The Dirty Housewife Soap Co.

DayTripping Through New England: Portland Maine

2011-08-24T08:32:00.019-04:00

I must admit that the first time I went to Portland, it was incredible! I was also DayTripping in a Nor'Easter while carelessly taking the back roads up to Bar Harbor from Hampton Beach New Hampshire which turned out to be a 10 hour trip! What my husband and I were thinking, I have no clue! We will chalk it all up to a severe case of cabin fever in February.
This Summer's trip to Portland was quiet different. My daughter and I were actually able to get out and walk the streets and enjoy some of the culture. I am always in awe of classic New England architecture and Portland leaves you wanting nothing in that respect!

I also must admit that Portland DOES leave you wanting REAL food! Even after walking the city 3 times, I could not find anything other than Vegan food. I had to pass on the cold buckwheat noodles that everyone was offering...

Every Friday in the Square you can find street musicians filling the air with Indie music.I can never pass up live music, So we sat for a bit and listened...

My daughter found an old mail slot on a Goth style door and asked why they do not make these anymore...i did not know what to say other than 'cuz they just make inboxes now' so i just took her picture

Stop that Madison!! We are on a DayTrip! Mother-Daughter bonding time, ya know?
Kids.... (she did leave it in the car when we ended up at York's Wild Kingdom so I guess compromise is good)

And then she made up for it by posing for another photo

The Street Art was nice too

Window Shopping. I'd wear it..maybe

Street Games

Madison in front of Portland Museum of Art-can You see her?

we were too hungry to go in and this town blows for food unless you are an organically grown Vegan . We decided it was time to go to York's Wild Kingdom and have a damn Corn Dog which is exactly what we did and we don't even eat damn corn dogs.

So Long Portland...Next Stop, York Maine

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

2011-05-26T14:22:00.006-04:00

Beautiful & Seasonal Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. The easy way!

CLASSIC STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE

2 c. rhubarb, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 c. fresh strawberries, sliced in half
1 1/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
3 tbsp. butter, melted
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 unbaked pie crusts

Place strawberry and rhubarb mixed together on bottom crust in 8 or 9 inch pie pan. Mix other ingredients well. Pour evenly over top of fruit. Top with pie crust.

Make vents in top crust and sugar crust. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and finish baking until rhubarb is tender.

I used a coarse ground raw sugar and added red food coloring. Dust the top with it before baking. You can also use an egg white wash or melted butter for browning.

DIY Floral Ice Bowl

2011-02-14T10:29:00.007-05:00

I wanted to share this beautiful Floral Ice Bowl that I make for special occasions. It is so stunning and always impresses as a center piece for parties. Not only is it easy to make but it is gorgeous!

I love to add lots of greenery along with whole flowers and petals. Almost any flower can be used and I have found that lighter weight flowers work best. I actually prefer petals to whole buds as they tend freeze under the water line better. Every time I make one I try to use the brightest colors that I can find, and love to be seasonal. Holly and mistletoe work great in Winter too ! Herbs from your garden will also be breath taking embedded into the ice and is perfect for a Summer Garden Party!

This bowl can be made as small or large as your equipment will allow and can hold punch, fruit, shrimp cocktail...the list is endless! Just make sure that you keep an eye on the melting so as not to ruin your food items.

Let's get started!

Be sure to use a stainless steel bowl to hold the water as ceramic tends to crack under the freezing pressure. A small ceramic bowl for the inside seems to work out alright for me and has not cracked yet..

Choose your flowers/greenery and place inside SS bowl

Place small bowl on top of flowers inside SS bowl and pour water into SS bowl only without covering the small bowl

you want to be sure to center your smaller bowl exactly in the middle to create a 'bowl' on the inside. I have found that if you only put the water in to just barely lift and float the smaller bowl, it tends to stay in place better. Any more water than that and your smaller bowl will float while freezing which will leave you with a crooked center. It also is a good idea to keep checking for floating before it freezes completely.
Once you start to get a good freeze but can still see some water, remove SS bowl from freezer and add a tiny bit more COLD water to cover any petals that have risen out of the water and place back in freezer till frozen. If you do this after it freezes too much it will crack your ice, and you will have to start over.

Do not be discouraged when first attempting this, I have made many of them and will admit it usually takes at least 2 tries each time, but it is worth it for the end result !

Daytripping Through New England with the Dirty Housewife-The Isles Of Shoals

2011-01-29T05:36:00.015-05:00

One of my favorite spots in New England is actually shared by Maine and New Hampshire! A tiny cluster of 9 islands about '2 leagues' from the mainland.The Isles of Shoals were named by English explorer Capt. John Smith after sighting them in 1614. These islands literally drip with New England history and were once frequented by the likes of Celia Thaxter, Nathaniel Hawthorne,Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Childe Hassam just to name only a few. If you were anybody in the arts, music, and poetry community in the 19th Century, you were probably out there at one of Celia's Garden Parties at some point. Celia's Father, Thomas Laighton, opened a summer hotel on Appledore which led to the Oceanic Hotel which is still there and used today.
A murder mystery from 1873 that has spawned many plays, books, and movies;still surrounds the islands today. Smuttynose Island was also known as the site of Blackbeard's honeymoon, and for the shipwreck of the Spanish ship called the Sagunto.

Daytrip #2

You can take your own boat or catch a ride from Rye Beach NH. Many places along the NH seacoast will take you there while offering daytrips and lunch at the hotel, long walking trips, and even over night stays at The Oceanic. There is a rumor going around that they have recently begun to let non-members of the Unitarian Universalist Association stay over night...
At the Oceanic there is a dining room to have lunch, a gift shop, and a small community of people who keep the grounds as close to history as possible.

You are welcome to explore the island yourself or go with a group and a 'guide'. The times we have gone, we have walked on our own as not to be rushed and on a schedule. We brought a lunch and sat cliffside on some rocks and shared our lunch with some new friends..

their babies were close by and they were keeping heavy guard. The gulls love to fly from the mainland to lay their eggs on the islands.

The islanders take great pride in keeping things the way they were

Celia Thaxter spent almost her entire life on these islands, and was said to long for them while spending long hard Winters on the mainland. I can only imagine what her life must have been like there. A primitive yet fulfilling life, I imagine. Celia had a garden and cottage on Appledore island where she is buried today. The garden is kept and tended to by a 'club' and is said to still grow flowers that Celia herself planted. I can only dream of how happy this would make her today after over 150 years!

Celia chronicled her failures and
successes for fellow fledgling gardeners in her book " An Island garden" in which she wrote of her final passages on being a gardener, but it was
her lyrical passages that enthralled:
I never forget my planted seeds. Often I wake in the
night and think how the rains and the dews have
reached to the dry shell and softened it; how the
spirit of life begins to stir within, and the individuality
of the plant to assert itself; how it is thrusting
two hands forth from the imprisoning husk,
one, the root, to grasp the earth, to hold itself firm
and absorb its food, the other stretching above to
find the light, that it may drink in the breeze and
sunshine and so climb to its full perfection of beauty.
It is curious that the leaf should so love the light
and the root so hate it.*

The islands were her muse...

Isles of Shoals is a must see for anyone Daytripping Through New England!

Daytripping Through New England with The Dirty Housewife: Mystic CT

2011-01-03T20:14:00.010-05:00

Mini Vacations and Day trips are the perfect way to be tourists in your own backyard. No matter where you live, I am sure there are interesting places to see. I am not only the president of the DayTrip Society, but I am also a member. Okay, so there is no actual DayTrip "Society" so to speak, but that is what I like to call my family day trips. I am a transplant of New England by way of Atlanta and Delaware, and I am pretty sure I will call it home for the rest of my life. In the 7 years I have been here I have fallen madly, deeply in awe and love. There is no better place on earth for nature and Mother nature. All four Seasons to the extreme; mountains, oceans, lakes, culture, history... the list is endless, truly. I am still working my way through it all , surely to never see everything.

I am compiling a list of fun,breathtaking, cultural, and not so expensive things to do should you ever make your way here. This may also a great guide for the locals, I am always amazed to find a life long native who has never ventured through the back roads of Maine alllll the way to Bar Harbor and Acadia. I did it right when I serendipitously read the wrong directions from Hampton Beach. It was the real 'backroads' --12 hours of them, alone with my husband in a snow storm. The highway takes about 6 hours. Oh the beautiful , beautiful things we saw and did (you can read about that later). So get out there! Make your own DayTrip Society or follow along with mine through New England, and be sure to check out some of these places if you are ever in town.

Tonight's post is on Mystic Connecticut-the first place I ever found myself at in New England...

I fell in love with Mystic from watching the movie Mystic Pizza , the one that ironically had Julia Roberts ( an Atlanta native) as the star. The seaport filmed in the movie called to my soul with the rustic views, foggy days, and amazing foliage. Loved the story too! When we went, we stayed overnight and as soon as the sun was up, I was out walking in the crisp February sunrise over the drawbridge. I walked everywhere( it is not very big ) , all over the piers and ports, through the small town and had coffee at a quaint little coffee shop. At the end of town is Mystic Pizza -an actual pizza shop that is covered in movie memorabilia. The pizza was not anything to die over, but fun all the same.

The Mystic Aquarium is priced right and is full of sea life exhibits and shows. It is home to the largest outdoor Beluga Whale exhibit in the U.S.

I think my favorite thing was Mystic Seaport , an actual 'living history Maritime museum' and is most noted for the incredible collection of sailing ships and boats. It captures the history of this seafaring village with over 15 vessels. And if you find your way there in June, be sure to check out the Seaport Sea Music Festival for all the best 'sea shanties'

the Charles Morgan

Mystic Connecticut is the best way of introduction to New England that I can think of, like the Van Morrison song "Into the Mystic" says...
I want to rock your gypsy soul
just like way back in the days of old
then magnificently we will float into the mystic

The Dirty Housewife Holiday Gift Guide

2010-11-30T12:08:00.025-05:00

As the Holidays are fast approaching, I wanted to give my readers and customers the gift of making shopping a little easier this year. I have put together this Holiday Gift Guide to show you all of the wonderful products and gift sets that will make any person on your list happy. I hope I will inspire some Holiday cheer...

Holiday Gift Guide

The Dirty Housewife is offering many Gift Sets this year. These are fun to give to one special person, or break the products up to give to many. There is something in each that everyone will love!

The Mermaid Collection Gift Set is packed full of gifts for ocean lovers. A salt bar shaped like a mermaid, Mermaid Hair products for that super sexy beachy look, A seaweed & sea salt full body detox, an Ayurvedic black ocean mud and kelp mask, and Cape Cod oceanic perfume!

You can also Make Your Own Gift Set .

In this set you will receive:
Your choice of one bar soap
Your choice of one roll on perfume oil
Your choice of one lip balm
Your choice of one 8 oz. bath salts

The Ultimate Gift Set is wonderful for moms or yourself. It is formulated with maturing skin, 30's and up. Aging is a serious privilege but it does not mean we have to look it.

This set includes:
1 "Gaaaa Im Gettin Old botox bar soap 2.5 oz
1 Clarify Mask 2 oz.
1 Callidora Facial Toner 4 oz.
1 Gaaa Im Getting Old Face Cream 1 oz.

A complete skin care regimen for 30's and over skin.

And I am sure everyone is up for a Menage a Trois Gift Set

This set includes 3 All Natural, handmade lotions. Many scents to choose from

Let's not forget about Stocking Stuffers!

You will have your choice of 4 roll on perfume oils in this set

If you are looking for Seasonal Products, here are some great

Great Gift Ideas

Santas Baby Perfume

Dazzle Santa with an essence he is sure to love! Santa's Baby perfume is perfect for the Holiday season with notes of cool Iced Lemon, Frozen Acord, Menthol, Woodland Moss, Spearmint, Wet Snow and a hint of twigs, berries, and warm vanilla.

Comes packaged for gift giving.

Dazzling Winter Ruby Soap

This soap screams Red! Bursting with juicy ruby red grapefruits, red currants, and jewel toned pomegranates. Sweet,sour, and juicy!
ruby red with a slight glitter of silver & gold

Sugar Plum Body Polish

Sugar Plum is sweet sweet sugary holiday berries,plums,lemon drops,and a lot of Holiday cheer!

Roasted Chestnuts Candle Did you know that only 9% of Americans actually 'roast chestnuts' ?

Winter Peach Bath Salts can be like a warm hug on a cold wintry night!

Winter peach is made with Dead Sea Salts and Jasmine Flowers. Winter Peach is warm and fuzzy with satisfying notes of fresh peach slices,sandalwood, oakmoss, juniper, and a hint of wood

The Lake House soy candle is perfect for the woodsy lover and fragrant like a Lake House. Balsam, fir, evergreen, cedar, berries and a hint of the forest. Perfectly Delightful..for the upcoming Autumn/ Winter Season and all year round!

The Dirty Housewife even has a gift for the picky one on your list! The Soap of The Month Club is a full year membership that will let your loved one try a new soap each month. Along with samples and a special soap for their Birthday Month, you can make them feel special all year. This steal also comes with FREE shipping! I also have 3 and 6 month memberships available too.

Gift Certificates are also available in any denomination and can be delivered virtually or by snail mail.

Please remember that all orders must be placed on or before December 15th for arrival by Dec. 24th. I am also available for custom orders, party favors, questions, and holiday cookie tasting :)
I hope everyone has the best Holiday yet and enjoys their family and friends this season!
Love,

www.thedirtyhousewife.net

Cooking with Garden Herbs

2010-06-05T15:36:00.010-04:00

Don't know what to do with all those yummy garden herbs you have planted? Or curious about the grocery store packages? Herbs are the very best way to flavor your food, not only naturally but aromatically. In cooking, these are called the 'aromatics'. It is also one of the easiest ways, almost fool proof once you master which herb compliments what.
Those little grocery store packages are great, but are not as fresh and your garden. It is also best to fertilize organically as well as pest control if needed. I always try to use the freshest possible herbs in my recipes, however dried works best in some recipes.

I wanted to start this series off with something basic and simple yet incredibly flavored.
You will find I am at times a basic cook using basic ingredients, but that is the beauty of the herbs making them even more powerful while they do all the work. You can also adjust these recipes to serve the number of people you are cooking for.

Purple Potatoes with Rosemary

1-2 pounds of purple potatoes (if these are not available in your area, red ones can be a delicious substitute.
3 sprigs of fresh Rosemary leaf (stem included) chopped fine
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (dare i say EVOO? ) lol

cut potatoes into small quarters and place in a large bowl with evoo, herbs and salt and pepper to taste (fresh cracked black or pink peppercorns work best)
Mix well

You can make large aluminum foil packets from a roll or buy the already made ones. Divide into even portions in the foil and roll seal the packet. I like to fold the corners to prevent leaking.
Bake at 450 degrees for 50 min. or grill for 1 hour.

Rosemary Lore: aids mental clarity and stimulates the central nervous system

Parsley Lore: aids in digestion, freshens breath, diuretic and blood purifier, and stimulates appetite and metabolism

Culinary Uses: Teas, Soups, Stews, Sauces, Salads, Pastas, Vinegars, Dressings, Meats and Fish

Caprese Salad

A main staple in my house, this salad is so simple yet earthy and elegant at the same time. I like to also mix entire salad with cooked pasta noodles on occasion and served chilled.
Traditionally, this salad is served with fresh basil leaves on the top of the salad, but I like the mozzarella to absorb the balsamic and oil.

This recipe is for one serving, but may be increased by doubling and so on

Fresh Basil works best in this recipe and can be grown in the kitchen as well as garden. here is my kitchen basil- i seriously have 2 plants in the garden in between my tomatoes for flavor and this one in my kitchen to have on hand. Have you ever seen such a large basil plant?? I'm so proud :)

1 large tomato
however many slices you get in your tomato is how many basil leaves you will need
evoo
garlic powder (optional)
balsamic vinegar ( i like lots of vinegar so this amount is to your taste)
fine ground sea salt and cracked black pepper
fresh mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella should be as fresh as possible and usually comes in a ball packed with juices. It should be soft and slightly salty with great texture. Do not skimp on your cheese-no processed stuff here!

Slice tomatoes and place flat on a plate and layer with 1-2 basil leaves depending on how big they are.
Top with 1/4-1/2 thick cheese slice.
Sprinkle spices and balsamic and a splash of oil.

I told you it was easy!

Basil Lore:

Properties: Antispasmodic, antidepressant, antiseptic, stimulant, tonic, febrifuge, diaphoretic, nervine, antibacterial, expectorant, appetizer, carminative, galactagogue and stomachic

Magickal Properties: Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection, Visionary, Fertility, Funeral, Consecration, Immortality and Purification

Culinary Uses: Teas, Soups, Stews, Sauces, Salads, Pastas, Vinegar?s, Dressings, Meats and Fish

Redefining your skin with Grape seed Oil

2010-03-07T06:50:00.006-05:00

Did you know that Grape seed oil is a by product of wine making? It is the oil pressed from the Vitis vinifera grapes. It can be used in a wide variety of cooking but is perfect as a preferred cosmetic ingredient for skin that is stressed and in need of repair and rejuvenation. It contains exceptional regenerative and restructering qualities as well as the strong ability to retain moisture. Grape seed oil is a very light oil and actually contains the lower percentage of oil but packs a strong punch and leaves a rich emollient on the surface.
The oil contains palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, as well as alpha linolenic, icosanoic, icosenoic and docosanoic fatty acids. Linoleic acid is very important for the health of the skin as well as cell membranes. It is light and and finely textured. It also contains proanthocyanidins which are serious antioxidants that help to fight free radicals and sun damage with it's high restructering properties. This oil is also highly noted for repair around the eyes.
I absolutely love this oil, it goes on light and non-sticky and has cleared up my winter skin issues! I am now making body/bath/massage oils with a base of Grape seed as well as others like hemp, rice bran, coconut, and olive. They are a wonderful addition to your skin care routine and make a great alternative to lotions or can be used with them for added moisture. Like I always say, Our skin is at it's finest when we properly nourish it. My Organic oils contain no fillers and actually nourish your skin. Our skin is our largest organ and everything we put on it is absorbed, you can use them with confidence. The essential oils are high quality and very potent and the fragrances are always phthalate free! Try it all over or just problem areas and especially great for the feet!

You can also find these oils in my new Butter Whip soaps!

Royal Purple

2009-12-27T06:08:00.013-05:00

Here are some Sunday Etsy finds in Winter Royal Purple-the perfect winter color!

I recently purchased this necklace and it is gorgeous! Corsair by walk on the moon. This artist is amazing too!

A vintage inspired crocheted hat-this is perfectly feminine for winter by Raeoflight

I just love this plum and lime trinket box by funwallart

A truly cool SOAP! It looks so real by amethystsoap

a stunning scarf by Cricketscreations for an 'evening out in Paris"

Mandala earrings by Ashley Duncan

I fell in love with this purple haired beauty and had to buy it for the DHW office! Beautiful painting by Donnadidit

Rich Tuscan inspired olive and plum earrings by WildWomanJewelry

Princess Purr in Purrrple. Cute tiny glass push pin set by kimiko611

and for all your royal gothic attire-this stunning necklace is by StaroftheEast

Perfect coupon organizer for all the housewives by AustinArtisan

Brand New Skin Care Facial Toners are here!

2009-12-03T13:03:00.003-05:00

Stop by The DHW on Etsy to see the launch of my brand new skin care line.
I am introducing this with a Aloe and Calendula Facial Toner mist click here to see this amazing new product and give the gift of Beauty to your skin Naturally!

Callidora~The gift of Beauty..Naturally!

Callidora is an exceptional Facial Toner and Hydrating Mist that is just right for all types of skin!

Organic Aloe and Calendula oil effectively soothe and calm skin
while maintaining skins natural PH balance. The uplifting blend of essential oils work in synchronicity to rejuvenate your face at a cellular level and can be used many times a day as a pick me up as well as toner. Spritz generously on face and neck or spray some on a cotton ball and smooth over face for a more concentrated effect.
This spray will also help to soothe minor cuts and burns as well as acting as a natural sanitizer.

Toners are a must for your skin care routine as it helps to remove left over build up and toxins that cleansers will miss.
Why not do it naturally? My Facial Toners are not full of any fillers or additives and work in harmony with your skin to maximize the benefits.

Essence: Callidora is a sweet blend of fruits, florals, and wood with a herbal-spa clean fragrance.

This is for 4 fluid ounces that comes packaged in a glass Cobalt Blue bottle with atomizer cap.

Ingredients: distilled water, rose water, witch hazel, aloe vera, (Calendula officinalis)Calendula oil, (Pelargonium graveolens) Geranium, (Aniba rosaeodora) Rosewood, (Organic Melaleuca alternifolia)Tea tree oil, (Citrus sinensis) Sweet Orange, (Citrus limonum)Lemon Oil, (Lavandula angustifolia)Lavender, (Juniperus communis)Juniper berry, preservative

October Sale items

2009-10-01T10:21:00.005-04:00

October 2009 Sale Items are:

Irish Cream Lip balm on sale for $2.50

Wake and Bake shea butter soap on sale for $4.00

Juniper hemp oil and shea butter soap on sale for $ 4.50

Gentleman's Creed on sale for $ 4.50

Lemon Leaf and Thyme 8 oz. candle on sale for $ 8.00

Happy Shopping!

The Secret life of bees

2009-09-26T09:10:00.006-04:00

What do the bees know that we don't? The Queen Bee has spoken and demanded all of her worshippers to hunt and harvest the very essence of one of nature's most beautiful gifts; the flower. Bring it back to my Queen-dom and feed me the essence of Life itself.And so they go... to travel miles upon miles to dance in whispers and hums on delicate flowers all the while and unwittingly introducing each one to another and creating magic and love all around them.There is something so sensual in the way that honey drips and oozes with it's amber mystique and naturally sweet nectar.
Sometimes nature can produce the best ingredients for health and well being. Honey is incredible when taken internally for a myriad of ailments. It also is extremely beneficial in skin care. One of the keys to skin care in keeping it soft , supple, and glowing is moisture!Simple Hydration! Honey is a Humectant- a substance that absorbs or helps another substance retain moisture. It is also oozing with antioxidants which help guard against uv rays and aids in the cell regeneration and skin renewal. It is also beaming with it's very own anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties due to the extremely high content of natural sugars and super low content of water.

For centuries women have been using honey in skin, hair, and over all beauty recipes. Even more than beneficial when taken internally. I use the raw and unfiltered honey in a variety of my products and bases to bring the extreme benefits to your gorgeous skin. You could also treat yourself to a honey mask at least 2 times a week. All you need is honey and time and you will have very very soft skin with all the suppleness you could desire. Don't be surprised if it starts to glow a bit and people start telling you that you are radiating a light and golden aura that they have never seen before!

Next time you have a visiting bee in your house, think about how hard he has probably worked today to help keep The Queen herself, and your skin for that matter, happy, and just gently shoo him out of a window or door and send him on his busy little way!

Here are just a few products to try at The Dirty Housewife that contain this life force

Land of Milk and Honey

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin

The Bitchy Teen

Charlotte Sometimes

2009-09-18T11:37:00.013-04:00

I am a child of the 80's -oops , did I just date myself? Anyway..The Cure was a favorite band-prob my all time favorite! Their music instantly takes me back to so many places, things, and people. I like to do random searches on Etsy with weird or quirky words. I searched "Charlotte" today and not surprisingly, the items that came up , fit perfectly with this deep and dark song.. So..Charlotte. Sometimes. :) Scroll down past lyrics (but read them first) to see these amazing items from Etsy Artists!

Charlotte Sometimes
The Cure © 1993

all the faces
all the voices blur
change to one face
change to one voice
prepare yourself for bed
the light seems bright
and glares on white walls
all the sounds of
charlotte sometimes
into the night with
charlotte sometimes

night after night she lay alone in bed
her eyes so open to the dark
the streets all looked so strange
they seemed so far away
but charlotte did not cry

the people seemed so close
playing expressionless games
the people seemed
so close
so many
other names...

sometimes i'm dreaming
where all the other people dance
sometimes i'm dreaming
charlotte sometimes
sometimes i'm dreaming
expressionless the trance
sometimes i'm dreaming
so many different names
sometimes i'm dreaming
the sounds all stay the same
sometimes i'm dreaming
she hopes to open shadowed eyes
on a different world
come to me
scared princess
charlotte sometimes

on that bleak track
(see the sun is gone again)
the tears were pouring down her face
she was crying and crying for a girl
who died so many years before...

charlotte sometimes crying for herself
charlotte sometimes dreams a wall around herself
but it's always with love
with so much love it looks like
everything else
of charlotte sometimes
so far away
glass sealed and pretty
charlotte sometimes

Frozen Charlottes are a type of unjointed china doll popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name came from Fair Charlotte, a well-known American folk ballad attributed to William Lorenzo Carter. It is believed to have been composed some time between 1833 and 1860. The ballad tells the tale of a beautiful young woman who set out in a sleigh with her lover, Charles, on a bitterly cold night to attend a ball fifteen miles away. Her mother warned her to wrap herself in a blanket to keep warm, but:

"No, no, no," fair Charlotte said
And she laughed like a gypsy queen
"To ride in blankets muffled up,
I never can be seen."

This FROZEN CHARLOTTE GERMAN BISQUE DOLL, a pocket watch pendant necklace in the Steampunk Fashion by edmdesigns is almost the embodiment of this song

Here Charlotte is already in her coffin at Ghost Love Jewelry

Here is Charlotte in Red by Nostalgia Factory

Poor Charlotte! Damaged and broken but still utterly sweet over at Reginas Studio

Beautiful and Bright "Liquid Charlotte" 5x5 signed print on canvas by OLAN

Charlotte Snow white teardrop earrings byLuxe Deluxe

A Darling "Charlotte Sometimes" custom skirt that is actually inspired by "The Standing on the beach" years -Love it and her shop! by Square Jane

An unassuming and graceful Sweet Charlotte Choker by Painted Horse

The perfect coffee Corset to make your coffee beautiful! The Charlotte by JennGee

And since it is Friday (Thank god ) here is the Charlotte Weekend Bag by Third Willow

Halloween Giveaway with Lemon Drop Studio!

2009-09-15T15:28:00.005-04:00

This is my very first Blog Giveaway and I have teamed up with Shauna from Lemon Drop Studio one of the sweetest places on Etsy! Shauna is sooo very fabulous and makes the sweetest things and most fun, happy, meaningful and timeless cards, silhouettes, prints and gift tags for family, friends and for YOU.

Shauna is the owner and designer behind lemon drop studio. Besides staying busy with her business, Shauna is an awesome + fun wife to Trask, lucky mom to sweet son Taylor, native Oregonian with a passion for family, life, kindness, crafts, blogging, sales, laughter + potty humor. Shauna earned her degree from the University of Oregon in Family and Human Services but is a happy stay-at-home mom and business owner with flair for sarcasm and the color green.

We are pleased to offer this adorable and Witchy Halloween Card

And she is even more than generous for throwing in these Skull tags that are more than perfect for scrapbooking, Halloween treat bags, decorations, cupcake toppers, card making and more.

So if you want to enter for a chance to win these 2 items here is what you have to do:

1. Tweet, blog, or Facebook this post and send me link
2. Visit Lemon Drop Studio and post your favorite item here in a comment

And for 2 extra entries make a purchase and reference my Blog in message to seller

Winner will be drawn on 09/22/09

Happy Halloween!

Vermont Maple Pumpkin Crunch soap

2009-08-31T09:15:00.003-04:00

Autumn is in the air here in New England and once again it is time for the crisp mornings, beautiful Fall colors, and Fall festivities! My new Pumpkin Crunch soap will have you feeling the change of seasons just in time! Loaded with anise, cloves, oatmeal powder, and turbinado sugar.

Essence: A deep and earthy pumpkin puree with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Topped with golden Vermont Maple syrup and crunchy oats. It is absolutely scrumptious!

Color: Rustic and naturally colored with earthy anise powder and spicy cloves

weighs approx. 4.5-5 oz.

*not for consumption even tho you will swear it is edible!

Sunday Stumbling

2009-08-16T19:55:00.003-04:00

I am so addicted to a website called Stumble Upon ! Be careful you soon will be also-but check out these cool links I have found while 'stumbling'

Any cool link you could ever want!

The cat that would not let go

Stimulate your Intellect for free!

For Moms to be

Cool way to recycle that wine bottle

A very layered Health Guru site-Interesting and addictive!

Create your own snowflakes

Laugh

Fun and Games

A site for everything you want to say

Etsy Love on a Sunday Morning

2009-08-16T08:25:00.007-04:00

Etsy Finds from searching"Sunday Mornings"
Enjoy...

Fired terra cotta clay church by Rothschild Studios

A very creative altered vintage dictionary piece made by trystbykerry

Easy like Sunday morning Aventurine earrings by Gritgoods

Brilliant Sunday morning porch scene byAE Ruffing

This too cute print on woodpaper reminds me of me on Sundays byRosiemusic

Silver leaf soap called Sunday Morning at The Dirty Housewife Soap Co.

Monday Mojitos!

2009-08-10T11:55:00.003-04:00

Don't you just hate Mondays? Make it better with this yummy recipe for a Cuban Mojito! No more than 2 or you will risk that gorgeous skin of yours as well as add up to 220 calories each straight to your ass! Enjoy!

In a mortar or mixing glass combine:
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp hot water
5 fresh spearmint leaves
then muddle
add 1 round slice of lime then muddle again

add shot of silver rum
pour mixture over ice
then squeeze 1 slice of lime on rim of glass-dip in sugar
add Sprite to fill then add one more! shot of rum
mix

:)

*you can also substitute sparkling mineral water or soda for Sprite. I have had it both ways and prefer the sweetness of Sprite-am not a fan of sparkling soda water!

July Blog Winner!

2009-08-09T11:12:00.002-04:00

The July winner for free soap is Julie! Julie please contact me for further details-I have tried to send you an announcement but cannot seem to do so!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the month of July!

Seaweed Therapy from the Oceans

2009-08-02T15:24:00.005-04:00

How many people actually EAT seaweed? Is it just a coastal living thing? Many people eat fish, lobster, shrimp! But hardly ever the plants in the sea. Living in Atlanta I had only eaten it in 'faux' Sushi,but since moving to the ocean 5 1/2 years ago, I gave it a try in many other things and fell in love. Well, as much as you can fall in love with seaweed.... When we eat sea plants we are tapping into the ancestral and restorative source of all life-the ocean.Ounce for ounce, they are higher in vitamins and minerals than any other food.Sea greens are one of natures richest sources of vegetable protein,providing full spectrum of beta carotene, chlorophyll, enzymes,amino acids,fiber, and Octacosanol for tissue oxygenation. They are in fact the most nutritionally dense plants on the planet. Some of the things they can do for the body from the inside are cleanse and purify like they do our oceans, use their powerful antioxidants to promote anti-cancer activity, boost overall bone health, and help to balance your thyroid. They are also extremely beneficial to pregnant women.
Sea green antioxidants can also increase your body's fat-burning ability.

And If you are not EATING seaweed, you should at least be putting it on your skin!

Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love who rose out of the sea, owed her supple skin, shiny hair , and sparkling eyes to the plants of the sea. Seaweed returns mineral salts to your skin that other environmental factors deplete. Skin cells retain moisture better from these essential minerals therefore increasing the elasticity and overall appearance. All the while adding amazing luster!
A seaweed bath is the most effective way to get the wondrous benefits! Seaweed balances your body chemistry instead of dehydrating it. The electrolytic magnetic action of the sea plants releases excess body fluids from congested cells and dissolves fatty wastes through the skin, replacing them with key minerals. If you live near an unpolluted ocean you can harvest the plants yourself, otherwise you can buy specialty seaweed soaks (coming soon to the DHW), or dehydrated forms at your local health food store. Immerse yourself in the transforming bath and let it work it's magick on you by coating and increasing perspiration to release toxins from your system, and replaces them by osmosis with minerals. 45 minutes is usually about right to balance the acid-alkaline system. Skin tone, color, and better circulation are almost immediately noticeable. Dry brush your skin before hand for best results. If you are under care for heart disease or high blood pressure , check with the Dr. to see if this is ok for you!

Some Sea Plants to try are:
Kelp-helps to remove radio active particles and heavy metals from the body. Also works as a blood purifier, relieves arthritis stiffness, and promotes adreneal, pituitary, and thyroid health.

Kombu- Powerful skin healing nutrient germanium. Highest in natural mineral salts.

Hijiki- high fiber with 20% protein also has the most calcium of any sea green.

Nori-It contains 50% protein! traditional in Sushi

Arame- this is one of the ocean's richest sources of iodine. promotes soft, wrinkle-free skin, enhances hair's glossiness and helps to prevent hair loss when taken internally.

Bladderwack- packed with vitamin K and is an adrenal stimulant.

Wakame-widely used in the Orient for hair growth, luster , and skin tone.

Dulse- 300 times more iodine and 50 times more iron than wheat. purifying and tonic effect on skin.

Irish Moss- full of electrolyte minerals. helps to detoxify, boost metabolism and strengthen hair, skin, and nails-and low sex drive

(this is the part where I tell you that this post is in NO WAY intended to replace the care of your Dr.. also to mention that some of this verbiage is taken straight outta the book "Healthy Healing" by Linda Page)

The wonders of Hemp Seed Oil

2009-07-30T12:36:00.002-04:00

Hemp Seed oil is pressed from the seed of the hemp (cannabis) plant irrespective of the strain of cannabis. However there is an extremely low or undetectable level of any psychoactive molecules in hemp seed oil as the seeds themselves do not contain psychoactive molecules. This oil typically contains between 30-35% oil by weight, and is extremely high in essential fatty acids. Cold pressed, unrefined hemp oil is dark to clear light green in color.The oil is of high nutritional value because its 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids, which matches the balance required by the human body.
(thank you wikipedia)

Hemp is a valuable, sustainable eco-friendly resource used widely and generously in many of my products.

How does it benefit your skin?
Skin is our largest organ;the part we know well is called the epidermis(outer layer) it is constantly dying, shedding, and renewing itself. In order for the epidermis to constantly do its job it needs to be protected. The key to protection is moisture! Hemp oil is a natural humectant which actually attracts moisture to the skin with all of it's wonderful efa's (essential fatty acids)This helps to promote healthy, soft and protected skin with Omega's 3,6,9. Not only does it greatly bring to your skin the benefits of protection but it can also be used to improve such skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

Hemp seed oil can also be eaten and is found to be even more beneficial than Flax seed oil for getting your omega's!

Skin benefits of Tea Tree Oil

2009-07-23T10:23:00.006-04:00

There is one product that I absolutely refuse to live without-Australian Tea tree oil. The healing properties of this oil in my personal skin care regimen are endless and necessary. What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is a clear to very pale golden color essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. The oil has beneficial medical properties (including antiseptic and antifungal, antibacterial action), and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties. Tea tree oil is usually used diluted, as reactions are common with pure tea tree oil, and it can cause irritation in dilution as well.(thanks wikipedia)
Tea tree oil has become a popular natural ingredient in all kinds of shampoos, face soaps and ointments because of its amazing healing powers.

This skin miracle comes from Australia, where over 300 species of tea trees naturally grow.

Aboriginal tribes in Australia have known of the tea tree's healing qualities for thousands of years.

Australian aboriginals have known the secret to healthy glowing skin for centuries. They used tea tree oil to soothe skin and to heal cuts, and now you can use tea tree oil too!

They boiled the leaves of the tea tree to make tea and antiseptic poultices that treated cuts, wounds, and skin infections.

One legend even describes a magical lagoon where native people bathed to heal their burns, cuts, and skin disorders. Tea trees surrounded the pool, and the fallen leaves created a natural healing bath.

Luckily we do not have to travel all the way to Australia! It is now easily available in the form of an essential oil and has many amazing benefits!

According to naturopathic and homeopathic doctor Asa Hershoff, DC, of Los Angeles and San Francisco, tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system.
Tea tree oil has been used to treat mouth ulcers and abscesses, conjunctivitis, acne, boils, impetigo, psoriasis, dandruff, vaginitis, thrush, septic wounds, cuts and abrasions, carbuncles, pus-filled infections, and ringworm. It is also said to ease the pain of burns and hemorrhoids and help rid the hair and body of lice and ticks.

As with any essential oil, please use properly and sparingly to avoid any irritations or overdoses-and if you are pregnant please be sure to consult your doctor before use!

As a general disinfectant: Soak in a bath once a week with 10 drops for about 20 minutes.

To spot treat acne: dab one drop directly on the blemish at bedtime or morning. It is highly concentrated and one drop is all that is needed. The anti fungal properties will cleanse and help to speed up healing time.

To help a cold, cough , or congestion: add 2-3 drops to boiled water and create a steam remedy by placing your head over the bowl of water. Use a towel over your head to keep steam in. Do this for about 10 min. If symptoms persist for more than 5 days -consult your Dr.

For canker sores and tooth infections:add 3 drops in a cup of warm water and gargle twice a day. Be careful not to swallow this solution. It will not replace the dental care from your dentist but it will help to cleanse until you can see your Doctor.(Extra care should be exercised when Tea Tree Oil is taken internally. Overdosing on Tea Tree Oil can result in diarrhea, vomiting, impaired immune function, excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, and even coma. If you notice any of these symptoms of overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

To rid hair of Lice or dandruff: You can add 10-15 drops to your daily shampoo or apply directly to hair. Putting it directly on the scalp is not necessary in treatment of lice, put a few drops on a fine tooth comb and work through the hair.

Foot soak: Due to the anti-fungal properties this oil makes an excellent foot treatment. Add a few drop to olive oil or in a foot spa to relieve sore feet and fungal problems.

You can find Tea Tree Oil at almost all of your local health food stores and many online locations. Make sure you are getting pure oil as some makers will have additives even though it states it may be 100%
These natural remedies are in no way intended to replace the care of your Doctor.

Hyaluronic Acid-what is it?

2009-07-23T07:48:00.003-04:00

If you use my soaps, you know I am a big fan of Hyaluronic Acid. I use it in my "Gaaa I'm gettin old" facial bar, "MILF", "Blush" ,and "North Shore" just to name a few. But, what exactly is Hyaluronic Acid? Simply put , it is Sodium Hyaluronate and is
derived from sugar beets and soy; humectant that regulates the level of hydration of skin. It forms a moisturizing, non occlusive layer of moisture on the skin. It is also
an important molecule in connective tissues, especially the skin, where it forms part of the extracellular matrix and helps to maintain dermal volume. It is now the most commonly used material in cosmetic applications as a dermal filler since it is less allergenic than collagen and provides a longer-lasting result. It is known as "Nature's Botox" as it is intensely hydrating it ‘plumps’ the skin with moisture and gives the appearance of smooth, wrinkle-free skin. It helps protect against free radical damage and helps stimulates the skin’s natural regeneration process, to significantly improve its overall appearance.

Summer projects

2009-07-13T17:36:00.013-04:00

Oh boy ! This is a big one! I have decided to remodel my Victorian and I have a clean and ready space. I still need to finish painting the stairs but have found they are not so easy! I was going to hand paint but after taking these 'before' photos I think it will be easier to spray paint. Until taking photos of them , I really had no idea how it looked in all those tight corners! It is pretty neat and actually looks like a real house lol I hope you you have fun watching this work in progress! The outside is staying mint green unless I give in and paint it yellow! That is what I have been telling myself to do with the exterior! Who thinks I should go yellow? Or stay mint? I would love any ideas you want to throw my way for the inside. I love the cottage and shabby styles and all things feminine. My daughter is in Maine for the week and will be gone again in August so I am leaving my self no choice but to start the remodel this week! I will post updates and photos for you all to see!

The front view

storage space under stairs

Upstairs

Family room

The stairs in the hall/ foyer

top floor landing

the lighting is not so good in this photo but I am hoping to make this the kitchen!

the images in this post are of a Victorian Doll House :)

Daisies!

2009-07-12T08:54:00.010-04:00

What girl doesn't love Daisies?

Beach Daisy pendant by JoChris12

Earrings by Ben and Oliver

wristband by AOS Leather

Sunshine and Daisies by SSSJ

Daisy Chain apron by Pam Wares

Spinner Ring by Casual Gal

Upcycled Daisy bracelet at Katherine Cooper

Daisy Fine Art Photograph by Kristy Bee

Half apron by The Hopeless Romantic

Beach Cottage Inspirations

2009-07-12T08:19:00.007-04:00

I am still looking for everything beachy for my new house and have come across yet another cool site- Home By the Seashore

Salt and Pepper shakers

Saturday Hearts

2009-07-11T09:54:00.013-04:00

Etsy Artists just never cease to amaze me! Sharing is Caring:) So here ya go...
and Happy Saturday!

Love these earrings by Niu Taller

Vintage Pumps in Salmon! I so heart these at the Allen Company

I just traded a Wake and Bake soap for this completely cute bookmark! It is so delicate and beautifully made at Joyous Treasures

I love this amazing photo by Birds and Cerries

So shabby chic! I really wish I would have caught this one by My Finch

and this one too at Finding Fabulous shop
I have a thing for Retro phones!

I so wish my daughter was young enough for this adorable Mermaid outfit by Boutique NRF NY

Tea Time with Anita7276

If I could afford this I would make my husband play it for me on the Beach! Find it at Crooked Moon Mosaics

Inspirations for your Beach Cottage

2009-07-09T20:11:00.013-04:00

I have recently begun looking for the perfect beach-y house or cottage in New England. Look at the Seaside Cottage inspirations that I have come across at Cottage and Bungalow

Fun little frames!

Shell Platter

Eco-Art Pillows

Seaside Serenity Bedding

Outdoor furniture

Dinnerware

Zen for your Wednesday

2009-07-08T12:10:00.006-04:00

All Images can be found at The Mermaid Lounge

I "Heart" You !

2009-07-08T11:05:00.014-04:00

I have found some of the cutest things on Etsy ..

A Fabulous laptop cover from Beeyourselfdesigns

There is something so elegant and simple about this photo from an amazing photographer at YvetteInufio

Stunning sea jewelry from Staroftheeast

And honestly, these should be in the kitchen of every "Dirty Housewife"! Adorable cleaning gloves from Julie Meyer

And don't we all wish we could afford this bed?! A whopping $9,600 but worth every penny! Beautiful Apple Tree canopy bed from Attiladesign

One of my favorite Primitive artists on Etsy is TheBrokenHouse where you can find these stackable boxes in shabby chic colors!

Hello, Summer!?

2009-06-22T07:11:00.008-04:00

Ahhh Welcome to the official days of Summer! I spend my summer days lounging at the shore line with a book, magazines, water bottles, fresh fruit, ipod, and my daughter and a couple of friends. We nestle ourselves away at our private beach away from the tourists and enjoy lazy summer days. My daughter loves to tide pool and create little cities for the critters she finds, spending countless hours among the big rocks. Fireworks every Wednesday and fires on the beach at night-it really doesn't get better than summer. Especially when all winter long we hibernate inside watching the snow fall from our windows.
This year it has been 50 degrees and cold and rainy and I fear I am close to getting that dreadful SADS disorder, which typically comes on in winter, but never summer! Yesterday was the Summer Solstice and I am ready for sunshine and warmer days, long afternoons at the beach , and a walk on the boardwalk! Where are you Summer? I am dying to wear tanks, sandals, and long flowing skirts.To Feel the sea breeze in my hair! And smell like suntan oil! I simply cannot stand another week without you!

My Mom turned me into a Vampyre

2009-06-10T20:34:00.009-04:00

I am so excited for the new Season of True Blood to start on June 14th. It really doesn't even seem like it has been almost a year! Aww Sookie lol (only you who watch the show would find that funny , I suppose)

I also just started reading the most unusual book called You SuckIt is about a guy who's girlfriend "kills" him and how much she "sucks" Oh ya and there's also a dyed blue hooker in it -yup, dyed blue hooker! Christopher Moore has a unique style of writing that I have not seen much but I am falling in love with his quirkiness.

Wycked Good

2009-06-10T19:53:00.007-04:00

Wycked Good is right! On the New Hampshire Chronicle this evening on WMUR I saw a wonderful local artist who paints faces and bodies and transforms them into the most amazing pieces of art! Using water soluble paint that washes off and an airbrush pen along with bold and vibrant colors and a splash of 'fairy dust' she creates her elusive masterpieces. The segment was on painting of children and it was so sweet to watch them light up and 'transform' as Deidre MacDonald said. And transform they did, into her thoughtful and delicate works of art that won't be around forever.
Deidre also seemed to absolutely love her work and seemed to know just the right design for each one. Some of her works involve advertisements on models at various types of shows, parties,glitter tattoos, pregnant belly painting, haunted horror
makeup and special effects SFX.
The artist also said she practices daily on her own face.

It is so amazing what some artists can do!

Wycked Cool

Going Green for Breakfast

2009-05-12T11:08:00.004-04:00

Anyone else juice your breakfast? Lunch? Snack?
Here is my favorite recipe for a "Green" juice:

2 celery stalks
1 orange
1 large handful of spinach
1 kiwi
1 half cucumber
2 carrots
2 strawberries
1 green apple

save the pulp for stocks but be sure to use within 1 day

Luckily for me and this lucky little lady bug-I spotted it before tossing in the juicer!

Even if your fruits and veggies are cold, chill blend for atleast 30 min.
and Enjoy!

Another one of my favorite recipe:
berries of choice
then drench with Balsamic Vinegar to taste and a generous amount of white sugar.
Let sit for 1 hour in frig and it is even better overnight when the vinegar and sugar have made a syrupy juice!

And also try Acorn squash baked in oven at 350 degrees for 35-40 min , cored and sprinkled with butter, brown sugar , and coconut flakes! This is a meal in itself and also even better with Butternut Squash!

BoojiBoo

2009-05-10T07:03:00.004-04:00

I recently came across another Fantastic Etsian who makes lovely little aprons! I wanted to introduce her shop here cuz I know all of my customers will just fall in love with her products! I give you ...Boojiboo

"Boojiboo is a Mother and Daughter team of three. I am a stay at home Mom and both my daughters are helpers. Though we are considered 'apron people' now, we weren't ten years ago! I first started selling handmade raggedy ann dolls by myself. My eldest daughter started helping and we added Purses and totes to our products. My youngest daughter joined in on the fun and then we began making the aprons you see today! We've been doing craft shows for about ten years and only started selling on etsy two and a half years ago. We are so glad we did!"

Here are the aprons that I bought. They came shipped very quickly and wrapped and sealed a in a large plastic bag. The material is top of the line and the details and cleans lines are just perfect! I kept one for myself and gave the other to my daughter. I have always had a fascination with aprons and am so delighted to have found her!

Boojiboo also makes full sized aprons

Plus sized

and even smaller sizes that are perfect for the craft fairs to hold your business card or even bartending!

Or for the little cooks in your life

and even for Boys!!

You can also find links to her other fabulous etsy shops where she makes bibs and bags!I have found myself loving everything this company produces and know you will too!

Boojiboo is a great and talented seller and it has been a pleasure to order from her and feature her here on my blog! I hope you stop by her shop and purchase one for yourself or the cook in your life! You will be so happy that you did!
www.Boojiboo.etsy.com

Oceanic Fuller Gardens

2009-04-09T14:45:00.007-04:00

Ahhh once again Spring is hanging in the air here in my teeny coastal town in New Hampshire.While the landscapers were tending the grounds today after a long hard winter, I noticed that our Maple tree has the tiniest little leaves on it! I know some people think it is silly to get this excited over the rebirth of trees! I just cannot help myself when I see life blooming all around me once again! We are so lucky here in New England to have all 4 seasons! Just when you are ready for one season to end-it does and then you move on to the next. I get equally excited for all 4! This past weekend I was able to go to the beach comfortably!
It was so nice to see people working in gardens and tidying up the yards after the snow melt. Soon enough there will be weekend garage sales and garden parties! I have to say , this is going to be a some- what somber summer since I sold my convertible at the end of last summer. Crossing my fingers for a new one this year:)
One of my favorite places to spend the better parts of my days is Fuller Gardens . One of the most enchanting gardens I have ever been to! I love strolling thru the Rose Garden and into the green house full of Succulents and exotic plants.

After visit there I make my way to the Japanese Zen Garden

The wood on these trees is so gorgeous!

I often come across small groups of students in art class from our high school doing still life studies, all set up with easels and trays of their favorite medium. i like to make my way by there throughout the season to check out the different stages and blooms. It is never usually crowded and so peaceful. If you are ever in New Hampshire , it is a place that I recommend highly! Before you leave be sure to check out a place right across from the gardens that I personally call "The Heart of the Ocean" that is nestled right next to a peaceful little chapel

For more info and history on this enchanted garden www.fullergardens.org