In my opinion, the one and only downside to summertime are the mosquitoes. They annoyingly buzz around you until they finally bite, which results in itchiness and welts, swelling, and even allergic reactions. And I do not even want to think about the West Nile or Zika viruses … [Read more...] about DIY Mosquito Repellent with Essential Oils
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How to Start a Compost Pile in Your Backyard (For Nutrient-Dense Soil)
Want to start your own backyard compost bin for amazing, nutrient-rich soil? No problem! Learn how to start a compost pile and build better soil for healthier plants. Coffee filters, eggshells, and dryer lint. Garbage, right? Nope! Not at all! These grubby morsels are … [Read more...] about How to Start a Compost Pile in Your Backyard (For Nutrient-Dense Soil)
Easy 30-Minute Upcycled Baby Sweater Pants (By Hand or Machine)
Back when I "only" had 2 kids and life was easier (we have 4 now), I decided I wanted to learn to sew. I don't remember where I first saw the idea for these upcycled sweater pants for baby, but I had an adorable baby, a love for anything eco-friendly, and a sewing machine in my … [Read more...] about Easy 30-Minute Upcycled Baby Sweater Pants (By Hand or Machine)
4 Things I Learned About My Instant Pot in the First 6 Months
Here's the lowdown on Instant Pot benefits and what I learned from the first six months of owning it. I've had an instant pot for over six months now (I have the 8qt version, which I highly recommend), and I like to think we've become quite well acquainted. Sure, it's … [Read more...] about 4 Things I Learned About My Instant Pot in the First 6 Months
How to Make Main Dish Salads That Keep You Full (And Aren’t Boring!)
Main dish salads can keep you feeling full for a long time, and they don't have to be boring! Growing up, I don’t remember eating many salads, let alone main dish salads. If I did they were just a sad little side salad made up of lettuce and tomato drowning in store-bought ranch … [Read more...] about How to Make Main Dish Salads That Keep You Full (And Aren’t Boring!)
3 Family Organization Hacks That Save My Sanity
I know that my life isn't quite as complicated as maybe some of yours are. We only have one child and he's not old enough to be involved in a slew of activities. So I'm not claiming to be some time-management goddess. Still, my life has a lot of moving parts involved. I have 7 … [Read more...] about 3 Family Organization Hacks That Save My Sanity
No-Sew DIY Light Blocking Curtains (for Better Quality Sleep)
Post by contributing writer, Erin Long I couldn’t believe how well I was sleeping. For the first time in I didn’t know how long I was falling asleep right away and staying asleep until my alarm went off. And I wasn’t exhausted when I woke up. Why was I sleeping better all of a … [Read more...] about No-Sew DIY Light Blocking Curtains (for Better Quality Sleep)
Clutter-Free and Loving It (a real-life KonMari update)
By Andrea Vandiver, contributing writer Six months ago I finally got around to reading Marie Kondo's book, The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. (I know, I'm way late to the trendy train.) I kept seeing everyone rave about … [Read more...] about Clutter-Free and Loving It (a real-life KonMari update)
Natural Vapor Rub DIY
Writing & photos by Grace Furman, contributing writer It is official - winter is really here! Of course my first illness of the season hit to mark the occasion. I find it common that people seem to catch a bug or virus during the transition of seasons or when the weather suddenly … [Read more...] about Natural Vapor Rub DIY