Beauty Tips Busted

There is so much info floating around the internet about which beauty products are safe and which contain harmful chemicals. It's really hard to know what's true. This is a blog post that tries to set some records straight and bust some beauty myths. (I was especially glad to hear that hair dye is safe!)

Here at Gathered From The Garden we try to use many natural ingredients. As a certified Aromatherapist I try to incorporate essential oils whenever I can. Some of the herbs and flowers we use are organically grown in my garden.

As always, it's good to read ingredient labels and follow product directions.

Wordless Wednesday

Fall Bucket List

Autumn Sunset

Here is my Fall Bucket list of all the things I want to make sure I do this season. You know, before we wake up and it's December!

1. Go apple picking at Stillwater Orchard

2. Find the perfect pair of new Fall boots: caramel colored

3. Make caramel apples

4. Organize all my sweaters

5. Try to make pumpkin butter

6. Sit by a campfire and make s'mores 

7. Watch Viking football (in spite of their horrible start to the season)

8. Decorate our front step with mums and pumpkins

9. Make it to an Octoberfest--if not here in MN I hear there is a fun one in Lacrosse, WI

10. Make a trip up north hopefully to Duluth to see the fall colors

11. Make a Fall trip to the wineries in Delano or Melrose, MN 

12. Celebrate our 40th anniversary! (October 20)

13. Check out a local pumpkin patch with our little grandson Jack when we go to visit him in Oct.

14. Eat butternut soup.

15. Take a walk in the woods along the lake trail at St. John's

16. Carve a pumpkin

17. Practice my photography skills doing some fall mini-sessions

18. Take the grands on an overnight adventure on their Fall break

19. Rake up a huge pile of leaves to jump into

20. Make a big pan of apple crisp

What's on your Fall Bucket list?

 

Are You Prepared?

September is National Preparedness Month. After seeing the flood disaster in Colorado and Mexico this week, it really made me think about whether or not our family is prepared for a disaster.

I found this list of things you should have handy in case of an emergency. How many do you have ready?

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

You might also want to include these:

Prescription medication and glasses

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler's checks and change

Important family documents in a waterproof, portable container.

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Paper and pencil

These lists were taken from the FEMA website.
 

Wordless Wednesday

18 Everyday Products You've Been Using the Wrong Way

I really had to chuckle when I saw this post on Buzzfeed DIY! Especially the right way to get a tic tac out. (Yes, I usually end up with more than I want.) So take a look and see if you are using any of these products the wrong way. I guarantee you'll get a chuckle out of this post too!

Have a Favorite?

I've been shooting a lot with my macro this summer and thought I'd share a few of my favorites! A very real dream of mine is to see these beauties hanging on bland walls...So, in the spirit of having them showcased, I'll ask each of you to tell me (by leaving a comment below) which image is your favorite and why you love it. In just a few days, I'll pick one random person to have their very own set of fine art print all occasion cards made with my photos!

Ant on a Flower

Blue Bachelor Button

 Brown Eyed Susan

 

 

 

Columbine

 

 

 Daisies

 

 

 

 Purple Flowers

 White Flowers

Zinnia

Coneflower