Building A Pergola For The Farm!

This project was started a couple of years ago.  We put down the 13' wide x 17' long patio, Bill planted the four corner posts, and built a fire pit. Then, life just sort of got in the way.  Finally, construction has begun again!  We just may have ourselves a pergola in a few short weeks if all goes according to plan.  Here's a picture of the patio stones, four corner posts and fire pit that were installed a couple years ago.

The beginning of the Pergola! 6/2012

We haven't landscaped the back of the house because we were planning to put in a deck that would go all the way across.  I think that plan may be reduced to a smaller, less aggressive plan including just one half of the back of the house. Some landscaping against the house behind the pergola, maybe lilacs and hydrangeas, would be nice.  I'm wanting to put wisteria on the four corner posts of the pergola.  I think it should be pretty.  Hopefully it will all grow for me.  Being a Florida girl, my green thumb turned a little brown when we moved here.  I'm still learning tho', and that's always a good thing.

More from Lily Ruth Originals

I thought that with the Holidays coming upon us so quickly, it might be time to display a couple more pieces of my handmade, one-of-a-kind, sterling silver, top-of-the-line components jewelry.  You just may see something you love, or someone you love would love.  So much love going on...

All Dressed Up 3-pc set!  $145.00

This set is comprised of solid sterling silver components, the very best beading wire I know of, and Swarovsky pearls and crystals.  It is a beautiful and classic set with a little bit of sparkle.  Just perfect for the upcoming Holiday season.

Lily's Luxury Pens!  $55.00

These pens are just wonderful.  I have a red one that I've been using for several years, and I just love it.  There are more colors available than what is shown in this photo.  Contact me for more information.  These are wonderful gift ideas, in addition to the pen you also will get a black velvet pouch, an extra refill, and a gift box.  Perfect gift for the woman who has everything!  I guarantee she doesn't have one of these.

Carpe Diem! Lil and Bill

Hot Process Soap Making!

Hot Process Soap Making!

Making hot process soap is no easy task!  It does take some time and experience to get it right, and to get the artistic component down.  My first effort at making hot process soap was the Apple Crisp recipe.  I cooked the soap way to long, I had difficulty determining when it had reached the proper stage called saponification.  I had real problems when it came time to mold.  It was way too dry, and seized up when I began to mix in the additives.  I have since learned that I could have added water.  A whole bunch of the bars crumbled into pieces when slicing them.  Others may have thrown out the entire batch, it did cross my mind, but I just couldn't bring myself to waste all that good stuff!

Gracie, Our Newest Addition!

Gracie, the photo that started it all!

Since we lost our dear Max more than a year and a half ago, I knew I would eventually want another dog.  That's just me, I love animals, and enjoy having them around.  I thought long and hard about what kind of dog I wanted.  Max, a Loiusuana Catahoula Leopard Hound mix, would be a hard act to follow. There are so many to choose from, but I finally settled on a Sheltie.  My family had one when I was very young, and I have always loved them.  So, as my birthday neared, I started following the rescue shelters that were close by, looking for that perfect fit. Then, Tag 193 came across my Facebook page on July 25th, and I was smitten.  I first saw her on that Friday, and the

Homemade Joint & Muscle Massage Oil

Homemade Joint & Muscle Massage Oil

Do you have joints or muscles that hurt?  Joints that just ache, muscles that hurt from overuse or strain?  I do.  My hands, my thumb joint on my right hand, and my back are the worst.  My husband will massage my hand for me at night, which is where my thoughts turned to making a wonderful massage oil.  How much better it would feel with healing oils, herbs and spices to just soak right in there where it's needed the most, to help the healing and repairing along.  Let me say that there's something to be said about the said healing properties of herbs.  The commercial rubs just aren't that helpful.

So, I did my homework, and came up with this fabulous healing herb massage oil.  It's designed to target the problem, and get right in there to work on what's ailing you.  Make some for yourself, or click the button right at the bottom of this post.

New Homemade Rejuvenating Facial Scrub!

New Rejuvenating Face Scrub!

I'm calling this formula New Homemade Rejuvenating Facial Scrub for several reasons.  One, I have taken out the Apricot Seed Powder, and replaced it with two types of wonderful salts.  I have incorporated much of the ingredients that I have found to be excellent for rebuilding skin cells, like:

Homemade DIY 'Summer Feet' Foot Balm!

Summer Feet Foot Balm!

My niece asked me a few months ago if I had a product specifically for feet.  I did not at that time.  Which got me to thinking about how everyone loves my Cuticle Cream, and how I love the way it makes my cuticles, and lips, feel so soft and healthy.  Even though I regularly used a callus remover tool, my feet were not in great shape.  I refuse to wear sandals unless my feet look good.  Since I've had my hip replaced, the Doctor and the nurses suggested I stay away from getting pedicures at nail salons to avoid the chance of infection.  So, I decided to use my Cuticle Cream as a jumping off point, and see what I could do to make a great foot balm.

I am extremely pleased with the results.  I made it softer and easier to spread, and added some great essential oils to make those tired feet feel invigorated, renewed, and pampered.  The only thing I will do different next time is to blend just a bit better as I can feel that the oils and the harder butters and beeswax have separated a little. You can barely see the polka dots on the surface in the photos. Those areas are a little softer than the rest.  But, it all gets mixed up as you apply.

An Old Hobby, DIY Jewelry!

I've been thinking a lot lately about an old passion of mine, jewelry making.  I have been passionate about jewelry my entire life, precious stones, precious metals, sparkle, just about anything that you can put into a lovely piece of jewelry.  So, with  that said, I have decided to do some blogging about it.

Heather Cubes

This stunning two-piece set, Heather Cubes, is made with solid sterling silver and lovely ceramic beads.  It's a statement piece, it will complete any outfit, excellent piece for business attire or for an intimate dinner for two.

Dinner Cruise

This absolutely lovely two-piece set, Dinner Cruise, is just stunning with its large genuine Lapis beads, beautiful green genuine Peridot beads, all held together with solid sterling silver.


I'm not sure where this will lead, but I do have a lovely collection that I will be sharing on this blog from time to time.

Carpe Diem! Lil and Bill

Homemade Outrageous DIY Face Cream!

Homemade Outrageous DIY Face Cream!

I'm calling this new face moisturizer "Outrageous" because the products in this one are not your normal go-to items.  This new combination will make your skin appear younger and you'll be looking so very fresh in no time at all!  This moisturizer has five brand new products that will soften, plump, even out skin tone, and make you glow.  Sounds too good to be true?  Not at all.  I've been using a couple of these products for quite a few months now, my skin tone has improved, and the fine lines and wrinkles have been minimized.  I am very, very happy with this new moisturizer.  Here's what I used:

An ATV For The Farm!

1988 Yamaha Moto 4 ATV 350cc

I may have mentioned in an earlier post that I had hip replacement surgery last year, which was a very good decision.  My husband is considering knee replacement surgery, and my other hip isn't too far off from getting replaced also.  I say all that to introduce our need for something to help us get around the farm with a little more ease and speed.

My husband, Bill, had been looking for quite some time before he found this little "gem" for a great price.   Now, when we're talking about my husband, a great price usually comes along with a bit of repair work, and this little "gem" was no exception!  We purchased it in early August of last year, and it's been up on blocks ever since.  Granted, being my only caregiver for a couple months, and then the Holidays, definitely slowed him down.  

ATV Garaged for repairs

Homemade Cuticle Cream/Balm

Homemade Cuticle Cream/Balm

I discovered this cuticle and nail cream quite by accident.  You may remember the painter/instructor Bob Ross who used to have a TV series on teaching how to paint with oils.  I always enjoyed watching him because he made it look so easy.  I'm not a painter by any stretch of the imagination, so the way he painted looked like magic to me.  He always said that there were no mistakes in painting, only "happy accidents".  Well, this product is a "happy accident".

It started out as a lip balm, but the flavor and color weren't working well for me.  So, one day I was in the car going somewhere and noticed my cuticles looked a bit dry.  While applying the lip balm, I decided to put it on my nails, and, surprise, a great cuticle cream was born!

Outrageous DIY Anti-Aging Face Serum!

This is the latest of the greatest, my new Outrageous line!  This product has the best of the best ingredients that I could find.  I'm looking forward to this formulation doing great things.  Here's what is in it:

Outrageous Anti-Aging Face Serum!

• Emu Oil benefits are known throughout the world through scientific study and testimonials of happy customers. Research and history show that Emu oil has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine by the Aborigines of Australia. It was used for arthritis pain relief, to heal wounds, burns, sunburns, and to reduce the pain, itch and swelling of insect bites and stings.  Scientific studies of Emu Oil indicate that it has healing properties in many different ways.   Emu oil has been shown to reduce the depth and length of fine lines and wrinkles in many studies as well as being moisturizing as a natural skin softener. It has been proven to be the fastest and most penetrating oil for the skin, as well as a transdermal carrier for any other added therapeutic ingredients for skin care.  Emu Oil is gentle for all skin types, non-toxic and natural, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and hypo-allergenic (non-irritating), so it is great for people with sensitive skin and allergies. Emu Oil is effective in its anti-inflammatory properties.  It's been compared to medication such as ibuprofen, except without the negative side-effects frequently common with traditional prescription or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.  Emu oil comes from the backfat of emus, having a lot of fatty acids including omega-6 and omega-3.  It also contains Vitamins A and E which are known for helping maintain the skin.

Homemade Ultimate Face and Body Lotion!

Homemade Ultimate Face and Body Lotion!

In my mind, this is the ultimate lotion, not only for hands and body, but for the face also!  I have combined, to the best of my knowledge, the best of the best in this latest creation, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Macadamia Nut Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Aloe Vera Oil. The benefits of these ingredients for your skin, in my opinion, cannot be beat.  I would use this lotion as a lighter day time face moisturizer, especially for under make-up.  Here we go:

DIY Horsetail Hand & Body Lotion!

DIY Horsetail Lotion!

I love trying out new things.  This is my latest hand and body lotion experiment, Horsetail butter.  I have very dry skin, I haven't always, but in my later years now, I am always reaching for a moisturizer. So, I'm constantly looking for something different, something better.

A New Mystery On The Farm!

Mysterious Tiny Chicken Egg?

While collecting the eggs and feeding the chickens today, I found this remarkably small egg in the nest with all the hens eggs.  It's just a tiny bit larger than the malted milk candy eggs you find in the stores around Easter.  The hens have four nesting boxes, but all fifteen of them share one favorite box, go figure.

The First Snow On The Farm In 2014!

The First Snow On The Farm In 2014!

If my memory serves me right, we didn't get any snow last winter.  I missed it, I really missed it.  I'm a Florida girl, and I truly don't like the cold, but if I must endure the cold, a bit of snow seems to make it worth while..  We got our snow this year, just the right amount, a couple of inches.  It is now two days later, and there is still a remnant of snow on the ground.  It will be all gone by tomorrow.  A world of pure white will transform into a world of winter brown once again.

Homemade Coconut and Kaolin Clay Soap!

Homemade Coconut and Kaolin Clay Soap!

More soap creations from the farm!  My daughter must inspire me.  When she places an order for soap, my brain goes into overdrive thinking of ways to make them different, and pretty. These are my latest.  I used coconut melt and pour soap base.  I just love coconut oil for my skin.  I love the way it moisturizes, protects, nourishes, and exfoliates all at the same time.