ECO FRIENDLY SPRING TRENDS
The first day of spring was yesterday, how did you welcome it? Here I laced up my snow boots to walk to work in the 2 inches Jack Frost left. I have some serious unfinished business with a certain Groundhog. I'm not going to let that get me down though. I did a bit of online shopping to cast away the snows, and I am excited about some of these fun eco-friendly finds. Bring on Spring!
BUILDING AN EASTER BASKET
It was 60 degrees here last week, and I was loving it. But, we live in Idaho where one day you are walking around in shorts, and the next day you are shoveling a foot of snow out of your driveway. There is still hope for us though, Easter is right around the corner. Remember this post from last year on using natural materials to dye eggs? This year I wanted to share a few fun things help you build the perfect basket.
REGROWING YOUR CUT CELERY
I made a little discovery last month that I am nerdishly excited about. My last strawberry plant from the summer just bit the dust, and I had an empty pot in my kitchen. We were making soup and I had chopped an entire stalk of celery and I just thought- it has leaves what if I could regrow this. So I stuck it in the ground and gave it some water watching it everyday, thinking it would never work. I wasn't too invested in it, I mean celery is so cheap even when organic that if it failed I wasn't out my time or emotional attachment to the plant-- see what I mean by nerdy. To my surprise it worked! See below, and as soon as one worked I started a mini celery garden. Like I said last week, I have Spring Fever so get ready for a billion garden posts the next few weeks. And the cottage kitchen from this post, is getting installed next week- can't wait to share!
HOMEMADE LOTION
Winter is killing me right now, I have Spring fever like you can't imagine. John made fun of me the other day for taking a nap in the sun spot on the floor like a cat, its that bad. I have been trying to find simple ways to help combat the cold-month blues. One was getting my skin ready for spring! I love this simple DIY lotion recipe it only has 2 ingredients and its just about as natural as you can get. Coconut butter is an great moisturizer and promotes elasticity in skin, and extra virgin olive oil is filled with vitamin E. If you can't find coconut butter at your local market here is a great one.
All you have to do is mix two teaspoons of coconut butter and about 8-10 drops of extra virgin olive oil together in a bowl. Just apply a nice even layer anywhere your skin needs that added boost of moisture. I like to give my knees, elbows, and feet just a bit more attention. I like to make it in small amounts so that there isn't a lot left over. If you do have some extra, cover it and pop it in the fridge. (Be sure to label it, I have a whole shelf designated to beauty products in the fridge so John doesn't accidentally eat my face masque or hair conditioner.)
All you have to do is mix two teaspoons of coconut butter and about 8-10 drops of extra virgin olive oil together in a bowl. Just apply a nice even layer anywhere your skin needs that added boost of moisture. I like to give my knees, elbows, and feet just a bit more attention. I like to make it in small amounts so that there isn't a lot left over. If you do have some extra, cover it and pop it in the fridge. (Be sure to label it, I have a whole shelf designated to beauty products in the fridge so John doesn't accidentally eat my face masque or hair conditioner.)
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CHALKBOARD PAINT
I was at the craft store yesterday and saw a little bottle of chalkboard paint that cost $13.00 --excuse me-- that's more than we pay for Hulu and Netflix each month (aka how I get my Downton Abbey and Bachelor fix) So here I am to share my top secret chalkboard paint recipe with you. I love it because its so easy a child could make it, and you can use ANY color you can contrive! If I can convince John I might just paint an entire wall in my office to be my new chalk board inspiration wall.
Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, mix 1 cup at a time. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.
Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, mix 1 cup at a time. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.
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