My sister recently gifted me a beautiful, glass loose tea pot for my birthday and I absolutely love it! With the pot, she included a bag of her homegrown chamomile tea and a bag of loose black chai tea. I have always been curious about the different effects of tea, but it wasn’t until yesterday night that I experienced it.

The past two weeks I have had some difficulty sleeping, a lot has been on my mind and I can’t seem to relax once my head hits the pillow…so it got me thinking…. maybe a warm glass of chamomile tea (which is supposed to produce a calming effect and is excellent for anxiety) would do the trick…and it did!  It worked so well, in fact I was sleeping like a baby by 11:00pm and I felt fully refreshed when I awoke in the morning.  It inspired me to write about 6 different teas that could offer a natural alternative to some mental and/or physical health issues you may be experiencing:

Loose Glass Tea Pot

1. Chamomile Tea / Chamomile Mixed with Lemongrass – Calms the body, relaxes the system, helps with anxiety, serves as an excellent sleep aid

Chamomile and Lemongrass Loose Tea Blend

2. Green Tea / Black Chai Tea – Contains a healthy dose of caffeine, promotes energy, productivity, focus, concentration, alertness and enhances work performance

(Peppermint Tea also promotes focus and energy without the caffeine).

Green Tea

Black Chai Tea

3. Lemon Verbena Tea / Lemon Balm Tea/ Rooibos Tea – Natural mood boosting properties, helps with the “blues,” soothes nerves, relieves tummy aches, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants

Lemon Balm Tea

Rooibos Tea

4. Ginger Tea – Excellent for digestion, can help with nausea, vomiting or an upset stomach due to motion sickness, combine with lemon juice and honey for a powerful germ fighter

Ginger Tea

5. Rosehip Tea – A perfect immune system booster, excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E, produces a calming effect on the nervous system

Rosehip Tea

6. Ginseng Tea – Can help lower blood pressure and stimulate the production of serotonin which can greatly help with symptoms of depression

Ginseng Tea

Call me old fashioned but I am still a fan of listening to vinyl records,  but these days it is certainly not as convenient as grabbing your MP3 player or iPod for music on-the-go. I have seen hundreds of vinyl records being given away for free on Craigslist or you can pick up a stack for cheap at your local thrift store. You may even have vinyl records lying around your house that are scratched, warped or unlistenable for reasons other than just damage (perhaps your musical taste has evolved!) Instead of just tossing them aside, you can reuse them for decorative or functional pieces for your home décor!  Here are a few of my favorite ways to creativity use vinyl records:

1. Canvases

You can use vinyl records as canvases to paint on. If you want a smoother surface to work with you can spray on a couple layers of primer before you paint.  I like to use acrylic paints but you can explore and experiment with different paints to get the effect you want. If you are apprehensive about painting free-hand on your vinyl canvas, you can also use a stencil. Vinyl records make cheap, effective and beautiful canvases!

Vinyl Record Canvas - Paint

Vinyl Record Canavas - Paint / Stencils

2. Bowls

You can turn your old records into stylish bowls. I would choose a record you actually enjoy but might be damaged or a record with a cool label because the labels can be seen at the bottom of the bowl.  You can also double-up on the craftiness of this project and paint your vinyl first then turn it into a bowl. These vinyl bowls make great fruit bowls, catch-all trays, and containers for potted plants. You can even hang your record-bowl design as wall art.

Vinyl Record Fruit Bowl

Painted Vinyl Record Bowl

3. Cake and Dessert Tray

Using 3 to 4 vinyl records of varying sizes or the same sizes, you can create your own musical dessert tray. This is a great idea for themed parties or to simply show off your amazing crafty side!

Vinyl Record 3 Tier Dessert Tray

Vinyl Record Cupcake Serving Tray

4. Side Table

You can easily create a sturdy vinyl record side table. All you need to do is hot glue the vinyl record (the top of the side table) to a plant stand (the base of the side table) and VOILA! You can enjoy your newly vintage vinyl table!

Vinyl Record Side Table Materials

Vinyl Record Side / End Table

5. Earring Holder

Use a vinyl record to make a stylish earring holder by heating a metal skewer and poking it through the vinyl record. This earring holder is a great way to beautifully display your earrings as well as keep them organized. No more tangled messes!

Vinyl Record Hanging Earring Holder

Vinyl Record Earring Holder

6. Wall Art

You can cut interesting and fun shapes out of vinyl records and hang them throughout your home as art installations or 3D wall decals. Vinyl record wall art makes great conversation starters and adds a touch of edgy design to your home.

Vinyl Record Butterfly 3D Wall Art

Vinyl Record Wall Decal

Vinyl Record Wall Decals

So before you heave those old vinyl records to the trash bin, just remember you can take them on a new spin!

Surrealism was an alternative movement in art and literature during the 20th century that focused on the creative expression of the unconscious mind. Many surrealists’ artistic pieces were modeled after imagery that could only been seen in one’s dreams. Their aim was to take these irrational juxtaposition of images and bring them to life through artwork.  A well-known example of surrealism can be seen in the paintings by Salvador Dali. The surrealist style can be found in literature, paintings, film and even furniture. Below are some fantastic examples of surrealist furniture that could add a inspirational twist to your home décor:

When people think of mason jars, they usually think of preserving fruit or vegetables. “Mason” jars get their name from inventor John Landis Mason who in 1858 intended to use these jars for food preservation, but mason jars can be used for much more than food storage! Today, you can use mason jars for everything from crafts, storage and decoration.The best part is mason jars are easy to find and relatively inexpensive so you won’t have any trouble getting your hands on them, experimenting with them and allowing your creativity to flow.

1. Candle Holders  – Use with tea lights and small candles for eye-catching interior and exterior lighting

Mason Jar Candle Holder

Mason Jar Candle Holders

2. Herb Garden –  An attractive and easy way to grow herbs like chives, thyme or rosemary – use indoor lighting or sunlight that pours in from the window and watch your herbs flourish. Once they outgrow their Mason jar home, you can transplant them to a larger container or cut them as needed.

Mason Jar Herb Garden

Mason Jars Indoor Herb Garden

3. Flower Vase – a simple and perfectly fitting vase to display freshly cut flowers. You can even paint the jars for a strikingly colorful vase. A variety of paints are suitable for painting a Mason jar vase including acrylic paint, glass paint, puffy paint and spray paint.

Mason Jar Clear Flower Vases

Mason Jars Painted Flower Vases

4. Small Collection Display – An excellent way to skillfully present any collectibles you may have that are small enough to showcase in a jar.

Mason Jar Seashell Collection Display

5. Recipes in a jar – a great gift idea and an easy way to contain an entire recipe’s ingredients in a tightly packaged space!

Mason Jar Cookie Recipe

6. Drinking glasses – an excellent way to provide plenty of glassware for guests, plus you can easily decorate your glasses to fit your party theme!

Mason Jar Party Drinking Glasses

Mason Jar Bride & Groom Wedding Drinking Glasses

I touched on some of my favorite ways to use mason jars but there are countless ways to utilize a mason jar. Allow your imagination to dream up something super functional but really fun to make!

Yes, we are all a part of nature, that much is true but wouldn’t it be wondrous to actually live IN nature?  These beautiful tree houses bring out the exploratory child in all of us but with a real grown-up flair of luxury and style.  Tree houses feature building schemes that include scenic and natural views, use of organic materials and preserving existing tree canopies.

Various cultures and religions have experienced an affinity for crystals and stones for centuries. This is because crystals can be used for many different purposes. Crystals can influence your moods, relationships, health, wealth, personal development and environment.  Some people choose to wear their crystals and carry their crystals while others choose to keep their crystals safely in their home or in a special place like on their altar.  Your body is composed of the same elements found in crystals and stones. Each part of your body vibrates and emits energy into the space surrounding it. Sometimes there are distortions in the vibrations in different parts of your body.  Crystals and stones emit strong vibrations at constant rates, which can be used to help eliminate, heal or restore proper balance to the disrupted vibrations in your body.  Below are six different types of crystals that can be used to help specific defects found within your body:

Amethyst

Amethyst is a violet/purple variety of quartz crystal. Amethyst can be used to help cleanse blood and assist with breathing problems. Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air and life force in the home clean and positive. It can be also used for protection, to help insomnia and facilitate spiritual and psychic connections. Many healers wear amethyst because it also known to help focus energy.

Raw Amethyst

Raw Amethyst Geode

Amethyst Necklace

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a semi-precious stone which was prized in antiquity especially among the ancient Egyptians.  The Egyptians used to bury their dead with a lapis lazuli scarab for protection in the afterlife.  Presently, Lapis Lazuli can be used to strengthen the immune and skeletal system. It can also be used for balancing thyroid and increasing psychic abilities. Some use this stone to release tension, anxiety and to gain balance and clarity.

Raw Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli Necklace

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a gemstone-quality transparent blue variety of beryl.  Aquamarine can be used to aid in thymus and stomach issues.  It can also be used to calm nerves, throat, arthritis, spleen, spine and kidney issues. You can also use this miraculous stone to release issues and to gain spiritual clarity.

Aquamarine Raw and Polished

Aquamarine Ring with Diamonds

Emerald

Emerald is green in color and is a variety of the mineral beryl. Emerald is used to help restore and heal the heart, liver, kidneys, immune system and nervous system. It is also believed to help with emotional healing in relationships and has a tranquilizing affect on the heart and mind. It promotes relaxation and meditation.  Wear emerald to align the subtle bodies to gain prosperity, love, compassion, patience and balance.

Raw Emerald in Hand

Raw Emeralds

Raw Emerald Earrings

Citrine

Citrine is a variety of quartz which can vary in color from pale yellow to brown.  Citrine has many, many uses! Citrine is known to help digestion, kidneys, colon, liver, gallbladder, digestive organs, heart asthma, blood pressure and vision.  It is one of the best stones for balancing creativity, self-esteem and self-confidence. It can also help in letting go of addictions.

Raw Citrine Cluster

Raw Citrine

Polished Citrine Necklace

Red Jasper

Red Jasper is one of the oldest known gemstones and is a semi-precious stone prized since antiquity.  It is known to help the liver and gallbladder. It can be used for tissue regeneration and aids in sense of smell.  Red Jasper is excellent for protection and can help balance emotional energy in the body such as fears. It is a grounding stone that enables you to feel comfortable in your body. Red Jasper’s ability to ease emotional stresses makes it an excellent stone to have in your home.

Raw Red Jasper

Polished Red Jasper Necklace

Always remember that once you find the right crystal, make sure to welcome the crystal into your life, cleanse it and dedicate your purpose to it.  Cleanse your crystal by running it under water or by recharging it using sunlight or moonlight. You can dedicate your crystal by simply wrapping your hands around it and saying out loud what you are dedicating your crystal towards. For example, while holding your citrine crystal in your hands you can say “I dedicate this crystal to helping balance my creative energy and pointing it in the right direction.”

There are countless crystals to help with a variety of illnesses and other disorders. Explore your options and see what works best for you!