Tuesday, February 28

Wood Polish for Diaper Cream?

No, not really. Well.... Actually, sort of, but let me explain...



A few weeks ago I went looking for a simple conditioner for my wooden kitchen utensils. They were getting dried out and needed something, I just didn't know what. I ended up finding a really simple recipe that consisted of just olive oil and beeswax. Within 10 minutes, I had my new wood conditioner or "polish". I had quite a bit too, just a little bit goes a long way.

The kids and I rubbed the polish into all of our utensils and cutting boards. Then we gathered all of their wood toys and gave them a once over as well. During this, our hands got coated in the polish, but since it was just organic olive oil and beeswax, we rubbed it in like lotion. Later that day when I was changing Stella's diaper, she looked a little red so grabbed the tin of natural diaper cream. I scooped a bit out and then had a realization. It looked and felt exactly like the polish I had made earlier. Low and behold, I turned the tin over and that's basically what it was. This had a few different carrier oils in it, but ultimately it was just oil and beeswax. You can bet I won't be spending $7 on a tiny tin of butt cream again.

And the best part, in my opinion, is that by the end of the day, my hands were soooo soft. A few months before Stella was born, our dishwasher broke down and we have been hand washing ever since. Combine that with the dry hot air in the house, and I'm sure you can imagine the sad shape my hands have been in. Since that day, I have been moisturizing my super dry skin with the polish.

I made another batch with essential oils specifically for chest congestion and stuffy noses. We rub a little on our chest and put a dab under our nose when we have a cold or cough. I love it because I don't have to worry about goofy chemicals. I have been spending a lot of time researching natural alternatives to common medicine lately. I'm learning a lot, and hopefully will be able to share some of that with all of you once I feel like I have a good grasp on it.

I plan on making a lavender rub for the kids to use before bedtime. I will share that recipe when I find the perfect mix for us.

I put the olive oil and beeswax in a glass measure cup and just melted it in that.
Let it cool, and give it a stir a few times in 5 minute increments if you don't want it to fully harden. Otherwise just pour it directly into your container to cool completely.
To the left is our "polish" and in the middle is the vapor rub. I stirred the polish before letting it dry completely so it would be easier it scoop out.

Do you use natural alternatives to anything? Please share!

Have a great day!

Monday, February 27

My Week In Photos

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** A photo from each day of the prior week. If you have photos of your own you would like to share, please feel free to leave a link in the comments section for all to see. Wishing you a wonderful to start to a beautiful week... **

Friday, February 24

Children's Sewing - Kid Craft

My children love to do anything that I'm also doing. Well, at least when it looks like fun that is. For quite a while, Hannah has been asking to sew. I'm not about to hand my rambunctious three year old a sharp little needle. I don't think that would turn out well for anyone. And so, this project was born. Oddly enough, my seven year old was way more enthusiastic about it, and insisted on showing his little sis exactly how it must be done.

What you need:
Embroidery Hoop
Burlap material (cut large enough to allow overhang when in the hoop)
Scrap yarn
Tapestry needle (the dullest you can find)
Scissors




1)Place the burlap in the hoop and tighten.



2)Thread the yarn in the tapestry needle and pull to the center.



3) Tie the two end pieces of the yarn together so it will prevent it from being pulled completely threw the burlap.


4) Depending on your child's age, you may need to start it for them.



5) Now your child is ready to start sewing!




Sorry for the blurry shot. There was some fast and furious sewing going on...



Have a great weekend!

Monday, February 20

My Week In Photos

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I just realized I only posted six photos last week - oops! We've been busy, and I've been distracted. Looking forward to some regular blogging this week.


Wishing you a wonderful start to your week!


**A picture for each day of the prior week. If you have photos to share, please feel free to leave a link in the comment section**

Monday, February 13

My Week In Photos

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I think this should be called "My Week in Terrible Photos" today. I almost didn't post, because really, I've been running around so much that I haven't spent any time trying to take nice shots. But that's not the point of this project, not for me anyway. I want to document my year, with my family. So, yes, sometimes I'm going to have really awesome pictures to share, and sometimes I'm going to have blah, or even - gasp - blurry pictures.

I have a really big week ahead of me, so I might not be back again until next Monday with another week in photos. I will try and squeeze in at least one regular post, but we'll see...

Wishing you all a wonderful start to a beautiful week!

**Part of Project 365 - one picture from each day of the prior week. If you would like to share your pictures, please leave a link to them in the comments section. **

Monday, February 6

My Week In Photos

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**Part of Project 365. A photo from each day of the prior week. If you do the same, please share a link to your photo in the comments section.**

Wishing you a wonderful start to a beautiful week!

Thursday, February 2

The Shop Is Open!


The shop is open!


Yay! I finally did it!


I don't have much listed, but don't worry, there will be more in the shop soon. I have quite a few projects in the works.


If there is something specific you would like to see for sale, please by all means, let me know.


Click HERE to visit.


Thanks for stopping by!


I will be back on Monday with My Week In Photos.

Have a great weekend!

-Lisa

Wednesday, February 1

Sweet and Savory Brussels


Brussels Sprouts. Just the name can ignite a reaction in some. Personally, I never really felt one extreme or the other for these little powerhouse balls of veggie goodness. I have recently, however, stumbled upon a quick and easy way to prepare these guys that has turned me into a major fan. And in a way that the entire family enjoys them. Yes, everyone actually enjoys them. I make this about once a week now and love, love, love it.

Try it out, see what you think.

Sweet and Savory Brussels Sprouts

1 lb of Brussels Sprouts - Fresh
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 tsp minced garlic
sea salt to taste
1/4 Cup crushed walnuts
2 Tbsp agave

1) Chop the bottoms off of the Brussels sprouts, turn them on their sides and slice them into 1/4" ribbons.

2) Heat olive oil over medium heat, and add some salt (I hand grind our salt and add about three twists).

3) Toss sliced Brussels into the warm oil and cook for about a minute, making sure to move them around frequently to prevent burning.

4) Add garlic, walnuts and agave. Continue to cook until the Brussels turn bright green. If you start to see them brown even slightly, you're done.

That's it! Super easy and super tasty!

Have a great day,
Lisa