Over the past two months, my son has been sick on and off with what we though was just a back to school cold. It turns out that the change of seasons has triggered his allergies and caused him to be congested and just generally feeling miserable. Many people don't know that while a cold will typically clear up within 7-10 days, allergy symptoms can linger for weeks or even months. Believe it or not, there are more allergy triggers in the fall. The symptoms for all allergies are the same, regardless of whether they present themselves in the spring or fall. Itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, headache, sinus pressure are some of the more common ones. Allergy triggers that arise during the fall include weed pollens, like ragweed and mold allergies. Certain foods like bananas, melon and zucchini can also be a trigger for those allergic to ragweed. Dust mites are a common allergen during this time as well. When … [Read more...]
7 Ways To Use Pumpkin Pie Spice Besides Baking
If you are a lover of fall for its crisp air and delicious you thought the only way to get Pumpkin Pie Spice in your life was through pumpkin rolls or pumpkin pies you are in for a treat! Body Scrub - Body scrubs are ridiculously easy and can be made using things you have on hand in the kitchen already. To create a yummy smelling Pumpkin Pie Spice body scrub mix 1 cup granulated or brown sugar with ½ cup of coconut oil, and 1 T. of Pumpkin Pie Spice. Scrub a generous amount over wet skin, rinse, pat dry. It will leave your skin soft and smooth. Whipped Body Butter - One of the easiest and most decadent of diy beauty recipes body butter is a treat for yourself or to gift. In a hand or stand mixer whip ½ cup shea butter, 2 T. coconut oil, 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp. vitamin E oil, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract. Simmering Potpourri - Fill a small saucepan halfway with water, add 2-3 tsp.pumpkin pie spice and 1 tsp. … [Read more...]
Fall Safflower Seed Luminary #DIY
As Fall looms around the corner, and we can already see signs of leaves beginning to change all around us, we welcome the comforting foods and activities that we enjoy during this season. Many people enjoy the Fall immensely because it brings cooler weather and the trees and foliage are absolutely breathtaking during this time of the year. This year, I am excited about completing some Do It Yourself projects that will bring our entire home into the spirit of the season. Little by little I hope to transform our home and get it ready for the holidays. This week, I would like to show you how make a Fall Safflower Seed Luminary. Stay tuned, as I will be posting other tutorials for how to make a variety of luminaries this season. Fall Safflower Seed Luminary Supplies needed: Clear mason jar Safflower seeds or birdseed/sunflower seeds Green/orange yarn or ribbon Fall embellishments like acorns, … [Read more...]
Fall Pumpkin Picking Tips
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of taking the family to visit Prospect Hill Orchards in the beautiful Hudson Valley in New York State. You can pick your own apples, pears and pumpkins there and it is very family-friendly. We've never been pumpkin picking before so we were very excited to see all of the different pumpkin varieties and to decide on just the right ones for our Fall and Halloween decor. The truth is that I knew very little about picking just the right pumpkins before we set out on our adventure. I did a little research to find out how to pick a pumpkin prior to heading out. Many of you will probably be picking or purchasing your own pumpkins now that we are heading into the month of October and the season for Halloween. I figured you could probably use some pumpkin picking tips too. Here is what I learned about picking the right pumpkin: It is much better to pick your own pumpkin at a pumpkin patch than purchasing one at the store. … [Read more...]
