Painting a canvas pumpkin

I've always wanted to learn to paint.  That would be the left handed, creative side in me determined to learn all levels of craft, no matter the cost.  But, honestly, I never thought I was all that good at it.  I wanted to be a master without taking the time to work as the apprentice first.  

I surely do appreciate the talents of other bloggers though.  I am ever so grateful to pinterest and the hard work of these men and women for the amount of time they take in teaching me and providing avenues for me in which to learn.

In this quest to learn, I wanted desperately to start out simple so as not to get discouraged in this process.  I also wanted a tutorial that wouldn't take me hours to watch through.  Who has time for that?!? And since we are inching on Fall here, my brain immediately went to pumpkins.  Could I really do it though????  I challenged myself and went on the hunt where I ran into this blog and tutorial:

 source

Now, I like the look of clean and simple.....yet elegant.  And I didn't want complicated.  Let me tell you!  Jennifer Rizzo has got some talent and she shares it in the most 'newbie friendly' way I have ever seen.  Her instructions and pictorials were so precise and spot on!  She made this look like child's play.  And you know what?  I did it!  I'm pretty proud of how it turned out too.  And I owe it all to her hard work.  So, Jennifer, if you happen to stop by this blog, thank you for sharing your talents with us.  Oh yeah, and here's my completed pumpkin:

Trust me.  You can do this! Here is My 12yr old working on the same project too:

So proud of her!

 

Fab Formula No. 7 -- Bug Spray

Make Your Own Bug Spray

 Fall is on its way!!!  And along come those long lazy nights of sitting by the firepit in our sweatshirts roasting marshmallows and conversing with friends.  Some of my favorite memories and most relaxing moments are around the fire.  Only one problem:  MOSQUITOS! Who really likes those buggers anyway?  I have the perfect solution:

photo source

Make your own bug spray!!!  

There are so many benefits.  

1. You are using all natural ingredients- NO DEET!

2.  Bugs build up a tolerance to the chemicals in store brand products.  They are NOT able to do the same with essential oils.  There are literally THOUSANDS of chemical compounds in essential oils so these buggers just can't cut it!  Combine more than two, and your results are even better.

3.  Once you purchase essential oils, they last forever.  You are only using DROPS from each bottle.

Here's your list of ingredients:

2 Tb of a carrier oil (I tend to use grapeseed)

1 tsp cheap vodka

6 oz. witch hazel

2 oz water

45 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil

15 dr rosemary essential oil

15 dr lavender essential oil

8 dr. citronella essential oil

8 dr tea tree essential oil 

spray bottle

Mix all ingredients together.  Shake well before each use.  Apply liberally ever 4-6 hours.  We have used this recipe with much success while camping as well.  Good luck with your creations!

****I am not a doctor/expert nor do I pretend to be one.  I am sharing personal information only as to what has worked for us. Essential oil benefits listed for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any of your ailments.  If you have any concerns about the ingredients listed, please seek a physicians advice.****

 

Fabulous Formula No. 6- Bath Bomb Basics

Bath Bomb Basics

photo source

 
Bath bombs are always a treat.  But they can come with a hefty price tag. That's why I want to share with you how to make your own. While I have made my bath bombs whole, most of the time I like to make them in halves.  They get stretched a little bit further and it leaves me the option of adding more bombs if I need it while not wasting any if I don't.  So, here ya go:

My Basic Bath Bomb Recipe

8 oz. Baking Soda
4 oz. Citric acid
4 oz. Corn Starch
4 oz. Epsom Salts
4 Tbs. Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp. Vitamin E. Oil (optional)

Mix all the dry Ingredients except the citric acid.  In a separate container melt your coconut oil if it is in its solid state and combine it with your vitamin e. oil if you choose to use it.  Its a great skin conditioner but not necessary for the bomb to work.  Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and start to combine.  Lastly, add the citric acid.  The reason you wait for the citric acid is so that it has less opportunity to react and begin to 'fizz' when you don't want it to.  When you pick up a handful of the mixture in your hands and squeeze it, if it stays in its form, it is ready to mold.  If it crumbles, you may need to add more oil, no more than 1/2 tsp. at a time.  Pack very tightly into your molds and release gently.  Let them sit for at least 24 hours to harden before you take them out of their molds. I hope my directions are clear.  

Stretching your Vanilla beans

I have recently started making my own vanilla extract for a multitiude of reasons:  its easy, its economical and I can control the ingredients.  Check your bottles; there is actually added sugar in there.  Vanilla beans can be expensive so the best option I have found are these ones from Amazon.

  I have more beans than I know what to do with so I have been trying to do some research and experimenting with ways to stretch these beauties to get the most for my money. Out of the same beans/pods I can do the following four things:

1.  Vanilla extract-cut the beans down the middle and soak 3 beans per 8oz. of vodka  for approx. 2 months.  You can always continue to  add more vodka every time you use half the bottle to have a never ending supply.
2.  Grind the beans up and add them to a vanilla sugar/salt scrub.
3.  Let the beans dry out and add them to your sugar for vanilla scented sugar.
4.  Once the beans have lost most of their fragrance you can grind them up and add them to your coffee grounds when making coffee.  The flavor is subtle and smooth and always yummy. 
5.  Take that same dried bean pod and grind it up to use in your own melt and pour soap recipes.  It will add a slight vanilla aroma but also some "grit" for extra scrubbing. 

I'm sure there are many other uses for these crazy pods.  I would love to hear yours.  I keep thinking there may be a new cleaning product in my future for these things.  Carpet deodorizer with baking soda???  I'm working on it.  Please share your creations.  I still have a ton of these beans!

Fabulous Formula No. 5- Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

So, we are soon coming to the end of another summer and we want to make these last few weeks last.  How about pampering yourself with a bit of the tropics?  Nothing feels as silky smooth as skin that has just gone through a vigorous sugar scrub.  And nothing smells more tropical than coconut.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have.  This stuff smells good enough to eat!

1/4 C. Coconut oil, melted
1 Tbs. Grape seed oil
1 C. white sugar (can always substitute if you prefer)
1 Tbs. shredded coconut
15 drops Lime essential oil

Melt your coconut oil and combine with the grapeseed oil.  Stir in remaining ingredients and store in an airtight container.  To use:  rub into your skin gently while bathing or showering and enjoy.

*this particular recipe has a firmer consistency than most sugar scrubs as the coconut oil becomes a solid state in temps under 76 degrees.  If you live in warmer climates and/or prefer a more liquid consistency simply adjust the coconut and grape seed oils accordingly.

Fabulous Formula No. 4- Lavender Lemongrass Room Spray

Lavender Lemongrass Linen and Room Spray

Oh how I love this stuff!  Soft, clean, fresh, fruity, floral.  Can't get a better combination than that.  This spray is perfect for linens and not just for its fabulous scent. Lavender alone acts as an anti-septic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial.  Lemongrass helps aid in reducing stress and acts as an insect repellant as well.  I can't think of a better combination to be spraying on your linens and furniture.  Our house would be lost without it and it costs merely pennies.  Want the recipe?

4 oz. Alcohol (cheap vodka, not rubbing alcohol)
12 oz. distilled water
2 TB  essential oil blend of lavender and lemongrass.

Mix well and place ingredients into spray bottle.  Any sprayer that has been washed and clean will do.  You don't have to go out and do anything fancy (unless you really want to). Just make sure you shake well before each use. Now spray your house away and enjoy!


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DIY Cafe Latte

I have a little bit of a coffee problem.  Okay.  Maybe that's not entirely true.  I have a really BIG coffee problem.  I love lattes.  All of them.  I don't really care the flavor,  I love them all.  Problem being, no matter where I go to buy them pre-made, they come with a hefty price tag.  A grande will run you around $5 a piece, give or take a few.  If I get one once a day, that really adds up.  (I don't get them that often, but you get the point).  

As a family trying to stick to a budget, this just isn't feasible.  It is a luxury that I have had to take a second look at.  I try to limit my stops now to twice a month, on Sundays, before church.   What do I do in the meantime you ask?  I have found a FABULOUS machine that is worth its weight in GOLD that makes them for me simply and quickly.  This is my baby:

You can purchase this lovely latte machine at amazon among other places.  I suggest amazon but only when its half off, which really does happen quite frequently. 

Now, minus the price of this machine each latte runs me under $1 each!  That's more than 5 for the price of one.  The ingredients couldn't be simpler; milk (duh), the brewed coffee, and some of those lovely flavored syrups you find in the coffee aisle.  Or, you can make your own syrups.  Just scour pinterest for a bazillion different recipes.  I can't tell you how grateful I am to own this little beauty.  Money aside, it also saves me trips out of the house to get my latte fix.  If you are looking for a coffeehouse alternative, this is truly the route to go.  

Don't like coffee?  You can make frothy hot chocolate too.  Just think of the possibilities!

****I have been in no way compensated for this post.  Not even with a cup of coffee.  The opinions expressed are solely my own****

Low-Cal Simple Banana Cream Shake

I don't normally post too many recipes on here but I couldn't pass this one up. I have been trying to get better at what I am eating for a multitude of reasons but I still have a sweet tooth.  The biggest problem with desserts is that with all that sugar comes a boat load of calories.  And I just don't have that many to spare on snacks.  And snack I must.  But, I want it to be filling too.

image source

Now, I know there are many nay sayers out there because this does contain artificial sweetener.  It was a choice I had to make and having something to satisfy my sweet tooth outweighed the importance of 'all natural' on this one.

Recipe:

1 1/2 C. unsweetened almond milk (I use the vanilla flavored)

1/2 banana (3 oz. total wt.)

1 Tbs. sugar free fat free banana cream pudding mix

Small handful of ice cubes.

Place the ingredients in your blender.  The pudding mix helps to thicken this to give it more of a shake consistency. 

This recipe only has approximately 135 calories and is quite a generous portion.  Enjoy!

Mantle Makeover

We are very S.L.O.W.L.Y. in the process of doing renovations to our living room.  I'm tired of my walls looking dingy and the room still seeming so dark.  Our living room is in the center of our home and it does not receive much light.  We have put in skylights but it hasn't helped us all that much.  I figured maybe if I could lighten/brighten up our fireplace area, it may help just a teeny tiny bit more.  I do refuse to paint the stone.  We have this same stone pattern on the outside of our house and I think it would destroy some of the character.

The candlesticks have been spray painted.  The lantern and planes have been pulled from other areas in the house.  However,  pay attention to the 'artwork' here:

 

 I want you to know just how inexpensive it is to make your own.  The frame was purchased quite some time ago with a 40% coupon and ran me less than $10.  I used some scrapbooking paper that I already had on hand to fill in the photo areas.  The wooden 'home' was purchased in a $1 bin at the craft store and I made the 'rosette' up in the corner by fan folding paper and adding a button to the middle with some hot glue. 

I think it can get really easy to get so caught up in the decorating portion that we think everything needs to be purchased.  Unless you are an art collector of original pieces, let your own personal creations be what decorates your home.  You live there.  Its your space.  Let it define you and your family, not the mass produced market out there available to everyone.  That is what makes a home a home.....and your home at that.  Happy Crafting/Re-modeling!

Digital Scrapbooking

I have spent so many years being all 'touch, feely' with all of my paper products and stickers that it was a really tough transition for me over to the digital side.  I really did fight it off like the plague and looked upon those who embraced this hobby as 'not being creative' or 'taking the easy way out' of what I consider to be hard work  (not to mention the man hours involved).  I was very naive, what more can I say?  Still, I wanted nothing to do with it.  Then the inevitable happened.  I came across a photo that I absolutely adored; you know, the perfect pose, perfect smile kind of photo?  Only problem was the lighting and a big fat tree causing a huge shadow on those precious faces.  I knew I was stuck and going digital was the only way out.  Little did I know, that would be the start of an amazing journey of education, self-discovery, and a sense of accomplishment.  I am far from mastering any program or technique but I haven't stopped learning or growing.  Its amazing how good you can feel when you step out and really try something new and then keep at it and keep at it.  

For those of you new to this hobby or frustrated, please don't give up.  I still want to throw my mouse through the computer screen on some days, but I know that the frustration eventually turns into reward.  

I just wanted to send a little encouragement your way.  And share just a little piece of what 'elements' can really do.

DIY Sugar/Salt Scrubs

I know I have posted my own scrub recipes before but I thought it would be cool to share some of the scrubs I have seen others make.  They are super super simple, most of the ingredients you should already have on hand, they are easy on your wallet, make great gifts and....boy do they ever leave your skin feeling super soft!  I cannot say enough good things about them.  So, without further ado:

Chocolate peppermint scrub

Pumpkin spice sugar scrub

Lavender sea salt scrub

Vanilla brown sugar scrub

Not that I would suggest doing so, but some of these sound good enough to eat.  Enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha Lip Balm

One of my favorite drinks of the season is Starbucks peppermint mocha.  I love it so much that I order it all year round.  Well, even when you order the 'skinny' version of this drink, you still have to be careful as to how much you consume.  The calories still rack up quick!  So, how can I get the 'sensation' of drinking those lil' yummies without consuming the calories?  Make my own lip balm of course.  While this recipe does call for alot of ingredients remember that, in most cases you can substitute oils for what you have on hand.

Recipe:

.5 oz. almond oil

.5 oz. shea butter

.5 oz. cocoa butter

.5 oz beeswax

1 tsp veg. glycerin

1 tsp.  shaved or chopped semi-sweet chocolate

1 tsp. of powdered sugar

10 dr. peppermint oil.

Melt the butters and beeswax over low heat or in a microwave until melted.  Add chocolate and sugar. Stir until dissolved or continue to add a little more heat.  Once all combined and melted, add peppermint oil and glycerin.  Pour into sterilized containers.  Allow to cool.  Use as often as needed or whenever you want to enjoy that mocha freshness.

*one option for purchasing containers is www.specialtybottle.com.  I have nothing but good things to say about this company.



Fab Formula No. 3- Hair De-tangler

I'm going to make a broad assumption here that a good majority of you have kids.  And, I'm going to assume that you struggle some mornings with said children's hair. 

I have two girls; one with bone straight hair and the other with curly thick hair.  I used to battle with curly Q every morning combing her rat's nest of a head.  No matter what I did, it hurt her.  I was just like everyone else buying bottle after bottle of detangler.  That stuff adds up quick!!!  Now that my daughter can do her own hair, she would go thru half a bottle at a time without even blinking.  I wanted a smarter solution that was going to save me a little cash yet give her the freedom to do it herself.  Hence, formula no. 3!



photo source

Hair de-tangler

8 oz. distilled water

1 tsp. aloe gel

1/2 tsp apricot oil

essential oil (optional)

Place ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to combine.  I just use one of the many spray bottles I already have from the store bought kind.  This formula, however, will cost you mere pennies.

There are many other formulas floating around the web but, so far, this one has been our favorite.  My daughter also loves a little tangerine essential oil in hers.  It smells nice and fruity like the store bought kind too. 

Fab. Formula No.2- Liquid Vapo Rub

Seeing as how the sinus bath bomb recipe was a hit, I wanted to share something similar for those who just don't have the time to put together a bomb:  Vapo-rub.  While this recipe is simple, it is very effective and contains ZERO petroleum products.

While you, most definately, could turn this recipe into a salve, I chose not too for a few reasons.  Beeswax is just one more ingredient that you have to buy and, honestly, I hate the sticky feeling left on me from the salves.  Its just a personal preference.

You will need a dropper bottle for storage.  The one pictured here is from specialty bottle.  You can usually find them in drug stores by the medical section as well.  You do not want clear glass.  Clear glass allows light into it which can make the oils go rancid much quicker.  O.k.  Enough of the talk.  Here is the recipe.

Vapo-rub

20 drops peppermint essential oil

50 drops eucalyptus essential oil

4 drops tea tree essential oil

6 drops rosemary essential oil

4 tsp.  Almond oil

Funnel these ingredients into your dropper bottle, replace the cap, and shake gently.  That's it!  To apply, just place a small amount onto a cotton ball and rub on your chest and neck.  My kids love this stuff cause it smells so much better than the store bought.  I hope you have success with your own as well.

****I am not a doctor/expert nor do I pretend to be one.  I am sharing personal information only as to what has worked for us. Essential oil benefits listed for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any of your ailments.  If you have any concerns about the ingredients listed, please seek a physicians advice.****

We have a WINNER!

I used random.org to calculate a winner for the sinus bomb giveaway.  And the winner is.......

IAMLOVD!!!  I have sent you an email notifying you of your win.  Thanks to everyone for playing.  :)

Brand New Series

back image credit

Get ready for a brand new series coming next week.  Stay tuned......

Sinus Bath Fizzy Recipe and GIVEAWAY!!!

I have had quite a few requests for my sinus bath fizzy recipe because of this post.  While I have made my bath bombs whole, most of the time I like to make them in halves.  They get stretched a little bit further and it leaves me the option of adding more if I need it while not wasting any if I don't.  So, here ya go:

My Basic Bath Bomb Recipe

8 oz. Baking Soda
4 oz. Citric acid
4 oz. Corn Starch
4 oz. Epsom Salts
4 Tbs. Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp. Vitamin E. Oil (optional)

Mix all the dry Ingredients except the citric acid.  In a separate container melt your coconut oil if it is in its solid state and combine it with your vitamin e. oil if you choose to use it.  Its a great skin conditioner but not necessary for the bomb to work.  Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and start to combine.  Lastly, add the citric acid.  The reason you wait for the citric acid is so that it has less opportunity to react and begin to 'fizz' when you don't want it to.  When you pick up a handful of the mixture in your hands and squeeze it, if it stays in its form, it is ready to mold.  If it crumbles, you may need to add more oil, no more than 1/2 tsp. at a time.  Pack very tightly into your molds and release gently.  Let them sit for at least 24 hours to harden. 

For the sinus aspect you add:

1 tsp.  Eucalyptus Oil
1 tsp. Menthol Crystals.  (can be purchase at http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/.  They offer free shipping with a minimum order.  You can also purchase smaller amounts from etsy sellers)

The menthol crystals will need to be melted.  I do so with the oil.  If you are melting with the microwave, DO NOT take a huge wiff when you open the door.  The menthol will smell really strong and you will clear your sinuses faster than you want to.  Don't worry though.  The finished product isn't nearly as strong.  The eucalyptus oil would be added at the same time as the vitamin e. oil or in place of it.

I hope my directions are clear.  Please email me if you have any questions. 



 To go along with this post, I am having a GIVEAWAY for a set of 4 half size sinus bath bomb fizzies!  All you need to do is comment on this post.  You can earn an extra entry if you like me on facebook as well.  Just let me know in your post that you did so for the extra entry.  It is best if you are already a follower so you will be up to date if you win.  Otherwise, please leave me a way to contact you.  Contest will close Saturday night and I will draw a winner on Sunday February 19th.  Good luck!

Linky Features No. 3

Here's my top three projects of the week from Make it Yourself Mondays:

Ode to Inspiration

 Valentine cookies: Oh how I wish I could be this talented with icing.  Check out the Eiffel Towers.  Too cute!

Homespun with Love

Marshmallow Candy heart arrows.  Cute and simple and great for a last minute project for the school kids.

Laughter and Grace

Free printable displaying the fruits of the spirit.  I am always amazed at the decorating ideas that stem from a single piece of paper.

Thank you to everyone who participated.  Please grab a feature button if you see your projects here.  I'm looking forward to another great week.  And, get ready, new giveaway coming soon!  :)

Make Your Own Storage: Recycle

The first few months of the year tend toward a 'spring cleaning' of sorts.  I guess not so much a true 'clean' but a purge....clothes, craft stuff, bags, shoes, dishes, towels,  (did I mention craft stuff?) etc....etc.  We all have our weaknesses (craft stuff) in the things that we pile up on.  Aside from throwing everything out and regretting it later, I really have been trying to utilize the items I already have on hand for storage of said 'stuff'.  Sure, matching boxes from the container store sound wonderful in theory, but is it really practical for me to spend all that money on boxes/containers (when it could be more craft stuff) ? 

I am not the most organized of persons.  Call it right-brained or craft-craziness or whatever, the mess just comes back.  I work best in chaos when all of my tools are right in front of my face.  I want to see everything I have to help spark more creativity.  I'm weird that way.

I really do enjoy making all sorts of bath products.  I've shared some of my recipes and have many more to come.  But, honestly, I can make them much quicker than I can use them all.  And, I dont want to throw them away when I can use them as gifts.  Hence, the storage issue.  Well, low and behold, I picked my brain and started hanging on to some containers of items already purchased/used.  Our family devours cashews and I knew this plastic storage was going to be perfect for my bath bombs.

How easy is this, and why haven't I thought of it before?  I think I used a half sheet of scrapbook paper total on this project and a piece of computer paper.  Cute storage, and free! Now, I get to think up other trinkets to store in these containers and have more fun decorating them with supplies I already have on hand.  Fabulous.

If you would like to download this font you can do so here: betty noir

And, FYI, the sinus recipe will come at a later date.  Stay tuned.......

Linky Party Features No.2

Happy Saturday Everyone!  What are your big plans for the weekend? We are on an organization kick this weekend.  I've been slowly going thru closet after closet after pantry after spice rack to get my house back in order.  I thought this process should have ended with January and all those other crazy resolutions we seem to make?!?!?!  Anyways, I digress.

On with this week's linky party features:

Artsy Vava Created this beautiful belt buckle.  I have never even thought of such a project myself and my eyes are bulging just dreaming of this possibilities here.

Maria at Just call me Maria

shows us how to put hearts inside our cupcakes.  These look almost too cute to eat!

Amy at Sisters of the Wild West  gives you step by step instructions as to how to paint a houndstooth table.  This is not as complicated as I thought it would be and am so grateful for it.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated.  I feel honored that you are my followers and are willing to share all of your creativity with me.  Keep 'em coming!  And grab a feature button if you were featured this week!  Looking forward to more amazing links on Monday!  :)