Simple Fall Crafts for the Crafty Impaired

Hey there! My name is Amanda and I have been asked by my sweet friends, Leslie and Kristy, to do a guest post today.

Let me start by telling you a little about myself. I have two step kids and a hubby whom I absolutely adore. I am a lot like Leslie and Kristy in that I love to spend time with family, read, cook and garden. However, there is one SMALL thing that sets me apart from them. You see, I am an accountant. I know numbers, data analysis, and budgets and unfortunately, I completely lack the crafty gene. Yep, I can add a column of numbers faster than lightning, but I cannot sew (probably because I never could get passed tying a knot in the thread) nor can I cut a straight line. I couldn't even come up with my own craft project if my life depended on it. Goodness, I can’t even tie my own Christmas wreath bows. Sigh…

So for those of you who are like me or may have been reading these talented ladies posts lately and thought to yourself, "Wow, I really don’t have a clue when it comes to being crafty," or "Wow, these girls put me to shame," then keep on reading. This post is for you! If there is hope for me, then I know there is hope for you.

Even though I struggle with being crafty, that hasn't stopped me. Let me tell you how I went from having no confidence in my capabilities of DIY or crafts, to absolutely loving spending time in my craft room.

First, it all started with a scrapbook for my stepdaughter. Every crafty thing I owned (which was very little at the time) had been spewed all over the dining room table for months trying to finish up her scrapbook before she graduated from high school. Not that I had procrastinated or anything. *Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.* But I had a blast doing this scrapbook! It made me think, "Why don’t I do craft projects more often?!" Then I took one look at the mess I had made, and it hit me. It was exhausting to not only clean up everything but to also pull everything out. It just wasn't worth it for me.

But one day my brilliant hubby had an epiphany! He says to me, "How about we turn the unused guest bedroom into a craft room for you?" Wow! What a husband! He earned quite a few brownie points that day.

Now that I have my own craft room, I can leave everything set up and walk away when I am done. If it’s a mess, then I just shut the door. But if you don't have an extra room in your house to call your own then how about a table or corner in a room that is not used much? It doesn't take a lot of space to get you started.

Second, I started looking at all those cute projects on Pinterest I had pinned and decided to start attempting a few. Pinterest for me has always been a "wish list" and not a "to do" list. Leslie and Kristy can look at those pictures, wave their hands, and POOF! they have just recreated the picture. Grrrr…how do they do that!? So for now, I will just continue to work on the simple ones until I get the hang of things.

Third, I learned what I could from YouTube videos, crafty friends, and my precious mother. I have learned how to do several things from YouTube videos. Even if you are looking for something simple, chances are that there is a video for it. But most importantly, I am learning from my mom. You see, my mom is the most talented woman in the world. She can look at just a few things in a craft store and next thing you know, BAM, she has turned it into a work of art. How does she do it and why did she not pass down that gene to me?? My mom always told me when I was young, “You are gonna be just like me one day!” Probably told me this as a teenager while I was telling her just how uncool she was. Boy was I wrong!! Well, I’m still waiting and waiting and waiting to get the crafty gene from her. Maybe one day…

In an effort to show you just how simple DIY can be, I have three simple fall projects for you. First is a simple candle decorated for fall. I simply took a fall colored candle, cut a strip of burlap to the width I wanted, and tied a leaf around the candle with some string.

I did hot glue the burlap onto the candle so that it would not slide down.

Voila!

Kohl’s actually sells a similar candle for around $20, but I put this candle together with things I had around the house. Simple, yet classy.

Second is a place setting for Thanksgiving. All you need is scrapbook paper, fall ribbon, and cloth napkins.

I cut one of the pieces of scrapbook paper smaller than the other. I actually cut a ½ inch off all four sides using a paper trimmer (since I can’t cut a straight line). Then I glued the 2 pieces of paper together. Next, I glued down the ribbon onto the scrapbook paper. Last, I took a cloth napkin and tied the same ribbon around the middle and placed the knife and fork inside. If you want to add a name card at each setting, just grab a few pine cones and cut a small name card out of matching scrapbook paper and hot glue it to one of the layers of the pine cones.

Voila!

Third, I attempted a fall canvas. This project was a little tougher. I simply took a 9x9 blank white canvas and painted it with a tan colored acrylic paint. Then I took some fall fabric I had purchased at the craft store and cut out a pumpkin design using my Silhouette die cutter. I used burlap to make the pumpkin stem. I attached the pumpkin and stem with Mod Podge. Last, I made a stencil for the words also using the Silhouette and cut it out onto freezer paper. (The setting for the freezer paper was #2 on the blade and thickness #5.) I stenciled the words onto the canvas using orange and brown acrylic paint. After everything was dry, I sprayed Mod Podge Pearlized Glaze over the entire canvas.

You may look at these projects and think, "You know, I could just as easily buy these things already made." But I have found that making it yourself not only saves money, but for me, it is fun and relaxing.

I REEEEALLY have to concentrate when I do crafty things, and when I am concentrating that much, I don’t have time to think about all the stressful things in my life. Trust me, I make plenty of time everyday to do just that. See a picture of me below on a typical day…

Yep, that’s me. 

So just remember, keep it simple and keep it fun. Don’t compare your projects to those of others. If you had fun creating it, then that is all that matters.

How about you? Do you lack the crafty gene like me? Share a story on how you come up with DIY projects.

Amanda

Leslie here! Thank you to Amanda for sharing her ideas on today's post. These are great projects and just in time to make for Thanksgiving coming up soon! I can personally vouch that Amanda does NOT look like that image above. LOL Have a great day and thank you so much for reading. :)

10 Natural Headache Solutions

I apologize for this post being late, but I had a headache. Just kidding. I rarely get headaches, but I know so many of you suffer with them. As my essential oil business grows, I realize even more how many people are affected by frequent headaches. Headache relief is at the top of the list of common complaints. I've been doing a little research to find recommendations for my clients and wanted to share my findings with you.

As my family continues to move towards a more and more natural lifestyle, I wanted to find options that work, but don't have harmful side effects or introduce more toxins. I'm doing my best to eliminate toxins! We live in a toxic world, and there is much we can't control, but there are things we CAN control! With that in mind, I encourage you to try one or more of the following options the next time you have a headache. Keep in mind that not all headaches are caused by the same thing, so it makes sense that there isn't one cure for all headaches.

1. ESSENTIAL OILS
Let's start with my favorite subject these days. You guessed it, essential oils. I have found essential oils to be very effective with headaches of all kinds. You just have to identify the type of headache you have and use the right oils. When I say "I have found them to be effective" I really mean several of my clients have gotten relief.

Migraines: This is the most severe type of headache. Symptoms vary, but can include throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.

Recommended essential oils for migraines include, tension blend, wintergreen, peppermint oil, and basil for pain. I have read testimonials of people who use the tension blend on the back of their neck, put wintergreen on their temples, and apply frankincense to the roof of their mouth with their thumb. That sounds a little complicated to me, but I suppose I'd try just about anything if I suffered from migraines.

Tension headaches: Also known as 'stress headaches' they are characterized by a dull, constant pressure or pain. They can sometimes last for days and are often brought on by stress.

Recommended oils for tension headaches include: tension blend, peppermint, and wintergreen. I have had two clients whose headaches went away with citrus oils. In the instance of the first, she keeps a citrus blend and peppermint on her at all times and uses it at the first sign of a headache. She reports only having to use an over-the-counter medicine once since she discovered the oils. Prior to that it was at least weekly.

Sugar headache: This headache is caused by low blood sugar and can often be eliminated simply by eating.

If eating doesn't make the headache go away, using a blend of wild orange, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and eucalyptus can be a quick, effective solution.

When you are using essential oils for a headache, you can apply them topically to the back of the neck, the forehead, or to the temples. Only 1-2 drops is needed. You can also use aromatically by using a diffuser or by applying to your hands and cupping them over the mouth and nose and inhaling.

Okay, now that we've talked about my favorite option, there are other things you might want to consider. Many of these are common sense, but some of them were new to me, so hopefully you will find something new for your arsenal in your fight against headaches.

2. DIET
It is no surprise that what you eat could be contributing to frequent headaches. Although there is a lot of debate about what you should be eating, it is undisputed that we should ALL be eating more vegetables, especially GREEN ones. Make an effort to eat clean, eliminating processed foods as much as possible. Also, because chemicals and pesticides can CAUSE headaches, eating organic is the best option if you can afford it.

3. TAKE A NAP
I've been tempted to fake a headache before just so I could take a nap. I have found naps to be helpful to me when I do get one.

4. TAKE A HOT SHOWER
The warm water can relax muscles and the steam can help clear clogged sinuses, so often taking a hot shower can be an easy fix.

5. ICE PACKS
So maybe the hot shower didn't work for you. Try putting an ice pack on the back of your neck.

6. GET SOME EXERCISE
Take a walk outside in fresh air or do some simple stretching or light yoga. You'll feel better even if your headache lingers.

7. DRINK WATER
Many of us are stay partially dehydrated. This is a major cause of headaches. Drinking plenty of water not only rehydrate our cells, but help flush out toxins taking the headache with it.

8. AMBER NECKLACES
Have you seen those necklaces babies are wearing these days? They're make from Baltic Amber and help with teething pain. Many moms swear they can tell a difference in their babies when they're wearing their teething necklaces vs. when they're not. The good news is that they make them for adults too. The amber contains a natural analgesic that is good for pain. Here are two I found online that you might consider.

9. MASSAGE/CHIROPRACTOR

Both a massage or a trip to your chiropractor can offer relief. I've talked to people who KNOW they have a pinched nerve, but prefer to take pain medication than see a chiropractor. They usually say they are scared, and I can understand that, but if the problem is mechanical, and getting your spine in proper alignment will fix the problem, it it makes no sense to try to mask the problem with pain medication. When the medicine wears off, the problem is still there. Get some good recommendations for chiropractors in your area and GO! 

Massage helps when you know it is stress or tension that is causing your headache. Unless the cost of the massage adds more stress, then you might defeat the purpose. Otherwise, give it a try. 

10. PREVENTION

There is so much truth in the saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." If you can identify what is triggering your headache and take steps to eliminate or reduce it, you won't have to deal with treating your headaches as often. 

***Bonus***

I wasn't going to post this, but there is one other thing you can do for a headache... You know the saying "Not tonight, honey. I have a headache." ? Well, it turns out someone got some bad advice. Sex is actually GOOD MEDICINE when it comes to headaches. So when I do get a headache, it's more like "Honey, I have a headache." <wink> <wink>  Don't tell anyone you heard this from me, okay. It will be our little secret. Just me, you, and the world wide web.

I hope you find some of these solutions helpful. Do YOU have a natural solution that works for your headaches? If so, please share below. 

Kristy

Painted Pine Cones & All Their Uses

Why paint pine cones, you may ask?

Well, if you live anywhere near a pine tree, or have a friend that does, or go to a park that has them then you have access to FREE pine cones. Free pine cones in my mind (as you’ll see) equals free home décor. Toward the bottom of this post you will see LOTS of great ways to use them. I love FREE especially when it comes to home décor which can be so expensive.

I have tried painting pine cones a few different ways. You didn't know it would be so difficult, huh? Well, because of all the nooks and crannies, there is a BETTER way to paint them. Of course if you are going for a certain look then you may like one of the other ways.

I have tried spray-painting them and I have tried dip-painting them. The better way is definitely dipping them, however, there is even a better way to DIP them.

Many of you may have seen this image on Pinterest:

Well, it looks great and easy but let me tell you its fallacies: 1) Do you really want to pollute a can of paint with pine cone debris? 2) Do you really want to wait for each pine cone to drip dry over your paint can before dipping another? Well, sure you can move the dipped pine cone to another location to dry but then the paint running off pools in spots and looks bad after it's dried as a blob on the pine cone. (Experience IS the best teacher and learn from me!) 3) Do you know how messy it is to dip your pine cones this way because of the thick paint? Plus, it uses a LOT of paint.

Spray painting can be easier. When I tried this I put several in a box and sprayed them outside while I shook the box gently to get them sprayed all over, I thought they were covered well. However, when they dried (shaking the box a few times as they dried so they wouldn’t stick), they had an almost transparent look with the natural color of the pine cone coming through.

First of all, you have to heat up the pine cones to kill all the hiding little bugs and to dry up any lingering pine sap. Heat your oven to 200 degrees and put the pine cones on a baking sheet covered in aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes. You might find some junk that you had not seen before on the paper:

Also, this will ensure the pine cones have opened up. You want this to happen because if you are feeling lazy and try to paint them before they open, weird things happen....like they open partially....

See, I have done my in-the-field research and am presenting to you the BEST way to paint pine cones. Now that you have done this simple step to preserve your pine cones, let's move on the fun part. (Drum roll please.)

Supplies

• collection of pine cones in a variety of sizes, if desired
• latex or craft paint (using whatever you have already is a bonus!)
• plastic containers with lids or other containers that you can use with paint
• water
• tongs, fork, or something to pick up the paint-covered pine cone
• wax paper

Directions

1. In a plastic container, pour paint and add water at a ratio of 2 parts paint to 1 part water. Put on the lid and shake until the water and paint are mixed.
2. Open and drop in a pine cone. Cover again and shake gently until pine cone is covered.
3. Remove pine cone with tongs or a fork and place on wax paper to dry.
4. Repeat with the rest of your pine cones using different containers with various colors to get the look you want.

Now, how to use these painted pine cones….here is some pine cone eye candy…. ;)

In a bowl on a table:

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In a vase or cloche:

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As place markers for a get together:

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Ornaments:

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Gift wrapping:

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Hung on a string for a garland:

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As a wreath:

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Hanging from a chandelier:

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Don't go with the usual fall or winter/Christmas colors, think colorful for year-round use or if you use nontraditional colors to decorate.

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Other ways to use them could be in a floral arrangement or on a wreath as an accent, tied to ribbon and hung on the back of chairs around your dining room table, or just as decorations like this:

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A collage of some of the ones I painted.

There are lots of ways to use them! They would even make a nice (inexpensive) gift if you put them in a decorative bowl and wrap in cellophane. So take advantage of a free craft supply that is out in nature, scrounge around in your art or craft supplies or just in your garage or basement where you keep leftover wall paint, and start creating!

Grow Your Own Garlic!

It's been a wild week at my house! My husband is out of town on a mission trip and I have three house guests this week. Plus there's school, and dance, and church, and meals, and work, and a million other things to do. That's my excuse for this short post! Read on to find out how you can grow your own garlic inside or outside even if you've never grown anything before.

My husband and I have been fiddlin' around with organic square foot gardening for the past two years. The first year just getting the beds built and good dirt in them was a huge accomplishment. We did get some things planted and had a pretty good harvest. This past summer we did a little better. We grew a couple kinds of lettuce, kale, spinach, okra, various peppers, beans, squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes.

I even planted some celery by using the end you cut off  when you buy it in the grocery store and soaking it in water for a couple of days until it starts to sprout and then planting it. It was an experiment to see if it really worked, and by-cracky, it DID!

This picture shows the celery that we grew from the 'stump' end. It had a lot more flavor than what we normally buy. Maybe it was all that rich, organic soil we bought???

Garlic bulb separated.

I'm doing another experiment right now that is similar. Did you know you can grow your own garlic? It's true! All you have to do is take a bulb of garlic and separate all the cloves. You put them in a jar of water for a couple of days until they start to sprout a little bit and then plant them. You can grow them inside or out in the garden. I'm excited about having something growing in my garden over the winter, so that's what I did.

Garlic soaking.

I planted three squares with nine cloves each. Make sure you plant them with the root side going down and the sprout towards the top. They need to be about two inches deep. I planted these two weeks ago and they are starting to come up.

We use a lot of fresh garlic in our cooking and I love the idea of growing it myself. I purchased my bulbs at our local farmer's market to make sure I am starting with a good, organic variety that will grow well in my location. I was afraid what I bought at the grocery store might not grow well here. If you have access to locally grown, I would recommend that option.

Sometimes you have garlic that starts to sprout. If that happens, it won't be good to eat, so why not try planting it in a flower pot inside the house and see if you can get it to grow!

Buying from the farmer's market also allowed me to speak to the farmer who grew it, and he was very helpful to tell me how to know when it is time to harvest. He also informed me that it was best to start with the biggest bulbs to have the most success.

Now is the perfect time to plant garlic, so if you get a chance to go to your local farmer's market this weekend, pick up a few bulbs and plant them.