Winter favorites

This week I've been sharing a few of my favorite things over on facebook, so here's the re-cap plus my favorite things on Amazon right now.

With spring just around the corner, I'm loving all the floral inspiration via Pinterest.
And while I don't ever want chocolate on Valentine's Day,  Olive and Sinclair is my everyday choice. It's all natural & handmade right here in Nashville.

I haven't talked much about my journey using essential oils & I do want to share in depth all about my experience because this collection has honestly been a lifesaver for my emotional postpartum health.
Like game changing. I literally feel like a new person mentally, emotionally & physically when I consistently use them!

And finally; A few of my favorite lovely home essentials via amazon for your weekend shopping, like my everday wrapping supplies, kraft paper, twine & ribbon.
Below you'll find direct links to each item, including my current throw blanket, floral vases, and salad utensils.  Happy Fri-yay!

twine  | stripe ribbon | kraft wrapping paper | salad utensils | glass vase | wool dryer balls | throw blanket

"this day"

The sycamore trees are shedding their leaves and the maple trees are dressed in vibrant color.
It's technically fall here in the south, though unseasonably warm days beg to differ.

I certainly am.not.complaining!

Thanksgiving is in less than a week and my heart is abundantly full.

I'm soaking in the striking beauty of colorful weekend strolls, and the everyday comforts of days
shared with the ones I love dearly.

Currently, the kids and I spend as much time outdoors as we can, but when the evening cools,
I enjoy snuggling beneath a cozy blanket with a good book.

I haven't always had the time to enjoy this leisure, however during this season of feeding the souls of my children through excellent literature, the desire to feed my soul alongside them grows as well.

Currently I'm reading through this, this or this book
 this, and this book are on my amazon wish list.

Fall decor is beautifully simple using outdoor elements;
 tree stumps, collected pine cones and branches,

  While fall is the season of layered clothing, warm drinks, and the external beauty on our doorstep,
 my heart is warmed by the beauty of motherhood and friendship.

My husband, our children, are a gift. This day is a gift.

Being mom and wife to these beautiful people in my life, at times can feel overwhelming.

I stagger under the weight of all I feel demands my utmost importance, a weight I'm not meant to carry.

 I can work to the point of exhaustion and still feel lacking. There will always be more....

But when I choose to lay all those expectations, internal and external, at His feet, 

my heart realigns to His plan, for this day.

{DIY} aromatherapy rice sack

I don't know about you, but with the changing of the seasons, coupled with living in the south, I frequently find myself warding off sinus headaches around this time of year.  

I prefer natural remedies when possible, and these essential oil rice sack's hit the spot!

Like many, prior to using essential oils, the biggest apprehension I had was that I was unsure exactly how to use these amazing health remedies. {Hello perfectionist}

So today I want to show you one of the easiest "essential oil D.I.Y."...an aromatherapy rice sack.

All you need is fabric of your choice, rice, essential oil,
 needle and thread or a sewing machine.

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Here's how to make them:

cut a piece of fabric 15" long x 10" wide

Fold in half, with wrong sides together, sew along all sides leaving one end open

{I recommend stitching w/ a tight seam atleast 1/2" from the edge to ensure a strong seam.

Turn your fabric right side out and iron.

In a glass bowl, pour 1/2 cup of rice; add 5-8 drops of oil.

{I choose lavender or peppermint}  

Essential oils are highly concentrated, so I recommend letting your sack air out overnight prior to using. 

Fill your sack half full with rice.

Turn the open seam down, stitch closed. 

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please exercise caution whenever heating rice sacks as severe burning can result from improper use. do not heat in a conventional oven or toaster oven as fabric can catch on fire.

grace upon grace is not responsible for damage or harm caused in any way shape or form from usage of rice sacks. this is simply an instructional how to make tutorial.

Christmas DIY {winter scene jars + lavender face balm}

Today I'm posting two easy D.I.Y. inspirations for your Christmas season. 
One for your lovely home. One for your lovely self.
The kids and I did made these both for Advent activities and they were lots of fun! enjoy!

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                                                               winter scene jars 

supplies: jars {any size / shape}
              adorable winter figurines {Michael's}
              felt snow {craft store}

assemble: Layer the felt snow on the bottom, then add your cute figurines.
{optional : spray paint the lids}
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                                    lavender coconut hand balm

supplies: coconut oil
              therapeutic grade lavender oil
              jar with lid

assemble: 4 cups coconut oil {needs to be liquefied}
               add about 20 drops of lavender oil and stir.
               fill your jars about 3/4 full and let sit until the oil solidifies; then cover.

               makes 10-12 jars
{optional : spray paint the lids, add jute with knit doilies, and label}

This balm is terrific! our entire family uses it on our extremely dry hands and I use it on my face as well.
They make great teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, or party favor gifts.  All natural and smells heavenly!


                                                    Happy Holidays!