Orange Clove Pomanders

I love natural decor for Fall! This year I’m decorating with a collection of pumpkins, natural cotton, and orange clove pomanders. These pomanders are both natural and fragrant, with a spicy citrus scent! I love making them at least once during this time of the year (it’s also a fun project that you can create with kids!). These pomanders are the perfect decoration for Fall, Thanksgiving, or Christmas! Wrap twine or ribbon around pomanders to make them into hanging holiday ornaments. Orange Clove Pomanders oranges whole cloves a toothpick Using a toothpick, make a small hole in the skin of … Continue reading Orange Clove Pomanders

Natural Cotton Wreath

I have a pretty unique name. It isn’t very common, and the spelling of my name makes it super unique (I know, you’re wondering how this could possibly tie in to this wreath project? but just wait!). Several years ago I connected, via Facebook, with someone else named Shae. The really crazy thing? Our maiden names were exactly the same as well! This obviously doesn’t happen very often. Okay, so, this has never ever happened before. Even better, we have similar characteristics and similar tastes! Recently Shae and I were talking about Fall decor and our search for natural cotton or … Continue reading Natural Cotton Wreath

Mocha Sugar Scrub

I love sugar scrubs, and they’re really so easy to make at home (like my Cookie Dough Sugar Scrub)! This Mocha Scrub is one that I’ve been wanting to make for quite some time. I saved the coffee grounds from my morning coffee to use in this sweet smelling scrub! Do a quick online search for the skin benefits of coffee grounds and you’ll find claims that it helps to minimize everything from cellulite to stretch marks. I can’t guarantee that this coffee scrub will change your life, but you really can’t go wrong with a skin care product that smells … Continue reading Mocha Sugar Scrub

Texturing Clay // Wind Chime Project

I’ve been wanting to hang wind chimes for a while but we’d been waiting to find a set that had a good sound, nothing that would be too high pitch and annoying for windy Texas days. Drew found some hefty old chimes in my grandma’s storage barn, but they were missing the wind catcher and the bead that hits the chimes. In search of something that would work as a wind catcher, I was digging through my craft supplies stash when I came across my polymer clay. I’ve been wanting to use this method of texturing clay so I decided to see if … Continue reading Texturing Clay // Wind Chime Project

Sugar Scrub // Cookie Dough

Today’s project isn’t for eating, even though it smells exactly like cookie dough!!! Coconut oil is a beauty “secret” that’s all over the place right now, so I decided to give it a try in this sugar body scrub. It feels exactly like olive oil, so you can use that if you don’t have coconut oil (though olive oil will give this scrub a slightly different scent). The shredded coconut adds extra texture to this scrub but I was a little bit disappointed that the coconut didn’t add much of a scent (and coconut oil doesn’t really have a scent to … Continue reading Sugar Scrub // Cookie Dough

Birdseed Bird Feeder Ornaments

I’ve been wanting to make birdseed ornaments for a while but I just couldn’t bring myself to search for suet (a must-have ingredient in most birdseed ornaments). This recipe doesn’t call for suet or gelatin, and it doesn’t involve messy peanut butter! These ornaments will be great for the winter, when birds really are in search of food, but I didn’t want to wait until then to make them! I’ve hung these birdseed ornaments on a tree just below our balcony where I can watch birds munch away. You can make your own bird feeders with this simple recipe! Check … Continue reading Birdseed Bird Feeder Ornaments

Sun Jar :: Solar Powered Lamp

During the summer, I like looking for new ideas for our outdoor space and projects that I can do outside! These sun jars are a simple and inexpensive way to create a warm glow at night. Use them for outdoor parties, camping, patios, gardens, or a windowsill. I love the way my sun jars brighten up our balcony at night! What you’ll need: Glass Jar (with translucent lid)  Solar Garden Light Frosted Glass Spray Heavy Duty Glue Start by frosting the inside of your jar. Spray a light coat and let dry (it only takes several minutes). Apply as many coats as you need … Continue reading Sun Jar :: Solar Powered Lamp

Harvesting Basil // Container Gardening

Here’s an update on my container garden, along with a few gardening tricks that I’ve been trying out! I’ve done a little research on how to harvest basil and this is what I’m trying for now// Find spots where a branch grows off in three directions, harvest the middle section. Last year I cut my plants at random and they struggled to grow back. I’m using this method this season, and my plants are still growing full. {Do you have too many fresh herbs? Find out how to freeze them here.} I’ve seen that a lot of people are using recycled coffee … Continue reading Harvesting Basil // Container Gardening

Concrete Candle Holders // Industrial DIY

I’m pretty excited about sharing this DIY project! We’re really into creating items out of concrete right now (you can find our Industrial Concrete Ball DIY here). Industrial home decor is so popular right now, we’ve seen concrete pieces that we love at places like West Elm and Restoration Hardware. This DIY is such an inexpensive way to bring those pieces into your home. We had to eat quite a few pringles for this project (no complaining here), I’m quite happy that our project is finally complete. These concrete candle holders are great for decorating your home or outdoor space! Concrete Candle … Continue reading Concrete Candle Holders // Industrial DIY

Vanilla Bean Scones

This scone recipe is one that I love to fall back on when I’m craving something sweet at night! I’ve made these vanilla bean scones so many times, it’s quick and simple (as far as baking goes)! I wrote down the recipe years ago when I was looking for a copycat recipe for Starbucks’ mini vanilla scones… these scones don’t exactly look like Starbucks’ but they do have a similar taste, and they’re much fresher! Vanilla Bean Scones                     2 dozen mini scones Needed: 2 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp baking … Continue reading Vanilla Bean Scones

Dip-Dyed Candles // Ombre DIY Project

I absolutely love the dip-dyed/ombre look! Recently I’ve been looking for projects that feature this trend. I came across this easy technique and used it to upcycle extra white candles that I had around the house. This is a thrifty way to add a pop of color to a party or wedding… buy plain candles in bulk and dye them to match any decor! Needed: white candles (pillar, taper, or votive) old candle wax or scentsy bars crayons (for dyeing white candle wax) can or glass jar wooden stirrer Separate old candles or scentsy bars by color (I used a mixture of pink and red). … Continue reading Dip-Dyed Candles // Ombre DIY Project

Clay Typewriter Key Magnets // DIY

I love the vintage look of these clay typewriter key magnets! They’re perfect for leaving short and sweet messages on a fridge or magnet board. This project caught my eye when I first saw it (somewhere on Pinterest). I bought supplies over a year ago and had plans of making this project right away, but ended up spending my time on wedding planning and projects instead. I just came across these supplies that I had stashed away, I couldn’t wait to create these magnets! Needed: Sculpey polymer clay small circle cutter black ink pad alphabet stamps magnets rolling pin super … Continue reading Clay Typewriter Key Magnets // DIY

Industrial Concrete Ball // DIY

Drew had his eye on these stone spheres at Restoration Hardware, but couldn’t justify spending $100 for two. Our knockoff? Less than $8 for the set! Needed: concrete mix toy balls large disposable container mixing tool something to funnel the concrete into your mold sandpaper Cut a hole in the ball (just big enough to funnel concrete inside). Mix up concrete (according to directions on package) in your disposable container. Funnel concrete into your mold. Placing the ball in a bowl will help to keep the bottom from completely flattening out. You may need to add a little more concrete as it settles in … Continue reading Industrial Concrete Ball // DIY

Container Gardening

Last year I started my very first herb garden on our balcony. I planted a little late into the year and my seedlings struggled to survive in full afternoon/evening sun. When warmer weather arrived in Texas over a month ago, I was excited to plant as soon as possible. I also decided to go a little further and try vegetable gardening. I planted Cilantro and Purple Bell Peppers (Yes, Purple!). I also invested in a Topsy Turvy Planter for tomatoes. While it’s not the cutest thing ever, it seems to be doing the job. Plus, it doesn’t take up any room on our … Continue reading Container Gardening

Wrapped Canvas Artwork // DIY

I used this method last year to create a piece of artwork for our bedroom, which featured several lines of text and deep colors. This newest piece has a more simple, bold design. Drew had requested a unique art piece for his office and he designed the graphics that I used to create it. It’s a combination of chevron and our initials. I love it! Needed: Blank Wrapped Canvas (any size) Contact Paper Paint Paint brush and/or sponge brush Stencil (or any design that you’d like on your artwork) Trace out your design onto the paper backing of the contact … Continue reading Wrapped Canvas Artwork // DIY