Easy Wall Art

So my niece just recently turned 15 and honestly, I was kind of stuck on what to get her.  I wanted to do something a little more personal than the usual clothes or shoes or another hand bag.  Somehow I was going to find something that was unique and inspiring for her as she continues into her teenage years.  So...

First I picked an image online using one of my favorite quotes.  "Keep  your heels, head and standards high".  I absolutely love this and it leaves her with some wise words from her aunt as well ;o)

Next I picked out a  blank canvas large enough to comfortably fit the images I had printed off and decided on a background.  Pink chevron was the winner!  The easiest way for me to make it even with straight lines was to use duck tape as my stencil which is the perfect width for this size canvas.  Using a ruler, I drew horizontal lines in pencil to create boundaries for the chevron print so I would know where to line up the tape. After the stencil had been laid down I filled in between with pink paint.  Once it was completely dry, I then used just a little glue to secure the image on the canvas.  (I recommend using stick glue as the best option for this part of the project.)

  

Finally once everything was dry and in place, I painted the entire canvas with a thin layer of  Modge Podge.   I later added a second coat just to seal the deal.  And..voila!..you're done!

Apple Cider Vinegar...a must have!

I had heard rumors of apple cider vinegar and how it was a miracle worker so I decided I would try it out for myself and see what all the fuss was about.  Remember the blog about coconut oil...? well this is the other half of the story. :o)

I started by using it as a toner in my nightly routine before bed.  Mix 1/2 apple cider vinegar and 1/2 water, be sure to shake well, squeeze onto cotton ball and apply evenly to face (avoiding the eyes of course).  The smell can be quite potent at first, but once you start to see the results..well the smell just doesn't matter that much anymore. 

Recently I have been inspired to find as many different uses as I can for all natural products and implement them into my daily life.  So much like the coconut oil, I set out to research just what all this cider could do for me.  I was amazed when I found out just exactly how helpful it really can be.
 
NaturalNews.com shows us many ways it is beneficial to your health. Below are some other fun uses for apple cider vinegar that I have no doubt you will like!



* Add shine and body to your hair. Mix 1/2 tablespoon of ACV to 1 cup of cool water. Pour through hair after cleaning 3x a week

*Rub ACV to swollen hands and feet to help relieve pressure

*Sunburnt?  Add 1 cup of ACV to your bath water and soak in it for at least 10 mins.

*Want to get rid of those pesky stains on your teeth?  Rub ACV directly to teeth and rinse

*Just drink it! Adding 2 tesaspoon of ACV to 16 oz of water a day and drinking will help increase weight loss. Sip concoction throughout the day.  Increase the dosage to help detox your body and flush your kidneys all day long.

*All purpose cleaner - 1/2 cup of ACV to 1 cup of water. Use this mix to clean everything in your house! Microwaves, kitchen counters, windows, glasses, mirrors, etc.  It also serves as a disinfectant!

*Need to rid your best buddy of those annoying little fleas?
Rub ACV onto your pets skin, add a little to thier drinking water and spray a mix of 50/50 water adn ACV onto your pets and furniture to help reduce flea presence. 



There are many many more....check them out online or start with these few here.  Enjoy being healthy as well as looking and feeling better!

coaster make-over...to easy!

Instead of throwing out your old coaster that are still in good condition, just give them a make-over instead!
I've had a set of 4 coasters for years that I decided either needed a complete change somehow or I was going to throw them out.  Opting for the first option, like most crafters/artist would, I set out to change the world!....well at least my coasters anyway. ;o)

I found this thick textured paper at Michael's for $1.99 a sheet. I only have four coasters so I only needed one.  I decided to go with this bright red reptile print to spice up my coffee table and bring some more color into the room.  Yes, even small items like bright colorful coasters can make a difference.  The eye will naturally gravitate to the item and recognize it as an accent color. 

Lay the coasters face down on the back side the of paper and trace around each and cut out your circles.

Now glue the circles to the coasters (back side to top of coaster) and let sit, face down like above for a while to ensure they have dried.
Once they are sealed in place, take a razor edge and cut any eccess paper off.

Next, you'll want to paint a layer of Modge Podge of the top of each. Make sure it also covers the sides and edge of paper to secure it and keep it from peeling back.  I even took my finger and pressed the edges down firmly all around the coaster just to reassure it stays in place.

Finally, let dry over night and voila..brand new set of coasters! Enjoy!