Celebrate Arbor Day – April 28th

Posted in Activities, Article, environment, nature by
Photo by Min An on Pexels.com

Arbor Day is celebrated each year on the last Friday in April. This year, Arbor Day is April 28th. Arbor Day is a day dedicated to planting, upkeep and preservation of trees, and was first observed in Nebraska in 1872.

Why is there a day dedicated to trees? Trees provide a habitat to wildlife, clean the air and provide oxygen, and give us shade to sit in. Many other benefits of trees include preventing soil erosion, promoting healthy soil, and providing beautiful scenery to our streets and parks.

What can you do to celebrate Arbor Day? Many communities host events at local parks where you can help plant trees or distribute small trees to others. There might also be opportunities to volunteer to clean up nearby parks and forests. Environmental and tree-planting organizations, such as the Arbor Day Foundation often host events on Arbor Day where participants can help plant trees and learn more about the environment. If you’re not looking for an event to attend, you can always plant and care for trees at home.

Arbor Day isn’t just for environmental enthusiasts and tree-lovers. Arbor Day is a day for everyone to learn about the environment, plant a tree and enjoy nature. So get out this Arbor Day and plant a tree!

DIY Decorative Gift Bags

Posted in crafts, diy, Seasonal by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

‘Tis the season to be giving. But when it comes to wrapping gifts it can be costly. Decorating your own kraft paper gift bags can be an inexpensive way to wrap gifts and it adds a personal touch. Christmas isn’t the only time of year to make your own gift bags, they can be used for any gift-giving occasion.

Before making your gift bags, gather everything you would like to use to decorate them. Ribbons and bows, scraps of wrapping paper or cardstock, stencils, and glitter are a few things you can use. I purchased the kraft paper gift bags on Amazon. Be creative!

In the photo above, I used a stencil to trace flower outlines on the blank side of two pieces of cardstock (for the bag on the left). Next, I cut out the flowers and glued them to the blank gift bag. For the bag on the right, I used a piece of cardstock that with a picture of a large flower. I trimmed the cardstock and glued it to the center of the bag.

Below, I have shown a few of my own ideas to give you inspiration.

What you need:

  • kraft paper gift bags
  • scissors
  • glue
  • wrapping paper or cardstock
  • bows and ribbons
  • glitter
  • markers or colored pencils
  • anything you like to decorate with!

Instructions:

This is a simple design using a piece of cardstock and and scissors that cut a decorative edge.

  1. Measure and cut a piece of cardstock or wrapping paper to fit the bottom half of the bag.
  2. Using scissors, cut a decorative edge along the top of the paper.
  3. Glue to paper to the bottom half of the gift bag.

Instructions:

I used Mod Podge and glitter to give this gift bag some sparkle. Because glitter can be messy, use old newspaper to cover your worksurface.

  1. Using a small paint brush or sponge, paint Mod Podge over the bottom half of the gift bag.
  2. Sprinkle glitter over the glued area.
  3. Allow to dry. Glue will be clear when it is completely dry.

Instructions:

I used some spare ribbon, cardstock and stencils for this fun geometric design.

  1. Measure and cut ribbon to fit along the top edge of the bag.
  2. Glue the ribbon to the bag.
  3. Using stencils, trace and cut out shapes using different colors of cardstock. In the photo on the left, I cut out different sizes of squares in two different shades of blue.
  4. Glue the shapes together, and glue them to the bag.

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DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray

Posted in diy, essential oils by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

In a previous blog post I showed you how to make roll-on essential oil perfumes and colognes with a carrier oil. In this blog post, I will show you how to make the same essential oil perfumes and colognes in a small spray bottle using distilled water and witch hazel. I have measured this recipe for 10 ml glass spray bottles using 2 parts distilled water and 1 part witch hazel. The same formula can be used to make larger bottles of perfume or cologne.

Making your own perfume or cologne can be quick and easy! Try mixing different essential oils to suit your mood or occasion. I used a combination of vanilla, jasmine and lavender essential oils that I found on Pinterest.

You Will Need:

  • your choice of essential oils
  • a mini plastic funnel
  • measuring spoons
  • 2 1/2 tsp. distilled water
  • 1 1/4 tsp. witch hazel
  • labels
  • 10ml glass spray bottles

Instructions:

  1. Using the measuring spoons and small funnel, fill the spray bottle with 2 1/2 tsp. distilled water and 1 1/4 tsp. witch hazel.

2. Next, add your choice of essential oils, replace the spray cap, and shake well.

3. Label your spray bottle and your finished! If your label doesn’t stay on the spray bottle, try covering the label with tape.

DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray – Two Savvy Cents

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://twosavvycents.com/2021/10/27/diy-essential-oil-perfume-and-cologne-spray/
  1. DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray
  2. DIY Mason Jar String Lights

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New Products Page

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Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

From time to time I will have items relating to my blog posts for sale on my new “Products” page. Feel free to visit the page by clicking on “Products” in the menu at the top of the page.

I currently have one item for sale, which is a folder of brochures and pamphlets about essential oils. In this folder you will find all the information you need to get started with essential oils. See below for more info!

Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post to sign up for the Two Savvy Cents Mailchimp e-mail list! Keep up to date with newsletters, products and more!

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Photographing the Outdoors

Posted in Gallery, nature by

Once again I ventured out into the great outdoors to capture nature with photography. Although the only wildlife I found were a pair of mallard ducks, I was able to photograph some green swamps and lakes at Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Lake Orion, Michigan. Photos by Kathleen Quandt

For more about my photography, visit KathleenQuandtPhotography.com. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post to join my Mailchimp e-mail list for newsletters, updates and more!

The map above shows the location of Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Lake Orion, Michigan.

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DIY Mason Jar String Lights

Posted in crafts, diy by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

This simple DIY craft idea is easy for anyone to make! These DIY Mason Jar String Lights give off a soft light and work well as a decoration. All you need are mason jars and LED Mini Firefly String Lights. I used the Vintage Aqua Blue Ball Mason Jars to add a little more color. Use at least one string of lights per jar, depending on the length of the string. Two strings of lights fills the jar more, and is brighter. The mini LED lights are battery operated, so there is no need to plug them in.

You Will Need:

  • Mason Jars
  • LED Mini Firefly String Lights

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the mini LED string lights.
  2. Unwind the lights (if they are wound up) and put them in the mason jar. Place the on/off switch in the bottom of the jar, so it is less visible.
  3. Remove the center of the mason jar lid and replace only the ring on the jar.

You’re done!

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DIY Essential Oil Reed Diffuser

Posted in crafts, diy, essential oils by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Why pay high prices for those expensive reed diffusers at the store when you can make one at home? Making a reed diffuser with essential oils is easy and you can make your own favorite scent.

For this project, you will need essential oils, a glass bottle with a long skinny neck, wood diffuser reeds, and a light carrier oil such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or apricot kernel oil. All of these are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at a craft stores or online. When buying your glass bottle, make sure that the height of the bottle isn’t taller than the diffuser reeds.

Choose any combination of essential oils that you like. I used an essential oil blend recipe that I found on Pinterest using peppermint oil, rosemary oil and spearmint oil.

You will need:

  • reed diffuser sticks
  • essential oils
  • a light carrier oil such as coconut oil, apricot kernel oil or sweet almond oil
  • a glass bottle with a long skinny neck
  • small plastic funnel (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup carrier oil to the glass bottle, depending on the size of your bottle.

2. Add 25 – 35 drops of essential oils.

3. Place 5 -10 reed diffuser sticks in the bottle.

You’re done!

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DIY Essential Oil Roll-On Perfume and Cologne

Posted in diy, essential oils by
Photo by Elly Fairytale on Pexels.com

Essential oils have many uses. They can be used to make air fresheners, household cleaners and beauty products. But, one of my favorite uses for essential oils is to make my own unique perfume. There’s no better way to use your favorite scent then to wear it! While making your own perfume or cologne may seem daunting, it can be very easy. You will need a glass roll-on bottle, a carrier oil, and essential oils.

The carrier oil will be the base of your perfume or cologne. It will dilute the essential oils so they are safe to apply to your skin. There are several different types of carrier oils to choose from. Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil are a few popular carrier oils.

Which essential oils you choose to make your perfume or cologne are up to you. Some essential oils are earthy, such as patchouli and vetiver, and some are floral, such as geranium and lavender. Other essential oils are woodsy, such as sandalwood and cedarwood and some are citrus, such as lemon, lime and orange.

You can experiment using different combinations of your favorite essential oils, or you can use blends. I have included a list of popular blends. You can add and equal number of drops for each essential oil, or your can add more drops of the scent you like, and less or the scent you don’t like. You can also research your own blends on Pinterest.

Essential Oil Perfume Blends:

  • vanilla, rose, lavender
  • grapefruit, peppermint, vanilla
  • orange, grapefruit, peppermint, lavender, chamomile
  • sandalwood, vanilla
  • rose, rose geranium, lavender

Essential Oil Cologne Blends:

  • balsam fir, orange, frankincense
  • cardamom, vetiver, ylang ylang
  • black pepper, coriander, sandalwood
  • cypress, marjoram, wintergreen

You will need:

  • roll-on glass bottle
  • a carrier oil
  • essential oils

Optional supplies:

  • labels
  • pipette
  • small plastic funnel
  • Swiss key

Instructions:

  1. Remove the roller ball piece from the bottle using a Swiss key (optional).
  2. Fill the bottle at least half way with your carrier oil.

3. Add the desired amount of essential oils of your choice. I used 10 drops of vanilla essential oil and 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil.

4. Replace roller ball piece and cap. Shake well. Label bottle (optional).

You’re done! Feel free to add more essential oils to your perfume or cologne to make the scent just the way you like it!

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How to Choose the Right Toys for your Dog

Posted in Article, Pets by
Photo by Josh Sorenson on Pexels.com

When it comes to dogs, almost anything can be a toy. An old shoe, a piece of wood, or a spare glove are often a dog’s favorite chew toy. But buying a toy for your dog can be a different story.

There are several kinds of toys available for dogs. Playing fetch with a stick or ball are a classic favorite. But, there are many other toys to choose from. Tug toys, plush toys, chew toys, interactive toys, and rubber toys that squeak are several kinds to consider.

How do you decide? The first thing to keep in mind while shopping for dog toys is your dog’s size and age. Some toys a especially for puppies, while others are for grown dogs of all different sizes. Read the toy’s label or packaging for this information.

Another thing to think about is if your dog tends to chew or tear apart its toys. Tough dog toys are made to withstand your dogs sharp teeth and will not tear apart as easily.

Some toys, such as tug toys and interactive toys, are fun for both you and your dog. Some interactive toys keep your dog busy by dispensing treats, and some are like puzzles for dogs.

If you’re not sure what kind of toys your dog likes, try several different kinds to see which ones grab your dog’s attention. Chew toys, as well as ball toys, are almost always a good choice.

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How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Cat

Posted in Article, Pets by
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Recently, I’ve done a few blog posts about making cat toys. But, when you’re at the store shopping for cat toys, you often have a very large selection to choose from. How do you know which toys to buy for your cat?

You might notice that there are different kinds of cat toys. There are toy mice, balls, catnip toys, teasers, and interactive toys. If you don’t already know what kind of toy your cat prefers, you might want to try several different kinds to see what your cat responds to most. Take note of what what your cat likes to play with and consider buying the same kind of toy again. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for any toys your cat seems to destroy or tear apart. Be sure not to buy this kind of toy for you cat again.

Each kind of toy is a little different from the other. Balls roll and bounce, teasers, like feathers and ribbons, are fun for a cat to bat around, and interactive toys are fun for both you and your cat. Other toys make noise, and are different textures and sizes. Therefore, some toys can be more appealing to your cat than others.

Don’t forget to buy toys according to your cats age and size. Read the toy’s packaging for the correct information. Some toys are suitable for kittens while others are better for adult cats. Another way to tell is if the toy appears to large or bulky for your cat, or if it is very small in comparison to your cat.

While keeping your cat entertained can be as easy as tossing around a catnip ball, some newer toys are a little more high tech. Some use laser pointers that your cat and chase around the room. Others twirl feathers, and some are even remote controlled.

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the choices of cat toys. As always, your cat’s favorite toy could be as simple as a spare shoe string or a paper bag.

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