Each year, I tend to get a little weepier than normal as I mourn the changing of the seasons.  While there is rebirth and renewal in the trees shedding their leaves, my mind and body play defense against the harsh winter ahead.  There are many remedies to Seasonal Affective Disorder .  My plan for this year is to craft through the emotional chaos. Lavender promotes calm and making lavender eye masks is the perfect way to get through the morning.  Whether making one for yourself, or a dozen in preparation for holiday gift giving, these are a breeze to put together.  If you are interesting in learning with Caught Red Threaded , please sign up for my next class taught at Home Ec Workshop . Check out the lavender eye masks I whipped together this morning! If you are interested in purchasing any of these Lavender Eye Masks, check out my  Etsy site !  There are eyemasks, body butters, and much more available to purchase.  Everything is made with ingredients that are Organic and/o

(r)Ice Pack Bundles I was recently going through my stash of fabric.  I like to save even the smallest of scraps because you never know how or when they may be handy.  From small appliqués to American Girl Doll quilts, these scraps have been helpful in a variety of projects.  This past summer, I made a gorgeous picnic blanket, and have held on to a variety of sizes of scraps.  Turns out, there were a dozen pieces of fabric about 5"x9".  These were perfect inspiration for making Small (r)Ice Packs.   Photos Above: Some of my larger scraps, organized by like sizing To make your own, start with any size fabric you like, but keep in mind that if using these as pocket warmers, boot warmers, ice packs for bumps and bruises, something in the 4"x4" finished size category is just about perfect.  (It's important to note that my sewing is like my cooking.  I tend to wing it with the materials/ingredients I have on hand.  If you want to be more precise, pl

Last week, I had an opportunity to experiment with various essential oil brands.  Knowing that no two brands are created equal, I have been on a quest to find the best of the best, while still keeping my price point affordable.  Until now,  Aura Cacia  has been my essential oil brand of choice.  I have also used  Now  Foods Essential Oils, but found their quality lacking when compared with Aura Cacia.  Back to last week.  I met with a representative from  doTerra .  Since I possess a vast knowledge of essential oils, including their properties, healing powers, and how/when to blend them, we were able to have fun, and not just make this about education. The most telling aspect of the session was when we performed a side by side comparison.  We chose to compare Lavender.  The brands compared were Aura Cacia and doTerra.  The first was in smell, which I can not convey to you in a blog other than through my own words.  Aura Cacia, which has been suitable to meet my needs for the last two

While I typically post do-it-yourself guides to achieving a more balanced and healthful lifestyle, today's post focuses on the traditional and modern rituals surrounding the holiday of Sukkot.  Growing up, Sukkot meant making paper chains, shaking a lulav , and smelling an etrog .  Three years ago, we received a Sukkah from my parents as a gift.  It arrived in large boxes from  The Sukkah Project . Andy and Jack build the Sukkah together While the tradition is to feast in the Sukkah, some people go as far as sleeping and carrying out their daily living within the temporary dwelling.  As for my family of four, eating dinner in the Sukkah is common.  Last year, we added a new tradition of celebrating friendship within its canvas walls and hosted a Foosball Tournament.  This year, we are offering a variety of activities:  The preparations for a Crafting Party, Cupcake Decorating Party, and Nerf Gun Tournament are underway.  Sukkot is about celebrating the Fall

I often seek out crafts that are easy enough my kids could make them, and with little instruction from me.  The Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Scrub is just such a craft.  This all natural sugar scrub can be made in about FIVE minutes (which means it is also a great last-minute gift idea!). I am not typically drawn to seasonal flavorings or scents, but as the weather has cooled this week, and the sun begins to set earlier, a primal instinct within me is craving all things Autumn.  Whether it's Sukkot, Fall, pumpkins, or Halloween... It's all the same at our house anyway. I never buy Pumpkin Spice.  I know, I know.  How can I make Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Scrub without the Pumpkin Spice?  Well, I happen to have the following ingredients stocked in my kitchen year round: Cinnamon, Allspice, Nutmeg, and Ginger.  I blend these to create my own Pumpkin Spice.   For an 8 ounce container of sugar scrub, simply mix together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup Grapeseed