One of my intentions for 2016 is to try to really focus on having almost everything that I consume be grown locally. My husband is on board as well (after we drafted up a list of list of a few nonnegotiable items like coffee. And, chocolate). Together, we have taken lots of baby steps towards local food over the last …
DIY Pumpkin Spice Body Lotion
You know those annoying pumpkin spice fanatics who come out of the wood work every October? Yes, I’m one of those. While I won’t be getting any pumpkin spice lattes from that mainstream coffee shop that shall not be named, I WILL be indulging in plenty of homemade pumpkin spice goodness! This DIY pumpkin spice body lotion recipe is a fun …
Rose-Infused Lip Scrub (recipe + new book!)
Every winter, no matter how much herbal tea I down, I always end up with dry lips. Sometimes, a good lip balm just isn’t enough and you need some exfoliation to get the job done. This DIY rose-infused lip scrub with its comfrey and rose is just what you need to soothe and soften lips. I actually put off making a …
DIY Herbal Bath Teas (recipes for stress relief!)
There comes a time in everyone’s life that stress invades and the search for some relief begins. There are, of course, numerous ways to bust stress – exercise, healthy food, time with friends, herbal medicine, and much more. A simple way to head that bit of muscle tightening emotion off at the pass is some stress busting herbal bath teas. …
DIY Holiday Potpourri (for your home and give as gifts!)
There is no other time of year with such a distinct scent as the Holidays. It is a sweet, Earthy, and a bit spiced scent that can transport you years back, while still exciting you for the joy of Holiday seasons to come. ‘Holiday’ is a scent that is loved so much it is replicated in commercial candles, warmers, diffusers, air …
Whole Wheat Gingerbread Pancakes
Happy December everyone! While I love the fall and pumpkin everything — pumpkin crepes! pumpkin pancakes! pumpkin muffins! — I’m ready to say hello to the flavors of the holiday season. For me, the holidays mean eggnog and gingerbread and peppermint galore. Since I wait all year long for the holiday trifecta, I want those yummy flavors to carry over into …
DIY Moisturizing Facial Scrub
Day and night, every day of the year, our skin takes a beating. We pull, tug, stretch. It deals with the cold, the heat, the rain, and the sweat. We pile on the cosmetics and lotions and creams (hopefully the all-natural ones), wash it all off, sleep, and start over again. And then there are those days. The days where …
Edible Massage Lotion
This Valentine’s Day, anniversary, or any day consider treating your partner to an extra special massage that includes some DIY edible massage lotion. It is the month of Valentine’s Day and whether you’re going away with your partner or choosing to do something at home, it is a nice time to do something a little special, something a little more …
Soothing DIY Glycerin Soap
Homemade soap is truly a marvelous and wonderful thing. It also requires the use of lye in many cases and well that’s not always something we all want to tackle and is certainly not a project for young children to take on. We can, however; make a soothing homemade glycerin soap that is easily customized for our homes and for …
Plan a #FromScratch Birthday Party
Pop quiz time: It’s your child’s birthday. You’re planning a party. Do you: Panic, scream, and then hide Spend hours meticulously planning every detail and cross-referencing your plans with your Pinterest posts Jump on a plane to somewhere amazing – it’ll cost just as much as the party anyway! Head to your local play place, hand out hot dogs and …