Natural Woman

I'm way too young to have as many aches and pains as I've got. I'm sure weight gain and some disc issues in my spine are to blame, but it seems like there is something more going on.  I just don't feel healthy.  I've surmised that the things that go into and onto my body, including what I breathe in, could have something to do with that.  What's the solution?
I'm thinking NATURAL!  Not hippie granola natural, but non-chemical homemade kind of natural.  I know there are natural options, but they are usually expensive. Saving money has always been a desire, but maybe going natural has even more benefit.  Have you ever read the labels on your cleaning products and beauty products? I can't pronounce most of it!
I've seen a lot about going shampoo-free on the internet.  My initial reaction was, "Gross!  These people are crazy!"  But, with further investigation, it sounds like something I would like to try.  Most people claim that their hair is healthier and easier to manage.  My hair tends to be flat and breaks easily at the ends.  Maybe 'poo free is for me!
I've also found recipes for laundry detergent, deodorant, and lipstick.  I also found something about washing your face with oil...unreal! I plan to start trying homemade as I run out of store-bought products.  I'll let you know how it goes!
My hope is that I will feel better, save money, and be healthier!
Now, I think I'll go clean out my pantry!

Daily Emails

On November 1st I noticed several posts on facebook that showed what people are thankful for.  I liked the idea and was encouraged and reminded to be grateful for the things in my life.  The area of my life that I have been most focused on lately is my marriage.  So, I decided I would take each day to think of another reason I am thankful for my husband.  Rather than posting this on FB for all the world to see, I decided to email him every day.  He thanked me for the sweet email on the first day, but hasn't said much since.  To be honest, I had hoped he would be inspired to reply to each email or say something when he got home from work.  But, he hasn't.  I would be disappointed, but his response has been even better than what I expected.  He's been sweeter, more attentive, and even more romantic!  He even took us away for the weekend!

Since November is just about half-way over, I've started thinking about how to continue this exchange.  Maybe a different theme for every month?  Here's what I have so far.

I'm hoping I can commit to this all year!  I can only imagine how God will use this to grow our relationship!

Baby Food Jars

Since I've been keeping my friends' baby, I've had a LOT of baby food jars around the house.  I decided to take some ideas from Pinterest and adapt them for all of these jars.  Here is a Thanksgiving decoration I made.

Roll Tide/War Eagle!

Roll Tide Collection

War Eagle Collection 

Falling Leaves Wreath

Glitter Wreath with Brown and Gold Bow

$35

Pinterest Button Tree

I found a cute button Christmas Tree on Pinterest.  I used some buttons, ribbon, and styrofoam I had in the craft supplies and made one of my own.  I love how it turned out!  My next one will be all white. 

My Mantle

I used some ideas from Pinterest to finish my mantle.  I love it!  But now I want to decorate it for fall.  I just can't bring myself to change it now that I've got it how I wanted it.

These blue Ball Jars were my husband's grandmother's.

I found these ball jars at an antique store in Winfield.  i painted the candle sticks that I had found at the dollar store and Hobby Lobby.  i need more candles!

I'm happy with it :)

Decorating For Fall!

I love fall decorations!  I found Michael's foam pumpkins on sale for 40% off, a pumpkin I had spray painted last fall, an old apple crate, and a few other things to put together this little display just outside my door!

Pinterest has ruined my blogging

I love Pinterest!!!
Ok?
I spend most of my online time working on my craft blog or on Pinterest.  It is truly amazing and I can't even explain it.
I've tried several things that I've found on Pinterest, so I've decided to blog about that.
Look out...

Suspended!

Well, I'm finally not-bitter enough to post this.
I lost my job.  I can't explain why because I'm really not sure.  The only way I know to process it is that I am a great teacher.  I'm still a respected teacher.  I'm just a victim of "the system."  I'm not the first great teacher to lose their job at the end of their tenure year and, sadly, I won't be the last.
I'll be back, teaching world!