Finding True Happiness

    

      Have you ever stopped to think what brings you true happiness in life? The happiness that comes from deep down inside and puts that big smile on your face. The excitement that builds up within you?

     I think we as humans, too often search to find our happiness from worldly things. Things that will be here today and gone tomorrow. Things that really don't matter in this life. Sure, it will bring some happiness for a short while, but does it bring that true happiness that last forever? I always feel like when trying to find it from worldly things, it never brings satisfaction. It causes you to be happy for a little while, then always want more and more. Or the bigger, better, or more fancy. Nothing becomes good enough anymore. You always want more and begin to forget what you have. Or what really matters in life. 

    I really believe God created us to find true happiness from Him. Things He created. All the beautiful things that make up this world. Not particularly the things of this world.  He created so much for us, yet we always think we need more. Relationships with loved ones can bring so much true happiness. Spending time with them, creating memories that will last forever. If you think about it, when you lose someone, you always reflect on the memories you made with that person. All the things you did with them. The times you spent together. The true happiness that they brought to you. You then forget about all the worldly things and realize none of that really matters anymore. Almost anyone would then say they'd give up anything to have that person back. Because it's something you can't live without. Or you learn to go on with life, but maybe it'll never be the same, because you don't have them walking beside you everyday putting that smile on your face, bringing you that happiness. 

  If you really take the time to just stop. Stop and breathe in all the beauty around you God created. Even in the midst of a world where everything seems to be falling apart sometimes, you can still find that beauty. It can be found in all the little things. We seem to always spend so much time in trying to be that perfect person, or have/find that perfect thing, yet forget the true reason why we are even living this life. Here on this earth. I think God intended for us to be here to have relationships with those around us, to enjoy and be satisfied with the things He created. 

   God gave us everything we could ever need on this earth to find that true happiness, it's just how hard we want to work to find it, then receive it. Take time each day to stop and remind yourself what brings you that true happiness from within. Is it from worldly things? Or is it truly from God? 

Have a great day everyone!!  

The Little Things

           

   
     It's the little things in life that really matter....How you touch the lives of others and make a difference, even in the smallest ways, can truly mean so much to someone....


     Life can be painful, hard and to the point where you just want to let go of everything. But it can also be beautiful! Finding all the imperfections in each day and making them perfect, can lead to a so much better life. Not only for you, but also for the lives of others around you...The things that the people go through around you, may be hidden deep down inside, behind a smile...They could be suffering from a serious illness, have family issues at home, or could've had the worst day ever, but they'll simply hide it behind a laugh or smile, just so everyone else will think there life is perfect and everything is alright. But you truly don't know what could be hidden behind that...Nobody's life is perfect! As much as everyone wants it to be, it can't be that way...But leaving someone with a smile, encouragement, or kind words can turn their day around a whole lot more than what you think...As much as some may try to push you away and tell you they don't need you - They do! If anything, just leave them with a smile, because that can sometimes be the best thing you can do...To at least show them that you care....God didn't give you this life just for yourself...He gave it to you to also help others. Help others see the little things. Help them to get through their struggles. But most importantly, to 'Love thy neighbor as thyself.' << That can be SO hard sometimes. Others can treat you terrible, and you are supposed to love them just as much as yourself?? Yes, as hard as it may be sometimes...Just show them you love them and you care, even if they don't show it back. Because, even if they don't accept it, show it back, or see it, God does. That's all that matters. God sees everything you do. He sees how you treat others. And He cares. Even if not one other person does, He does. He always will....That's what truly matters....Because how you live today, how you treat others...Is what brings you one step closer to Everlasting Eternity someday....
                                                          

     The beautiful sunrises in the morning, a smiling face, laughter, the perfect blue skies with fluffy white clouds, the birds chirping to the morning air, kids playing, the sun shining bright, the first cry of a baby...Are all the little things in life...But they are all the things that truly matter...Because, when you are done on this earth...What phone you had, or what your favorite tv show was, or how many records you set, or how many "Likes" you got on your facebook post....Not one of those will matter...How you treat others, live for God, find the good in everyday, put a smile on someone else's face, and breath in all the little things of this earth - The beautiful things God has blessed you with...You will find more happiness and good in each and every day. Also, with these things...There is no competing as to who is the best, or who has the best. These things. These things...Can truly be taken in and seen as beautiful as the eye of the beholder will allow....


     So when you are at your end point. You feel all alone. You just want to give up, because you think nothing matters anymore, and there's no point in trying...Don't. Just always know, God will always be there with you, walking every step of this life right by your side. And always remember, even if no one else sees the good things you do or how you treat others..He will! So never lose hope! Never give up on this life and the people around you! Give a smile to those who need it most! But most importantly...See the little things of this earth as a little more beautiful!......


Have an AmAzInG Saturday everyone!!! 

Back To How It Started

         

       Hey everyone!! It's been a little while since I have last posted anything! I hope you all are doing well! 

      Ok, so this post is about going more back to when I first started my business, 8 years ago. If you would like to read about how I got started, you can do so>> here. But basically I began my journey of spinning and weaving after we bought 4 alpacas back in 2007. We couldn't let there beautiful fiber go to waste! With that being said, I learned to spin and weave and put their fiber to good use! As time went on, I began experimenting with other exotic (yet still natural) fibers...I fell in love with the process of carding, spinning and dyeing fibers, then taking the yarn and weaving it into a finished product. There was always excitement within me of what I was going to create next. Or what fiber I was going to use. All the way down to the patterns and colors! I thought it was the coolest thing to be able to take the raw fiber from an animal - Alpaca, llama, yak, sheep, goat, or whatever, then turn it into something beautiful. The process was so fascinating to me! 

     As the years went on, that love I had for the spinning and dyeing slowly began to slip away.  I would still do it here and there, but would  spend my time weaving from yarns that I had bought and use mostly just cotton. The handspun alpaca/llama/mohair/yak and other exotic fibers, that I had used so much in the previous years, slowly began to disappear out of my stash of yarns...My days were just spent weaving dish towels upon dish towels. Don't get me wrong, I love weaving dish towels! Many orders were coming in for them too! Which is all great! But it was like I was stuck in this "Rut"  of just weaving towels and nothing else. That process of starting with the raw fiber from an animal, then turning into an end product, had slowly started to slip away from me, almost to where it was no where to be found anymore... 

source

     Just a couple of weeks ago, I decided to pick it all back up again! Bags of raw fiber are still stored away in attic (which have been there for years), so I decided start spinning again! The love I once had, slowly started to come back. Alpaca on the spinning wheel, a handspun scarf made from bamboo/alapca/merino wool, is found on the loom, and a million ideas of what to create began flying back through my head! 

source

     I've decided to incorporate all that back into my business once more. Not only do I want to use exotic fibers again, but I want to crochet cowls, hats and different things from my handspun yarn too! I also want to experiment with natural dyes - Using plants, flowers, anything found on this earth. In the coming months, look for more fiber oriented products, hopefully some new things, and a whole lot of experimenting. 

     But don't worry, those dish towels everybody loves? Those aren't going to be forgotten, I'll still be making lots of those! I just need to make some changes and as always, continue to find new ways in growing my business, and be the best at what I love and going back to where I started 8 years ago...

I hope you all have an AmAzInG Friday!!! Enjoy the beautiful sunshine! 

source

Goat's Milk Benefits For Your Skin

                    

     
     Since we are NOW selling goat's milk soap, I decided why not write a post on how great goat's milk is for your skin?! 


     Our skin is our largest organ and it is said that approximately 60% of what we put on our skin gets absorbed into our bloodstream. So why wouldn't you want to use a natural soap that is good for your skin too? Once you use a good goat's milk soap, you will never want to go back to using anything else!   
     Goat's milk is wonderful for those with dry or sensitive skin, or conditions such as eczema and acne. Unprocessed goats milk, fresh from the farm contains many benefits. 

     Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Goats milk contains Alpha-Hydroxy Acids such as lactic acids, which help in removing dead skin cells from your skin's surface. This now leaves new cells on the surface of your face leaving it smoother and younger looking. Removing dead skin cells will many skin conditions by removing irritations. 

     Vitamins.  Many different vitamins are found in goat's milk, one particularly being Vitamin A. Vitamin A is necessary to repair damaged skin tissue and maintains healthy skin. 

      Cream. Fat molecules are an important part in making good soap. The cream found in goat's milk, helps in boosting the moisturizing quality of goat's milk soap. Like many other soaps, goat's milk soap will not dry your skin out. This, being important in having healthy skin, because keeping your skin moisturized naturally, is what will give you healthy skin. Due to its fat molecule content, goat's milk is said to reduce inflammation too. 

     Minerals. Goats milk contains important minerals for the skin such as selenium. Selenium is believed to have an important role in preventing skin cancer. It can also help in preventing damage to the skin from an excessive amount of time in the sun. 

     Who ready to try some goat's milk soap?!? Check us out on Facebook - Rainy Day Farm/Studio and be sure to hit the "Like" button! We currently have 2 different scents available, with 4 more curing! 

Have a great TuEsDaY everyone!!! 

   

New Changes For Rainy Day Farm/Studio!!

      


  Ok everyone, exciting announcement! We are going to be making changes and adding some new things to my, (now our) business!!

  So as most of you know, I've had my business for a little over 8 years now! I spin, weave and create things using natural fibers. And I love it! But I've decided to partner up with my mom and we are going to create something a little different.

  Around 3 years ago we started a herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats with 4 does. Over the last couple of years we have grown that herd from 4 to now 11. From the beginning, we had the idea in mind of raising them for their milk for our family. Mom also had the idea of using their milk for other things too - Cheese, soap, lotion, etc...Mostly for our family first. Over the last year or so, she's been experimenting with making some of those things. The soap is one thing she's made, that we all really love and use daily! With the goats milk in it, it leaves your face feeling so fresh and clean, while also leaving it smooth and soft! So she has thought about it for awhile and decided why not start selling it? But soap is not the only thing she enjoys making or experimenting with! She loves herbs and using natural/herbal remedies for everything! Herbal teas/salves/anything we need to heal a sickness/issue/cut/bruise/ or whatever, she's there researching/mixing/and creating something to fix the problem! 

  We've had a lot of discussions and decided why not combine my love for weaving things out of natural fibers, and her love for creating things out of goats milk, herbs, and natural God-given things found on this earth, and turning it into an awesome business together?!? We're going to start out small and gradually add new things. Soaps and herbal teas are what we're going to start with, and then hopefully add new things soon! 

  All of her soaps are made with no harsh chemicals, or anything you wouldn't want to put on your skin. They are all scented with essential oils too - So no artificial fragrances. 

  So with all that, we will now be combining our products at shows/festivals and have a booth together. I will now be posting her things, as well as any new products/updates on my business FB page - Rainy Day Farm/Studio. << Please go and "Like" it, if you haven't already, for all the updates and exciting new things happening!!

  I'm excited for the new changes we will be making and hope you all are, too!! 

 Have an AmAzInG Friday everyone!!! 



  
   

Never Take Life For Granted...

     Life is truly precious - no matter what....Only God knows when you will breath your last breath...Or when the last time you will get to see the smiling face of a loved one on this earth will be....As much as we want to be prepared for it, and as much as we want to be right there to say goodbye to that person, it never works that way....We will never be ready to say goodbye to a loved one, a dear friend, or someone that means a lot to you....They are always taken way sooner than expected, or way sooner than you could have ever wanted, but only God knows the reasoning for this....His plans are far greater then ours could ever be.....

     A special man to many people was taken from this world yesterday....A dear neighbor of ours....Mr. Winkle...I will miss your bright smile, your stories, your laughter, the amazing neighbor you always were to us, and reading your blog daily...I always looked forward to reading what you would write and try learn something new from you everyday....You were the one who encouraged me in starting my own blog and spending a little time out of everyday to write something...I know I don't post something everyday, but now each time I do, I will always remember you, knowing you are one who encouraged me to do this....

      Seeing the many struggles, health issues, and so many other things  I see people around me go through everyday, makes me think and realize how perfect my life is....It makes me realize so much more, how the little things in life I get frustrated over, or think is a big deal, is really nothing....And that everyone around me have things that are SO much bigger, happening in their life....Your problems can be so small compared to others sometimes....When your life becomes tough, always remember someone out there is going through something a whole lot worse....

     Hug your loved ones a little tighter. Spend as much time with them as possible. Grow closer to them than you ever thought you could. Treat them to the best of your ability. Try and make the best out of everyday. Put a smile on your face each morning you awaken, and thank God for another day on this earth....You never will know when the last month/week/hour/day/minute or last breath will be of you, a loved one, a friend, or someone close to you...Always leave them with a smile, kind words, and happiness, because that may be the last time you will see them....Don't ever go to sleep at night, having regrets or unhappiness of how you treated someone that day....

     I hope to continually look back on this post, and try to remember these things. Try to treat everyone with a little more kindness and spend a little more time with loved ones.....Wake up every morning with a smile on my face, knowing God allowed me another day on this earth....

RIP Mr. Winkle...You will be missed by many and will forever be on my mind....

Aloe Vera and Some Amazing Uses

Source

What Is Aloe Vera?                                                                                                                     

Aloe Vera is one of the most popular and widely used plants in herbal medicine, throughout the world.  It is so easy to grow and doesn't take hardly any work in caring for. With it's endless uses, Aloe Vera is one plant no household should go without! We use ours all the time! 

How to Prepare and Store Your Aloe Vera Gel                                                                           

Learning to prepare and store your own Aloe Vera Gel is one of the easiest, cheapest and healthiest ways to go! It's extremely easy to do too! To harvest your own Aloe Vera Gel: 

         1. Starting from the bottom, so your plant can continue to grow, cut off leaves from your aloe plant.

     2. Set your leaves, (the side you cut) down in a cup. Allow the yellowish resin from the leaves to drain 5-10min.    

     3. You can either harvest the gel the conventional way, by slicing the leaves in half and scooping out the gel; or you can peel the outer leaves off the gel.

     4. To store your Aloe Vera Gel, you can keep it in a jar in the fridge.  For a longer shelf life, you can either mix vitamin C powder or vitamin E into the gel. 

Uses For Aloe Vera                                                                                                                 

There are so many different uses out there for this AmAzInG plant! The list can go on and on...But I will list a few below! 

1. Aloe Vera Gel For Your Hair                                                                                                       

                                                                                        

Aloe Vera gel and juice contains all the B vitamins - B1, B2, B6, & B12 - All which play a major roll in protein metabolism and cell growth which are essential to hair growth. The B vitamins also help in preventing hair thinning.  

An excess amount of product used in your hair will cause blocked pours from which the hair grows. The antibacterial affects of aloe helps reduce this build up on the scalp keeping it clean and hair aiding in hair growth. 

Who doesn't love dandruff? Aloe vera can help in getting rid of that! The moisturizing and cooling affects of aloe keeps the dryness at bay which is often was causes the dandruff.

Use Aloe Vera as a curl defining and softening hair gel. Don't you hate when you put curling gel in your hair and it dries all yucky feeling or looking? Sometimes if you put too much it'll give you a more greasy look, or maybe a more stiff feeling? I hate that! I tried aloe in my hair the other day after washing it and loved how it looked. It left it with a wavy curl, while leaving my hair soft and not a yucky feeling or look. Take maybe a quarter-size amount in your hand and scrunch all through your wet hair...You can then either blow dry it or leave it to air dry. So not only is your hair looking great, but you're using a natural remedy rather than adding harmful chemicals to your hair. 

2. Aloe Vera For Your Face                                                                                                 

Not only is Aloe Vera good for your hair, but it's also great for your face too! Aloe Vera has a pH level that closely matches that of our skin's sebum and acid mantle, allowing you to cleanse your face without disrupting the natural oil cycle. Those with acne/oily skin have found relief in using aloe vera because not only does it tone the skin and close the pores while moisturizing, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne as well. 

Below are some DIY face washes/masks & moisturizers....

Natural Homemade Anti-inflammatory Aloe Vera Face Wash    

Aloe Vera Scrub                                                                                

Diy Miracle Moisturizer                                                                   

               Homemade Aloe Vera Face Moisturizer                                                        

   My All In One Miracle Eye Serum                                                     

                                                   \
3. Aloe Vera For Your Teeth                                                                                                     

Aloe Vera's natural antibacterial and antiseptics make it a great non-toxic choice for natural toothpaste!  Not only does its anti-inflammatory properties aid in helping  soothe inflamed gums, but it is also known to be just as effective in fighting cavities as your commercial toothpaste. Mix in a drop or two of peppermint essential oil for a minty fresh mouth! 

         4. Aloe Vera For Burns and Sunburns 

Aloe Vera is one of the most widely used remedies for burns of all kinds. Not only does it soothe and cool the skin, but it helps to speed up healing while even reversing blisters as they develop. If you keep your Aloe Vera in the fridge, it would even more amazing for sunburns being cold. We have used Aloe Vera countless times for sunburns, and it really works great!

5. Aloe Vera For Bug Bites                                                                                                       

With its amazing soothing properties, Aloe Vera is perfect for helping to relieve itching and burning of bug bites! Its antibacterial properties will help clean the wound, while its anti-inflammatory properties will help to reduce swelling and redness. Apply a dab of Aloe to your bug bites for relief.  

6. Aloe Vera For Reducing Stretch Marks, Scars, Wrinkles and Signs of Aging                     

Rich in vitamins A, C and E, Aloe Vera helps promote rapid healing and tissue repair in the skin. Use a small amount as a light daily moisturizer for your face and hands. The same antioxidants that help reduce the signs of aging and wrinkles, also help to reduce scarring and help prevent stretch marks. Apply twice daily during pregnancy, to help reduce stretch marks and scars. 

7. Aloe Vera For Cuts and Wounds                                                                                          

Not only is it antibacterial, but Aloe Vera also contains several antiseptics that all help to kill bacteria and fungi. Apply to cuts and wounds before bandaging, to help cleanse the wound, as well as to help promote a faster healing. 

There you have it, 7 AmAzInG reasons why everyone should have an Aloe plant in there home! That's just to name a few of all the wonderful benefits/uses this one plant will provide! I hope you all have an AmAzInG Friday!!! 

                                                                                                           

Source

                                                         

                                                                                

12 Uses For Coffee Grounds

Source

       Have you ever wondered if there was something you could do with your used coffee grounds, rather than dumping in the garbage can? There are so many ways to recycle them! Below is a list of 12 different ways to use them! 

COFFEE GROUNDS IN THE GARDEN: 

1. Pest Repellent 

Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your plants to protect them against garden pests like ants, slugs, and snails. 

2. Add to your Compost 

If you don't have any uses for your coffee grounds right now, throw them in your compost! Coffee grounds make excellent "green" matter, being rich in nitrogen. Also, worms may be attracted to your compost with the coffee too! But be careful about the amounts of grounds you throw in your compost, so you don't throw off the "green" to "brown" matter. (I've been adding some coffee grounds to my compost). 

3. Color Change in Your Hydrangeas 

Hydrangeas are affected by the changes in the soil's pH balance. Adding coffee grounds to the soil reduces the pH and changes pink flowers into blue flowers. 

COFFEE GROUNDS AROUND THE HOUSE: 

4. Absorb Food Odors

Like baking soda, coffee grounds can be used for absorbing food odors in the refrigerator and freezer. Fill a open container with the grounds and place in the back of the fridge and leave them there for a couple of weeks. You can then replace the grounds and put the old ones on your compost! 

5. As a dye 

Don't you hate it when you spill coffee on your white shirt and it leaves that golden yellow stain?!? Well turn the idea around and use it to dye Easter eggs with Easter coming up! Or even dye a shirt or yarn with it! 

6. Homemade Candles 

Ok, who seriously doesn't love the smell of coffee?? Whether you like the taste or not, pretty much everyone loves the smell! Why not take the old coffee grounds and use them in a all-natural candle?!? 
 Here a link for DIY Coffee Candles! 

7. Fight Odor on Your Hands

After chopping garlic, onions, or opening a can of tuna and you want to get that smell off your hands? Take the coffee grounds and wash your hands with them and it will get rid of the smell! 

COFFEE GROUNDS For HEALTH AND BEAUTY:

8. Exfoliate Your Skin

Coffee grounds are great for exfoliating your skin! Add used coffee grounds to a little bit of warm water or your favorite all-natural coconut oil for an amazing body scrub! Scrub your body head to toe with the scrub to get rid of all those dead skin cells! Here's a recipe for Coconut Coffee Body Scrub Cubes! 

9. Facial 

Just as it works for a body scrub, coffee is also great as a facial! Use coffee grounds, honey, unsweetened cocoa powder and milk or yogurt, (I'm gonna try goat's milk) for the perfect all-natural facial. 

Source

10. Coffee Soap                                                   
Make a coffee soap that will leave your skin smelling amazing! Here's a simple recipe for a simple coffee grounds soap.

11. Coffee For Your Hair                                          

Wash your hair with coffee grounds to eliminate residue and oil build-up. Before shampooing, grab a handful of old coffee grounds and massage into your hair.                                  
           
12. Cellulite Treatment                                        

  Poor diet, frequent or extended periods of sitting, smoking, or genetic predisposition – cellulite has many causes and for every cause there are at least a dozen “cures” which may or may not actually work.  Well, here’s one that does: used coffee grounds. 
A simple mixture of used coffee grounds and warm water will do the trick! Use the scrub twice per week for 10min. on any areas       affected by cellulite. Results should start to show within 4 weeks of steady treatment.



There you have it, 12 different ways to use your old coffee grounds! So next time you make a pot of coffee, don't throw them in the garbage. Save them and reuse them! Have an AmAzInG Monday everyone!!!



                                      
                                                                                                                               

Source

Composting

    

       Who else is ready for this snow to be gone and the warm weather to return? I'm so anxious to get started on the gardens again! 

     I came across the "Square Foot Gardening," and love the idea! So for this year I want to experiment with that and try a better soil mixture for our raised beds! This is an awesome book that has detailed information on the square foot gardening. They swear by "Mel's Mix" for the raised bed soil mixture. It consists of a mixture of 1/3 vermiculite, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 compost. I'm excited to use this and see how it works out! Yesterday I decided to start a compost pile, so we'd have fresh compost to use! I saw that you could use a plastic container to start one..And with all the snow on the ground I thought that would be the best way to go right now! Also, using a smaller container, the compost will decompose faster. I'm hoping it'll be ready in time! (Fingers crossed)   

                 Ok, so here's how I did it.....

                             

     Take a plastic container..Any will do, as long as it has a lid that fits. Next, you'll want to randomly drill holes all over the container..Including the bottom and the lid. This will allow the moisture to get in, while the holes in the bottom will allow water drainage and the ones in the lid, for air to circulate.

      Once you have that finished, you'll want to add some kind of dirt..Any kind of top soil or dirt should work. I had this ^^ organic seed starting mix, so I decided to just go ahead and use that. I poured maybe half the bag in. But before doing this, I got some straw from the goats pin out of the barn (with the manure in it). Goat manure is said to be great as a fertilizer in garden beds and can create optimal growth for your plants! Plus, the goat manure doesn't attract insects and burn the plants, as does cow and horse manure. So why not add it to the compost?!? I put that in the bottom of the container and then poured the soil on top. Now, you can also use grass clippings, dried leaves, twigs, etc., but those obviously aren't available right now. 

      Next, I added some eggshells and fruit peelings we had on top. Lastly, I filled a spray bottle with water and misted everything -- This gives you the desired moisture level, and can be done each time adding new waist. There you have it, a compost pile! One last thing to remember..Mix your compost up often!

    Here's a list of what to add and what not to add to your compost! 

Also, a few composting tips...

COMPOSTING TIPS:                              * You want your compost to remain moist like a sponge. This provides the perfect conditions for the articles to decompose. 

  * If possible, place your bin in an uncovered area, to allow rain water to moisten your compost. 

   * Never add any foods that have salt or butter added to it.   

   * Never add any meat or dairy products to your compost. If it grew in the ground, you can add it. 

   * Wet your compost each time you add waste. This will give you the desired moisture level. 

  * Adding worms to your compost will really speed up the process.

  * The smaller the items you add to your compost, the faster they will decompose. So try cutting or peeling into smaller pieces before adding. 

      I'll keep you all updated in the coming weeks how it's coming along. I hope you all have an AmAzInG Thursday!! Happy composting!! :)