ThePigAndThePeacock

Summer's Almost Over

While it is still 100+ degrees, the end of summer is near, kids are back at school, and fall is popping up everywhere (and Halloween, and Christmass too-gasp!!). So lets say bon voyage to another great summer with a party! I see some outdoor grilling, wine and cocktails in my future. People who know me know I like to throw a good party (anyone who's been to one of our Halloween parties can attest). People, my awesome friends and family, are what make a party great, but I really do believe that those little details and decorations can really pull it all together and make it special. Here are some of my fave finds from Etsy that I am crushing on to get for my party:

First off is food-any good party has yummilicious food. I am loving these grill rubs from PurposeDesign:

And for dessert, these lovely cupcakes from TwoSugarBabies:

Next up-drinks, another party must-have. I love this chalkboard carafe by BraggingBags especially since my BIL makes his own wine in big containers and we could serve up his vino of the month and just mark what it is on the carafe itself!

I also like these letterpress drink stirrers from IdeaChic, super cute!

For just a little decor, TheRufflyOwl's garland, is made from maps of Paris-so cool and the butterflies are perfect for an outdoor party.

And incase you can follow the smell of some good grilling and cool tunes, you can follow this recycled wood sign made by TrueConnection to find us!

DIY Muscle Pain Relief

So last week I apparently pulled a muscle in my calf. Ow. Six days later it still hurts, but at least I am not hobbling like a troll. The key seems to be the right amount of pain relief plus something to keep that muscle warm so it stretches out easily. Well up until I ran out of it earlier this year, I was using some creme from Canada, that, well....you can't buy here. It's key ingredient was Capsaicin (found in Cayenne Pepper)-and it worked awesome. So instead of trying to have my Canadian friends hunt it down for me, I though I would try to find a recipe for one.

So here is is, an all natural recipe for your sore muscles. As always, remember, spot test on a small area first, AND be sure to wash your hands throughly before you accidently rub your eyes or something!

All ingredients should be easily found at can be found at vitamin and/or health food stores

1c Sweet Almond Oil
1tbsp Cayenne Pepper
12 drops Ginger Essential Oil
5 drops Peppermint Oil
15 drops Camphor
5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

Mix all ingredients in a glass container (preferably one that has a lid) and rub onto your sore muscles.

 

How it works:

Capsaicin, found in Cayenne, reduces the amount of a chemical that transmits pain messages from the skin to the brain-you'll feel a warm sensation too.

Ginger Essential Oil is an analgesic, Peppermint Oil contains menthol which creates a cooling sensation while reducing imflammation.

Camphor stimulates circulation while carrying away pain causing chemicals, and Rosemary Essential Oil also stimulates circulation which helps speed healing time.

 

Welcome to the 4th Annual Jingle Bash

We are happing to be joining over fifty other talented local artists in the Etsy Dallas 4th Annual Jingle Bash! Make sure you save the date-Saturday November 19th! As we get closer to the show we will post more details and some artist bios so you can start making your shopping lists!