Stepping Out of Our Shells

Warmer weather has indeed moved into the area. There's no stopping summer temperatures now. We had an early start to summer and just returned from our vacation from the beaches of the western Caribbean. My, oh my...how we needed that R and R.

Don't be a hater ;0)

Perhaps it's in part to taking the time to sit on the sand and look closely at it's genetic makeup of fine seashells. Perhaps it's the warmer weather getting us outside more often. Seashells have become front in center in my world as of late.

Here are some small, very simple rituals I performed with seashells this spring season. Take something that is connecting with you this season and do the same. It's nice to slow down when we can.

Guest bathroom beach dreams in vintage jars

Tillandsia creature nest

Micro-pendant made by nature

The Little Things

Oftentimes, when I'm browsing around in my favorite (expensive) stores, I ache at all of the beautiful things that exist for the home. Then "I want this, I want that" sets in. That's when it's all over.

After careful study, I realize that what makes me pine over such things is because of the level of detail that went into the product. Or it's something unique. And the best part is...these are all characteristics that can be created with your own thriftiness!

That's right boys and girls. We've gone way too long without another Cheapskate Tip!

Handmade and decorative soap costs at least $5.00 and upward. As you see, I have a small collection of amazing decorative vintage-inspired soaps made by Nepenthe's Bathtime Soap. But there are other more inexpensive (read: $2.00), handmade soaps I can get my hands on that are not packaged and are quite plain. How does one dress up plain soap in a jiffy? Washi Tape! A quick tape around that bar can add pizazz! Now my cheap bar of soap is just cool enough to hang out with the others...

Now we've all seen plants potted in many re-usable containers left and right. No doubt this is an inexpensive alternative. After I potted this succulent in my old jar, it was not exciting me at all. I also know that this succulent tends to grow tall and will lose its uprightness. So I made this cool little plant "crutch" disguised as a flower--all made out of items I had laying around the house.

1. Cut felt fabric in circular spiral. Hot glue spiral back together, overlapping all edges. This creates a domed petal effect.
2. We save all of the bottle caps from our favorite local tea-maker, Sweet Leaf Tea, because they have witty little quotes on the underside. It's like a fortune-cookie drink. I used this bottle cap as the flower's center; attach with hot glue. This cap in particular was fitting, as it says, "Life is a Garden--Dig It."
3. Hot glue flower head onto a disposable takeout chopstick.
4. Shove into the dirt.

A decorating rule of thumb is (a) repetition; and (b) grouping like items. Create an autumn table display with some of your everyday decorative items along with seasonal items such as pumpkins. Add the edible arrangement: Grab a vintage vessel an throw in some nuts that are falling off of your pecan or walnut tree in the backyard. Drop in a nut cracker so your display beckons the guest to partake and feel at home.

(All photos via Art and Facts)

A Reason to Celebrate

I'm typically not one to get too much into the holiday season. What starts as a simple idea of getting together with family, turns into an endless stressful four-week search for a useful gift. That's where I've been lately. Out and about.

But when the frantic shopping is over, or it is just plain decided not to overexert the spending this year, the holiday season is still very special.

The sun sets early, the temperatures are cold, and more importantly, most of us are lucky to be granted holiday time from work to spend quality time with loved ones. I find the basis of this time a pagan-like tradition. It's a time to be close to the organic. Time to visit, time to release, maybe even time to reflect and face the fears. And it's time to bring nature inside the home--to be close to Mother Earth.

This post is a homage to bringing the outside, inside. I wish there were more time in the day to make any one of these decorations for my home.

Cranberry beaded wreath getting some reflection time. (image via www.marthastewart.com)

You can eat them AND decorate with them. The almighty orange. (image via www.goodhousekeeping.com)

Those shells found on the beach can stretch beyond that aquatic themed bathroom! (image via www.coastalliving.com)

Use greenery you already have by combining existing potted succulents with fall leaves and flowers. (image via www.apartmenttherapy.com)

Woodsy pinecones make a fun and lighthearted fireplace friend. (image via www.countryliving.com)

Don't let that cake stand gather dust. Make use of it with dried flowers from the garden, such as yarrow, pictured here. (image via www.countryliving.com)

Back off Hoser!

The unruly garden hose. Has a mind of its own. Coil it up on the ground after use and it seems to sprawl across your yard, into your sidewalk, and wrap around the dog. Many retailers offer Hose Holders or Hose Containers, but for a pretty high price just to keep a hose contained.

This dilemma has inspired me to take on Cheapskate Tip #2--a low-cost or free alternative to the norm. We just happened to have this old wheelbarrow, which my significant guy picked up for free near a dumpster.

Anything can be used to make a hose container. When out and about, look for items that are deemed trash by someone else, that would effectively work. It might add more charm to your garden than the cookie-cutter designs on the shelves. Once you find that special something...that hoser better back off.
(first image via www.keetsa.com)

The Little Garden That Couldn't

After much research and thought, I have decided to make the first giant step toward self-sufficiency. Maintaining a garden of our own is not only rewarding, but we would be free of pesticides, ethylene gas, radiation and wax. My significant guy built the 8'X4' raised bed of reclaimed and new lumber, metal posts and corrugated sheet metal. Shortly after everything sprouted and well on their way, Central Texas started reaching triple-digit temps, and has been for approximately 15 days straight, combined with a deficit of 4" in rainfall. Everything is getting fried. These puppies don't even want to think about blooming. Forget experiencing the fruits (er, vegetables) of our labor.
Outside of the raised garden bed, lies the Viva Italia tomato variety, however, I have experienced all of the end products turning out like this--termed as "blossom end rot." The soil is the tall tale sign: salt and/or calcium imbalance, or not the right amount of moisture or temperature range. These tomatoes aren't any larger than 1" in diameter! For shame...
Combine rookie gardening with mother nature and voila!...you get the new and improved "Viva Italia Tittymato" variety. Tell me about your gardening mishaps.