Lake Life Lately: Volunteer Fire Fighting

So...I have kind of crazy news:  Hubby and I finally joined the volunteer fire department in our municipality!  We'd been meaning to do this since moving to the lakehouse three years ago but, for some reason or another, we always moved it to the back burner.  We had tons of super good excuses: it was too cold, we weren't in shape, we were too busy, we were too content not being busy...

Finally, we just did it! We actually joined the fire department and the first response team so we'll be called for anything from motor accidents to house fires.  There's extensive training before we can actually become full fledged fire fighters (years) so picture me doing a lot of grunt work for the immediate future.  There is - unsurprisingly - a lot of work involved, including weekly training sessions and then extra training sessions that range from cleaning the fire hall to extracting people from vehicles (scary).  Because Hubby and I work weird shifts we're an excellent asset because we can take calls on 2pm on a Wednesday, when others are working their more typical 9-5 shifts, but it also means we'll miss a lot of training so it might take even longer for us to get fully trained.  My dreams of driving a big ass fire truck are still out of reach!  But I'm really thrilled to be able to give back to my small community in this way.



I'll admit I'm a little terrified, not only because of the fires I'll need to run toward instead of away from, but also of responding to a call where the situation might be a little gruesome.  I have always thought that I not good with blood, but after our tiler cut himself on a chop saw and I needed to drive him to emergency, I realized that I can overcome my natural inclination to toss my cookies at the sight of severed flesh when it's an emergency.  I can be cool and calm (and bomb down country roads like a bat out of hell) when I need to.

So I got this.

I think.

I can't share photos of any fires or other encounters to ensure the privacy of those impacted, so I likely won't be able to share too much of this part of my life but hopefully I can share some fun updates about training.  You'll at least have to see a photo of me all suited up once I finally get some gear.  Right now it's just very uncool coveralls and boots.  But for sure I'll look awesome, like I always do in safety gear (lol)!

We attended our first after math of a house fire recently and helped document the damage (yikes!).  It was heartbreaking walking through the burned out house and seeing the damage, but the person in question managed to get out okay, which was a relief. 

Our first act of duty: washing and manhandling the massive hoses.  See?  Grunt work for the newbies! 

And it was immediately apparent that I am going to have to start lifting weights.  Being out of shape was, in actuality, a pretty darn good reason for not joining, haha, but now I have the motivation to remedy that.  Any time I struggle with lifting something and want to call on Hubby for help, I start to chant "FIRE HOSE, FIRE HOSE" to pump myself up.  

12 Summer DIY Projects You HAVE to Make

I was teased with some blisteringly hot days when I was in Ottawa last week, so I'm definitely ready for summer.  Spring is still a little blah and brown here, but I can see little green buds!  I'm looking forward to crystal clear water, brightly colored flowers, and long hot days in light, summery dresses.  To get prepped for the season, I rounded up 12 can't miss summer DIY projects.

A Fun Embroidered Straw Sun Hat:

There are SO many variations of this embroidered straw hat DIY around and each one is really cute.  Use anything from ribbon to embroidery floss or sequins to create a sweet message.  Here's the perfect straw hat - with a wide floppy brim, tons of room for a quippy message! 

A Graphic Beach Towel:

No one will steal your beach towel when it's so personalized!  Or maybe this will be too cute and no one will be able to resist a little thievery.  Either way, it's a snap to make these graphic beach towels: all you need is a solid beach towel (the brighter the better) and some bleach!

An Adorable Straw Bag with Pom Poms:

I love the idea of adding some sweet pom poms to an old straw bag to give it a fresh new look for summer.  Pom poms are easy enough to make, but you can also pick them up for pretty cheap!

A Tassel Trimmed Tote:

Pom poms not your thing?  You're going to hate some of these summer crafts because poms poms and summer seem to go hand in hand.  But tassels have just as summery a vibe.  This turquoise straw tote - with it's 60s vibe - is begging for a little tassel action.

A Bug-Deflecting Citronella Candle:

Oh hey, this project looks familiar!  Keep those pesky bugs at bay and keep the party going long after sunset with these pretty DIY citronella candles.  They're easy to make and a clever way to re-use old china or dishes - I scooped this pair from the landfill!

A Pretty Embroidered Fan:

A little embroidered gives a basic straw fan some visual interest and is a fabulously stylish way to keep cool when the temperature sky rockets.

A Sweet Bathing Suit Cover Up:

How sweet is this adorable DIY bathing suit cover up?  I pinned this and totally planned on making this before our trip to Punta Cana but then I got lazy and ordered this cute strapless cover up (it's the BEST) instead.  I might just add pom poms to it for the summer and call it a day.  If you're not lazy like me, this turquoise pom pom trim would be so cute!

A Pom Pom Trimmed Beach Tote:

You know what looks perfect with that pom pom bathing suit cover up?  My easy peasy pom pom trimmed DIY beach tote!  This turquoise jute fabric would look especially summery.

A Chic Straw Clutch:

For those hot summer nights, a cute pom pom trim clutch made from - of all things! - a circular place mat, how clever.

A Pom Pom Trimmed Bikini:

So, is a pom pom trim bikini under a pom pom trim cover up with a pom pom trim beach tote too many pom poms?  I didn't think so either.  You can buy a pre-pommed bikini but it's pretty pricey - it's probably way cheaper to DIY this, plus then you can focus on finding the best fit. 

A Pretty Clothespin Holder:

Now, to hand wash, de-sand, and line dry all of those pom pom pretties: my DIY fabric clothespin holder.  I still love this handy little thing - and what says summer more than line dried clothes?

A Pair of Glitter Sunglasses:

The tutorial is a bit more complicated than it might seem at first glance, but it's worth it to get these glittery shades - imagine them sparkle in the sun!  Oooohhhh, aaaaaahhhh.  

What's your favorite summer DIY?  Are you tackling anything beachy, or just excited for those long, warm spray painting days?

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Quick + Easy Chocolate Orange Bark Recipe

This deliciously quick and easy, orange-infused chocolate bark has an ulterior motive.

Last week I was in Ottawa for work and I tacked on a few extra days to my trip so I could visit my friend Ashley.  Since moving from Ottawa I've visited her every year but the gaps between visits widens as we both get busier, so I was so thrilled to capitalize on this opportunity to see her.  We always squeeze in some shopping and crafting (Exhibit A and Exhibit B), but spend most of our time just chatting and catching up.  She recently started selling doTERRA brand essential oils and I use a lot of essential oils in my crafts on the blog (like my DIY air freshener, my handmade soap experiments, and my pretty soy candles), so this time we chatted a lot about essential oils.  Because she's starting her own business, I shared my knowledge about connecting with people on social media, taking styled product photos and - of course - we brainstormed a ton of fun projects.  Ashley taught me all about the difference in quality between doTERRA oils and the (much, much) cheaper kinds of essential oils I've been using in my DIYs.  I learned about the true cost of making quality essential oils - especially when a company like doTERRA empowers growers and cultivates healthy working relationships. 

But I still wasn't sold on the massive price difference, so to demonstrate the quality Ashley whipped up this delicious chocolate orange bark using a doTERRA brand essential oil.

You can pretty much convince me of anything if there's chocolate or turquoise involved!

I had never in my life made chocolate bark, but it was so delicious that I wanted to share it with you.  If you're looking for a pretty dessert to whip up in two seconds flat, you might want to try this easy chocolate bark recipe.  It's simple to make but looks so fancy!  Here's what you need:

• Orange essential oil - 6 drops
• Shredded, unsweetened coconut - small handful
• Semi-sweet baking chocolate - 8 oz
• One large orange (to zest)
• Baking sheet with rim
• Parchment paper
• Small pot
• Zester - must be turquoise or mint for recipe to work ;)

Making this chocolate bark is too easy to even call this a recipe: simply melt the baking chocolate on low heat in a small pot, add 6 drops of orange essential oil and combine well, then pour into a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Let cool a few minutes and top with orange zest and shredded coconut.

Pop into the freezer for a couple of hours and - ta da!  World's easiest dessert!  But it tastes phenomenal - dangerously addictive, with a very satisfying orange flavor. 

I've only ever cooked/baked with extracts, not oils, so this was a fun experiment!  Have you ever tried cooking with essential oils?

I have so many more DIY projects in the bath and beauty realm I'm excited to try, so I'm definitely tempted to start splurging on better quality essential oils.  Until my conversations with Ashley, I didn't realize how many fillers and harmful contaminants were lurking in essential oils marketed as "pure". 

But darn it, the prices are so intimidating!  It makes sense though, if 30lbs of lavenders are what's required to make 15ml of oil...  Plus doTERRA reportedly has excellent relationships with farmers, who are paid fair wages and have healthy working conditions.  I will always pay more for a product if I know that the money goes to workers.  And, really, you need so little that a bottle really goes a long way! 

If you're going to experiment with some essential oil recipes or DIYs, or pop some oil into a pretty diffuser to naturally add a fabulous aroma to your home, check the ingredients and quality of the essential oils you buy because some brands actually contain really toxic stuff.  If you've been intrigued by doTERRA and the concept of a high quality oil, I'd love to put you in touch with my friend Ashley, a new Wellness Advocate for the brand (the only way to purchase these oils - the "doTERRA" labeled products available on Amazon are knock offs).  It doesn't matter where you live in the world, she can set you up and she's just so, so knowledgeable about the products and company.  She has actually worked in health advocacy for much of her career, so she's especially interested in the health benefits of essential oils and uses them to enhance her family's wellness (like using certain oils as a decongestant for mild colds and diffusing calming aromas to help her family relax and unwind).   

Plus she'll ply you with goodies, so there's that added incentive...

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8 Modern Dog Bowl Stands (Shop Stylish Raised Feeders)

Because Szuka's bowls are always out (she eats and drinks whenever she feels like it throughout the day, which is so convenient), I wanted her raised bowl stand to complement our decor, but there really wasn't much on the market at the time - so Hubby and I made her a sweet mid-century inspired raised feeder.  The three of us still love it!  So then we made a pink raised bowl stand on gold hairpin legs for my Mom's place too.  Now there are definitely a slew of really great modern dog bowls and bowl stands on the market, so I rounded up 8 favorites for anyone who wants a stylish raised feeder for their pup without having to bust out the jigsaw.  (Don't forget to chat with your vet to make sure a raised feeder is right for your four legged pal). 

This wood elevated pet food dish with white bowls look so beautiful, I'm not convinced they aren't meant for humans.  I love the warmth of the wood, which would really blend in beautifully with mid-tone wood floors for a dog bowl stand that disappears, visually.  It reminds me of the solid walnut tray on legs we made my Mom, so this has potential to serve as DIY inspiration, too...

For a change of pace, this acrylic dog bowl stand (which comes with TEAL bowls) made my heart skip a beat and I almost ordered it.  The price tag had another effect on my heart but, really, if this lasts a long time then the cost of use is next to nothing!  It would look so perfect in an ultra modern, minimalist home.

For a much more affordable dog bowl stand with a similar "lucite" look, this acrylic base with stainless bowls is a great alternative - although I do love the colored bowls of the previous stand.

This simple chrome dog bowl stand is a chameleon, working well in a mid-century modern inspired space or contemporary digs.  It's versatile and a great price.

This resin dog bowl stand is lower to the ground and comes in such summery colors.  Of course I love the turquoise, but the pink is adorable too.  The design is so clever for messy eaters!

Did someone say mint?  These mint-colored dog bowls look so perfect in a matte black bowl stand - I love the retro vibe (it comes in other colors, like purple, and different sizes too). 

I love the simple, modern look of this elevated dog bowl stand and I really appreciate that it comes in different heights to ensure a good match with a pup's size.  Plus, like all of my favorites, it would work really well with mid-century modern inspired decor. 

You know I'm not a huge fan of gold in my home, but even I cannot resist this gold dog bowl - it looks like a hunk of pyrite and I am a huge fan of rocks.  It's SO glamorous!
There you go: some of my favorite modern and stylish raised dog bowl feeders, plus some DIY ideas!  If you happened to score (or make!) a really cool dog bowl stand I'd love for you to share a link in the comments.

P.S. With hot weather on the horizon, don't forget to check out my post for tips on how to keep your dog cool in the summer months. 

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Lake Life Lately: Smoothie Bowls for Summer

I could no longer resist the siren song of the gorgeous smoothie bowls I kept seeing on Instagram (and pinning on Pinterest) - I HAD to make my own!  Honestly, at first I thought they seemed like an epic waste of time but one lazy morning I felt like slowing things down even more so I assembled a pair of smoothie bowls for Hubby and I and it was such a perfect breakfast.  We chatted as we picked out toppings and lazily ate them, watching the lake.  It's a step up from the layered smoothies we've been enjoying.  Starting a day with a pretty (and delicious!) breakfast put me in such a good mood.  So now I'm hooked!  I made this smoothie bowl for SoFabFood so you can catch the recipe (and my trick for keeping the toppings from sinking) over there.

There's something about having a delicious breakfast waiting for me that makes dragging myself out of bed so much easier.  I need that extra motivation these days because I've been so swamped with work and life that some days I kind of need that kick in the pants to get moving!  I'll spill the beans soon, but right now my tired little brain is still processing everything... but a little bit of chocolate granola seems to help, haha. 

I just ordered a secret smoothie bowl ingredient to make the most lakehouse-worthy smoothie bowl imaginable and I can't wait to show off my creations!  Breakfast is definitely starting to be my favorite meal of the day.

Have you tried this food craze yet?  If you're feeling tempted, there are a ton of great books with delicious smoothie bowl recipe ideas:

Superfood Smoothie Bowls: Delicious, Satisfying, Protein-Packed Blends that Boost Energy and Burn Fat

200 Best Smoothie Bowl Recipes

Beautiful Smoothie Bowls: 80 Delicious and Colorful Superfood Recipes to Nourish and Satisfy

Yum!  Might be a nice idea to make one for Mom this weekend...

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DIY Crystal + Gold Gemstone Soap

I am just having so much fun playing with melt and pour soap!  I'll admit though, that I've had some flops that never made it to the blog - but even the wonky soaps are lovely because the organic glycerine soap base I use is really luxurious and I always experiment with really delicious smelling essential oils.  So even the silly looking soaps are enjoyed.

Although there was a cool mid-century modern inspired design that I loved (in theory - it was a little flawed in the execution), I think my "lake superior" soap is my favorite, followed closely by the gem stone soap experiments from last year.  Truthfully, I'm on the fence about today's crystal and gold vein soap because it just didn't turn out exactly how I pictured it in my mind, largely because of the overly optimistic size of the "gold veins".  Even friends and family who love how it turned out debate what it actually looks like (fudge, deli meat, gold?), so I thought I might as well share and see what YOU think it looks like.  I still think it looks like some kind of stone... 

Whatever it is, it sure is sparkly!  And smells delicious.  

Here's how I made this crystal and gold vein soap (following my first gem stone soap tutorial - linked here), plus what I think could improve the design!

 Supplies:

• Glycerine soap base (clear)
• Mica soap colorant in gold (I used whole pack of six)
• Mica soap colorant in white
• Soap fragrance (optional - I chose citrus grapefruit this time but you can try a set and combine)
• Bar silicone molds
• Loaf silicone mold
• Pyrex measuring cup
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Microwave 
• Old spoon 
• Small spray bottle
• Rubbing alcohol

I cut up about two pounds of glycerine soap base into chunks and added some white mica powder then zapped it in the microwave in my Pyrex measuring cup for a minute or so - until melted.  I gave it a quick stir, poured it into my smaller bar silicone molds and let it sit overnight.  Then I had these creamy, translucent bars so I chopped them up into irregular "gem" shapes and placed them in my large loaf silicone mold.

I chopped up more glycerine soap base and added this gold mica soap colorant in gold (I used all six blocks) before melting it in the microwave.  Then I added my essential oil (I used half a tiny bottle of a cinnamon citrus I picked up), poured the melted glycerine over my crystals, spritzed the surface with alcohol, and let it set overnight. 

Once I popped out my long bar of soap, I cut large irregular pieces and shaved the edges to look more organic. 



I think the secret to a more realistic gold veined quartz soap would be to increase the size and volume of the crystal chunks so the gold is really just a tiny filler, filling in the gaps.  You might have noticed I tried adding some darker bronze and gold pieces for dimension, but that didn't really have the desired effect.  Next time I'll leave way more crystal spikes poking out the top because I loved how that aspect turned out!

But remember, you can always just buy a soap rock - which is how I got hooked on these gems!  

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