Fun in the bathroom

When I was little, my cousin and I would hide out in our grandma's bathroom and play in order to avoid pesky brothers and sisters. We'd stay in there for hours playing Monopoly and using entire cans of Aqua Net hair spray to do each others' hair. When our family would ask what we were doing in there and if we ever planned to be come out, we'd tell them we were "just pooping." I am sure we weren't fooling anyone, but it kept intruders at bay a little longer.

Although Lindsay and I didn't camp out in the bathroom this weekend playing boardgames and styling each others' hair, thanks to a few new products I picked up, I still had an enjoyable time of hanging out in the powder room. Here's why:

I HATE our bathtub. It is so shallow that my toes stick out of the water when it's full. (I wear a size 6 1/2, small feet by most standards!) We found the Bottomless Bath at Bed, Bath & Beyond and I tried it out yesterday. Amazing! Added about 4 inches to the depth of my bath water. Now I can sit in there and not freeze because more of my body is out of the water than in. Totally worth the $6. Word of caution though, if you have kids, this is probably a bad idea. The tube was quite full and could easily splash over if you're not careful.

Burt's Bees Lemon & Vitamin E Bath & Body Oil. Love it. I'm usually not all about bath oils. Too many of them are greasy or too strong smelling and leave the bathtub all filmy. The fresh, bold - but not overpowering - lemon scent woke me up and put me in a good mood. My legs feel so soft and my skin looks radiant. I can't wait to go home tonight and have another bath! It did make the tub a little slippery, so be careful, especially if you fill the tub to the brim by using the Bottomless Bath above!

I also bought an Almay eyeliner in deep jade. I have never worn colored eyeliner on days besides Halloween and St. Patrick's Day but I think I'll be wearing this a lot. "Deep Jade" would lead you to believe its green but it's not at all. It's a very dark turquoise or peacock color and the result is very subtle, not gaudy or costumey at all. This shade says it's recommended for hazel eyes, but I have very dark brown eyes and it makes them look almost golden. So pretty.

*Note: I am not being paid in any way to review or recommend any of these products.

10 Things (Post #8): Use a mug

This is my eighth post in a series about ten easy things you can do to be more environmentally friendly inspired by the book Change the World for Ten Bucks and N.E.E.T. Magazine. Read more about the rest of the list here.

Here are some great items from Etsy to help you reduce the number plastic and paper cups you use, or least stop using cardboard sleeves.

1. Tree Coffee Sleeve by Hazel Handmade
2. Owl Cup by Catherine Reece
3. Reversible Coffee Sleeve by Red Owl Designs
4. Cappuccino Cups by Page Pottery
5. Felt Coffee Cup Cozy by Megan Auman
6. Llama Mug by Patty Bilbro
7. Coffee Bat Coffee Sleeve by Bat Girl 93
8. Red Flowered Tea Cups from Open Your Window
9. Mustache Coffee Cozy by Thee Jamie Leigh
10. Hussy Coffee Mug by House of Ting Ting
11. Two Huge Mugs by Karin Lorenc
12. Button Coffee Sleeve by OC Styles Creations

Next in this series of posts: Buy fair-trade products

10 Things (Post #7): Have more meals together

This is my seventh post in a series about ten easy things you can do to be more environmentally friendly inspired by the book Change the World for Ten Bucks and N.E.E.T. Magazine. Read more about the rest of the list here.

I could have done a dozen treasuries for kitchen and cooking related items on Etsy. There are so many cute, unique and beautiful items. Here are a few of my absolute favorite.

1. Yellow Recipe Box with Vintage Record Dividers by Freestyle Gifts
2. Greek Herb Blend from Kitchen Stories
3. London Tea Pot from Esther Coombs
4. Peacock Table Setting by Mary Wibi
5. Letterpress Recipe Cards by 1 Canoe 2
6. Muddler from Forest Treasures
7. Red Trivet from To Hell in a Handbag
8. Snow White Child's Apron by Lover Dovers Clothing
9. Yellow Serving Bowl from Jason Russell Potter
10. Lemon Apron by Spice Rak Designs
11. Betty Crocker Good & Easy Cook Book from Ross Road Relics
12. Kitchen Scrubbies by More Than Hats

There are so many cute aprons it's dizzying. I want an apron wardrobe now. One for each day of the week, or maybe even the month!

My MIL bought me some scrubbies similar to the ones in #12. I had never seen them before and at first I thought they were ugly coasters. They are amazing and work so well. I absolutely love them and will never be without them again!

Next post in this series: Use a mug

10 Things (Post #6): Turn off unnecessary lights

This is my sixth post in a series about ten easy things you can do to be more environmentally friendly inspired by the book Change the World for Ten Bucks and N.E.E.T. Magazine. Read more about the rest of the list here.

Turning off unnecessary lights seems like a no-brainer to me. If you're not in the bathroom, the light doesn't need to be on. But I also don't like watching TV or being on the computer when the room is completely dark either. Solution? Light a couple of candles. They smell good and give off enough light to not be sitting in the pitch black.

The fire light is also very flattering so maybe you can turn off the TV or computer and have a make out session with your honey, lowering your electric bill while generating a little electricity yourself! (Wiggle eyebrows suggestively here - which usually is a little more creepy than suggestive!)

Anyway, here's some fire light related finds on Etsy:

 

1. Vintage Candelabra from Urban Bungalow

2. Koala Lavender Candle from Kenny Coop

3. Big Bowl Firepit from John Tunger

4. Patchouli/Clovebud Candle from Green Daffodil

5. Beeswax Tapers by Mad Chandler

6. Shabby Chic Candle Holders from Mel Dawsons Designs

7. Herbal Tapers by Crows Nest Primitive

8. Candle Chandelier from Vintage Chic Furniture

9. Candlestick Holder from Galleria Designs

10. Witches Brew Tea Lights from Dragon 06

11. Sandalwood Vanilla Candle by Soy in Love

12. Sweet Water Infused Candle by Sydney Hale

Next post in this series: Have more meals together.

10 Things (Post #5): Try to watch less TV

This is my fifth post in a series about ten easy things you can do to be more environmentally friendly inspired by the book Change the World for Ten Bucks and N.E.E.T. Magazine. Read more about the rest of the list here.

We have been watching very little TV lately. After a bitterly cold winter with too much time spent in front of the television watching shows we don't even like, we've had enough. Our evenings are now spent playing games together or making something. There are so many fun options for adults and kids to keep you thinking and talking for the evening.

Some ideas for games: card games like Uno, Skip-Bo or cribbage, checkers or chess, puzzles and games you may not know how to play now but are easy to learn, like mancala. Not into games? Try painting, crocheting or knitting, scrapbooking, bead work/jewelry making or sewing. I find so much peace and tranquility when I sew; everyone should have an activity like that just makes you feel happy and relaxed.

Here are some great games and art supplies from Etsy: 

 

1. Cribbage board by Wood from the Hood

2. Encaustic paint from Jamie Ribisi

3. Czech glass beads from The Blue Dress Beads

4. Squirrel family puzzle by US Navy Retired Vet

5. Multicolor wool from Spinning the Web

6. Inlaid checker board from Hobby Makers 

7. Memory game by Another Leaf

8. Alphabet stamps from Sequins and Glitter

9. Chinese checkers by Mt Furniture Trader

10. Mancala game by Timeless Wood Designs

11. Colorful buttons from Destiny Phoebe

12. Organic yellow cotton from Cedar House Fabrics

Next post in this series: Turn off unnecessary lights

10 Things (Post #4): Give your change to charity

This is my fourth post in a series about ten easy things you can do to be more environmentally friendly inspired by the book Change the World for Ten Bucks and N.E.E.T. Magazine. Read more about the rest of the list here.

Whether you're putting your change in a traditional piggy bank or throwing it in a bowl on your nightstand like I do, those quarters, dimes, nickles and pennies can add up pretty fast. There are many eco-friendly charities out there who could really use your contributions. Find one that supports a cause close to your heart and you'll be more likely to remember to save your coins for them.

American Forests is the oldest environmental charity in the country, founded in 1875. The charity works to conserve forests, plant new trees and increase environmental awareness. Just $1 plants a new tree when you give to American Forests.

A second charity to consider worthy of your lose change is the World Wildlife Fund, which was founded in 1961. WWF works to protect wildlife - animals and plants - and to make better use of the natural resources we have. You can adopt a polar bear, support indigenous communities by buying their artwork or just give to their general fund.

Here are some selections from Etsy to give you somewhere pretty to collect that change. 

 

1. Silver piggy bank from Stuff 2 Hold Stuff

2. Piggy bank by CT Loves Paper

3. Large serving bowl from One Clay Bead

4. Square bowl from Romy and Clare

5. Wooden bank with PO Box door by Ustabee

6. Mother of pearl bowl by The Art of Lacquer

7. Orange flowered bowl by La Perla Pottery

8. Peacock vase by Edge Work Glass

9. Ceramic piggy bank by Little Pig Pottery

10. Money jug by Erin Ellie

11. Coffee cash jar by KbOriginalsetc

12. Spiral vase by CathE Glass Arts

Next post: Try watching less TV.

10 Things (Post #3): Shop Local

I'm big into shop local, especially during the summer when the downtown farmers' market is in full swing. Not only can you get fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread, meat and a huge variety of dry goods and condiments are also available. Beyond food, there are booths with clothing, plants, jewelry, art and so much more. Besides my friends, the farmers' market is what I will absolutely miss the most when/if we ever move from this area.

Alas, the farmers' markets - at least this far north - only run May through October. There are other ways to shop local by going to locally owned restaurants and stores that use raw materials from other local businesses, but you can also shop local right from your couch - on Etsy. Once you have an account, fill out your profile to include your home town or nearest larger town/city. Then on the homepage, click "Shop Local" and it will find up to 10 pages of the most recently updated shops in your area.

Although shipping within your own area cuts down on fuel needed, it still takes the proper packaging. Through the convo feature (kind of like emailing within Etsy) you can arrange to meet the seller somewhere, have them drop it off or pick it up yourself. No shipping cost, no using fuel to drive your package all over the county and you still get amazing products and possibly the opportunity to meet the creator and artist. Win, win all around as far as I can see.

Here's a treasury with some of my favorite items found by shopping local on Etsy in the Des Moines and Ames area.

1. Turquoise & coral beaded bracelet by jFrances Design
2. Hand painted mid-century platter from Odd Bits at Etsy
3. Hand printed eco binder by Urban Posture
4. Composition vintage journal by Paper Cake Creations
5. Vintage aluminum folding desk from Fusion Furniture
6. Japanese printed masking tape from Happy Tape
7. Letterpress calling cards by Sweet Harvey Letterpress
8. Wood bangle from Auryn Design
9. Argyle t-shirt by Hard Love Apparel
10. Reusable grocery tote by Tonya Dusold
11. Vegan mint soap from Two Rivers Soaps
12. Sango orange china creamer from Mary Marie

Next post in this series: Give your change to charity.