As a maker, and DIY'er I relish rainy days, because this gives me a guilt-free day of creating. You don't have to be a pro to tackle these projects, plus, these are fun activities to do with your kids or bored teens. Create a Vision Board This is great for students and people who want… Continue reading Satisfying Rainy day activities
Although the Canadian government has put restrictions on commercial pesticides, they are still used, but at a lower rate than our American neighbours. In the US, the use of Roundup is high. According to a recent survey, about 1 billion pounds of pesticide is used each year. Not to mention, many Canadians cross the border… Continue reading Safe alternatives to pesticide
Ever feel like there is always an occasion to buy for? From birthdays, graduation, to mother's and father's day. It can get quite expensive. Here are some gift ideas that won't break the bank. Bundle It Gifts look bigger when bundled up. Find a pretty box, basket, or wooden cutting board at the dollar store.… Continue reading Thoughtful Gifts on a dime
The Christmas season and upcoming New Year is a great time for reflection and acknowledgement of experiences both good and challenging. As you notice I did not say bad experiences, because I don't believe there are any "bad." Instead I view all experiences as a chance for self discovery and self improvement. Lark & the… Continue reading A Year of Reflection
Coconut oil isn't just for cooking. We LOVE organic coconut oil as a raw material for our natural products, and here's why. Coconut oil has many healthful and healing benefits: antibacterialantifungalantiviral Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids (MCT's) and is easily absorbed onto the skin. We use it as a base ingredient in most… Continue reading Top Uses For Coconut Oil
Living in the north can be cold, dark, and daunting at times. Add two years of Covid shutdowns, and limited travel, and it seems like winter will never end! Typically here in Ontario, Canada our snow season starts in November, and ends in March, or April. That's almost half a year living in cold, dark… Continue reading Best Tips For Winter Wellness
Are you planning on attending any Christmas parties or dinners this year? I am excited to be able to be social again! When I attend a home party, I always ensure not to show up empty handed. Your host is opening up their home, making a meal, perhaps opening their bar too....and even though they… Continue reading Affordable Holiday Hostess Gifts
Recently we posted an Instagram Reel on how to make your own all-purpose natural cleaning spray. THIS is the only cleaning agent I use in my home, and I love it. Are you ready to ditch the toxic chemicals in your home? Your body will thank you! This all-purpose cleaner uses only 3 ingredients! That's… Continue reading Easy 3 Ingredient Natural Cleaner
This time of year, especially during hot summer days, fruit flies and maggots are a nuisance. How to get rid of them without using Raid and other harmful chemicals? Follow my tried and tested tips below. First of all, start with flushing your kitchen sink drains as this is where they tend to breed. Drain… Continue reading Summer Home and Garbage Infestation Tricks
How much money do you spend on cleaning and laundry products each month? Now tally that up to each year? Of those cleaning products, and supplies, how many chemicals are present? Worse, how much is ending up in the landfill? The chemicals found in house cleaning products create the most toxic environments for people and… Continue reading Create an Eco-Clean Home With These Easy Steps
Mosquito bites aren't fun, and if you enjoy being outdoors during the summer months, protection from mosquitoes is important. Mosquitoes are active in Ontario from about May-September. They are annoying, and their bites can cause itching and swelling. This can also lead to infection and scarring you pick or scratch at the bite. Other biting… Continue reading Deter Mosquitoes Naturally With This Tip
Mother's Day is around the corner, and with the pandemic you may have noticed it is getting more difficult to purchase gifts and supplies. This has been an ongoing dilemma for us all. I wanted to share one of my favourite recipes from The DIY Apothecary that will be easy to make, source ingredients from… Continue reading Mother’s Day Gifts Made With Love
The beauty industry is a 50 billion dollar industry which we all contribute to. On average, women apply approximately 10 beauty products on their bodies each day. From cleansers, to creams, makeup, hair spray, and nail polish. That's a lot of chemicals! In The DIY Apothecary book, we discuss the chemicals found in cosmetics and… Continue reading Are You in a Toxic Relationship With Beauty?
This time of year we usually start to plan our winter vacation. By January many of us are itching to feel the warmth of the sun, and sand. Sadly, due to the Corona19 virus we must make due with staying home. For many of us, the thought of more quarantine time is downright depressing. I… Continue reading Keeping Spirits High During Winter Quarantine
If you can't wait for 2020 to end, you're not alone. It's been a long and difficult struggle for all of us in different ways. There's one thing we can't take for granted; our health. Here's wishing you a safe and healthy Christmas season, and throughout the New Year. I'd love to share my natural… Continue reading Wishing You a Healthy Christmas Holiday
When you think about DIY'ing a new project, do you feel daunted by the risk of failure? Does the TV show "Nailed it" come to mind? Well, if you said yes to either of those questions, don't let fear hold you back. I am all too familiar with failure, and I'll tell you honestly, many… Continue reading Turn Your DIY Fails Into Successes
It's my favourite season ~ autumn, and harvesting is all around us. Are you a pumpkin spice fan or not? Organic pumpkin puree is a staple around my home. It's not just for eating, you can drink it, and use it in your beauty routine. Pumpkin puree is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that protect… Continue reading Get the Pumpkin Spice Glow!
Now that summer is upon us, and we are beginning to venture out of self-quarantine, I wanted to share my favourite DIY gardening tips. But before I do, I want to tell you The DIY Apothecary is available online in over 30 international online stores. Once the brick and mortar book stores reopen we will… Continue reading Do No Harm Gardening Tips
Are you tired of hearing about covid-19? I think most of us are, but it's only just begun so here are some common sense tips on coping. ~ Don't listen to the hype. Follow the simple instructions of your local health unit. Avoid the mass media which can blow things out of proportion. ~ Stop… Continue reading Common Sense During Coronavirus
We've all been there...great hair day, but greasy at the roots. No time to wash and blow dry again, so what to do? Dry shampoo! If you're not familiar with this product, it is commonly sold at drug stores, and hair salons. You would spray the dry shampoo onto your roots and the result; fresher… Continue reading Our Favourite Dry Shampoo Recipe Revealed
There's no question, we live in a wasteful society. From plastic bags, straws, take-away containers, not to mention the copious amounts of food waste. Our landfills are over loaded, our cities and oceans are littered with rubbish, birds and marine animals are dying from plastic pollution. Statistics say that only 9% of plastics actually make… Continue reading Living in a Wasteful Society