Early in the morning

I have to stop fighting it. I'm a morning person.

I love getting up with the sun and just sitting with an open heart before God while everyone is still asleep.

The house is quiet. The office is quiet. The sky is just beginning to glimmer with light and shadow. And I have hope in a new beginning...each new day is a gift, and chance to learn and grow and love. The stillness is life giving.

While I'm basking in what morning is left, I have this song on repeat.

Listen. It's amazing.

A new adventure and no shampoo

My friend, Kayla, and I have just embarked on a new adventure, and I wanted to share it with you. We call it A Collaborative Effort. You can find me writing over there about home organization, thrifting, healthy food, and more!

Speaking of A Collaborative Effort, you can find me there today talking a little about my experience going No-Poo! :)

ACollaborativeEffort.com

Day One: A little late, but still thankful.

I'm thankful for quiet Saturday mornings with a cup of tea. Today is one of those days. I'm curled up inside while the wind blows outside and makes the lights flicker. No where to be, nothing to do. My heart is quiet and full.

From Rain City

http://www.etsy.com/listing/107004212/we-shall-dance-in-the-rain-fine-art

TGIT & a random fact!

Is anyone else in love with the new single from Kings of Leon? I can't stop listening. Well, to be honest, I don't really want to stop listening. Funny thing about me, if I find a song I love I'm totally content to listen to that song on repeat for days, weeks, months on end. Rachel Pipo can attest to that...a prime example would be Jason Mraz "Remedy" on repeat in my 1991 Ford Tempo for a solid year.

Or

Hanson's Underneath album on repeat for a year.

Or

Taylor Swift's Red for a year.

That happened.

What song could you listen to on repeat for ages on end?

I'm on Blog Lovin'!

My heart is still broken from Google Reader going down earlier this year. But the good news is that there are some great alternatives out there! If you're looking for a great way to stay up to date on your daily reads check out Blog Lovin'! And while you're at it, you can follow me there! :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

FALL DIY | Natural buggy repellent

Ok, I don't know if any of you have the same problem...but every September/October as the air gets crisper and the days get shorter, the spiders get bigger and they start to come inside. Ick, my skin's crawling just thinking about it. But, it's just part of living in the NW.

John and I live in a funky house full of character and huge heating grates that lead straight to the basement. Those little buggers have wide open access to our living space...Since I'm not really cool with that or bug bombing my house I've sought out another solution.

As an alternative to chemical repellents I've started using essential oils to keep bugs at bay. And so far it seems to be doing the job.

FACT: Spiders don't like lavender, citrus or tea tree oil.

Lets use that information for our benefit, shall we?

NATURAL SPIDER REPELLENT SPRAY:

You'll need:
1 squirt bottle
1 essential oil of your choice (I use lavender)
Water

Directions: Depending on the size of your spray bottle, use 20-40 drops of essential oil. Fill the spray bottle to the top and shake. Spray the mixture along walls, doors, under the bed, in heating grates, and anywhere else that feels necessary.

When I spray my house down, usually twice a week, I'm sure the neighbors can smell it from across the street! I'm not messin' around. But lavender is relaxing, right? This is a two in one aromatherapy project! Ha! Enjoy :)

Let me know how it works for you!