Thursday, April 11, 2013

~ Catching Up & Slowing Down~

I don't post at all anymore and that is probably because I have other things I like doing too. I do miss the writing a bit but I'm content with doing this at a snails pace for now. I'm exhausted from the amount of projects I have undertaken. Tonight, I'm resting up a bit then I'll hit it hard on the weekend.  A list of projects lately...

1.The biggest DIY attention monster has been the new curtains I made for the main living room and dining room. 8 panels! Taking the old ones that had been up for over 30 years was more daunting(and dirty! so much dust!) than anything! I had been putting this project off until we put down the wood floors but..I found these rods at Lowes on clearance for... $4.00 a rod! They were originally 56.00 and the end pieces were a bronze color. I spray painted them black because we aren't "bronze" people?(what is that? i dont know. but it makes me feel like we would want statues or a fountain in our foyer). Then my big sweet delicious idea for the curtains... I found canvas drop cloths at Lowes for a little over $10.00 for a 6x9. I cut them straight up the middle to make two panels. I love how they look like a raw silk/linen blend..i know my imagination is fabulous right? I originally wanted to do this as a temporary solution until we get paint on the walls and a real color scheme going but I'm super happy with them and I ended up doing all four windows for around $15.00 a piece total and that is including the rods. And yes.. that is one for a table cloth too;) I may dip dye them in Navy or Gray later on.
2. Front Door.. Oh gawd. the door. it has been a debate for over a year. I say yellow he says green. I say green he says blue. Etc. you get it. We aren't totally happy with the color.. I wanted more of a ocean greenish feel and it turned out more blue(so I think he likes it more?) It's called Beachhouse and we of course live in a brick ranch in West Virginia. Eh. If you have a suggestion I'd love to hear it. Brick is hard to color match with.
3. Antique Floating Mirror... picked this up for $3.00 at a local shop.  Lots of sweat and wall scuffing. It is in the entry way forever and will stay there until it falls off the wall. Do not ever buy a frameless mirror!
4. Little Trunk Coffee Table. I sanded this, then sanded this some more. One of the handles was broken so I used the single one on the front to give it some bling. The color is called Mermaid Splash? i think.
5. Other projects not seen: the frame wall, the end tables, an exciting thing I'm making for the porch, 4 bobcat scoops of mulch for landscaping(done. thank god), kitchen curtains, the extended herb garden(done too!), the veggie garden around the barn, scraping the rest of the ugly adhesive off the porch, and SOOO much more to do.



This last pic is of our cat, Ron Swanson(orange) and a poor sick kitty(Mr. Binx) that got dumped on Saturday while we were doing mulch. As you can see they are big fans of the mulch job. Mr. Binx, after making himself cozy , has since disappeared with no signs of returning. Moe and Ron are devastated. Our lil orange cat loved having a buddy and keeps looking for him:( 

~ On a more positive note..The weather has been great so we have been doing a lot of yardwork and hiking etc. Moe and I have already had a nice bout of poison ivy and I pulled a tick off my scalp today. Bleh. With almost an acre of property that has become very overgrown and had no serious updating.. we are bound to have another busy summer...but I love it. We plan on burning a nice bonfire this weekend and I'll be drinking some wine to celebrate all this hard work. What projects have kept you busy?

Sunday, January 6, 2013

~ Sickies~


We have had and are continuing to have the worst case of sickies to ever happen upon our lil love nest. I have been sick for WEEKS. After finishing a prescribed antibiotic and still feeling awful now my son has it. Usually, I have a natural more gentle approach but this epidemic has called for all out warfare. Here are some things to have in your home in case you and your loved ones fall victim.
     
 1.   A NETIPOT (this is the one we own. you can buy a basic plastic one at any drug store) this can relieve many sinus and cold symptoms by irrigating your nasal passages with a saline rinse. We use distilled water and seasalt. I have heard some people use baking soda. The benefits are amazing and can kick a sinus infection or cold to the curb in a few days. Here is more INFO

2. Essential Oils~ I use a basic set of these 3 regularly. Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lavender. I like to put them in my Scentsy burners or tart burners around the house with a scent free wax. The oils clear the air and clear everyones sinuses. Check out the awesome things these guys can do. 
Eucalyptus~Here
Peppermint~   Here        
Lavender~ Here

3. Lemon Water~ read more here.(this is an awesome healthy blog link by the way) but basically it's just a citrus-y magical drink that you should be chugging even if you aren't feeling bad. plus its super yummy! just keep a few lemons on hand. sometimes I mix in a little crystal light lemonade to feel like it's something a little more...exciting.

4. Emergen C~ this stuff usually kicks ass although lately it's done NOTHING. sometimes we mix it with half oj and half sprite. 

5. Healthy sickie foods~ greens, fruits, broths, homemade yogurt smoothies,juices, chia seeds, jello, wholegrains, beans and garlic. Incorporating good nutrition is a big deal at our home and I really pride myself on it. We do eat brownies and naughty things occasionally. Balance is key. 

6. Vitamins~ I have used a daily prenatal for years. It has more folic acid and iron. Taking it as opposed to a normal vitamin doesn't matter in the long run(some will argue this) and i can notice the extra kick i get. 

7. Clean Bedding~ these need changed weekly(wash pillows too) regardless. when you are sick you should wash them EVERYDAY. especially if the flu is going through your home. 

8. Clean your house!~ bathrooms and kitchens are hot spots. you can use a non toxic cleaner like vinegar  find here ....or whatever you think need.... just keep it cleaned and germ free. especially when you have lil ones scattering around. Open a window to get some fresh cool air blow through for a little bit. 

There are of course many things like a thermometer, heating pad, vaporizer, essential oil diffuser, air purifier, etc. you can have in your home to be ready. Things like fruitcups, tea, jello and carbonated soda like ginger ale stocked are always good to have on hand and will save you an annoying sick trip to the store. I hope you all stay sick free this season and good luck!