share all the good news with you.  Right now they have another awesome sweepstakes going on.  

How would you like to be the grand prize winner of this awesome prize pack?
  • A gift certificate valed at $1000 from One Step Ahead
  • A years supply of Purex Baby Detergent
  • A years Supply of Purex Crystals for Baby
This sweepstakes ends July 31st 3 PM PST, so be sure to get your entry in now.

To enter this sweepstakes just click here or click the photo above.


Best of luck y'all...


And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them.  But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. " Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."
~ Mark 10:13-16

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Random Things I Love This Summer

Things I love, like.....


The beautiful shapes and colors the sea deposits on the shore for me to find.  As far as the sharks teeth go, Neil seems to have the eagle eye for spotting them this summer.


The bright colors and shape of colors of new clothes before the sizing has been washed out.


Being the first person to flip through a brand new magazine with it's crisp pages.  *I'm the lucky recipient of bag fulls of magazines from my neighbor, and hers are almost like new, heck sometimes I think she never opened them.


Giving my feet a paraffin wax treatment.


Playing with all the fun, bold nail polishes available this summer.


Dipping my colorful toes in the sea and sand.


Having a basket full of swimsuits to choose from. *Secret...I still want more. shh - it's our secret.


Giving things away.
Speaking of which, my Hapari Swimsuit giveaway is coming to an end.  One lucky winner will receive a $100 Hapari gift code!  You can enter here, but hurry it ends July 20th at 11:59 pm EST.


Most of all I love knowing I can look for all the answers in the book next to my bed. Gods word is there for me in good times and in bad.  He will never forsake me or you.

Now I want to know what is something that you love.  Tell me what makes you smile.  Is it your kids, maybe your fur babies?  Is it your new flip-flops or an iced coffee?  Lets hear all about it, don't be shy...spill the beans!


Happy weekend y'all...


Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
~ Jeremiah 33:3

Monday, July 14, 2014

Day Trippin' to Green Cove Springs, Florida

As part of our get out and explore summer, we visited Green Cove Springs, Fl. which is just a short drive from Jacksonville.


Over 7,000 years ago natives first inhabited the area after being drawn by the warm mineral springs.


Green Cove Springs is named after the portion of the St. Johns River where it is built. The river bends here, and the area is sheltered by trees that are perennially green.  It's mother natures way of giving visitors a wonderful respite from the summers heat.


I love the mini dips of the rolling green lawn.  The Jacksonville area is pretty much as flat as a pancake, with the exception of a few spots.


Doesn't this little bridge have the cutest iron work.


I love spotting sweet little gems like this when I'm out sightseeing.




You can see their city sign represents the spring, river and greenery it's famous for.


Don't you love the old Spanish architecture of the Old City Hall.


The mix of the victorian architecture and spanish moss draping the old oaks leaves a haunting impression.  

The hydrological spring,  locally know as the "original Fountain of Youth", attracted guests in the 19th century.  At the time more than a dozen hotels sprang up near the spring.


Today the sulfur-scented spring water feeds an adjacent public swimming pool.

I still remember taking a Sunday drive with daddy when I was very little girl and visiting the park.  Well it could have been a Saturday but that's what dad liked to call those drives. I never forgot the sight of the big pool or how daddy explained it spring fed waters.  It's funny how those little moments of time stay with us all our lives.  I treasure them.


It's hard to see how deep it is because the crystal clear water clearly shows the beautiful green trees and blue skies in its reflection.






The spring water leaves the pool and travels pass bald cypress knees a short distance to the St. Johns River.


The photo above is the little stream of spring water that flows to the St. Johns River.  I love all the greenery of the banana trees surrounding it.  Just looking at this photo cools me off by 10 degrees.


Source: http://www.greencovesprings.com/departments/city_pier.php

The city pier is the perfect place to pull up to and take a break.  I mean really, who wouldn't enjoy this view.


The Pier provides a centrally located covered pavilion and 12 floating finger boat slips which allows visitors to dock for very affordable prices:

  • 0-6 hours of dockage with electricity and water....$5.00
  • Over 6 hours with electricity and water $10.00
  • Overnight with electricity and water......................$20.00




All-in-all, it was another nice day in the south.  If you're ever in my neck of the woods be sure to visit Green Cove Springs and stay awhile.

Where have you been lately?  Maybe you enjoyed something fun or pretty right in your own neighborhood.  I'd love to hear about it.  I hope you'll share some comment love with me.  

Hugs Y'all...


P.S.  Don't forget to stop by and enter my $100 Hapari Swimsuit giveaway here.

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; it's leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:8