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3 Simple Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes Tips

October 14, 2014 1

Carmen Sandiego

by Briana

Halloween is right around the corner, are you and the kids ready? Time to take out the spooky decor and start thinking of awesome costume ideas. Personally I love Halloween, it’s that time of year when you can be silly and let your creativity run wild. When I was a kid growing up my mom always made my Halloween costumes.  There was no costume idea that I came up with that she couldn’t do. Honestly she still helps me make awesome costumes not only for myself but for my husband and son, we always have a blast! Now let’s get into it. Here are 3 simple ways to keep your costume making eco-friendly:

1. Hit Up Your Local Thrift Shop
Not only do I love to shop at thrift stores for my everyday fashion pieces but it is a Halloween costume cave of wonders! A couple of years ago I wanted to be Carmen Sandiego, so I hit up my local thrift store in search for my costume.  Before going into the store I already had in mind what I needed to find. There were three must-have items, her famous red coat, a black hat, and a yellow band. I found an 80’s bright red oversize blazer so I used that for the coat. The final product is the photo above – what do you think?

2. Rummage Through your Closet
Last year was the first Halloween my husband and I had with our son. You can only imagine how excited I was to come up with the cutest family Halloween costumes! We decided on Mario and Luigi for my husband and son (How cute right?!). Their costumes were the easiest thing to put together. For Donavon, we needed jean overalls (yes he had a pair of jean overalls, don’t ask me why) a green t-shirt, a hat, extra green t-shirt(to cover the hat) and a hat. For my son, a red tee,  jean overalls, and a red baby hat. We used white paper we had at home and added the L and the M to the hats as well.

3. Costume Swap with a Friend or Relative
Think your past costumes are going to sit in your closet forever? Think again! Instead, call up a friend or family member and ask them if they kept any of their old Halloween costumes, not just for you but for the kids as well. When I was still pregnant I bought his Halloween costume ahead of time because I couldn’t help the excitement of purchasing this tiny little baby costume. However, when Halloween rolled around it no longer fit him, needless to say it is still sitting in a drawer and has never been used. I’m sure this is the case with many of our friends and family, so save some money and the environment with a costume swap!

What other ways are you making your Halloween costume eco-friendly?

 

 

 

Let’s Talk Pumpkins!

October 7, 2014 0

pumpkin-8544_1920
By Amanda

This is the perfect time of year to take note of the many different uses of pumpkins! They aren’t just used as holiday props but also for eating, decorating, and body care. You may not know this but pumpkins are actually one of the most popular crops farmed in the United States each year – no wonder there are so many uses for this orange favorite!

For radiant skin, save some left over pumpkin in a can and use it to make yourself a honey pumpkin exfoliating mask. You can also make your own scrumptious pumpkin body butter that is a treat for your skin and your sense of smell! Mix some pumpkin puree, cinnamon and coconut milk and prepare yourself for a spectacular treat!

Make an awesome center piece for your dinner table by showcasing this years pumpkins in a unique way! Make your own floating pumpkin candles with little effort. Check out your local farmers market and pick up a handful of miniature pumpkins and the same number of votive candles. Use the votive candle as a stencil to trace a circle onto the top of each pumpkin and afterwards cut the circle out with a knife until the candle fits snugly inside. Complete this step for each pumpkin until you have enough the perfect amount for your water filled container. Light each candle as the pumpkins float in the water and voila a spectacular mealtime display!

What is your favorite way to use pumpkin?

Sick Day!

October 6, 2014 0

tea

by Jennie

Over the weekend, I started to struggle with stomach pains. Then, this morning I woke up to a whole new level of pain – so I went to the doctor. After spending half the day in the doctor’s office and having lab work done, I came home and took a long nap. I woke up this afternoon and sipped tea while the mister took over everything else. He is quite the gem! Here’s hoping tomorrow is a little brighter.

How are you feeling?

Save the Planet, One Upcycle at a Time

October 1, 2014 1

upcycle

by Beth

I love recycling. It makes me feel like I’m doing my little part to help save the world. I also feel a little guilty whenever I drop my recycling off because I’m always thinking of ways to reuse things. A great spin on reusing your recycled and no longer needed goods is “upcycling” which you may have heard of before. Upcycling is upgrading something that would otherwise just be recycled. It’s so simple, saves money, and turns anyone into an artist!

I am an avid upcycler, and love to reuse anything I can get my hands on. A few years ago, I found an old, 70’s or 80’s style coffee table, and turned it into an ottoman with about $15 worth of supplies. It was super fun, and I got so many compliments! I also upcycle clothes, since I’m a huge thrift shopper. When I find something I can’t wear right off the rack due to size, I whip out my sewing machine, and get to work. All it takes is a few stitches to turn an old skirt into a dress, or make a quilt out of a bunch of T-shirts. Now, you don’t have to do anything complex to upcycle, all it requires is creativity and an ever-inspired mind.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to upcycle:
1. Turn old pallets into furniture, wall gardens, and more. I’ve even seen pallets turned into movie theater styled seating, how awesome!
2. Take an old rain barrel and turn into a composter for your biodegradable scraps and use the compost as fertilizer for your garden.
3. Wine glasses and glass bottles can be used for so many things. I used mine as wall decorations and a night light for my bathroom.
4. Turn bottle caps into tea lights with shoe lace and wax from used candles.
5. I’ve never done this one, but have always wanted to – turn an old TV into an aquarium!

I hope I got those creative juices flowing – it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be thinking about what you can do with all that stuff left on the curb on garbage day.
Have you upcycled before? If so, tell me your favorite or most memorable upcycling project in the comments section above!

4 Great Ways to Enjoy the Magical Power of Aloe Vera

September 30, 2014 2

aloe

by Briana

I have been using aloe vera very for many years now. I was first introduced to this amazing plant by my grandmother who was the queen of all things natural – she knew all of remedies that always seem to work. Now most of us know that aloe vera can sooth the painful sunburns that we all dread, but that isn’t the only thing our friend Mr. Aloe can do! Here are some other great ways to make use of it – read on to check them out.

1. For Your Beautiful Face
Back in my teenage years I didn’t have the best of skin. I had a lot of breakouts and my skin was very oily. My grandmother came to my rescue! She told me to use aloe vera as a facial mask, so one night I gave it a try. I took a chunk of aloe from the plant and I rubbed it all over my face, yes it is a bit slimy but I experienced amazing results! It also helps with your happy lines (aka wrinkles).

2. Drink It
If you’re having some tummy problems, aloe vera can help. Aloe helps with your digestion and gets rid of those unwanted toxins. Use with caution because aloe vera is a super laxative – however, when used in moderation your tummy will be feeling better in no time.

3. For Your Scalp
Aloe has been known to treat dandruff and help sooth an itchy scalp. Your everyday dandruff products can be very strong in smell and many of them are loaded with harmful chemical and toxins. I remember growing up my dad used Selsun Blue, I could smell it from across the hall! Instead, grab some aloe to relieve your scalp naturally.

4. For Minor Cuts
Aloe vera can also help heal minor wounds such as a cut or a graze, although it is not recommended for deeper more serious cuts. If you fall off your bike or if your child has a small scrap on her knee, avoid the squinting and the ouch! And rub on some aloe vera.

Do you have other ways that you use aloe vera? We would love to hear!

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