Natural Air Fresheners from your Garden or Grocer

theyummylife.com

After being confined within the four walls of your home during the winter months, the claustrophobic living conditions and poor air circulation begin to take a toll on air quality. For my family, with our two cats, a dog {sometimes two}, myself, and my husband -  along with the wood fires, the plethora of heavy meals prepared through the winter months, and the holiday parties - well, let's just say the rooms can become a bit stale.

 

It's time to freshen up the air in my home, but I'm not the "air freshener in a can" sort of girl.  No, no. I detest the heavy odor they infuse into a room and the fact that it says fresh linen when it is, in fact, a toxic concoction of synthetic chemicals made to sort of smell fresh. 

No, I'd much rather go the route of a natural air freshener - with the clean smell of citrus, the invigorating effects of mint, and the soothing benefits of lavender, rosemary, & pine. All are available from nature, all are very easy to grow, all are 100% organic, and all are surprisingly easy to make.

cookinglight.com

What's not to love?

In my quest for chemical-free alternatives, I searched the blogosphere to find a few simple recipes which use fresh fruits, herbs, and spices of which I could easily pluck from my gardens or purchase through my local grocer. 

Happily, I came up with a few quick and easy recipes I thought I'd share.

lifehacker.com

Lifehacker.com takes the easy route, and I'm all for that. By simply laying fresh herbs on a paper towel and placing them in an area that gets heat, say on a windowsill, the herbs will dry on their own. As they do, they release their natural oils which become dispersed into the air. And if you're like me, you'll tend to gently bruise them as you pass by for a little burst of aroma.

30 second mom

30Secondmom.com simply simmers slices of fresh citrus and herbs in her kitchen to infuse a clean scent into her home.

theyummylife.com

But by far my favorite are the five recipes listed at theyummylife.com. Not only do they smell terrific, but her recipes are separated into glass jars so that you can make them ahead of time and store them in your fridge or freezer for months at a time. And aside from being convenient, they're a beautiful presentation. These would make impressive hostess gifts - just place the contents of the jar onto the stovetop and simmer away!

Here in the South, we are on the verge of spring. A few more weeks of hibernation and we can fling open our windows with wild abandon. But until then, these simple recipes for natural air fresheners will give you & your stale rooms the power to push through these final days.

Valentine's Dinner at Glen-Ella Springs

day 188 - countdown to fifty. Uggggh.

Sweet, sweet Valentine's. Such a nice respite from the everyday.

Valentine's from my sweetie included yummy salted chocolates and dinner at one of my very favorite places, Glen-Ella Springs in Clarkesville, Ga.

panoramio.com

Situated along the side of a winding dirt road, it's quaint charm is as much a part of the experience as its extraordinary food.

This bed & breakfast was originally a country inn dating back to 1875. The old inn was lovingly restored and retains as much of the original structures as could be salvaged.

The original inn, c. 1875

via

And today

tripadvisor.com

Glen-Ella has consistently been awarded one of the top top ten dining destinations in Georgia since 2004 with its featured Southern twist on Continental cuisine. Gotta love a Southern twist ;)

My absolute favorite has always been the New Zealand rack of lamb served with jalapeno mint sauce and sides of  whipped sweet potatoes and roasted fall vegetables. It reminds me of Easter dinners as a child - my mother was an excellent cook, and I have forever been spoiled by her refined Southern cooking.

This charming inn sits on 12 acres of pristine meadowland  hidden away deep in the mountains of North Georgia and features beautifully maintained gardens.

via

A special treat is sitting around the fire pit at night. The stars are a show all their own without the electric lights of the city.

bedandbreakfast.com

Such a break from the everyday.

Hard to leave.

Moonshiners - Why I'm Sucked into the Vortex

Day 192-countdown to 50.

I know this is a hip blog about staying modern in our mid-life. This post is totally related to that topic...

Last night I watched reruns of Moonshiners on the Discovery Channel.

dsc.com

I couldn't help myself. I was stuck like glue.

Cutie Pie, the moonshinin' dog

There's Jim Tom, moonshine legend and still builder; Tickle, Jeff & Mark, Josh & Bill {and cutie pie}, moonshiner aficionados - well, sort of; Tim, rogue outlaw trying to go legit; and Chuck, deputy sheriff trying to shut them all down.

Oh, what a tangled web they weave.

discoverychanel.com

As I watch, I can't help but think back on the struggles of the Irish & Scottish peoples who first settled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains - the mountainous region that runs up and down the Eastern states from Georgia to Pennsylvania - where the rogue and rowdy Celts found refuge during the 18th & 19th centuries. Their rituals and deep rooted beliefs, the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation, and the traditions which began before they left their homelands is the glue that holds them all together. The bloodlines run deep in these mountain folk, and the stubborn tenacity they're famous for shows in each and every episode.

discovery.com

If any of you have been curious enough to delve into the world of moonshining by watching the show, you've no doubt been captivated by the language. Mountain folk have an indigenous accent that's uniquely their own, mostly a blend of the two dialects of the Scottish & the Irish which has become united into one harmonious language known as Southern vernacular. I do appreciate the fact that closed captioning is used so I can actually understand what it is they're saying. Otherwise, I'd be clueless.

I often lament about living in the South; but, in truth, it is a beautiful place. Southerners are graceful, kind, and  trustworthy - all very admirable qualities which are often mistaken as ignorance by those less gentile in their nature. But don't let their good graces fool you. Southerners exhibit a quick temper when wronged and a passion for what's right in the world. If they know you as a good person, you become family. And with that comes a fierce loyalty.

And many of you don't know this, but Southerners have been known to intentionally perpetuate the idea that they are an ignorant, poor, and impoverished people living in a unsophisticated world all in order to keep others from infiltrating their beloved region of the nation. It's a ploy to keep the South pure and clean. There, I said it. The cat is out of the bag.

Oh, and a word of advice: don't play a Southerner for an idiot, for you will surely be the fool in the end.

If you are as sucked in as I to the escapades of these outlaw moonshiners,  tonight we can look forward to a real treat, the "Valenshine's Special - Tickle's Guide to Love" where Tickle is going to expound on the secrets of love.

I'll be there.  Happy Valentine's <3

Eyebrow Embroidery and Eliminating Blog Clutter

Day 194-countdown to 50.

thegloss.com

So far my search to find the perfect salon for semi-permanent eyebrow enhancement {also known as eyebrow embroidery} is coming up short. But I did find this video demonstrating the procedure if you're as curious as I am. I cringed a little at first but then totally got over it.

What did you think of it? Yes or no? Unfortunately, if you voted "yes," you must travel to NYC, Australia, or Singapore to get the procedure done. Uggh. For me, it will probably be never since I live in the South.

Oh, there are definite perks to living in the South, such as moderate temperatures and the Scott's Antiques Market. Yeah, we got that. But then there are the downsides, such as the plethora of southern traditions that must be upheld when in the presence of our elders and the lack of haute couture and cutting edge beauty treatments.

Am I the only one who cares about a sparse brow? Perhaps. Are there more pressing issues I should be dealing with? Well, yes of course there are, but right now I want a great eyebrow, damnit.

My search will continue, when I have more of a desire than just a passing curiosity - but would love to hear from anyone who has had it done.

Today I spent much of my morning weeding out obsolete blogs. I love blogs, don't get me wrong. I get hundreds {I think} sent to me daily. But there are soooo many inspirational home design blogs of which I've found all just seem to regurgitate the same ideas/pictures/diy projects. It was high time some of the clutter was eliminated. I kept only the cream of the crop.

So, the good news is if you're a blogger and you're still hearing from me, you know you're the best of the best. Yep, I'm the ultimate authority of all blogs, and I rule.

It felt good to purge old clutter because I am, by nature, a minimalist in all things - life, design, style, food, ideas, the list goes on. I just don't have time for excess now that my noodle is crammed with 49 years worth of useful and useless tidbits. Seriously, I have to let go where I can just to stay afloat.

Here's to letting go of useless stuff {and getting the perfect eyebrow}!

My Color Phobia and the Latest Fashion Trends

Day 195-Countdown to 50

I'm pleased to announce that the whole working out thing I committed myself to is still going fairly strong even after three weeks. And I do believe a few of my endorphins have jumped on board to the idea as well. Yes, it's true, I've had a few of them sign up since starting this adventure last month. {I think it's the electric hip hop I allow them to indulge in which has them all excited - such trash talk going on, but they do love it so!} Yay me for sticking to it! Perhaps I should record my progress in going from lethargy to full on rock star? But that would require me actually weighing myself and taking tedious measurements. I would have to be accountable. I just don't know if I have it in me...

So, feeling all good about myself this week, I've been doing a bit of shopping while hunting out the latest fashion trends. It's is not typical for me to shop this time of year as I'm more of a fall shopper. I truly love fall's dark colors, its wonderful textures, and its many layers. And I adore the thick, comforting fabrics which allow me to wrap myself up into one big cozy bundle. Pure happiness, for sure.

So for me to shop the spring line-up is just way out of my norm - pastel colors are definitely not what I gravitate to. But this year I'm actually finding a few bright bold shades that are drawing me in like a bee to honey.

I'm shocked by my new found love of color - but in a good way.

A little color adds life & vibrancy to a classic look.

But being the conservative dresser that I am, I'm adding this new love of color to my wardrobe in very small doses, because one doesn't want to take it too far

thenetworkcommunity.com

{Oh, those Paris fashionistas.} Instead of doing that

I'm doing this

Throwing color into my wardrobe by adding it to my accessories. This bright coral purse and a few bangles will look great against my usual draping of gray/black/cream/white.

Man, I actually went there. All that color! It's so wild! But, really, who can resist two yellow rhinestone giraffes kissing on a bangle? It is Valentine's after all...

Lest you think I'm a "fly by the seat of my pants" kinda girl, know that I am mostly conservative with my dress. I'm also mostly conservative with my cashola. Accessories are a trendy splurge I indulge in. I view them as disposable. Therefore, I don't like to spend a lot of money on them. {Buying trendy pieces inexpensively is also a really good way to try something new. If you find that you still like it after a year or so, then go look for a comparable piece that's made of lasting quality so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.}

That said, all of these items came from Target.

I love that place.

Weekend Musings

198 days-Countdown to 50

Today I received a good fortune.

Good things!

Omg, omg, omg, yes! A harmonious flow of scenery from lodge to mountainside.

gardinista

Just drop me from the sky into this beautiful winter get-away. One dip in the heated pool & I'm pretty sure I'm never leaving.

nytimes.com

Salted caramels. Gimme.

kumkum jewelry

This piece of Scandanavian jewelry by KumKum has become my latest crush. I have a low-end piece which is similar, and I have literally loved it to death. The silvertone is worn to it's base metal, yet I still can't part with it.












My efforts at placing one space after the period is a work in progress, as I'm sure you've noticed. Sometimes there are two spaces, sometimes just one. Bare with me as I make the transition. It ain't easy people!!!

Happy Schmappy

Day 199-Countdown to 50

OMG, only 199 days left. I really, really liked being in the 200's better.

magprint on etsy

Did you know that science has proven that we can actually train ourselves to be happier and more positive? I tend to be pretty positive most of the time, but it took years for me to get there. Read this article Rewire Your Brain for Positivity & Happiness Using the Tetris Effect to see how they've figured it out.

blogal prosperity

The inventor of the Etch-A-Sketch died on January 16th at the age of 85. Man, that was the best toy for road trips.

via the nytimes.com

 "A chance inspiration involving metal particles and the tip of a pencil led Mr. Cassagnes to develop Etch A Sketch in the late 1950s. First marketed in 1960, the toy — with its rectangular gray screen, red frame and two white knobs — quickly became one of the brightest stars in the constellation of midcentury childhood amusements that included Lincoln Logs and the Slinky." {via the nytimes.com}

Look what I came across in an antiques mall looking all modern and completely unique. Wouldn't they be a great pop of color on a wall? They're actually carpet gradient samples. I want the set, and they aren't a bad purchase price. However, they're still too pricey for my wholesale mindset. I am forever spoiled and can't bare to pay retail but have to admit they are a tempting purchase. Want, want, want.