Sunday, May 31, 2009

Make It Monday! ~~~~Herbal Steam~~~~

So I still have a few more days of work to do on my outdoor dining area / patio... My husband and I worked our patooties off this weekend, but everything seemed to go wrong. Our measurements were off on our curtain rods, the pergola cover was too short, the rain got to the chairs I just re-covered, but despite all of it I am still happy with the results and looking forward to posting pics.

In addition to the patio, I worked a little on my small but very special herb garden I am attempting to grow. Searching for ways to use all the herbs I hope to grow, I ran across this DIY Herbal Facial Steam recipe courtesy Miss Martha!

Herbal Steam Tools:

1/3 cup dried lavender blossoms1/3 cup dried calendula blossoms 4 to 5 drops geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

Herbal Steam How-To:

1. Add dried lavender and calendula (plus any additional herbs of your choice) to a large French press or teapot. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and steep for about 10 minutes.
2. When the herbs are finished steeping, fill a clean bathroom sink halfway with very hot water. Pull up a chair that will allow you to hang your head over the basin, about 6 to 8 inches from the water. Press or strain the herbs, then add the herbal infusion to the water. Add geranium essential oil.
3. Drape a large bath towel over your head and shoulders to create a "tent" over the sink and steam your face and neck for 3 to 5 minutes. If the water cools, add hot water as needed to produce more steam.
4. After steaming, splash your face and neck with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean, fluffy towel.
5. All skin types, especially mature skin, will benefit from a post-steam facial massage to keep skin moist and soft. Simply apply a few drops of a light oil (such as avocado or apricot kernel) to your fingers, then gently massage your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck using small, inward circles.


XO
SHS

PS Photos Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Food Friday! Tomato Tarts

A couple of weeks ago I planted several tomato plants which seem to be doing quite well. I have them positioned behind my BBQ to block the crazy wind, but they still get lots and lots of sunshine! I know at some point I am going to have an abundance of tomatoes, so I am already planning lots of baking to make use of every single one. I happen to love tomato tarts so I thought I'd shares-eez these recipes in case any of you are craving one too!


Tomato Tart from Martha Stewart

Filo Tomato Tart from Sunset

Parmesan Tomato Tart by Baking Bites


Oven Dried Tomato Tart w/ Goat Cheese and Black Olives from Epicurious


If you decide to make one of these yummy treats make sure to read the reviews as there are always great suggestions on subsitutions and adding more or less ingredients here and there!

Have a lovely weekend friends! I will be putting the final touches on my outdoor patio / dining area and plan to share some photos on Monday!


XO
SHS

Feed Sacks!

I've had this old coffee sack sitting around my house for a while now. I picked it up at an antique store with my mom, and have yet to decide how to use it. Originally I was thinking it would make great pillows. Maybe just two big ones that I could keep stacked on the floor for lounging. However, my mom thought it would look really cool to re-cover either an old bench or foot stool and I must say after seeing these photos I just might agree! What do ya think ma? The below images are of feed sacks, but the last one is of a coffee bean sack like the one I have.

Photo courtesy of The World According to Isa

and this one too...

Chair from JaysonHomeandGarden

Photo courtesy of Housemartin

I have to say this is my favorite idea... now I just need to find that bench and pillows!

XO
SHS!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

WedETSYday!

Hello Friends-eez!

It's another WedETSYday and I've decided to focus on handmade edibles!

D'Lischka's Petite German Pastries

SweetiePiesDelights Red Velvet Sandwich CookiesAlign Center

their Marshmallow Sample Pack
and their Chocolate Caramel Nut Patties
LemonBird's Strawberry with Cinnamon Jam

and their Blood Orange Jam

Doesn't everything look yummy- plus they are all from Etsy which makes it that much better! Remember to buy handmade!

XO
SHS

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

WedETSYday!

Graduation is just around the corner! I have several gifts to purchase for this special occasion, and where else would I turn but to Etsy! Here are few gift ideas in case your are searching for something extra special for the graduate in your life.



Silver Letterpress Necklace by EricaWeinerJewelry

Linen Passport Holder by StudioWonJun

Personalized Initial Flat Notes by Turtle Papers


Have a wonderful day friends!

XO
SHS

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

My Sweet Cassidy!



Hello all!

I was out of town for a few days- spending some quality time with my niece Cassidy. My niece means the world to me- I just love her so very, very much. She will be graduating from the eighth grade in just a couple of weeks- I can't believe high school is just around the corner. While visiting Cassidy we spent one afternoon hiking around empire mine. We always have such wonderful times together- it makes me so sad when I have to say goodbye to her. The pics above are of my beautiful niece goofing off in one of the old structures located on the mine property.


Miss you Cass- love Auntie!


XO
SHS

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I WANT TO BE HERE!

I would love to own a cabin. Here are some images of a cabin that I have had tucked away in one of my decorating binders. I just love this place. So casual and cozy. One of these days right???




XO
SHS!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Food Friday! Mother's Day Picnic

Good morning friends! I am busy planning my Mother's Day picnic menu this morning. The weather here should be fabulous Sunday, so I've decided a picnic would be a perfect way to celebrate my mother and grandmother.

Here are some picnic images that I'm loving!

All photos courtesy of Country Living

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

XO
SHS



Wednesday, May 6, 2009

WedETSYday!

Good morning friends! Today is Etsy finds day... and I have three fabulous handmade artists to share with you.
For starts-eez... I love these padded coasters by FernFiddleHead

NightByrd is the creator of these fabulous duvet sets and slipcovers


Check out these adorable ties for little ones by Bella Bows



Have a wonderful day and remember to buy handmade and shop etsy!
XO
SHS

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Oh Happy Tuesday!


I was out of town this weekend, and didn't have a chance to check my blog comments. It was an awesome surprise this morning to see a comment from one of my favorite gals and bloggers Farmhouse Musings. I was nominated as a blogger with great attitude / gratitude! I'm so happy that she thought of me! Now that I have been nominated, I must pay it forward with my list of 10 nominees... so here they are!


Knack Studio
I love Barb’s blog. She is so very talented- has an awesome ability to transform furniture and photograph it perfectly. She’s just fabulous!

Our Little Love Nest
Lovin’ Dee’s blog, the titles of her blog posts like “ Homesickly Today!” her Etsy art and her love of “him”!

Botany’s Desire
One of these days I’m gonna drive to Ridgecrest Ca. just to meet Sandra of Botany’s Desire Boutique, and shop in her beautiful store. She has a wonderful blog that posts shop updates, which I love!

The Cottage Nest
There is always inspiration to be found at The Cottage Nest! Jen always has a photo to make me smile or give me a great idea! Plus Jen is a super talented DO-IT-YOURSELFER!

Vermont Cottage
Daryl is a new friend and I love her blog and blog concept. It is all about “restoring an old house and creating a cozy cottage feel in less-than-perfect surroundings!”

Artsy Fartsy Whatnot
Shelley is the creator of this blog. I love her blog- the name alone is fabulous!

English Muse
Love the English Muse for having an amazing blog, but more importantly for being a very cool chic with an awesome heart!

The Seventy Tree
This is a blog that I ran across last week- and I absolutely adore it! If you haven’t visited as of yet you must do so now!

Trixie’s Table
Sarah aka Trixie has a great eye for style! Me loves her blog!



Here are the Rules for Paying it Forward:
1)Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude
3) Link to your nominees within your post
4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5) Share the love and link to the person from who you received your award

Monday, May 4, 2009

Just Junkin!

Hello hello! Last week I picked up two lamps for $10- what a steal! The only problem is their horrible looking shades. I really love the look of Anthropologie's lampshades like the ones you see below, but there is no way in heck I would pay their prices.

Quiet Mist Shade

Flower Valley Shade

Ibbes Shade

Carmenes Shade

So, I've decided to try and make my own lampshade using these Anthropologie shades as inspiration. When I was searching for DIY lampshades I came across this great tutorial . The gal that wrote this tutorial, Lara has a fabulous blog even if you aren't looking for a DIY lampshade. I will post pics of my shade by this Friday as it will be a Mother's Day gift!