Showing posts with label bath salts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bath salts. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

DIY ~ Festive Wreath and a couple of Hostess Gifts

 


I purchased a basic simple wreath from the floral department at the grocers.
The price was good but I felt like it needed something more.
The DIY spirit in me spurred me on to add something...
but what?

I mulled it over for a few days
 every time I went out and closed the door I knew I had to act.


I had made a bowl full of dried oranges...
to add to Christmas gifts.

I followed the directions that Annie Diamond
at Most Lovely Things had shared in the December issue of BHG.

Basic directions are to cut oranges into 1/4 inch slices 
place on a rack atop a cookie sheet.
Bake at 225 degrees for 3- 4 hours until dried.

I thought they might look good on the wreath.

I used florists wire and tied them onto the fir boughs 
tucking them carefully into the fronds.

I think it looks natural and dresses up and adds interest to the simple wreath.


The theme for this year's wrap is simple and natural.
The local Michaels store had a wide variety of choices for wrap.
I opted for plain and printed kraft paper with a simple twine and tags.


My current favourite scented candle...
Black Fig 
by
~ Sand and Fog ~

The Sand and Fog brand of candles use soy wax and essential oils.
I prefer a "woodsy"scent over "sweet."

The vintage wood box is my "new" recipe box.
I found it at a local consignment shop.

The new box prompted me to go through all my recipes...
what a job!
Mom's recipes as well as mine were organized into categories
some were rewritten, most of mom's recipes are for the holidays.
She was a plain cook but loved baking.

I've been baking quite a bit lately...
cakes mostly, to serve as dessert or an afternoon treat with tea.


Bath salts are a simple hostess gift.
This recipe is inexpensive, quick and easy to make.
(you can double or triple this recipe)
If you look at thrift shops you can find some pretty glass jars.
I like to add a pretty ribbon and a simple tag.

If you are gifting a spa "pampering" basket
think of including:
a soft towel
soap
body lotion
candle
bath salts
chocolate bar
hand lotion


Do you remember those expensive flavoured instant coffee beverages sold in the grocery stores?

I am not sure if they still sell them?

Years ago a friend gave me this recipe and she shared it with many friends.
We all made batch after batch of this drink...

It has stood the test of time and is still a tasty beverage.

Looks pretty in a simple clear glass jar.
Think of a canning jar or a decorative canister.

Make some for yourself while you are wrapping the gifts this season!

I'll be making some of mom's cookies and fruit loaves in a few weeks.
Hope to share some of the recipes here on the blog.


Have you started to get ready for the festive season?
Are you feeling creative?
Will you make some or all of the gifts that you give?

If you are in The US you might be getting ready for Thanksgiving.
Hope that you are able to join with friends and family this year.

Thank you for popping by the blog...

Commenting continues to be a challenge, 
I have reached out to Blogger
but it seems that there is little tech support available.

So far it hasn't stopped me from posting...
it is a fun hobby.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Monday Monday...


One of my cheap and cheerful French souvenirs 
a wee jar that held the most delicious yogurt.

I have popped a beeswax votive inside the jar
and 
 loving the subtle scent that emanates from the wax as it slowly melts.


I finished the book on Bunny Mellon...
her life certainly had its ups and downs 

Throughout Bunny maintained her poise and composure.

She found solace puttering in her garden and decorating many homes.

Her life was enriched by the many friendships that she cultivated...
Jackie Kennedy, Balenciaga, Givenchy to name a few.
 There were many delightful surprises as I flipped the pages.

I recommend this book...

Bunny had a strength of character
lots of energy
a zest for life
impeccable style
a lifelong passion for gardening
tasteful flair for homes and decorating
a collector of fine art and antiques
loyal to her staff 
Bunny loved being out in nature.

This story will resonate with me forever.

I don't usually keep books but this one is going to stay on my shelf.
It's a "keeper!"


New silky black camisole...
I love wearing this under my cashmere sweaters.


These two products are fabulous for dry skin...
the body wash is emollient and the scent is subtle.

The moisturizer is pure, light and silky.

Self care is so important.
It doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

Perhaps you can afford a full day at the Spa...
 (which would be fabulous!)

Or you may just take an extra 5 minutes here and there to treat yourself.


Speaking of treats...
Isla and I made some bath salts together last week.

The recipe is on my blog in a December post a "Hostess Gift."


I'm a bundled up in the Michelin Man puffer coat!

The weather this past weekend was marvelous...
we had some sunshine and it was such a welcome tonic after weeks of rain.


Following up on my post about the intermittent fasting...
I am enjoying the results.

I have lost a few pounds and feel way more energy!
It was difficult at first not eating breakfast and then 
only eating during the 8 hour "window"  

There are books and You Tube videos that discuss the health benefits of fasting
if you are interested.

I would love to hear your thoughts...

Please note: to comment on my blog you'll need to use a Google search engine as Safari will not work for some reason.


Hope your week is off to a good start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Simply white...Home, garden and clothing.


Fluffy White Hydrangeas




Romneya coulteri


Thick white towels
Marigold the Mouse appreciates their softness.


White vintage ironstone platter
homemade rose scented bath salts
Avene thermal water
 (hot flash relief!)


Customize your bath salts with essential oils.
 I usually opt for lavender or rose.


Eileen Fisher 
I admire her philosophy and thinking when it comes to a minimal wardrobe.


Fresh out of the package.
I purchased a pair of jeans and a black cotton gauzy top at the EF shop on South Granville in Vancouver and I really wanted a white one too.
They didn't have one in stock but they could order one from the Toronto store 
with free delivery too!

 I jumped at the chance and it just arrived on the doorstep.
I'll need to give it a quick iron before wearing it 
but then it will be ready for the "mix and match ups"
as
it gets rotated in my basic black and white wardrobe.


Lands' End Towels
They are plush cotton and last a long time.
Great value and when on sale very affordable.


Natural accents
like this piece of coral 
add a touch of texture and they feel serene and calm.



The light from the window illuminates the pairing.


Beautiful white roses juxtaposed against this old rock wall.




A bar of soap set upon in a simple white soap dish.


White is a calm colour but it can make a BOLD statement.


One of my favourite bloggers
please pop by and check out her beautiful posts
she's so beautiful and her posts are inspiring.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~