How I Used Everything in My Young Living Starter Kit in 25 Days

I got the best Christmas present from my sweet husband this year. It was a Young Living Premium Starter Kit! *insert happy dancing emoji here!*

For those who don't know, the Young Living "PSK" is an amazing package full of incredible, all-natural goodies. They will change your life, your home, your health, everything.

Seriously, everything. The way you eat, the way you clean, and the make-up that you use!

But even though I knew what was inside, it was still super intimidating to open the box and see 11 bottles of oils staring back at me.

And I've spoken to soooo many of ya'll who also think this kit is the shiz... but have no idea how to use all of it either!

What are you actually supposed to do with all these?
Where the heck do you start???

I started by searching "using your young living oils" on Pinterest. (lol) ...but there weren't very many resources out there that didn't involve buying more accessories or more oils!

So I am here to make this process super easy on you, and make sure you are using all those beautiful products in your life ASAP.

New Pumpkin Spice Crochet for Autumn

Mmmm... Fall colors... How lovely you are! Twice this week I have seen references to "You've Got Mail" and the way that Meg Ryan has a way of making us all yearn for New York's autumn, and that is certainly true in my life lately.
My parents took me to New York my senior year of high school and we happened to go at the peak of fall colors in Central Park... the peak! It was breathtaking, and I wish I could visit every fall for the rest of my life.

With that in mind, I immediately knew that Thistlefish Knit's fall color needed to feel like New York in autumn. And this pumpkin orange is exactly what I needed.

Because I'm primarily a knitter, I've challenged myself to learn a few crochet patterns to expand my knowledge a little bit. Wash cloths are a great place to start because they are a small project and don't take long to complete. And if I mess up, no biggie! 

 The contrast between this color and both the light and dark colors in my inventory is so pretty!

 This scallop border is one of my new favorites... It takes this simple pattern and gives a more feminine look! (And who doesn't need a little bit of extra pretty in their kitchen or bathroom?😉)

 I've also tried a few new knitting patterns that I'm excited to add to the shop.

Are you following on Instagram? Because if you aren't, you missed a giveaway! Two fabulous ladies won a bundle of three (including this fab new orange) for FREE!

There are only a few of these left for autumn, so click your way on over to Thistlefish Knits and purchase your own! Spice up your kitchen with some pumpkin color or grab a few for some gifts!

Fall Transition: 6 Cheap Ways to get Your Home Ready for Fall (+ A Giveaway!)

Happy First Day of Fall!!
It's been raining for four days straight this week, and the weather has still been very warm in our southern corner of VA. But even though outside feels like it is stuck in summer, doesn't mean your indoors has to feel the same!
Last fall Jon and I were still getting moved into our little college apartment and didn't get around to much decorating besides a few mums for the front porch. This year, though, I've tried to be a little more creative while staying just as cheap. Wanna know what I did?

1) Grocery Store Mini Gourds

I don't know what it is, but I think mini gourds are equally weird and adorable... which makes them one of my favorite fall decorations!

What makes them better? Harris Teeter is selling them for $0.69 each! Last year I was able to find packages of them later in the fall for a deal. But that price is so reasonable! I bought three for my kitchen table and three for my mantle, and they're subtle little touches for my favorite spots.

2) Edible Decorations

I sort of cheated on this one. But see the acorn squash assorted with the gourds on the kitchen table? Along with the tomato? Yeah, those are for dinner later this week;)

But if you're low on space like I am, don't be afraid to keep the pretty things out on the counter! Acorn squash was on sale so I snagged one knowing that I could decorate with it until we ate it.

3) Dishes as Decor?

In our Suffolk house, my mom had this fabulous wall of thrift store plate mounted on cheap plate hangers. But what made it really stand out was that she was always rearranging them or added different ones for new seasons! For Christmas she would incorporate more red and white, and fall might include darker reds and oranges.

That was exactly what I thought of when my friend bought me this adorable pie plate from the Target Dollar Section... it's just too cute to cram in a cupboard! I am now on the hunt for a plate hanger that will allow me to hang it in my kitchen for the next few months.

4) Target Dollar Section

Alright, I know I don't have to tell ya'll that the dollar section at Target was the best thing they've added to their store since Starbucks. But don't overlook their seasonal things! I've been eye-balling a few fall pillows and cute banners, but waiting until I know where I want to put them in my house first. A small, fall pillow might be just the thing your living room needs to tie in a little more fall! (I'll probably regret waiting; those Target dollar steals go quick!)

5) Candles

Ok, I'm going to talk about the Target Dollar Section for the third time, but for good reason.

I found this Blackberry Cider candle there a month ago, and I wish I had bought 6 more!!!

And the best part about candles? They don't go bad! I bought a giant fall Yankee Candle last year and only burned half of it to save the rest for this year.

So when you find those great candles for a deal? Stock up! Keep your eye out once stores start transitioning for Christmas too, because fall candles will definitely be on sale (and perfect to pack away for next year).

6) Fall Prints

I've been seeing Etsy prints everywhere. And most of them are downloads for only $5!!! You download them, print them yourself (typically customizable to whatever size you want) and hang them however, wherever. I currently have one from Rhiannon Skeens Designs, but I JUST purchased this fall print from Jessica at Sweet Little Ones Shop for fall! It is seriously so cute and only $5. But with the code 'CAPRA20' you get 20% off! (That makes the print only $4!)

Jessica's blog is great, and everything from her shop goes towards her beautiful family of 5 adopting another child. (She is also offering a FREE phone wallpaper on her blog for the next few days!)

On to the Giveaway!

Interested in some fall things that are FREE?

The winner of this giveaway will receive this fall candle, a "Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice" mug, $10 for Starbucks (maybe some real pumpkin spice?;) $50 to Shop Pink Blush, and three different dark fall shades of lipgloss!

The giveaway only lasts a week! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do you have any cheap tips for adding some fall flare to your space?

What are your favorite fall essentials?

Linking up with Home of Malones, Penniless Socialite, Bright on a Budget, Lizzie in Lace, Sept-Farm, Momfessionals, My Bows & Clothes, Elegantly Fashionable, More Pieces of Me, A Savory Feast, Posh Classy Mom,  Classy Yet Trendy,  & The Red Closet Diary