Happy day after Father’s Day! Hope all the dad’s out there had a wonderful one. We were very lucky to spend the day with my dad and step mom and enjoyed every minute! Really a very typical father’s day; unloading giant pew’s into our entry way, doing ear candles, trying to back a trailer out of our driveway…you know…the usual.
“Live well…Live Joyfully”
Hope this week brings you lots of unforgettable & enjoyable joyful moments!
Cheers
~ Jillian
In an effort to keep our new house squeaky clean and healthy, I’m on a “make my own natural cleaners” kick {its a real thing…i promise} First item on the list…finding a way to keep our kitchen and master bathroom granite counters clean without damaging the sealant on the granite! We plan to be here for a while and the last thing I want to do is prematurely strip that protective coat off! So off Pinteresting I go…and stumble on this easy to follow recipe from the lovely Melissa at No. 2 Pencil. This could NOT be any easier and chances are you already have everything you need.
Things you need:
How to:
* You can add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil for a little added yummy scent or just enjoy the natural good smell that comes from the dish soap.
Not only does this sanitize and clean up those counters, it leaves them with a lovely smooth and shiny finish. Take care of that granite…its a keeper! I’ve also used this on pretty much all my other “surfaces” around the house with great success!
Have you jumped into any natural cleaners? What are your favorites?
Clean it up
~ Jillian
I’m so pumped to finally have a garden to tend to {but MAN is it hard work!!}. Our first weekend in the new house that we actually had a little free time to get out and play in the dirt; I was up and ready for TONS of planting and digging. I lathered on some sun screen {my pale-ness has not really seen the sun much yet this year}, turned on some tunes and got to it. We spent almost the entire day outside running around, soaking up some sunshine, enjoying our new surroundings!
One thing I failed to think about was the possiblity of being attacked by garden pests. And when I say attacked…I don’t mean a few bites here and there…I mean ATTACKED. Apparently I have sweet meat; the perfect snack for all those pesky mosquitos because they literally destroyed me. The backs of my legs looked like they were covered in welts or chicken pox or red button candy. No Bueno.
As soon as I realized I had been violated by those dang things…I ran straight to the internets for an all natural solution {we try to stay as chemical free as possible around here}. I found this tutorial from the Wellness mama and then popped over to Amazon to order a few of the ingredients that I didn’t have in the house. Wellness mama’s recipe calls for quite a list of different essential oils {which I don’t mind having around the house because you can use them for SO many different things} but I stumbled on a pre-mix blend of all of the necessary oils from Plant Therapy {Bug-Off Synergy Blend}! Easy Peezy. All the goodies you need in one little bottle.
Supplies:
Directions:
It’s safe and all natural, smells delightful, keeps those pests away and costs pennies compared to the store bought, chemical filled bug sprays! HELLO!
Have you experimented with any “home-made” concoctions yet? Do you LOVE using essential oils for all sorts or are you an oil novice? Wether you are a pro or a newbie, this natural bug spray is a easy and effective way to keep those nasty things away from you so you can get out and enjoy your beautiful surroundings!!
Happy {bug-free} Summer
~ Jillian
* Be sure to check out this tutorial from Wellness Mama. And check out this post, stop by this site and look here for other fabulous {and simple} natural bug repellent recipes!
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Happy Happy! Hope you had a lovely weekend. We spent ALOT of time in the car this weekend, but it was all worth it to celebrate and hang with special friends and family. As we continue to settle in to our new digs {I PROMISE pictures and more details coming soon…girl’s gotta finish unpacking first!} we are very aware at how truly blessed we are to have found our new home. There is of course a very very long list of to do’s and needs but we are moving slowly so that we can truly enjoy the ride and appreciate all the moments as they come. So this week, spend some time day dreaming. Stop worrying so much about getting it all done right now and enjoy the journey you are on {who knows where it might take you!}
“If you stop dreaming, you’re just sleeping”
Happy Monday!
~ Jillian
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Welcome back to reality! These days are always the toughest…coming off of a long weekend full of fun and playing!! We had a SUPER busy one with lots of getting things done mixed with a bit of relaxing and hanging out! Our first official playing in the dirt/ tackling our new yard day {I’m sooo sore!}, hanging out with friends and family & enjoying our new digs!!
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing.”
~George Bernard Shaw
What kind of fun things did you get into this weekend? Did you take advantage of some much needed down time or spend your days partying and celebrating?? Whatever you did…I hope it was a great one!
Cheers
~ Jillian
If you have crazy fun plans, a fun little getaway or just a relaxing weekend at home…
ENJOY IT!
We will be continuing to get settled into our new digs. Hopefully taking advantage of some of the lovely weather outside {maybe even buying a lawn mower…#realhomeowners!} So whatever you get into this weekend be safe and enjoy!
Happy LONG weekend!!
~ Jillian
I think I can safely say its almost every girl’s dream to have an amazing closet. A space to organize and layout your clothes and accessories and play a little dress up every now and then! Almost like your own personal boutique! Until about a week or so ago, my husband and I shared a teeny tiny overstuffed totally unorganized little hole of a closet. We made it work, getting really crafty with our storage, hanging and stacking! But now that we’ve moved on out to the country, we have a bit more space to spread out in! {my wrinkly smooshed hanging clothes are thanking me!!} No matter the size or shape of your current closet, make it work for you and make it fabulous! So in true HSE form I went straight to Pinterest for a little closet inspiration. Fancy chandelier, yes please. girly patterned wallpaper, probably going to happen. Organized girly paradise, bring it on!! {click here for the sources to all these lovely images!}
Ready to start organizing now?!? If you need me…I’ll be in the closet.
~ Jillian
It’s monday…again…it snuck up so fast!! I hope you have had a lovely week and weekend {since I’ve been a bit MIA}. What a whirlwind these last few weeks have been. Thank you so much for all your sweet words about our new adventure! I promise to pass on some new house pics soon {still working my way out of the piles o’ boxes!} I hope this week is a happy one for you, full of peace and joy.
“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is,
rather than as you think it should be.”
~ Wayne W. Dyer
Cheers
~ Jillian
Happy Monday to you! Remember how I told you things have been a bit crazy but good around here lately…well…the reason is…
We’ve Moved!! Oh what a journey we’ve been on the last several months {more on that to come}. For now I will tell you, as I stare at piles of boxes and bare walls and windows that we are so incredibly happy and blessed to finally be here. So be prepared for lots of house updates, design inspiration and DIYing details as we turn this new house into a home. Thank you for bearing with me between posts and know that your sweet words have meant so much!
“May you have warm words on a cool evening,
a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.”
Have a fabulous week!
~ Jillian
Happy Monday to you! I apologize for being a bit M-I-A lately but there are ALOT of fun things happening over here at HSE!! This week is another crazy one, but soon we will back to business and postings as usual. For now just know fabulous things are coming your way soon and enjoy your week!
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived,
and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
~ Buddha
{source}
Joy!!
~ Jillian
