DIY: At Home Steamed Lavender Facial

If I were to guess was heaven smelled like, I think it would smell of Lavender-the most relaxing, therapeutic and enchanting aroma I've ever encountered. Needless to say, it is my favorite scent that takes me to childhood memories where stress and worries didn't exist.

Yesterday, I visted my grandmother for a bit and before leaving, she snipped handfuls of fresh Lavender from her garden for me to take home. I love to have bundles of it throughout our humble abode where you can catch a lingering scent from any room in the house. I also like to use it in my weekly steamed facials to unwind from a busy schedule.

Here's what I do to create a quick and relaxing steamed facial right at home.

I use a 3-qt saucepan (large enough for the round of my face), place about 4 cups of warm water in the saucepan along with about 6 sprigs of fresh or dried Lavender (I've also used rose petals). Heat the water and Lavender to a simmer-just until you can see steam coming from the pan. Do not let it boil. Once you can see steam, turn off the heat.

Place a CLEAN face carefully about 6" away from the rim over the pan. Remember that the pan is HOT so do not touch it by any means. Use a small towel to drape over your head and around the pan to trap the steam inside. If the steam is too hot, drift further away from the pan until it feels right. Let the steam embrace your skin for about 10 minutes (you may need to take a little break in between if the steam is too much at once). During this time, the steam will open your pores and cleanse your face of impurities and the scent of the Lavender will relax you as you drown out the days to-do list.

Once you are done, cleanse your face with your usual face wash and add just a bit of baking soda (I use ~1 tsp. because I have sensitive skin) to act as a natural exfoliant.

Your skin will feel so soft afterwards and you will feel rejuvinated! Remember to drink planty of water as well throughout the day.

How do you unwind at the end of the day?

Emotional New Beginnings

As the leaves change this fall season, so brings a new transition to my little family. A couple weeks ago, we closed escrow and received keys to our new and first home that we can call ours. After 3 years of living in a home that we have been renting, it was time to start a new chapter in our lives.

We are so thankful to have lived in our little home for the time that we did and have so many memories tied to that house on Poplar street. From moving in once my husband and I said "I Do," to bringing our little man home to his first bedroom, it housed a lot of important "firsts" for us.

The last day of packing and moving, I went into the empty blue room where 2 years ago, my husband was putting together Levi's crib as I supervised with a large pregnant belly-the room that housed many of Levi's coos, giggles, tears and smiles. I laid on that bare carpet with my baby boy by my side and stared up into the ceiling. As Levi took his last nap in the room we first brought him home to, I cried.

I couldn't help but feel like I was losing something. As I was packing up my closet, cleaning the bathrooms and walking through the house with bare walls, I was reminded of all the great moments and all the blessings we have been given.

As I was driving away and into the new town we now call home, I cried some more. I felt like I was leaving family and leaving a piece of myself some place else. Truth is, this move was a lot harder than I ever thought it would be (even if we were moving only a half hour away). I wasn't prepared for the rush of emotions that overwhelmed me but with new beginnings come new memories and I'm so excited! 

As we are settling into our new home, I am loving it more and more as the days pass. I am happy where we are and can't wait to see what's in store for us! We have experienced joy even amongst the stresses of moving. Although the workload seems intolerable at times, there is light at the end of the tunnel and it's within reach. This house is turning into a home-our home-each and every day.

As of now, we are just about done organizing. It's really coming down to finishing up with paint and decor-which I am having a really hard time making decisions on...especially since we are having family over for Thanksgiving and I want the house to at least be "decent" and still feel home-y. It's comin' along.

I will be updating some of the home projects soon but until then, have a beautiful Thanksgiving! 

What are your plans for the holiday?

A little home makeover

A few days ago, I went a little crazy with redecorating our home. Most of this creative rush was brought on by the Creative Tea Time event I went to this past weekend. While I was there, I made a few pieces that had to be showcased in our home so how. Thus, the small home makeover.

I created the "choose joy" wooden plank at CTT. It was a bit larger but the top piece of it had broken off which is why the letters don't look very centered. I still love it anyway!

The "my cup runneth over" print was in our swag bags donated by the ever so talented Rebecca of A Sweet Little Note.

I still have to paint the book shelf. Not sure what color yet...

This frame used to be black and have chalkboard painted glass inside. Well, the glass broke and I painted the frame the same color as our refurbished coffee table. I love it! I'm not too sure what I'm going to put inside the frame just yet. Antlers? The letter L? An old book?

I received the "Happy Days" banner from my friend Aurora of Unconventionally Vilchis. Cute right? Sorta matches the DIY home banner I recently posted.

These shelves used to be filled with modern teacups and random decor. I took all of that down and added the letters "EAT" which I spray painted gold, my succulent terrarium I made at CTT and added the cutest mason jars ever created by Beach Blues.

I'm thinking of adding a collection of vintage forks spoons and knives to each jar??

I also want to paint the shelves but since there is some black decor in the kitchen...I'm not too sure yet.

I took the large frame above our mantel (which used to be a bright teal frame) and painted it ivory with gold trim. I'm going to distress it a bit so you can see the details in this pretty frame a little bit better. I also painted the inside of the frame with chalkboard paint. Since my other chalkboard decor broke, I needed a new one.

I love the clean look of all of this. Makes me look forward to the cold months so I can light some candles (see the pumpkin spice one on the mantel?!) and cozy up on the couch with several knitted blankets!

I'm still in the middle of  repainting things and decorating which is a little strange, I think, since we should be moving soon (hopefully). I love the ambiance of a newly re-decorated home though. Makes the home feel refreshed. I think our bedroom will be next!

Have you re-decorated recently? Even just for the change of seasons?

DIY home decor banner

Today, I am sharing a DIY tutorial for a sweet paper rosette banner for your home. This banner has graced my home decor for quite some time and now, I am showing you how to make one as well!

Check out Sinea's blog, Ducks n a Row to view all of the easy steps!

Have a beautiful day!

Our Summer into Fall Mantel

Yesterday, I decorated a little bit differently to bring in some of the fall ambiance. I was given a really pretty floral arrangement from my mother as well as a gorgeous vase to go with it. The flowers though, didn't all fit in the vase so I recreated a few different arrangements for our mantel.
I realized how much I miss playing with flowers since I decided not to take the advanced floral class this semester. This brought me to a relaxing creative place and gives our home more of an "inviting" feel.
The mantel right night now has a summer into fall presence. As much as I'm hanging onto my warm summer days, I'm definitely awaiting fall's humble welcome.

{enjoy}

What are some of your favorite ways to decorate for fall season?

Recently {summer nights, my b-day & our new home!!}

Recently, I have wanted to stay away from blogging and social media. I have actually not been in the greatest of moods since having my first panic attack a few days ago (you can assume why from the bottom of this post). I guess you can say it's been a roller coaster of emotions this past week because although I may not be in the greatest of spirits, some pretty spectacular things have happened!

My birthday was on the 27th and to start off with celebrating, my mother in law love bought us concert tickets to see Brad Paisley this past Saturday! This would be our 3rd country concert within just a couple months. That's a record for us-definitely soaking up that last bit of summer nights. :)

He moved up from the stage and sang a few songs in the crowd. We came SO CLOSE to him!

This same night, this photo shoot was happening with a few of my headpieces. Thanks Kayla for capturing some amazing shots!

Tuesday, was my 24th birthday! My husband made me french toast for breakfast and we went to Panera Bread for lunch where some of my good friends and dear family met up with us. It was so good to see everyone who could show. It was totally last minute and I sincerely appreciate those who took the time to spend my b-day lunch with me.

Afterwards, I went to an antique shop and totally scored on this cute little tea cart for only $13!! I'm going to repaint it and use it as a little end table to go with my pretty chair.

For dinner, I went out with my mom, step father, 2 of my brothers and my "sister" Cheyenne. We went to Chili's where I pigged out on chips and guac, cajon pasta and strawberry lemonade. Of course, the employees also sang happy birthday to me and I received some free ice cream. I don't think I will ever be too old for free ice cream. :)

Best news yet of the week? WE GOT AN OFFER ACCEPTED ON A NEW HOME!! We are now in escrow! I seriously thought it would take like a year to even get a home because this market is a bit crazy for buyers but I'm so thankful we finally got an offer accepted.

A couple days ago, I wrote a letter to God including everything I wanted in a home and he gave us the necessities on the list. All of them. Including a full fruit and veggie garden (which wasn't on the list but it's definitely a PLUS)!

I have so many ideas for our new home. Some work has to be done including new fascia boards and putting in central AC (it's only on swamp). The husband prefers swap since it's cheaper but I'm not about to be dying in the humidity when it rains! Ha!

The first home project? A kitchen makeover with mint colored walls, white cabinets with black knobs (since we have black appliances) and a bit of gold detail. SUPER EXCITED!

With that being said, there will be some future posts on all of the room makeovers including the craft room ::squeal::, play room and dining room as well. :)

Have you ever done a home makeover?

What's your favorite room in your house? 

{Inspiration} A fun mini tablescape

Two weeks ago in floral design class, I created a colorful springtime arrangement. Since I am horrible at constantly watering any flower, the arrangement that served as a centerpiece on our kitchen table started wilting away. Before I decided to throw it out, I plucked some of the flowers that were still decent and decided to create a mini inspiration post for a simple, yet fun tablescape.

{enjoy}

I wrapped a few of the flower stems in lace trimming, used some glitter clothespins from my shop and attached a chalkboard tag (which was created with card stock and chalkboard paint) to each.

For the centerpiece, I used a milk vase which I just recently thrifted and filled it with daisies and mini carnations. I also added a paper doily and a small ornate frame for a bit of extra detail.

It's so fun for spring and I'm happy I was able to "recycle" my dying floral arrangement! :D

Have a beautiful week my friends!

Vintage Frame Project For {Our Home}

I went to Ikea for the first time about a month ago and fell in LOVE!
While I was there, I bought this black filigree picture frame for our home as well as this black and white little clock which I found to be adorable! :)
For the frame, I took out the glass and added muslin fabric and sewed a teal letter L (for our last name) and heart onto the muslin. I also added several different black vintage buttons to the center of the heart to tie it into the black frame.

The teal colored bookcase was given to me from my grandmother. Isn't it cute? :)

I also made these yellow felt pom pom flowers with pearl details to add some bright color to the room :)
You can also purchase these little flowers from my shop here.

Ok, that's my latest project for our home...for now :)

What are your latest projects for your home?