From the monthly archives: "July 2011"

Lavender

(via)

I have always had a problem with stress.  I get stressed over pretty much anything, and I absolutely hate big changes!  Logically, I’m taking moving on Saturday like a real champ (not)!  I use lavender almost on a daily basis to calm down.  It is my absolute favorite scent.   So, when I saw Martha Stewart’s latest daily DIY, I couldn’t help but want to share it with you!

 

Martha has two separate mists.

 

1.  The Pick-Me-Up, for when you need that little extra boost during the day

Ingredients:

1 drop eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
2 drops geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
3 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita)

 

2.  My personal favorite, The Calm-Me-Down, for when you need a little help relaxing.

Ingredients:

2 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
1 drop frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

 

It is so simple,

1. Fill a clean, dry mini spray bottle with 4 ounces of pure distilled water.
2. Using a dropper, carefully put the selected blend of essential oils directly into the spray bottle.
3. Tightly close the bottle and shake vigorously to combine. Be sure to shake it before each use, as the water and essential oils tend to separate.

 

I usually wouldn’t share an entire article, but I am huge advocate of these mists, and I absolutely adore everything Martha does!  Make sure to sign up for her daily DIY emails, they are awesome!

So, I was perusing FoodGawker the other day trying to find a new recipe or two, and low and behold I come to find out Harry Potter mania has taken over the site!  I’m a huge Harry Potter freak, so this came as a very happy surprise.  Check out a few of my favorite Potter-related food items perfect for a pre or post Deathly Hallows pt.2 movie party!

 

First up are Snitch cake pops made with Butterbeer cake batter! via amybites

Snitch Cake Pops

(click pic for recipe)

Then we have some adorable looking cauldron cakes! via the pastry affair

 

(click pic for recipe)

 

Now how about something to rot the kid’s teeth?  I don’t think I could handle these, but I’m sure the under 10 crowd can! via the pastry affair

 

Wands

(click pic for recipe)

 

Finally, let’s wash all those treats down with some delicious Butterbeer! via bakingdom

 

(click pic for recipe)

 

 

Well, hopefully that will help you kickstart a super fun Harry Potter Party!  Enjoy and I can’t wait to see the movie!