While I haven't officially started decorating for Christmas yet, I am craving the scents of the season. Cinnamon, Balsam Fir, Winter Pine - you name it, I love it. So I found three simple ways to add the sweet aroma of the holidays to our house.
First up is this eco-friendly dish soap from ECOS: Earth Friendly Products.
Their limited edition holiday DishmateTM dish soap is available in a fresh Winterpine scent. (Ecos.com; $3.49). My dishes and kitchen have never smelled so festive!
I always stock up on cinnamon sticks before the holidays. I simply break them in half, add them to a pot of water and simmer on my stovetop for hours. Sometimes I sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for good measure. These were $1.00 per pack at The Christmas Tree Shops.
Last up is this Evergreen Forest candle from Everyday Lune. I picked it up from Marshall's ($6.99) and OMG, it made the entire house smell like a fresh-picked Christmas tree. We've been using an artificial tree for years now, so this is a welcome scent in our home. It brings back memories of the real trees we always had in my childhood home for Christmas.
How do you make your home capture the scent of the season?
Jeanine
Note: I was provided a sample of ECOS dish soap for review; however all text, opinions, etc. are my own.
First up is this eco-friendly dish soap from ECOS: Earth Friendly Products.
Their limited edition holiday DishmateTM dish soap is available in a fresh Winterpine scent. (Ecos.com; $3.49). My dishes and kitchen have never smelled so festive!
I always stock up on cinnamon sticks before the holidays. I simply break them in half, add them to a pot of water and simmer on my stovetop for hours. Sometimes I sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for good measure. These were $1.00 per pack at The Christmas Tree Shops.
Last up is this Evergreen Forest candle from Everyday Lune. I picked it up from Marshall's ($6.99) and OMG, it made the entire house smell like a fresh-picked Christmas tree. We've been using an artificial tree for years now, so this is a welcome scent in our home. It brings back memories of the real trees we always had in my childhood home for Christmas.
How do you make your home capture the scent of the season?
Jeanine
Note: I was provided a sample of ECOS dish soap for review; however all text, opinions, etc. are my own.
Sharing a few more Xmas tart tins I made last week. Told you I was slightly obsessed with making these!
While some of my friends on Instagram are already decorating for Xmas, I'm content just crafting and planning on where to display these when the time comes. The little reindeer and feed sack are from Michael's. Had everything else I needed.
These guys are also from Michael's. I added the 25 Bingo chip and faux moss.
I have (eep!) one tin left. I gave some to my 9 year old so he could make his own. He used Lego pieces for his and they came out quite cute. I'm still figuring out what to do with my lone survivor...
Jeanine
While some of my friends on Instagram are already decorating for Xmas, I'm content just crafting and planning on where to display these when the time comes. The little reindeer and feed sack are from Michael's. Had everything else I needed.
These guys are also from Michael's. I added the 25 Bingo chip and faux moss.
I have (eep!) one tin left. I gave some to my 9 year old so he could make his own. He used Lego pieces for his and they came out quite cute. I'm still figuring out what to do with my lone survivor...
Jeanine
I bought a bunch of tart tins from our local thrift store a couple of weeks ago.
They were too new for what I had in mind, so I searched Pinterest for a recipe on how to age them. Some vinegar, salt and water gave me exactly the look I was going for, so I could turn them into...
Xmas magnets!
I used random pieces to get three different looks. This one is my favorite.
Or is it this one?
I can't decide. Each has its own little personality.
I must confess: I'm a little obsessed with making these now and have some others in the works.
Jeanine
They were too new for what I had in mind, so I searched Pinterest for a recipe on how to age them. Some vinegar, salt and water gave me exactly the look I was going for, so I could turn them into...
Xmas magnets!
I used random pieces to get three different looks. This one is my favorite.
Or is it this one?
I can't decide. Each has its own little personality.
I must confess: I'm a little obsessed with making these now and have some others in the works.
Jeanine
I know Monday is Halloween, but who isn't already thinking about Christmas projects? I know I am.
I'm battling my first cold of the season, so I had some down time this week to do some crafting.
I used an old spaghetti tin to make this pretty. First I added some sheet music as my background. Then I picked the pretty French image (from the Graphics Fairy) and glued that on the sheet music.
Next came the fun part - and I do say that with a touch of sarcasm. I added some cheese cloth to the front of the image. Not exactly an easy task to do while handling a hot glue gun. Ouch! I then added some lace, burlap trim and buttons.
My finishing touch was the Scrabble letters to spell out Noel.
Happy to say I had everything I needed on hand for this quick Xmas project.
Jeanine
I'm battling my first cold of the season, so I had some down time this week to do some crafting.
I used an old spaghetti tin to make this pretty. First I added some sheet music as my background. Then I picked the pretty French image (from the Graphics Fairy) and glued that on the sheet music.
Next came the fun part - and I do say that with a touch of sarcasm. I added some cheese cloth to the front of the image. Not exactly an easy task to do while handling a hot glue gun. Ouch! I then added some lace, burlap trim and buttons.
My finishing touch was the Scrabble letters to spell out Noel.
Happy to say I had everything I needed on hand for this quick Xmas project.
Jeanine
I'm happy to report that I have FINALLY figured out why I couldn't comment on many of your blogs. And it did not take a Ouija board to do it. Something to do with enabling cookies, java script and a whole lot of other techie words I don't know. Anywho, I fixed it and am ready to roll again!
Jeanine
Jeanine
I have been woefully neglecting my Etsy shop of late. Sure, I've been fulfilling orders, but I haven't had a chance to add too many new items.
Over the weekend - in between playdates, sleepovers and giving our garage a must-needed fall cleaning - I spent time whipping up some new items.
I love lavender sachets, so I broke out my stamps and ink for these two designs: a country bunny and the White Rabbit.
I also used the country bunny stamp to make some quick, new tags.
It felt good creating some new items for the shop.
Jeanine
Over the weekend - in between playdates, sleepovers and giving our garage a must-needed fall cleaning - I spent time whipping up some new items.
I love lavender sachets, so I broke out my stamps and ink for these two designs: a country bunny and the White Rabbit.
I also used the country bunny stamp to make some quick, new tags.
It felt good creating some new items for the shop.
Jeanine
I dressed up our tea room/she shed last week. Here she is all dolled up for Halloween.
Remember those thrift store frames I found last week? Here they are in all their creepy glory. The Ouija board was a garage sale find. I made the bottles and chalkboard frame a couple of years ago.
Here's another look.
Glad I got her all decorated because this past weekend is a blur between pumpkin picking...
And getting the boys' costumes at the Spirit Halloween store. I couldn't resist these Ouija board mints. The mints are awful but the tin is a keeper. I've already added it to my indoor Halloween decor.
Jeanine
Remember those thrift store frames I found last week? Here they are in all their creepy glory. The Ouija board was a garage sale find. I made the bottles and chalkboard frame a couple of years ago.
Here's another look.
Glad I got her all decorated because this past weekend is a blur between pumpkin picking...
And getting the boys' costumes at the Spirit Halloween store. I couldn't resist these Ouija board mints. The mints are awful but the tin is a keeper. I've already added it to my indoor Halloween decor.
Jeanine
Once the cooler weather starts, I love to curl up on the couch under a blanket with a good book. This week I had two great books to read.
It's not secret that I am a HUGE fan of Ikea. I love trolling Pinterest for IKEA hacks (seriously, don't you too?!). I Modify IKEA by Elyse Major and Charlotte Rivers offers a ton of ideas that I'd never seen before in easy to follow DIY instructions.
I mean, c'mon, how cute is this pouf? You can make it by using three Signe rugs (along with some other non-IKEA supplies).
Or how about this window seat using an Applaro bench. The bench is only $60. I think this will be the first project I tackle as I've been wanting to add a bench for under our stairs in the basement. And that's only a small fraction of what I Modify IKEA ($24.99, Ulysses Press) has to offer.
Now it's also no secret that I can't draw. I can craft, create, paint, etc., but drawing is not my strong suit. But with Draw Like This! by Christopher Locke, maybe it can be!
This quirky, hand-drawn guide provides a series of fun, easy-to-follow "exercises" and plenty of room to practice. I'm going to try the skeletal structures for some Halloween-inspired decorating.
My boys love the ink blots and have been creating their own.
Seriously, Draw Like This! ($16, TarcherPerigee Paperback) has everything you need to develop or enhance your artistic skills.
Both would make great holiday gifts!
Jeanine
Note: I was provided copies of I Modify Ikea and Draw Like This! for review. However, all opinions, text, photos are my own.
It's not secret that I am a HUGE fan of Ikea. I love trolling Pinterest for IKEA hacks (seriously, don't you too?!). I Modify IKEA by Elyse Major and Charlotte Rivers offers a ton of ideas that I'd never seen before in easy to follow DIY instructions.
I mean, c'mon, how cute is this pouf? You can make it by using three Signe rugs (along with some other non-IKEA supplies).
Or how about this window seat using an Applaro bench. The bench is only $60. I think this will be the first project I tackle as I've been wanting to add a bench for under our stairs in the basement. And that's only a small fraction of what I Modify IKEA ($24.99, Ulysses Press) has to offer.
Now it's also no secret that I can't draw. I can craft, create, paint, etc., but drawing is not my strong suit. But with Draw Like This! by Christopher Locke, maybe it can be!
This quirky, hand-drawn guide provides a series of fun, easy-to-follow "exercises" and plenty of room to practice. I'm going to try the skeletal structures for some Halloween-inspired decorating.
My boys love the ink blots and have been creating their own.
Seriously, Draw Like This! ($16, TarcherPerigee Paperback) has everything you need to develop or enhance your artistic skills.
Both would make great holiday gifts!
Jeanine
Note: I was provided copies of I Modify Ikea and Draw Like This! for review. However, all opinions, text, photos are my own.
Whipped up these cute Halloween tags over the weekend.
I couldn't stop at just the tags, so I made some stickers too.
Both sets can be found in my Etsy.
Jeanine
I couldn't stop at just the tags, so I made some stickers too.
Both sets can be found in my Etsy.
Jeanine
My brain is about to explode. Seems I'm having trouble leaving comments on your blogs.
I've visited quite a few bloggy friends' blogs in the last few days and I have to ask: are my comments showing up? My blog perpetually tells me to sign in. So I do. Then when leaving comments, I choose Google account to leave a comment - like I've always done. But now I notice it's not saying your comment needs approval before appearing and on certain blogs, my comments no longer immediately show up.
Any idea what's going on????? I left comments this morning on Homeroad, Pandora's Box and Southern Day Dreams. Ladies, do you see my comments?
Jeanine
My Halloween projects are officially in full swing. This is a fun one. All you need is some black craft paint, Scrabble tiles, tile holders, Glue Dots, sand paper and some creepy embellishments.
I started by painting each tile holder black. Once they were dry, I sanded off some of the paint in random areas for a more aged look. Then I broke out my Scrabble tiles to see what words I could spell.
Once I had all my letters, I simple applied them using the Glue Dots. This is ideal because the tiles can be removed and the holders can then be used for your next project!
Then I just added random Halloween-ish items I already had in my craft room. Some got little pumpkins and a faux frozen Charlotte doll, while others got Bingo chips and vintage images found on The Graphics Fairy.
These were a big hit with my boys, and I must admit, I really enjoyed making them.
Jeanine
I know it's Wednesday, but wanted to share Friday's thrifty finds.
I wasn't able to hit a lot of garage sales this summer, so I made up for lost time this past Friday. I found this great vintage scale, a variety of tart tins, a Mason jar and some ornate frames. I'm already searching for some creepy Halloween images to add to the frames.
The entire lot cost me $5!
Jeanine
I wasn't able to hit a lot of garage sales this summer, so I made up for lost time this past Friday. I found this great vintage scale, a variety of tart tins, a Mason jar and some ornate frames. I'm already searching for some creepy Halloween images to add to the frames.
The entire lot cost me $5!
Jeanine
I'm not a big wine drinker, but thankfully a lot of my friends are. Thanks to many of them, I was able to create these creepy Halloween bottles.
I started by removing the labels from each bottle. I don't have Goo Gone, so I just used good old fashioned scrubbing and hot water. Once the labels were off, I gave each bottle 2-3 coats of black paint.
Once the paint was dry, I broke out some white candles and just started melting them over the tops of the bottles and down the sides.
You could add candles or leave them as is depending upon your taste. I picked up the orange candles from the Christmas Tree Shops ($9.99) over the weekend. I'll be using them on our porch once I start officially decorating for Halloween.
Jeanine
I started by removing the labels from each bottle. I don't have Goo Gone, so I just used good old fashioned scrubbing and hot water. Once the labels were off, I gave each bottle 2-3 coats of black paint.
Once the paint was dry, I broke out some white candles and just started melting them over the tops of the bottles and down the sides.
You could add candles or leave them as is depending upon your taste. I picked up the orange candles from the Christmas Tree Shops ($9.99) over the weekend. I'll be using them on our porch once I start officially decorating for Halloween.
Jeanine
Never mind the fact that it's like a bazillion degrees here today, I've got autumn on the mind. I added some fresh fall touches about the house earlier this week.
I have a tough time putting up wreaths on my front door. They have to be super skinny to fit between the glass door and wood door. This one is perfect though. Found it at Tuesday Morning ($12.99) and it's exactly what I was envisioning for the door.
I created an autumn vignette in the dining room on my little antique desk. The wheat is also from Tuesday Morning ($9.99) and the printable is from Pinterest.
How cute is this little cloche with mini pumpkins and other greens? I have three of them and dressed them each up for autumn.
I'm still working on this corner of my porch. Need some pumpkins and mums, but here's how it looks as of today.
Have you started decorating for autumn?
Jeanine
I have a tough time putting up wreaths on my front door. They have to be super skinny to fit between the glass door and wood door. This one is perfect though. Found it at Tuesday Morning ($12.99) and it's exactly what I was envisioning for the door.
I created an autumn vignette in the dining room on my little antique desk. The wheat is also from Tuesday Morning ($9.99) and the printable is from Pinterest.
How cute is this little cloche with mini pumpkins and other greens? I have three of them and dressed them each up for autumn.
I'm still working on this corner of my porch. Need some pumpkins and mums, but here's how it looks as of today.
Have you started decorating for autumn?
Jeanine