Design + DIY

Weekend Project: DIY Throw Pillows

How do you combine sustainability, creativity and a sense of fulfillment during cold winter months!? A DIY pillow project is a great way of giving fabrics or old clothing a second life and is the perfect way to carve out some creative time. To make it extra easy, most of the materials you’ll need for this project you likely already have in your home.

By Amy Voloshin

February 2022

I am a total night owl, but I know the importance that being well rested has on my days. Falling asleep isn’t always easy for me, but I don’t want to rely on medications or melatonin, so I’m always exploring natural solutions that will help me get to sleep earlier.

Lately, I’ve been trying to add a cup of tea to my evening routine. I brew a cup and enjoy it while watching TV. I have found this wind down routine to help me fall asleep faster and sleep better. I also wake up feeling refreshed and ready to make the most of each day. If you struggle with sleep like me, you might enjoy my DIY sleepytime tea recipe. Here’s hoping we can all enjoy a good night’s sleep!

DIY Sleepy Tea

I recently purchased some locally made tea from Sanctuary Herbs of Providence while my husband and I were visiting Rhode Island and I’ve been loving their Flower Power blend. It inspired me to create my own simplified tea recipe to help achieve better sleep.

Ingredients:

½ tsp dried chamomile

½ tsp dried lavender

½ tsp dried mint

1 cup of boiling water

Directions: Combine all dried ingredients into a tea infuser of your choice and place it in your cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes and enjoy!

“The lavender and mint add a little more complexity which makes it seem ‘fancier’ and elevates it from the typical grocery store sleepytime tea.” – Amy

This simple recipe is an elevated version of a typical grocery story sleepytime tea. Each ingredient is chosen specifically for its sleep inducing benefits. Chamomile has been known to reduce feelings of stress and increase sleepiness. Similarly, lavender has been used since ancient times to reduce anxiety, restlessness and insomnia. Mint’s aroma is also very relaxing and is frequently used to calm the mind and body (it’s properties are often used to relieve muscle tension).

The journey to better sleep is a very personal one. What works well for me may not be the solution for you, but I find that you don’t know until you give it a try. I’ve also been using the House of Wise stress CBD oil and developing an evening routine that helps me destress before bed. There are so many ways to relax your mind and body at night, but I have found this Sleepy Tea to be easy, enjoyable and effective. It’s all about finding an option that works best for you.

If you have any recommendations for improving sleep, I’d love to hear them! Comment below or email us at hello@printfresh.com.

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PF MAG: Founder Amy Voloshin is passionate about creating a space that speaks to our brand, shares unique perspectives from pattern enthusiasts and finds ways to promote more sustainable living. Our blog PF Mag covers creative topics on all things lifestyle - including behind the scenes looks, fashion, design, travel, and home decor, as well as interviews with some of the people who inspire us most.