I was running errands yesterday, hurrying, filling my cart, when all of a sudden I smelled the familiar scent of cinnamon. Cinnamon-scented pine cones. I love those things and I grab a bag every year. They make my whole home smell like the holidays.
You can make them yourself. Purchase or collect about 2 pounds of pine cones. The cones are part of a visual display, so pick pretty ones. The cones that are open give you more area to cover with scent, so keep that in mind, as well.
Cinnamon Scented Pine Cones
2 lbs pine cones
4 ounces cinnamon scented essential oil
1 …read more

Are you looking for a way to decorate for your wedding without spending a ton of money? Well, forget about having someone else do it for you, then, because that costs a fortune. Instead, gather all your artsy-est bridesmaids and friends, and get them thinking about way to save cash without looking like it. Here’s an idea.

These butterfly lanterns are pretty and sweet. Butterflies are somehow a big thing at weddings these days, (I guess they symbolize transformation, so that makes sense) so if you’re hopping on the butterfly bandwagon, here’s another way to do it. It’s a lot more …read more

I have one of those little fragrance oil burners that I use to heat scented oil. As the oil heats, it releases it’s fragrance in the house. The scent is strong and it quickly makes me whole house smell beautiful. Unfortunately, I am limited by the choices offered in the stores and the little bottles of oil can get pricey.
By using essential oils – either in combination or as a single scent – and floating them in little bit of water, I can save money and tailor the fragrance to my own taste and mood. You can find essential oils in health food …read more

And now for aan article of clothing that I am intrigued by, but am not sure that I like. I love the way this chocolate and turquoise tank looks in the pics. I love the weirdly asymmetrical cut and unfinished edges. But I have some questions about the craftspersonship and quality of finish for the price.
Don’t get me wrong. I am 100% behind almost any DIY aesthetic and this is no exception. But I am not a yuppie who thinks it’s reasonable to spend $65 on a ripped up tank top. So, if anyone has experience with this line and …read more

I recently sent y’all off to my favorite DIY resources. Only I forgot one. ReadyMade Magazine has been bringing the best of DIY to a grateful public for years. They have shown me how to build a revolving sundeck, customize my shoes, melt records into flowerpots, and make wallets out of tape. I haven’t actually done all those things, of course, but the point is I have directions if I ever want to. And now they have a fabulous online archive of projects that you can use for free! 
No indie closet is complete with at least six customized tees, and …read more

People go GAGA over Lush’s bath bombs.  They are huge and they cost quite a bit.  You can make your own that are just as luxurious for much less.  You can customize the recipe, too: add oatmeal for skin soothing, herbs, tea, rose petals, orange zest, the sky is the limit when it comes to fixing up these babies.  If you want to get fancy you can divide the batch in half and make each a complimentary color.  The hardest part about making bath bombs is really packing them into the molds well.  Professional Bath and Body companies have special …read more

Pumpkin Mask – Full of vitamins and exfoliating enzymes, pumpkin is GREAT for your skin.  I bet you still have an extra can in your cupboard from the holidays, don’t you?!   All the ingredients in this recipe are common household or grocery store items, so it’s super easy to make and you will get fabulously glowing, smooth skin.

4 Tbsp. pumpkin puree

1 Tbsp. honey

4 tsp. Cornmeal

2 tsp. aloe vera gel

2 tsp. pineapple, diced

1 tsp. green tea

1/2 tsp. sunflower oil (acne prone skin – substitute 1/2t. apple cider vinegar)

optional – sprinkles of nutmeg and ginger (or pumpkin pie spice, if you …read more