When my lips are chapped, it's practically a federal emergency. I always have something on me for dry lips. Let's face it: I have no idea what's in half the stuff I'm slathering on my lips (I've tried looking for the ingredients on Chapstick and haven't seen anything). Plus, all the waste with these tiny… Continue reading Lip Chap DIY
Tag: make it or buy it
For a Healthier Home, Change Cleaning Supplies
Over several years, we have switched out all of our laundry detergents, dish washing detergent, dish soap, window cleaner, grease cutter cleaner, gritty scrub, hand soap, and shampoo. While this may sound like lots of work (it's actually not) the result has been a much healthier home and family. While I do make several cleaners,… Continue reading For a Healthier Home, Change Cleaning Supplies
How to Make Bread Cubes for Thanksgiving Stuffing
Why I've never done this before is beyond me. Every Thanksgiving, we make my husband's most amazing Thanksgiving stuffing recipe. It's the best! Every year, I pay up for the organic, fancy bread cubes. Let's not talk about how expensive these are at the store. I don't like the huge list of ingredients that are… Continue reading How to Make Bread Cubes for Thanksgiving Stuffing
Nourishing Soup Makes a Meal
Today’s post is sponsored by Pacific Foods and their "Nourish Every Body" campaign to feed hungry kids. Thank you for supporting the occasional sponsored post that helps support this site and all of the gingham-ness you see here. Fall is soup season. As soon as the weather turns cooler and the leaves start to fall,… Continue reading Nourishing Soup Makes a Meal
How to Freeze Fresh Herbs
While I like fresh herbs to last, in hot weather they can wilt before using them. Store bought frozen or freeze dried herbs are nice but there's all that packaging and expense. Wasting food is a waste of resources. My solution? Food process herbs and freeze them in a glass jar. This couldn't be easier… Continue reading How to Freeze Fresh Herbs
Use Fewer Chemicals in the Dishwasher
You know when you open your dishwasher after it's run and it’s all steamy and smells like cleaner? What you smell are very strong chemicals. Sure the dishes are clean, but at what cost to our health? That's what we asked ourselves. The changing of all of our cleaning, laundry, and consumer products has opened… Continue reading Use Fewer Chemicals in the Dishwasher
Green Living Tip 6 {Install Awnings}
Today's green living tip: install awnings on the outside of your windows to keep the sun from heating up the inside of your home. Awnings probably aren't the first thought that comes to mind when considering how to keep a house cooler. Awnings also require work to make and install yourself (here's how we made… Continue reading Green Living Tip 6 {Install Awnings}
Easiest Ever Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Ever run out of something and had to improvise only to learn what you made tastes better than store bought? That happened to us recently. Getting ready for an evening with friends, we needed cocktail sauce for our avocado and lobster appetizer dish. Out of cocktail sauce, we stirred up something tasty. It couldn't be… Continue reading Easiest Ever Homemade Cocktail Sauce
How to Add an Elastic Waist Band to Women’s Pants
Pay attention women's clothing designers: this one's for you. Have you ever dressed a little boy and envied the waistband on their pants or shorts? I have. It's adjustable. Why can't women's pants or dress trousers or jeans have an adjustable waistband? We're not the same shape or size as the models. Many days, I'm… Continue reading How to Add an Elastic Waist Band to Women’s Pants
Summer Time Coffee Break
This post is sponsored by International Delight Iced Coffee. While I like to make my own drinks when entertaining, when I'm running short on time, convenience matters. This International Delight Iced Coffee is just right for summer especially when afternoon guests are arriving on short notice. Served with plenty of ice cubes, the International Delight… Continue reading Summer Time Coffee Break