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: