7 Simple Ways to Upcycle Those Wine Corks Into Something New

Most likely when you purchase a bottle of wine you don’t think twice about the cork. You handle it for a moment during the opening process and then it gets tossed without much thought. While you can recycle wine corks, I think it is so much more fun to upcycle them into something new and fantastic. Here are some of my favorite ways to upcycle those corks, read on to check them out.

#1: Conversation Jar
We have a large glass jar on our kitchen counter top that is full of corks from wine that the mister and I have shared with each other, family and close friends. Before I toss a cork into the jar, I take a moment to jot down the occasion and date. It’s a super fun way to keep a collection of memories somewhere we see them everyday.

+ Cork Conversations via Mintage Home

#2: Cork Door Mat
I love the idea of upcycling those corks into a mat for my front door! This project seems fairly straight-forward and simple – I have it on my list of projects to give a shot in the future. I would think you would want to seal it somehow and use it at a door that doesn’t get a lot of moisture.

+ Cork Door Mat via Crafty Nest

#3: Monogram Fun
Upcycling corks into fun monograms would be a terrific idea too. I like the idea of an entire word such as: bar or yum – or your initials or family’s last name. I just think it would be a fun and quirky way to upcycle those corks into fun pieces of art for your home.

+ Cork Monograms via The Oceanside Bride

#4: Cork Garden Markers
If you have an indoor garden (even an herb garden) these cork garden markers would be a fantastic project. These would be a super simple craft to do with your children after school or one the weekend.

+ Cork Garden Markers via Green Upgrader

#5: Cork Stamps
These stamps are super easy to make and the perfect fun for little ones. Eben and I made a set of these for Valentine’s Day and they were a ton of fun. You can make them in any shape or font that you would like and they can be used to decorate so many different things from letters and postcards to notepads and journals.

+ Cork Stamps via Sweet Greens

#6: Cork Keychains
Yet another simple craft that would be perfect for the little ones, upcycling corks into keychains. If you don’t feel crafty you can always order them for only $2.50. Wouldn’t these make fun Father’s Day crafts?

+ Cork Keychains via The Wooden Bee

What other great ways have you seen corks being upcycled? 

intro photo credit

Farmer’s Market Find: Frog Song Organics: Hawthorne, FL

A couple of weeks ago during our winter camping trip, we spent a morning at the local farmer’s market. My favorite organic farm showcased was Frog Song Organics – I thought the hand-painted wooden sign was cute and they had by far the best looking display with beautiful produce at the market.

If you live in the Hawthorne, Florida area and are looking for a CSA, I strongly suggest you check them out.

+ Frog Song Organics
4317 NE US Hwy 301
Hawthorne, FL 32640
352.468.3816

Eco-Friendly Birthday Idea: Indoor Organic Succulent Garden

Every year for either my birthday or Mother’s Day, Eben gives me an organic plant. This year, he surprised me with a bunch of organic plants – an indoor succulent garden. It sits on our living room coffee table and makes me smile every time I see it.

Do you have organic succulent gardens in your home?

P.S. Do you remember the birthday project that Eben gave the mister a few years ago? The lemon tree has grown quite a bit – giving us yummy lemons all season long. 

7 Gluten-Free Birthday Desserts That Will Delight Kids

Gone are the days of “gluten-free” meaning sub-par or second-rate. Parents used to be baffled at the notion of finding mouth-watering and enticing birthday cake, cupcakes or special occasion desserts that were made without wheat and other ingredients that gluten intolerant kids can’t safely enjoy. But a lot has changed in recent years, and the once alternative diet now holds its own with options aplenty that will wow and delight children when it comes time to blow out the candles and celebrate another glorious year.

I rounded up 7 of my favorite gluten-free desserts from traditional vanilla and chocolate cakes, and festive cupcakes, to a fruit tart and ice cream sandwich cookies! These recipes are an inspirational guideline. We recommend substituting organic ingredients wherever possible, if not indicated. Jump over to Inhabitots to feast your eyes on these goodies and start planning the next birthday party on your calendar.

photo credit Shutterstock via Inhabitots

8 Ways to Beat Depression Naturally

Millions of people suffering with depression take anti-depressants every day. While there are severe types of depression that require medication – depression itself is a very common feeling. In many cases it will naturally pass if you give yourself time to deal with whatever is bothering you. If you find that you are someone who suffers from seasonal depression or maybe even have a few down days throughout the month, there are things you can do to help eleviate the symptoms of depression naturally. However, these are only tips; we always recommend that if you are struggling with debilitating depression that you get assistance from your health care provider. However, if you are looking for ways to naturally beat small depressions, jump over to Persify for my 8 favorite natural ways to do so.

photo via Michaeldorokhov