Fun one for the garden today, kids!

If you’re wondering what to do with an old set of shower doors….consider planting them in the garden and creating your own cold frame.

Take scrap lumber and create a box with tapered sides built to the size of your door.   Read the rest of this entry →

Takes time.

Costs very, VERY LITTLE.

Unique and interesting to look at.

Honestly a simple process that I believe anyone could tackle.

A beautiful, functional use of reclaimed lumber.

Warm and Inviting.

I would do it again and again and again….different woods, different designs, different rooms. Read the rest of this entry →

When you do things yourself, you’re usually having to squeeze the projects in around work, family and life…..even when it is your work ironically enough.  So, our kitchen renovation slowed down a bit over the past week because of an onslaught of other ‘duties’…but we’ve kicked it into high gear again and are ready to see this thing through to completion!   Read the rest of this entry →

Everything in nature is ‘by design’…and everything has a purpose.  Things happen, good and bad, for a reason.  At least, these are my beliefs….so I always find myself at odds with the various solutions to some of the  more destructive happenings that take place in our backyards and gardens.   Read the rest of this entry →

See what transpired when you let over 30 individuals loose with branches and twigs, no rules and a workshop filled with supplies……I set out to inspire others at this workshop and at the end of the day I was the one that walked away inspired!   Read the rest of this entry →

I’ve been a fan of a hot bath forever and always.  Growing up we didn’t have a shower in the house, so the quick convenience of one wasn’t an option.  And that’s exactly how I view a shower..quick and convenient.  What you do when you’re in a rush.  And sadly, that’s how everyone’s lives are anymore…hurried and rushed.  I love a bath so much that we even saved our pennies to splurge on ‘my dream tub’.   And no, not some fancy thing that’s decked out in the latest gadgets and jets.  Just a simple, rustic handcrafted copper tub.  The copper naturally retains the heat of the water better than porcelain tubs, there’s a natural antibacterial property with the copper, it’s color and texture is warm and inviting, it’s long and deep and absolute HEAVEN.  There are very few extravagances that I long for, but this was one that was definitely worth waiting, working and saving for.

Soaking in a bath has NUMEROUS health benefits and it’s a natural luxury that all of us can easily and inexpensivly treat ourselves to on a regular basis.   It seems like lately I’ve been pouring baths for everyone in the family for one reason or another. Last night, my 7 year old daughter didn’t feel the best, she’s been battling a minor cold and had an upset stomach, so I set her up in a relaxing, ‘spa’ bath…lights off, candles lit, lavender scented epsom salts….the works.  It was the funniest thing..it completely changed the bath experience for her…she was chatting about how she could stay in there for hours, how much better it made her feel…I believe the word she used was ‘fresh’.  Even my  husband (the guy who never really saw what the fuss was all about and used to consider it nothing more than “swirling around in my own dirty water” ) has become a big fan for his ‘aches and pains’.   

Make it a personal event for your well being, and set the stage so it’s an experience you treasure and long for….place a plant or two in the room, scatter some candles all around, turn on some ‘good vibe’ tunes, pour yourself a cup of green tea, have an inspirational read nearby as well as your favorite bath products….shut the world out for a short time, sit back, soak and enjoy this heavenly treat for yourself!

Some of the natural benefits from soaking in a hot bath.

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves your immune system
• Detoxifies
• Stimulates circulation
• Improves the quality of your sleep.
• The heat of the water helps knock down on viruses and bacteria. 

When you add inexpensive epsom salts to the water, there are even greater benefits….this list provided by the epsom salt industry council:

Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.
Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
Improved absorption of nutrients.
Improved oxygen use.

Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.

Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.

Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.

Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.

Cheers to one of the safest, age-old methods of treating common, everyday ailments.   The serenity, peace and natural health boosts that come from this one simple activity can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone.

michele.