I think we can all say that sleep is something we're not getting very much of right now. You might've just fallen out of your regular sleep schedule or simply can't fall asleep. I know you've heard this a lot but sleep is very important. Not only does it help you function through the day but without proper sleep each night, you can become sleep deprived (Side note: how many times will I write the word, "sleep" in this post?). Sleep deprivation can lead to a multitude of health issues, some of which can be life threatening. Some side effects are high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, and many heart issues that can lead to heart failure. What this blog boils down to is that it's not too hard to return to our regular sleeping habits and find ways to  "cure" our restlessness. By doing a little internet deep-dive, I've complied some quick and easy ways to have a full night's sleep and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated!

For the person who stares at their ceiling for hours on end. It's actually very helpful to get out of bed. This gets you to stop thinking about not being able to sleep but also lets you relax and calm your brain. Some things you can try are reading part of a book, drinking a cup of tea, or getting a glass of warm milk. By doing a small task for at least twenty minutes, it will help your brain slow down so that you can return to bed and fall asleep much easier.

A major change you can make is not using your phone before bed. It may seem just a tad bit impossible for some of you not to check your phone (believe me it's hard for me some nights) before bed and throughout the night but there are many positives that come with putting it down and you'll see changes almost immediately. Nightmares become less frequent, morning anxiety subsides greatly, you (could) read a lot more because you have more time to do things before bed instead of staring at your phone for hours, waking up in the middle of the night becomes less frequent because you've become accustomed to not grabbing your phone and falling back asleep quicker, and last but not least, your skin will actually get clearer with less phone use in the night. Win-win all around!

This may be a shock but reorganizing and rearranging your space can help you sleep better. By decluttering your room and rearranging old furniture to create a "new space" will refresh your perspective and allow you to truly relax in a room that is free of unnecessary things. One new thing you can add to your space is blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are a special set of curtains that blocks out any light so you can fall asleep faster and longer. Definitely a worthwhile investment

You can also make a change to your bedding. Thicker blankets help you fall asleep faster because they give you much more security than thinner blankets. Softer or memory foam pillows help take away the tensions in your neck and shoulders which then helps your back and hips relax. For someone who's had chronic back/neck/shoulder/hip pain their whole life, especially at night, the right kind of pillows help align your whole body for a better, relaxing night sleep.

Creating a nighttime routine helps unwind you in the hours leading up to bed and the hours you're going to be asleep. Starting about an hour or two before bed will give you plenty of time to shower, clean your face (clogged pours are not your friend), read a book, meditate, get used to no blue light, and whatever else you'd like to get done before you go to bed.  

That's all for now! However, I have a surprise for you all! Since some days can be slow, this week is going to be a double blog week! Tune in Thursday for some extra reading. I'm excited about this one because it's going to take us back into the kitchen. Any guesses what we're going to be making? Your hint is that it involves blending. 

See you Thursday!!
-Caroline:)

​Instagram: @carhill765
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Did anyone guess the hint from last week? The word was "crafty" because this week is going to be all about unleashing your crafty side with some super simple projects. If you're scared, don't be! Everything I've picked are both kid-proof and adult-proof. Happy crafting!

Stained Window Art

What you will need:
 🌈Decent sized window
 🌈Tape
 🌈Paint

Step #1: Place tape on window in whatever pattern you'd like

Step #2: Paint window (make sure it's the correct type so your window doesn't get damaged)

Step #3: Allow paint to dry

Step #4: Remove tape and enjoy a colorful view!

​​Fairy Garden

What you will need:
 🌈Container of choice
 🌈Potting soil
 🌈Small plants
 🌈Decorative pieces (Homemade or store bought

Step #1: Find your fairy garden location (They can be woven baskets, large bowls, planting pots, birdbaths, drawers, etc)

Step #2: Buy potting soil and plants that will grow just under a foot at full growth (Marigolds, ivy, violets, dwarf zinnias, and moss make good choices. Thyme and rosemary are also good to add for a sweet smelling aroma)

Step #3: Line your container with heavy duty plastic

Step #4: Pour in soil up to an inch from the top

Step #5: Set up landscape with plants and use other materials to add some character (Example: Lay a colorful pot on its side and cover it part way in dirt to serve as a fairy home)

Step #6: Decorate! Place dollhouse furniture in the garden, popsicles for a fairy fence, small stones for a path, and any other creative pieces

Step #7: Keep a watchful eye out for new fairy visitors!
Gel Air Freshener 

What you will need:
 🌈4oz mason jars (this recipe fills two)
 🌈 Frog lids for jars
 🌈Mixing bowl
 🌈Spoon
 🌈Two packets of gelatin powder
 🌈​Measuring cup (1/2 cup and teaspoon)
 🌈Food coloring (optional)
 🌈Fragrance oil or essential oil of choice

Step #1: in the mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of hot water and the two gelatin packets

Step #2: Start stirring immediately until powder is dissolved

Step #3: Add food coloring until the color you want appears (It can be left clear as well)

Step #4: Pour 1/2 cup of VERY COLD water into the bowl

Step #5: Mix the cold and hot water until completely combined

Step #6: Add 1-2 teaspoons of desired scent

Step #7: Pour liquid evenly into both jars

Step #8: Remove the flat canning lid that comes with the jar and replace it with the frog lid (Make sure the frog lid is tightly secured in place)

Step #9: Let the jar sit in a cool place to set fo about 1-2 hours

Step #10: Start enjoying your homemade air fresheners 

Non-Sticky Slime

What you will need:
 🌈1/2 cup of Elmers GLUE-ALL Glue 
 🌈1 1/2 cup of Shaving Cream
 🌈1 1/2 tbsp of Contact Saline w/ Boric Acid (You may need to add more depending on the consistency of your slime)
 🌈Medium Sized Bowl
 🌈Stirring Tool (Spoons or a plastic spatula would work well)
 🌈Food coloring

Step #1: Measure out Elmers Glue and pour into your bowl

Step #2: Add in 2-3 drops of food coloring (You can use more if you want a darker color)

Step #3: Mix until the food coloring is completely combined with the glue (No more white can be seen)

Step #4: Measure out shaving cream (This doesn't need to be precise, just as close as you can get it)

Step #5: Mix in shaving cream with your glue (it will start taking on a fluffy appearance)

Step #6: Add in contact solution a little at a time; Use more or less as needed (It's important to use solution containing boric acid as this helps the slime to not be sticky)

Step #7: Continue to stir until it doesn't stick to the bowl (The slime should start to clump together and form a ball)

Step #8: Knead the slime by hand (It will be a little sticky at first but the kneading should help make it less sticky. If not, add more contact solution)

Step #9: Once the slime is no longer sticky, you can start playing!
​
Map Coasters

What you will need:
 🌈Blank coasters (Can be found at any craft store)
 🌈Old road maps (Or any other material you like)
 🌈Modge podge
 🌈Foam Brush
 🌈Scissors 

Step #1: Trace map coaster and cut out tracing

​Step #2: Cover the top of coaster with modge podge using a foam brush to spread it evenly

Step #3: Smooth your map tracing out evenly on the coaster then apply another thin layer of modge podge on top of the map

Step #4: Let dry before using

​Pipe Cleaner Animals (Pinterest has a lot of these but I'm just showing one)

What you'll need:
 🌈Pipe cleaners
 🌈Goggly eyes
 🌈Small black beads
 🌈Hot glue

Turtle

Step #1: Coil brown pipe cleaner into a circle and bend the pipe cleaners so that the center of the circle is raised

Step #2: Make the legs head and tail with green pipe cleaners

Step #3: Glue the eyes to the head

Step #4: Glue the head to the bottom of the shell

Step #5: Glue on legs and tail

Step #6: Make a second coiled circle out of brown pipe cleaner and glue it to the under side of the turtle

Step #7: Start your zoo of pipe cleaner animals with your new turtle!

Rock Art

 What you'll need:
 🌈Rocks
 🌈Paintbrushes
 🌈Paint
 🌈Paint markers

Step #1: Pick out a rock

Step #2: Paint however you wish

Step #3: Let rock dry (30 min-1 hr or longer if needed)

Step #4: Decorate different areas with your fun rocks!

Paper Plate Snails

What you'll need:
 🌈Scrap paper in different colors
 🌈Scissors
 🌈Small paper plates
 🌈Pencil
 🌈Glue
 🌈Cardstock or construction paper
 🌈Goggly eyes
 🌈Black marker

Step #1: Pick out the scrap paper you want to use

​Step #2: Cut the paper into square pieces or have kids tear them

​Step #3: Glue the pieces of paper starting at the edge into a spiral pattern and leave a little space at the start where the snail's head will go

Step #4: Cut out a snail head out of construction paper 

Step #5: Glue goggly eyes to the snail's tentacles and make a smiley face with the black marker

Step #6: Glue the snail's head to the back of the paper plate

​Step #7: Have fun with your homade friend!

Mason Jar Fairy Light

What you'll need:
 🌈Mason Jar
 🌈Needle nose pliers and wire cutters (wear eye protection when cutting)
 🌈Dry cleaner's wire hangers
 🌈Tea candles (real or LED) or LED fairy lights 

Step #1: Measure out a piece of your hanger that is 12 in long and cut it

Step #2: Make a loop in the middle of your wire (using your needle nose pliers) then wrap the entire wire around the jar's neck until the two ends meet (they can overlap a little too)

Step #3: Twist the ends together into another loop and cut off an excess wire

Step #4: Take another wire hanger and cut it in half 

Step #5: Take the straight (bottom) piece and bend it in the middle using the neck of the jar as your guide

Step #6: Using your needle nose pliers, create a hooked shape at the ends of the wire so it can go through the loops on your jar

Step #7: Close off the hooks so it doesn't slip out and place your candles inside

Step #8: Place your jars around to make your next gathering whimsical and fun!

Galaxy Jar

What you'll need:
 🌈16oz glass or plastic jar with lid
 🌈Distilled water
 🌈Cotton balls
 🌈Turquoise liquid water color
 🌈White liquid water color
 🌈Magenta liquid water color
 🌈Violet liquid water color
 🌈Silver glitter 

Step #1: Press a handful of cotton balls on the bottom of the jar

Step #2: Sprinkle 1 tsp of sliver glitter over the cotton balls

Step #3: Pour diluted turquoise liquid water color over the cotton balls until absorbed

Step #4: Continue layering the cotton balls, glitter, and diluted liquid water until you reach the top of the jar (make sure the cotton balls are packed in tightly so the color doesn't get mixed together and it maintains its swirly, galaxy appearance)

Step #5: Enjoy your galaxy in a jar for weeks to come!


Unicorn Dream Catcher

What you'll need:
 🌈6" embroidery hoops
 🌈Various types of yarn and ribbon
 🌈Hot glue
 🌈Felt (Colors of your choice)
 🌈Decorative craft flowers
 🌈Scissors
 🌈Glitter paper

Step #1: Wrap yarn around your embroidery hoop and secure it with a small amount of hot glue

Step #2: Tie yarn around on end of the hoop then tie around the hoop (crisscross tightly) and tie off the yarn when your done

Step #3: Using two different colors of felt, cut out outer ears (make sure the inner ear felt is stiffer so it sticks up) and inner ears then glue them together

Step #4: Create a horn using your glitter paper

Step #5: Cut various ribbon and yarn for the hanging pieces to the lengths that you want (remember when you're cutting that the ribbon and yarn will be folded over to make a loop)

Step #6: Decide how you want your flower pattern to go

Step #7: Assemble your dreamcatcher! Hot glue the ears, horn, and flowers to the hoop

Step #8: Loop your previously cut hangings through the hoop (This video will help with this step and any other steps if you get lost/confused)

Aquarium in a Jar

What you'll need:
🌈Mason jar (any type of jar would work)
🌈Sea life miniature figures
🌈Assorted plastic aquarium plants (trim if needed)
🌈Aquarium gravel (any color)
🌈Glitter (optional)
🌈Water (distilled or filtered water is less cloudy)
🌈Blue food coloring 
🌈Large Glass

Step #1: Place any plant in your jar then add about an inch of gravel and (if you chose to) 1/2 tsp of glitter

Step #2: Using your large glass, fill it with water then add one drop of blue food coloring (Don't make it too dark)

Step #3: Once completely mixed, pour the water in the jar but not all the way to the top yet

Step #4: Place sea creatures of your choice in the jar then you can finish filling it

Step #5: Secure the lid in place and enjoy an aquarium that needs no cleaning!

That's all for this week! Make sure to post pictures of anything you do at home. Not only would I love to see it but everyone could use some inspiration to keep the kids (and themselves) entertained while we wait for everything to re-open. With that, here's your clue for next week:
It's something some of us might not be getting enough of. It's five letters. Any guesses?? Leave your ideas in the comments!
Have a great weekend and stay healthy!!
-Caroline:)

​Instagram: @carhill765
Facebook: Caroline Hill and Fashion Fun and Extra
Twitter: @carolinegh16
Podcast: Convo's With Caroline
YouTube: Caroline Hill
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​FabFitFun: I'm a #fabfitfunaffiliate now! Get 20% off your first box by clicking my link and using my code SPRINGLOVE at checkout!

I've reached a new level of boredom. I pretty much live off of Netflix and go to bed at 9:00 because at least when I go to bed, I'm somewhat productive (rebuilding my energy for the next day). I figured that a lot of you might need some new things to do so it's time for me to introduce to you five books that will (hopefully) bring some joy to your life.

#5: The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald
The Night Olivia Fell is a new book I just got last month and I wasn't sure if I'd like it but I was pleasantly surprised. It follows a mother and daughter both in the past and present. In the present, Abi Knight learns that her daughter Olivia is in the hospital after a seemingly accidental fall from a bridge. She soon learns that Olivia is not only brain dead but also pregnant. Olivia must remain on life support until the baby can be born. While waiting for the time to come, Abi embarks on her own investigation to discover what led to Olivia's fall after she found threatening messages on Olivia's phone and learns that the police plan to declare it an accident without looking any further. In the past, which takes place from the spring of that year to the night of the fall, Olivia begins to unravel a family secret: her father's identity. As the past and present collide, mother and daughter make shocking discoveries about both themselves and each other.

#4: Collared by David Rosenfelt
This title may sound odd but it's actually a pretty cool book. A dog is abandoned at a dog rescue center and he turns out to be the "DNA dog". A few years prior, baby Dylan vanished while he was at the park with his nanny. That family dog Cody was also taken. Police right away suspected Dylan's mother's ex, Kieth and went to search his home. There was no sign of Dylan but police did find dog hair which they found odd since Kieth didn't have a dog. The hairs were logged in the police forensic database and came back as Cody's. Hence, the nickname, "DNA dog". Kieth was arrested for kidnapping based on that evidence but Dylan was never found. He just disappeared. Now that Cody is back, the investigation is re-opened. Will Dylan ever be found or is he forever lost?

#3: The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson
I don't know if you remember all the way back to September but in that book club post, there was a book called Truly Devious. That book was apart of a trilogy and this would be book two. The Vanishing Stair picks up a little while after the events at the end of the last book. Stevie Bell is still trying to solve the infamous mystery surrounding Ellingham Academy. After another body is found, seemingly dead by accident, Stevie is more determined to figure out who Truly Devious is and who's responsible for the events in the present. Some think the past should stay buried but will Stevie listen, especially if her life depends on it?

#2: The Hand in the Wall by Maureen Johnson
The mystery of Truly Devious is finally solved (did you think I'd make you wait for the third book?). Stevie figured it out. She cracked one of America's most infamous crimes of the 20th century. But somewhere inside of her is still doubtful. The culprit is caught but there's still the question of the missing Alice Ellingham, the daughter of the school's founder who disappeared along with her mother in 1936 at the age of three. Her body has never been found but where would she be? Stevie has almost all the pieces but they still don't fit just yet. However, when the school evacuates ahead of a deadly snowstorm, Stevie decides to stay on the mountain to find the killer. All the answers are there but is she ready for the truth?

​#1: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Following two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle as Germany invades France in World War II, this book details their struggles and victories as they both deal with their own situations. One sister is forced to house German soldiers if she wants to survive, making multiple risky decisions to protect her young daughter while the other becomes part of the resistance, risking her life time and time again to save others. While the story highlights a time of unrest in world history it also sheds light on a part of history that never had a place on the world's stage: the women's war. Weaving together two sister's stories who have been separated by time, experience, and personal ideals but each taking similar paths to protect, love, survive, and win back their freedom. A novel that celebrates human resilience and the strength of women in the face of adversity, The Nightingale is a novel for all.

April's picks are some of my favorites and some that I just discovered over the last couple of weeks. Let me know if you read any of these or what you've been reading from your own bookshelf. Tune in next month for more picks from me and I'll see you all next week!

Hint for next week's blog: Not everyone thinks they're_____________. It's six letters. The missing word is the topic. Let me know if  you figure it out!

Remember to wash your hands!
-Caroline:)

Instagram: @carhill765
Facebook: Caroline Hill and Fashion Fun and Extra
Twitter: @carolinegh16
Podcast: Convo's With Caroline
YouTube: Caroline Hill
Pinterest: Caroline Hill
​FabFitFun: I'm a #fabfitfunaffiliate now! Get 20% off your first box by clicking my link and using my code SPRINGLOVE at checkout!

You guys!! It feels like it's been so long. The last time I posted on here was March 18th but I have been posting on my "Let's Chat" tab so if you'd like more content, you're welcome to go read those. I'm sure by now, you've all heard that they've extended closures until at least April 30th which is why I've designed my blogs to be all about things that you can do indoors. This week is my specially curated list of shows and movies you should watch on Netflix and Disney+. 

What to Watch on Netflix
Life As We Know It 
Love is Blind
The First Monday in May
Dead to Me
P.S. I Still Love You
The People v OJ Simpson
To All The Boys I've Loved Before
The Assassination of Gianni Versace
​Casting JonBenèt
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann
The King's Speech
Virgin River
Bird Box
The Crown
Diana: 7 Days That Shook The World
Queer Eye
Hidden in Plain Sight
Fuller House
How to Get Away With Murder
Grey's Anatomy
Homecoming
The Circle
Private Practice
​Sugar Rush
Lucifer
Forensic Files
Cold Case Files
Criminal Minds

What to Watch on Disney+ (This One's Mostly Movie's)
Frozen 1 and 2
Toy Story 1-4
The Mandalorian
Onward
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginnings
Anastasia
Sleeping Beauty
Beauty and the Beast
The Rescuers
Cinderella
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 
Mulan
Pocahantas
The Lion King
Disney's Fairytale Weddings
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The Corpse Bride 
Halloweentown
Moana
The Lady and the Tramp
The Princess and the Frog
Alice in Wonderland
The Brave Little Toaster
Princess Diaries 1 and 2

Hopefully my lists gave you some ideas. Obviously you shouldn't spend the entire day watching TV so don't try to tackle the entire list at once. 
Some of my personal favorites are: Lucifer, The Crown, Casting JonBenèt, The King's Speech, The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, Homecoming, Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, all of the Little Mermaid movies, Moana, The Corpse Bride, Anastasia, The Princess and the Frog, Princess Diaries, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, and Disney's Fairytale Weddings.

Hope everyone's doing well!
-Caroline:)
Instagram: @carhill765
Facebook: Caroline Hill and Fashion Fun and Extra
Twitter: @carolinegh16
Podcast: Convo's With Caroline
YouTube: Caroline Hill
Pinterest: Caroline Hill
​