Substance of Living

Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil I remember years ago, and I'm talking almost 20 years now, a co-worker friend of mine introduced me to Tea Tree Oil.  It's been so long that I don't remember which brand she used, and suppose that doesn't really matter.  What does matter is that she had been using it for a long time.  She used it to treat all kinds of skin problems including acne.  She also used it as a cleanser around her house. To my uneducated thought process, I couldn't fathom using an oil to clean anything in my house except maybe to condition my wood. Fast forward to 2014 and here I am ordering Tea Tree Oil from Amazon and loving it.  Besides the pureness of this product, it was really quite gentle on my skin.  It is recommended that another oil, such as coconut oil, be used if trying on your skin for the first time. Upon ordering my Apothecary Tea Tree Oil , they also sent me a recipe / use type booklet via email in PDF format. Bes...

Are your eyes ever bigger than your stomach when it comes to food?  Mine are all the time and now my brain thought I was up for a challenge - beyond something I've ever done!  I've pledged (unofficially) to not purchase home decor or ready-made clothing this year.  When I talk about home decor, if it is something that can be sewn then it will not be purchased but made.  Purchasing fabric is permissible. This isn't a new idea and you've probably seen recycling , upcycling, refashioning , and other descriptions of such around the internet and in the book stores for some time now.  Since DH and I moved, we've been downsizing and a lot of the items were donated but now we're to the point that we are into the soft items.  Items that are still in really good shape but no longer wearable for whatever reason.  We don't want to pass along a top if there is a hole in the knit or a stain - so I'm reusing the material to make other things. A challenge, that...

Do you ever think about decorating your chairs when hosting an event or gathering?  I'm beginning to think that chairs are like jewelry.  The outfit (room or table) is beautiful but the chair (jewelry or accessories) make a statement and complete the ensemble. Decorating a chair can be as simple as tying a sprig to the back of a chair or as elaborate as a floor-length "dress". Mistletoe / Holiday Chair Cover Rosemary Sprigs and Burlap Chair Cover Bride and Groom Chair Covers E mbroidered Bride and Groom Chair Covers Wouldn't it have been "THE BEST" if you showed up at school on your birthday and had a special cover over your desk seat?  How cool would that have been?  Or how about draped over the restaurant chair?  Can you imagine having been able to sit at the head of the table - not only that but with a special chair cover giving homage to you and the day? "Happy Birthday" Chair Cover I actually found this next pic...

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" Your wedding day is a reflection of you and the life you live.  You are intelligent and savvy.  You could take the easy road and buy everything but you want your day to be personal and one that you along with everyone else will remember. While you are creating a day that will be forever memorable, how about taking a trip down a local thrift store aisle.  Put on your DIY hat and see all the possibilities.  Thinking about things that will work during and after the wedding will save time, money, and waste.  What wedding decorations will also work in your home?  What wedding favors can also handle double duty as table decoration? Speaking of double duty and personalization, why not have your wedding party visit the thrift store with you and choose their own dress while helping you find a gown of your own.  Each dress will be unique and showcase personality as well as accentuate the...

Bunny Pillow Bunnies are sweet creatures that love your garden and rose bushes as much, if not more in some cases, as you.  They truly do appreciate the efforts you go through for them. Well, DH and I don't have any pet bunnies but we do have them outside in our back yard. We thought it might be a nice addition to bring a bunny into our home.  This little bunny pillow that measures a whopping 5" x 7" does the trick nicely. Here's how Little Bunny came to live with us:   You will need: Scrap Fabric Scrap Fabric for Stuffing or some ki nd of Filler Thread Needle Embroi dery Thread Sewing Machine Scissors Paper  Pencil The sewing machine is n ice but not completely necessary.  This project is small enough that sewing by hand won't take much time.  I n addition, do not be afraid of th e embroidery portion of this p roject.  If you can sew then you can do the stitches for outlining the bunny.  The embroidery sti tch is basica...