Beachy Mason Jar Dispenser

I love crafting with traditional mason jars. The possibility seem to be endless when it comes to creating with these vintage jars that add charm to any space.

A few years ago I shared a DIY Mason Jar Soap Dispenser tutorial here on my blog. Wow it sure doesn’t seem like it was two years ago? Crazy? Oh Ma Dear!

I am happy to share my mason jar dispenser again but this time with a few “Just 2 Cute” embellishments.  I spray painted the lid to match the black pump, added some fabric ribbon, and strung a few sea shells.  I am loving the beachy feel and adorable look.

I am going to add one of these new dispensers on my kitchen sink. If you're crazy home life is anything like mine, then washing dishes is an endless task so why not do it in style.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog.

Smiles, Paula

DIY Coconut Vapor Rub

I was hit hard a few weeks ago with the cold flu bug that went around, here in Florida.  It was the kind of nasty bug where I just laid in bed for an entire day.  I had congestion, a fever, a cough, the chills, a sore throat, the whole whole kit and caboodle.  My home became a hide out for me for about a week.  It was pretty strange being sick because I haven’t been sick for so long.  I stuck to the normal natural remedies.  Cool air humidifier, lots of soft tissues, lots of fluids, eucalyptus essential oil, hot tea and homemade coconut vapor rub.

Today I am sharing my homemade version of the store bought Vicks Vaporub.  I favor my homemade recipe because it doesn’t contain any petroleum or active turpentine.  It has a amazing smell and clears up my sinuses quickly.

DIY Coconut Vapor Rub

Ingredients:

2 Heaping Spoonful Organic Coconut Oil

5 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil

2 Drops of Menthol Essential Oil

2 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

3 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Directions:

1. Mix them together in a small pot and rub into your chest and upper back as desired.

2. Store in a cool dry place, and use as needed.

Stay well and healthy everyone!

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  Happy Monday!

Smiles, Paula

{ Follow Me On Pinterest  } Paula Parrish

Halloween Treat Jars

Have you seen those Halloween Treat Jars made from mason jars?

I’ve seen a lot of them all over the internet lately,

so I thought it would be fun to make some of our own jars!

What do you think?

Sweet Halloween Treats!

Destiny and I created the Halloween treat jars

to give away as gifts to friends and family.

We dug through our scrapbook supplies and found stickers, paper

and ribbon, then hunted down some old mason jars in the kitchen.

This project was super fun, easy and quick to complete.

Plus we had all of the supplies on hand the only thing that

I had to run to the store for was candy.

I think that anyone would love another candy jar? Right?

Smiles, Paula

;D

DIY Banana Facial

I enjoy a banana as a yummy snack,

but sometime they seem to turn mushy overnight.

I hate to toss them into the trash,

and I can only bake so much banana bread

or blend smoothies.

Here is a awesome facial treatment to make

with those brown spotted dark yellow bananas.

A quick banana wrinkle fighter.

Peel away the years with this easy facial treatment.

Banana is an astringent that induces a tightening or tingling affect on the skin,

which decreases the appearance of wrinkles.

Banana Facial Treatment

First clean your face thoroughly with any natural cleaner or soap.

Mash a ripe banana until very creamy, and spread it all over your face, avoiding your eyes.

Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Rinse with warm water and then splash cold water on your face.

Gently pat your skin dry.

Thanks for Visiting!

Thanks for viewing my little blog, in this huge world wide web.

Smiles, Paula

{ Follow Me On Pinterest  } Paula Parrish

{ guest blog post }

I am super excited to introduce you to Helen a talented craft diva from Blue Eyed Beauty.

She has agreed to sharing with us her tutorial on how to make a "Denim Flower".

I love this green and thrifty craft project.

Creating a denim flower from an old pair of jeans, no trip to the store required for this project. Love That! I am planning to make a few of these flowers, one for my hair and another to embellish my handbag.

Take it away Helen . . .

DIY Denim Flower
I decided to use the bits of scraps left over from my Layered Denim Skirt to make a flower to wear in my hair when I wear my skirt. This is the second fabric flower I have ever made (my first one was a different style which I am still perfecting).

What You Need:
8-9 pieces of fabric, cut in circle shapes, a hot glue gun, a large needle, and a bobby pin.

1. Taking the large needle and one of the circle pieces, poke the needle through. Insert the top part of the bobby pin. For each circle repeat this process until they are all done.

2. Fold the circle in half.

3. Fold in half again. Cut off the point at the bottom.

3. Scrunch the fabric. Make it more or less ruffly as you want it.

4. Hot glue in between each fold near the bottom piece that was cut out.

5. Put a good size glob of hot glue on the circle piece around the bobby pin. Work quickly to press the flower petal piece down in the glue to get it secured.
6. When you get the whole flower put together, use little bits of hot glue to secure the flower all the way down.
7. To add the sparkles, use a dot of hot glue and quickly press the sparkle into the glue. Add as many as you want. I only added a few to mine.
Now your flower is done!
Enjoy wearing it with any outfit you want.
The nice thing about the bobby pin is you can put it in anything!
Thanks Helen for sharing this awesome tutorial with us. ;o)
This is a great project to make with the kids. It’s also a great way to give kids a lesson in the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling while keeping them busy this summer.
Smiles, Paula

DIY Refreshing Cooling Spray

Are you looking to Refresh and Cool Down?
As much as we enjoy the warm weather, the summer heat can leave your skin feeling sticking, dry and hot. This summer has started out especially hot in many states in the US. For a refreshing pick me up during the day, give this recipe a try. It is awesome to carry around with you, and mist lightly to cool and refresh your skin anytime. This spray can be used on your face, arms, and on the soles of your feet, whenever you’re feeling uncomfortably toasty.

Refreshing Cooling Spray

• 3 T. Aloe Vera Gel
• 3 T. Witch Hazel
• 3 T. Cranberry Juice
• 2 T. of Distilled Water
• 1 T. Vegetable Glycerin
• 2-3 Drops of Tangerine Essential Oil
• 1 Drop of Ginger Essential Oil

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and mix well. Pour into a mist sprayer bottle and shake well before each use. Store in a cool, dark place.

Aloe Vera Gel is rich in antioxidants, to help soothe skin and fight sun damage.

Witch Hazel to support your skin’s natural protection against drying elements.
Cranberry Juice contains a lot of vitamins and minerals which are good for your skin.  It’s like a fruit cocktail for the skin, refreshing, healthy and perfect for the summertime.
Vegetable Glycerin is good for your skin because it has strong humectant properties, meaning it is able to retain and bring moisture to your skin.
Tangerine and Ginger Essential Oil aromatherapy blend is sure to stimulate your mind, body, and spirit and naturally change your mood.

Love IT! This natural homemade “Refreshing Cooling Spray” feels so good cooling on my skin and the kids like it too.

I’d love to keep in touch. ;o)
Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest
If you would like to see more DIY recipes stop back by often. If you are not following along, please consider becoming a new follower. It would make me gloriously happy.
Smiles, Paula

DIY Fizzie Bath Bombs

I love homemade bath fizzies. There is something magical and captivating about watching it fizz and bubble away down into the bath water. They seem to take on a new life once it hits the water.  They fizz, hiss, and melt, leaving the fantastic smell of essential oils, and at the same time the natural oil leaves your skin smooth, soft and super moisturized. It was a beautiful thing, plus super fun at the same time.

DIY Bath Bomb Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 cup Citric Acid
• 1 cup Baking Soda
• ½ cup Cornstarch
• ½ cup of Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, or Sunflower Oil
• 5 to 8 Drops of Essential Oil (of your choice)
• Spray Bottle filled with Distilled Water
• Soy Food Coloring (optional)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, place citric acid, baking soda, cornstarch and mix, then add the oil.
• Add your choice of essential oil.
• Mix well with a fork, then with your hands until a soft dough is formed.
• If you find that the mixture is too crumbly, spray with tiny bit of water to moisten.
• Knead into a ball, the consistency should be like soft biscuit dough.
• Press the soft dough into any molds of your choice.

Tips:

• You can add colored epson salt, oatmeal, dried herbs or flowers into the bottom of the molds for an extra special touch. Sprinkle in just before pressing the dough into the mold.
• Silicone baking molds work the best.
• Customize your scent to take full advantage of aromatherapy benefits. Lavender essential oil will bring calm and comfort. Peppermint essential oil increases energy and clears your mind.

I made one batch of eucalyptus fizzies to keep on hand, which is a great choice during allergy season and if anyone is feeling a bit of congestion. I also created a batch of jasmine fizzies with jasmine petals from our yard. Jasmine essential oil is known to have a uplifting effect on the mind and fights depression anxiety and stress.

If you simply don’t have the time, or don’t wish to make this bath bombs at home. I have handmade bath bombs available for purchase on my website.
Natural Garden Soaps Bath Bombs

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and visiting my blog.
Smiles, Paula

{DIY} Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

For the longest time I have been wanting to make

a Mason Jar Soap Dispenser.

I have seen different versions of this project floating around the internet.

I even have a few ideas and different conceptions

pinned up on my “DIY Project & Crafts” board on Pinterest.

Woo Who!

Today is the day that I can check one crafty project off my list.

I hope that this creates a trickle effect,

and I am able to create many more projects in the months ahead.

This project is super quick and easy,

completed in less than 15 minutes.

How to create your own Mason Jar Soap Dispenser.
Supplies:
Mason Jar with Lid
Liquid Soap Pump
Sharpie Marker
Hand Punch or a Drill
Hot Glue Gun
Directions:
Mark the top of the Mason Jar Lid.
Drill or punch a hole around ⅝” round, insert pump.
Flip lid over, and hot glue into place.
After it is completely dry, fill with soap and screw on top.

I love the idea of repurposing more classic Mason Jars

for soap or lotion to use all around the house.

Plus, my new Mason Jar Soap Dispenser is perfect

to store my new liquid soap that I made a few weeks ago,

if you missed it check out my post here: DIY Liquid Soap.

Thanks for stopping by. :o)

Smiles, Paula

{ Follow Me On Pinterest } Paula Parrish

DIY Liquid Soap

Back to creating handmade things,

I am wasting no time, creativity or thriftiness.

I made a full gallon of natural shea butter liquid soap,

which cost me less than ten bucks.

I used my handmade Jasmine Shea Butter soap,

which gave the soap a very wonderful smoothness and soft feeling.

Plus, It smells super amazing,and has a soft pink color.

Destiny has already requested that she would like a bottle

in her shower to use as body wash.

I am so going to carry a small bottle in my purse,

so I don’t have to use that

“nasty commercial soap”in public restrooms.

Plus, I have been saving an old foaming soap dispenser

and now have the perfect soap to put in it.

You may want to bookmark this post or “Pin It” on Pinterest

because I am sharing the recipe, and step by step instructions

on how to make your own liquid soap.

DIY Liquid Soap Recipe
15 oz. of Shredded Natural Shea Butter Jasmine Soap
2 T. Vegetable Liquid Glycerine
1 Gallon of Distilled Water

1 T. Jasmine Essential Oil
Pour the entire gallon of distilled water into a large pot,

and heat it until just before the boiling point.

Add the vegetable glycerine, and the grated soap
to the pot and softly mix.

As it heats it will begin to bubble,

ever so often gently stir until the soap is completely melted.

Remove from heat, cover and let it sit overnight or for about 10-12 hours.

Later, check the soap to see if it is your desired thickness.

If it is too thick add more water, if it is too runny, remelt in more shredded soap.

After your soap has cooled, then add your favorite essential oil.

Pour into a soap dispenser and store the remaining soap in a gallon jug.

Feel free to substitute the soap of your choice and your favorite essential oil.

Whaa-laa! Done!

If you like this DIY recipe and want to see more,

please consider becoming a follower of my blog.

Don’t forget to leave a comment to enter to win this month’s giveaway.

April’s Giveaway Information ~ {click here}

Thanks for stopping by and visiting!
Smiles, Paula