Dried Herbs and Flowers... 

Ever wondered what to do with those herbs and flowers? One thing we could do would be to place them in a vase to spruce up any room.  Or you could hang them upside down using twine for another beautiful room decoration. 

Since I have a little organic shop, I have several mason jars with dried flowers. They smell amazing and have beautiful colors, but I had to think of more uses other than using them in products. We all know my infatuation with "organic," so naturally the flowers I purchase are organic and from the Whole Foods Co-op. 

Here are just a few fun ideas that may be used for these beautiful gems:

Sachets. Who doesn't love sachets? This is a very simple and rewarding way to use dried herbs and flowers. Purchase unbleached muslin bags locally (you can find them almost anywhere, and cheap) and fill the bag 3/4 full... add a few drops of organic lavender oil, if you have it on hand. If you can't find muslin bags, reuse a dryer sheet by stapling or sewing them together. I love to place fresh half chamomile and half lavender, and place them by my pillow or bedside for a great nights rest. You could also place them in your vehicle for a wonderful and organic scent when you are driving. How lovely.  Roses are another flower that I adore and can't get enough of... they are so elegant smelling and gorgeous in color.  Get really creative and purchase a few fun stamps and stamp away... great for gifts, as I ALWAYS say. 

How about making cup of tea with your fresh herbs (your friends will be very impressed). Since my favorites are lavender and chamomile, that's mostly what I use.  When I get ready for the zzz's, I pour 2-3 tablespoons into an empty tea bag and pour hot water into my most favorite mug (my Eiffel Tower mug from a dear friend of mine). Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or honey and let it steep for a few minutes to let the herbs blend well with the water. Another alternative is to add the herbs directly to a kettle and steep for about 10 minutes if you don't have the tea bags. Chamomile and lavender is not only a great way to relax the mind, but helps with a sour tummy. (Note: if you are using different flowers or herbs, make sure they are safe for consumption). 

I hope this helps you to use up some of your herbs... I included some links if you don't have a Whole Foods close to you or any of the products mentioned above for the projects:

Flowers and Herbs: (there are several on this site-- you don't have to use lavender and chamomile if you don't want). 

Lavender Flowers
Chamomile Flowers

Here are the muslin bag options: (of course, I will search Etsy shops to give them business when I can). 

Burlap Bags
Muslin Bags

Have a wonderful weekend!!! Share your creations with us and have fun! 

Take care,

Jennifer

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." -- Pablo Picasso

** This post has not been approved by the FDA and is not intended to cure or treat any disease.**

  North Shore, Minnesota

On a whim, we decided to travel up north, as in Northern Minnesota. We live in Wisconsin, which is  right on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It's a beautiful drive, and we usually take the scenic route with its charming coffee shops and exquisite boutiques.  My favorite hot drink is the Albino Mocha at one of the local coffee houses.  It's loaded with calories, but fabulous!  There is even a candy store if you happen to have a sweet tooth that day.  

This is my favorite place to travel even though it really isn't that far... that's the total beauty of it all.  In the Fall, beautiful leaves will entice you with their array of colors-- and the smell of pumpkin pie and cinnamon in local shops will invite you to stay and visit. 

If you have not visited Minnesota EVER-- it truly has its own beauty and serenity.  Don't get me wrong, I love my home state of Wisconsin, but sometimes-- you have to escape everyday reality and just relax your mind. You know what I mean.  

Here are a few pictures from this little journey...  if you didn't know, Lake Superior is the largest lake in the Great Lakes chain... so very fortunate to view this anytime I want.   
                   

              

                        

Sometimes, we will drive all the way up to Grand Marais (about 2 hour drive) and grab some organic food from the Whole Foods and find a nice park to relax and have lunch. It's so nice to sit and reflect about the importance of life and the people around you.  I also love to bring a small journal-- in case I have any stellar ideas! It happens! 

Here are a just a few places (I have so many to recommend) to visit if you live here, or are traveling and in the mood to drive up HWY 61... (North Shore). 

Mocha Moose (coffee shop)

Fish Out of Water (gift shop)

Joy & Company in Grand Marais (gift shop, plus they also have a few Dream Nuage products)

Beths Fudge Shop in Grand Marais (gift shop-- BEST fudge)

Cascade by Lutsen (great restaurant + lodging and hiking) Cutest little cabins

Sven and Ole's Pizza in Grand Marais (the best pizza, EVER)

Luten (if you are a skier or hiker, this is amazing)

It's really a gorgeous trip! The people are very friendly and everything is so natural and organic. Oh, being able to view the abundance of trees is also a big bonus! Fresh air! I always notice how much better I can breathe! 

Hope you all are having a beautiful week!  Keep on dreaming and creating! 

Take care, 

Jennifer 

"Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most."

- Buddha 

 DIY: Organic Lavender Orange Room Spitzer

How many times were you excited to create a lovely atmosphere in your home and purchased several bottles of delicious "room sprays?"  As I was browsing through a few containers of these "sprays," at the store, there were long words that I could not  pronounce-- nor would I want to.  I was looking the terms up and was appalled at all the chemicals involved in these common sprays.  I won't list all of the "bad" ingredients in the sprays, but I do know that everyone suffers, especially those with respiratory or allergy issues.  I am one of those people. 

It's so gratifying to know that I could create my own in just a few minutes.  Nice! 

So... with all of this in mind, I decided that's it is much healthier and cheaper to create my own "home spritzers."  I feel much better using these ingredients, and it's nice to know what is being put into the product.  Actually, you can get fancy and create anything you wish... go crazy! Your friends may be jealous and want you to make a bunch for them too.  They make amazing gifts!  ▷▷

 

As your create your organic sprays, customize them any way that sounds great to you.  I just happen to heart the aroma of lavender and sweet orange.  It reminds me of happiness + relaxing.  

I also keep another bottle especially for the restroom; it's the same process, but I add 10 drops of Organic Lemon Essential Oil.  You could even add orange + cinnamon around Fall and Christmas time.  If colds are floating around the home, add 10 drops of Eucalyptus. The possibilities are endless.  Just make sure that the oils being used are safe for your family and pets.

The drops listing above give a very subtle scent... not overpowering at all.  You can experiment to your liking. 

Now, I can't stress the importance of using "organic" oils.  Also, it's best to use a dark glass bottle instead of plastic- as the plastic can break down the oils. You and your family will be breathing these particles in... why not give them the best.  

Whenever possible, I love to shop at Whole Foods for essentials, such as my organic essential oils and such... it's sustainable + close by. 

Here's where you can find 2 oz glass bottles...

Glass Bottles

           

As you acquire your organic essential oils-- you can keep customizing your scents. Just think of it as your own fancy factory.  Please let me know what combos you are enjoying!!! 

HAVE FUN and go create!!!!!

Jennifer

** Please consult your physician if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions.  This has not been reviewed by the FDA.  

What does NUAGE mean?

I get this question on a daily basis, and I love answering it EVERY time.  As I was in the process of creating my organic business, (May, 2012), I was pondering a great name that would reflect myself -- and at the same time become catchy.  I previously made candles on Etsy which was "Dream by the Lake Candles," (I live very close to Lake Superior).  I really wanted to keep the "Dream" part, as my whole life has revolved around "daydreaming" and always keeping my dreams very close to my heart.  Can one daydream too much? 

I love rummage sales and picked up this tiny French to English book that caught my attention a few years ago, and decided to flip through to possibly determine a name.  REALLY-- I was frantically flipping through the pages anticipating this name-- I realized that my head is stuck in the clouds most of every hour of EVERY day.  Does anyone else do this?  My name came to me!!!! It was the word for CLOUD! 

And so... the name NUAGE means CLOUD in French.  

The reason I picked up the tiny French to English book is that I have wanted to travel to Paris for as long as I can remember... the Eiffel Tower, French cuisine, what is there not to like.  This was a perfect opportunity to name my "future" organic business something that would reflect what I like and my dreams.  It all makes sense now, right? And... clouds are organic. :) 

I hope you guys have a wonderful week!! Make it a great one! You are the only one that can create your dream. 

Take care, 

Jennifer