Monday, March 26, 2012

Repurposed: The Trunk Project

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I had this old trunk that my grandparents' had used for storage in their garage when I was a kid, and I have always known that it was destined for greatness!!  After many years of not-so-greatness collecting dust in my garage, I am proud to say, it has finally 'arrived'.

This was how it began:



I chose a cheery, sunshine yellow for the inside.  
Just for something happy and unexpected.

And a soft, calm and cool sage green for the outside.

While the paint dried outside, inside I worked on what would become the upholstered top.  A scrap piece of reclaimed wood, and a piece of scrap foam from the fabric store were covered with some luxurious upholstery fabric.

To attach the fabric, lay the fabric open with the wrong side facing up.  Then lay down the foam, followed by the wood.  Pull the sides of the fabric up, wrapping it around the wood and secure with staples.  When you pull use a little tension, but not too much.  We don't want it to sag, but we don't want it to pucker either.  when you come to the corners, fold them like you would when wrapping a gift.


Attach the upholstered piece to the top of the trunk with screws from the inside of the lid.  Be cautious with your screw selection- wile we want it long enough to hold the wood to the trunk, you don't want it so long that it pokes through the foam and fabric.

Finally, I added wheels to the bottom so that we could easily push it around the living room without damaging the floors.



Here it is now, at home where it has always belonged.


Saturday, March 17, 2012

Repurposed Vintage Light Fixture

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Do you recognize this?  Picture it over a light bulb in the hallway of your Grandma's house- that's where I've seen it before.  It is a vintage lighting fixture that I picked up at a thrift store.  Now it serves as a lovely vase for a bunch of flowers.  The slightly industrial squarish look of the glass is a pleasant complement to the soft, bright flowers.



Sunday, March 11, 2012

Repurposed Metal Milk Crate

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We had this old metal milk crate just wasting away, living an unfulfilled life in our basement.  With a cheery coat of paint, some bolts and drywall anchors, it's a lovely (and functional too!) addition to the living room.

Before:
 (how embarrassing...)

After:



Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Come Clean: Mindful Cleaning With Natural Ingredients

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The following are just a few of the countless 
examples of ways to use common,natural 
ingredients to clean and maintain your home.   
(Harsh chemicals need not apply)
For Your Home-

Bathtub scrub:
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 lemon
 Sprinkle the baking soda and squeeze the lemon juice into the tub.  Scrub and rinse.

Fruit/veggie wash:
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle.  Spray on fruits/veggies and rinse.

Microwave steam cleaner:
  • 1/2 bowl water
  • 1/2 lemon
 Add the lemon to the water and microwave on high for 2 minutes.  Wipe the inside clean.

Clean a stained cutting board:
  • 1/4 cup salt
Wipe the cutting board with a damp cloth, then apply the salt.  Let the salt sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Brighten yellowed linens:
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon salt
Boil water and add baking soda and salt.  Add linens and boil for 1 hour.
 
"Forgotten load rescuer":
  • 2 cups vinegar 
To refresh a load of laundry forgotten in the washer, start the washer again with hot water and no soap.  Add 2 cups vinegar.  After the first cycle add the normal amount of soap.

Open a clogged drain:
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 quart boiling water
Pour salt in first, then follow with the baking soda.  Allow to sit for several hours, then flush with the boiling water.

For Your Body-

Remove a splinter:
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salt
  •  2 quarts warm water
Mix the Epsom salt in the warm water and soak the afflicted area for 15 minutes.

Body and face scrub:
  • 1/2 cup sea salt
  • 1/3 cup almond oil
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
Combine all ingredients and apply to wet skin.  Rinse and pat dry.

Soothe muscle aches:
  • 3 cup apple cider vinegar
Add vinegar to a warm bath and soak.

Salt, Lemons, Vinegar and Baking Soda, by Shea Zukowski. Metro Books, 2009.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Is This In Your Cosmetic Bag? This Isn't Pretty.

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It seems this has been a busy couple of weeks for new reports emerging about toxins in common cosmetics. 

What I want to know is who, in the development of beauty products, suggests this?  How does one look at a product that will go on a human being and think that adding known carcinogens- such as lead or formaldehyde- is a good idea?? 

Does that developer then use the product herself?  Or allow her mother, sister or 
 daughter to use it?   

And how have we, as a culture and society, allowed this blind consumption?  Why don't demand transparency, information and education in the products that we will consume?  Think about it.

I've gathered a few links to share:





FDA Finds Lead In 400 Lipsticks, Proving Toxic Cosmetics Are A Legit Health Concern
















Top 7 Toxic Ingredients To Avoid In Beauty Products
















Brazilian Blowout Finally Admits Product Can Cause Cancer






 

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Pretty Fly For a Pad Thai! Recipe for Veggie Pad Thai

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We made a pretty great veggie Pad Thai last night.  I was a little intimidated as I'm not very experienced with Thai cooking, but this recipe was an absolute delight!  The sauce was light, a little sweet, and tangy.  And the crisp veggies paired nicely with the soft peanuts.  We have a favorite take-out place that serves a Pad Thai that is perfection- while this dish wasn't the exact same, it definitely gives it a run for the money! It'll be hard to order take-out knowing I can make this for less $, in my own kitchen (and know everything that went into my food, and where it came from).  

It goes like this:
  •  1 10 oz. package rice noodles (I used Udon noodles)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (abut 2 whole limes), plus wedges for serving (1 more lime)
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 scallions 
  • 1 cup fresh asparagus
  • 1 cup mukimame beans,thawed (soy beans that have already been shelled)
  • 1/2 broccoli 
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts 


Prepare noodles as per package directions.  When there is about  5 minutes remaining add the fresh veggies (asparagus and broccoli) to the boiling water; cook and drain.  In the meantime, make the sauce: combine the lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce and rice vinegar in a bowl; whisk.  Next, heat the oil in a large skillet, and cook the garlic 1-2 minutes.  Add the eggs to the skillet and cook, breaking up small.  When the eggs have cooked, turn off the heat, place them on a plate and set aside for a moment.  Add the noodles and veggies and the sauce to the warm skillet and toss.  Transfer to a large bowl, add the mukimame and eggs, toss.  Serve topped with cilantro, peanuts, scallions, lime wedges, and Sriracha chile sauce- if you like it hot.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

For Your Face, From The Earth

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Mindful is the word.  Expanding our ever evolving awareness, let us thrive as we begin to mind our intentions as well as our actions.  Our so-called "beauty routines" unfortunately often become a form of mindless torture to our skin.  Women daily slather their skin with anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, pore minimizing toxins in hopes of a flawless complexion.  When we work so hard at achieving what a photo shopped magazine cover or character on a television show  tells us we should be (whether consciously or subconsciously) we are admitting that we believe something is wrong with the way we are.  

This is where intention is key- just as with exercise, when a "beauty routine" is meant to change oneself with the belief that one is not right in the first place, an intention of punishment, it is an action that is harmful to the body and soul.  Conversely, when we work to maintain and care for our bodies and souls out of love it is an action of healing and wellness.  Think of the endless diets that fail or gym memberships that expire unused.  When we begin a diet or exercise routine with the belief that we have to because our bodies are wrong, this is an act of self-hate.  By no means am I suggesting that we give up healthy diets, regular exercise, or a daily routine that makes us feel even more beautiful- I simply wish to promote the idea that we do these things mindfully.  A mindful, healthy diet, regular exercise and beauty routines should be done for ourselves- a gift of love- not in spite of ourselves.  

Our bodies are beyond amazing- think of the thousands of actions happening at a cellular level at any given second- we need to be mindful, appreciative and respectful of ourselves.  Our bodies, after all, are ourselves, not something we possess.   

Here are some beautifying facial treatments that are from the earth, and an act of love for yourself:
  • For dry skin-
    • Use an herbal cleanser.  Combine 2 oz. aloe vera gel with one teaspoon grapeseed oil, one teaspoon glycerin, 1/2 teaspoon grapefruit seed extract, 8 drops of sandalwood oil, and 4 drops rosemary oil; shake well; apply to face and rinse.
    • Make a calendula-and-cream moisturizing mask.  Mix 1/4 cup and whipping cream, 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons mashed avocado, 1 teaspoon calendula petals, and 1 teaspoon lavender flowers; let sit for 5-10 min.; then whip; apply to skin and leave on for at least 5 minutes. (This mask can also prevent infection).
  • For oily skin-
    • Make a strawberry and lavender clay mask.  Combine 1 tablespoon facial clay (available from health food stores) with 1 tablespoon witch hazel, 1 mashed strawberry, and 1 drop of lavender oil.  Apply to face, avoiding eyes; leave on 10-15 min.; rinse with warm water.   

Image:http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/creative-reuse/glass-jars-our-favorite-thing-to-repurpose-096062
Recipes from
Herbs That Heal; Natural Medicine at Its Best, By Arden Moore, Bridget Doherty, and the Editors of Prevention Health Books for Women.  Rodale Press, 1999.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Repurposing Round-Up!

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What is Repurposing?
Repurposing means to use an object in a way other than was originally intended. Sometimes called Up-cycled or Re-styled.

Re-purposing is a mindset,
a way of seeing things 
for what they are and 
what they could be.
“Bates Lowry in the introduction to his book, "The Visual Experience" notes:
Looking and seeing are as different 
as babbling and speaking.
To look means that our eyes operate only to the extent that they keep us from being hit by a car, assist us in learning the news, or amuse us through television.....
Most people only look and do not see.”

"Frederick Franck in "Zen Seeing/Zen Drawing" argues:
We when learn to see, our brain acts to process visual information based on knowledge gained from prior experiences.” 
   http://seeinglooking.blogspot.com/2008/05/is-there-difference-between-seeing-and.html)

Before you throw anything away 
PLEASE ask yourself,
  • Is this object really Use-LESS??
  • Can I find a new or different way to use this?
  • Could someone else find a use for it?
 Let's get inspired with some lovely pics of repurposing projects...
Image courtesy of: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksRx6dZrygidZSu43RDWrkTCNvIedZby8-4J6yaxv0vWe5eVZ3sUWGJOa-OYmtgUWN2kRJBoliAqdLIZncXObZYP4Lf8l4daTFM-IThxvKnSVKZe22kIJfYU7HQj1RQxJ1SMyHJpCv2yn/s1600-h/img_fleamarket_ss6.jpg
Image courtesy of: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtFdiV536r7dGu4o5Lm5vWdGp3S0eTMxD6XQLdSH2DOhNV3EPeFtP8EPg84fbHlDqlwJaFspVMRb6HqxrbPAvKJrVTrXerPMLDEygdla93k7ANuNzHVnstprkjzDj0HFQmASUv_xpi3ul/s1600-h/FleamarketStorage_ss29.jpg


Oversized, Vintage
Message Board
Don't turn your back on an old mattress. Hang a mattress spring on the wall for a one-of-a-kind, oversized message board.
From: hgtv.com














Cottage-Style Display Shelf
When you think an item has no functionality, think again. A small, brightly colored stepladder on the wall to function as a display shelf and eye-pleaser
From: hgtv.com







  


Salvaged Home Office
This home office is filled with items from the junkyard. Sawhorses make up the legs of the desk, a wood pallet works as the desktop and an old ladder provides the framework From: hgtv.com
Headboard Rack
A vintage headboard is given new life as a hanging rack. The designer painted the headboard white and attached a rack with hooks, transforming the headboard into a towel or coat rack for guests.  From: hgtv.com
Repair: No Damage Here
Damaged furniture doesn't have to be thrown away. Marian Parsons suggests hiding imperfections on furniture with decoupage. She used aged sheets of music to hide imperfections on this neglected dresser, while also giving the all-white bedroom a shabby chic look. Other items great for decoupaging furniture are maps, book pages, letters and postcards. "The treatment will hide gouges, water marks, missing veneer and other signs of abuse on furniture," she says. Decoupaging furniture will also add dimension and distinct style to a room.  From: hgtv.com
 




Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Dish Gardens Are So Hot Right Now

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What is a dish garden??  
A dish garden is a grouping of tiny plants arranged, you guessed it, in a dish.  
Think terrarium, only open air, not enclosed.  

I have seen these things popping up all over the place lately- featured in several magazines over the last few months, and I even noticed a display in the floral department of the grocery.  Surrounding oneself with live greenery indoors can really help to beat the winter blues!
 

The history of the dish garden:
 "For more than a century, Japanese gardeners 
have mimicked landscapes in miniature with the 
time honored art of hachi-niwa
or "bowl garden".  
In the West, the concept has resurfaced 
from time to time over the years."
from Martha Stewart Living, January 2012
Imagine the possibilities of the miniature landscapes to re-create... 
deserts, jungles, under-the-sea-scapes...   
 


My sister has a collection of funky shaped, clear glass thrift store treasures and she's been dying to stuff them full of dirt and tiny green things!  

How to make a dish garden:
  • Gather Supplies-
    • A fun dish 
    • Small rocks/gravel
    • Activated charcoal (related to fish tanks, we had to search a bit and finally found ours in the pet section of a big box store).  
    • Potting soil
    • Tiny plants
  • Put the first layer into the dish: the rocks/gravel go first.  This layer allows for some drainage.
  • Second layer: Add some activated charcoal.  This helps prevent mold, and keeps the garden smelling fresh.
  • Next, add a layer of potting soil and pack it down. (Note: if you use cacti or palm varieties, you can buy a special potting mix to help these little guys thrive)
  • Remove your plant(s) from their pots and add them to the dish.
  • Then, add some more potting mix to fill in around the roots and pack it down.
  • Finally, water your plants, and remember to water them about every7-10 days.
  • (So, I'm obligated to admit that when my sister mentioned that she had a squirrel figurine to add here... let's just say I was skeptical.  Looking at the finished product, I love it!)





Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sweet Potato! Stuffed with Sprouts, Nuts, Berries, & Cheese; Recipe and Helath Facts

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Sweet potatoes are a staple in our home, and after we happened upon this recipe in a Martha Stewart Living magazine, we devour them dressed up this way at least once a week!!

Dress up 1 baked sweet potato with:
  • Brussels sprouts (sauteed, roasted, or steamed; any way you like!)
  • Chopped nuts- we like pecans or walnuts best
  • Dried cranberries
  • Crumbled blue cheese

Why you want to put this in your body...
(Aside from the party in your mouth, of course)
  • Sweet Potatoes-  According to the book Eat and Heal, "Three of the toughest cancer fighters in the nutrient world- folate, vitamin C, and beta carotene (which turns into vitamin A)- are packed into a sweet potato.  One sweet potato gives you almost three times the recommended daily amount of vitamin A and almost half the amount of vitamin C...  Your body needs folate to build and repair its DNA, and if you don't get enough, experts believe you may increase your risk of certain types of cancer."  
  • Cranberries-  From Eat and Heal, "With powerful flavinoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, cranberries can protect you from urinary tract infections, heart disease and cancer.  They might even fight gum disease and cancer... prevents low-density lipoprotien (LDL) cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol, from becoming oxidized... A Canadian study suggests that cranberry juice might even prevent or treat breast cancer.  And a study from the University of Illinois indicates that cranberries contain certain compounds with anti-cancer properties."
  • Brussels Sprouts-  What's with the bad rap?? I love these little guys!  Brussels sprouts are filling because they are high in fiber, and packed with vitamins C, A and E- keeping free radicals in check.  From the website nutrition-and-you.com, "Brussel sprouts are storehouse of flavonoid anti-oxidants like thiocyanates, indoles, lutein, zeaxanthin, sulforaphane and isothiocyanates. Together these phytochemicals offers protection from prostate, colon, prostate and endometrial cancers... Brussel sprouts are incredibly nutritious vegetable that offers protection from vitamin A deficiency, bone loss, iron deficiency anaemia, and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases and, colon and prostate cancers." (Plus they're kinda cute.)
  • Pecans-  Nuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants which is good for the body to lower LDL and help to prevent heart disease and strokes.  From the website nutrition-and-you.com, "Pecan nuts are rich source of many phyto-chemical substances that may contribute to their overall antioxidant activity, including polyphenolic antioxidant ellagic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin. Research studies have been suggestive of that these compounds help body remove toxic oxygen free radicals and thus, protect body from diseases, cancers as well as infections... Anti-proliferative properties of ellagic acid are due to its ability to directly inhibit the DNA binding of certain carcinogens such as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, thus protecting body from cancers... The nuts are also rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium."
  • Blue Cheese- The creamy tang that the cheese adds to this recipe beguiles the senses and tastes more indulgent than it actually is.  Using the cheese sparingly, in order not to add too much fat, the cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium and potassium.



Eat and Heal, By the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing.  2001
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/brussel-sprouts.html 
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pecans.html