Using Diffusers

Essential oils have been used in our home for several years.
We prefer the DoTerra brand,
as we've always had good experience with them.
These oils can be added to diffusers, applied topically,
and some are even safe enough to ingest.
Especially in winter, when the air is exceedingly dry,
dispersing oils into the air helps keep humidity higher,
while adding a fragrance to fit one's mood.
We usually have lemon or orange diffusing in the living room,
but we use peppermint during the holidays. 
Aromatic application can encourage
relaxation, stimulation and emotional renewal.
The diffuser shown above is our living room unit.
It gets filled in the morning,
and pretty much goes all day,
cleaning and scenting the air.
This unit has an automatic shut-off,
so if I forget to turn it off before bedtime,
it will shut off when the water is gone.

Using a diffuser with essential oils in the bedroom
encourages sounder sleep.
Scents such as lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, and even vanilla
foster a sense of relaxation and restfulness.
Eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary can aide
in breathing easier through the sleep cycle.
Along with the chosen aroma,
the vaporizing effect of the mist adds needed humidity to the air,
especially in the dry winter months.
I was even able to find a diffuser
with an added bonus, a white noise option.
Between the essential oils and my choice of rain, 
a rolling stream or incoming waves, my sleep has improved.

An important aspect when using a diffuser in any application,
is keeping it clean.
The water sometimes sits and creates mildew in the reservoir.
Simply using warm water and perhaps a bit of vinegar
will take care of the problem.
I do this at least once a month,
and more if I see it's needed.
This ensures that the diffuser will last longer
and continue to support your well being.

Our diffusers are a welcome addition to the homestead.

Laundry Made Fun

A couple of weeks ago,
I was scanning some local ads on Next Door,
which is similar to Craig's List,
except that it contains items relevant to your immediate area.
It's fun once in a while to see what bargains might be out there,
or things that people are giving away that we might be able to repurpose.
It was quite surprising to find a patio set listed for $40,
so we went to see it and ended up purchasing it.
It looks brand new, 
and although I wasn't really thinking about buying deck furniture,
this just fell into our lap.
What does that have to do with laundry, you ask?
Bear with me...

 Well, one of the items on my wanna have list,
was a clothesline.
I had one in Florida, even though our HOA tried to keep us from having one.
(It's against the law to prohibit clotheslines.)
Until now, I've been making do here with one large drying rack,
setting it out on the deck to dry my clothes and linens.
Big K and I talked about how we could make a clothesline work out there,
so that I didn't have to go up and down the steps with a heavy basket of wet clothes.
We stumbled upon this folding clothesline.

One of the most appealing things about it
is the lack of packaging that came with it.
This paper, cardboard box and plastic wrapping paper
are all recyclable.  
How refreshing to have a minimal amount of packaging.

 Contained in the package is this spike which the user
can pound into the ground,
thereby eliminating the need for concrete.
It even comes with a rubber cap to place over the top
when the clothesline is removed for storage.
This prevents critters, dirt or rainwater from getting inside.
The spike just happens to fit in the grooves of our deck.

 The table and chairs I mentioned earlier?
The pole for the clothesline fits perfectly in the hole of the glass table.
Now I can use the clothesline right on the deck,
which is directly off the kitchen.
No need to rig something up or come up with some new idea 
about how to make it work in our application.
Don't you just love when things come together effortlessly?

The clothesline is retractable, so you can store it elsewhere
or purchase a vinyl cover if you'd rather leave it up.

 Another feature I love about this clothesline,
(or rotary dryer, as it's called by the company),
are the notched arms where hangers can be placed
to dry dresses, shirts or sweaters.

 There is plenty of room for a full load,
maybe even two at the same time.
This clothesline is the perfect addition to our homestead.
It makes me look forward to laundry day!

(I'm not compensated by this company,
I just like to keep the good stuff moving.)
Here's 
where you can find out more about this amazing product.

Golden Milk

Recently, the dermatitis on my hands has come back
with a vengeance.
It seems there is no rhyme or reason,
as it showed up unexpectedly about 3 years ago
and left on its own after a year.
I never had skin issues up until then,
and I never did find any pattern to connect it to anything.
Allergy testing was done then (and now),
with nothing showing up as a possible cause.
A little over a month ago,
it reappeared and I have no idea why.
After a couple of trips to the doctor,
there is still no explanation.
It seems that this condition is enigmatic.

 There have been several suggestions regarding how best to treat it.
Many involve using some form of turmeric.
Turmeric is a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties
and is used in treating everything from skin conditions
to digestive issues to cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The research continues, but until I find out more,
 this lil' cocktail is being enjoyed every evening.
I figure it can't hurt. 
My doctor suggested it,
as she herself has suffered from the condition.
(She is the best doctor I've ever had,
so willing to share integrative remedies,
rather than relying on medication.)

This recipe might sound like a strange combination,
but it actually is quite tasty.

Golden Milk
(Wellness Mama)

2 C almond milk
1 t turmeric
1/2 t cinnamon powder
pinch ground pepper
1/4 t ginger powder
pinch cayenne
1 t honey

Blend ingredients together 
and heat until hot, not boiling.
Enjoy!

Breathe Easy

I have a history of getting sinus infections.

In fact, I limit my dairy consumption,

as it is known to be a problem for anyone who suffers with sinus issues.

A doctor once told me that because of the bouts of sinusitis in the past,

I will never regain my sense of smell.

A sinus infection is more than just a clogged or dripping nose.

It affects folks in different ways.

In my case, I have difficulty breathing through my nose, yes,

but my main complaint is fatigue.

Being stricken with a sinus infection just 

wears 

me 

out.

In the past I have had to take antibiotics to knock it out of my system.

Always looking for a more natural way to handle illness,

a friend recommended that I try a sinus rinse.

This is different than a Neti Pot, which I tried in the past without much success.

This particular kit came with a bottle with a spray nozzle

and about 30 packets of saline solution to use with it.

I've been using it regularly for about 2 months now,

and I have to say that it has made a difference.

(Can I just say that I miss the simple days 
of being able to jump into bed without having to do a thing?

Wash face, brush teeth and you were done.

After 50, [and I'm well beyond that], 
there is a whole routine that must take place 
in order to be able to go to bed at night.

Who's with me on this?)

I still have a deviated septum, which makes breathing clearly a challenge,

but for the most part, my respiration seems improved.

I didn't want to keep buying those packets of solution,

(packaging concerns and costs add up),

so I found a recipe that I'm happy to pass along.

Even if you don't suffer with sinus infections,

it's a natural way to deal with allergies or colds.

Hope it helps you breathe a little easier!

Saline Solution for Allergies

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 baking soda

8 ounces distilled water

Combine ingredients in squeeze bottle, shake,

and discharge into one nostril at a time.

Be sure to allow solution to drip out

and then gently blow your nose.

May be used several times a day.

~~~~~~~

Dr. Tieraona Low Dog has 

many other suggestions for dealing with seasonal allergies

using natural approaches.

You can find her website here.

A Wooly Solution to Static

Dryer sheets haven't been used by our household for years.

The chemicals found in them are undesirable,

especially considering C's allergies.

We haven't yet set up our clothesline at this new house,

so most things get put directly into the dryer after the wash cycle.

I was thrilled to find a solution to controlling static electricity in our dried clothes.

These are wool dryer balls that not only tame static,

but also aide in clothes drying faster.

The tumbling action allows for more space amongst the contents of the dryer,

cutting the drying time by a significant measure.

They are reusable, so a onetime purchase

is a very distinct possibility!

What a wonderful housewarming gift!

Here's the blurb from the listing on Amazon:

 "100% HANDMADE IN THE U.S.A. This lot contains six 100% wool dryer balls made by "A Little Green Bee". They are completely made out of wool, inside and out. We use wool roving to form the ball. They are a little larger than the size of a tennis ball and will shrink slightly over time. They are "All-Natural". All natural means that this product is 100% free from any synthetic fibers. These cute little felted wool balls are designed to reduce drying time, soften fabrics, cut down on static, decrease lint, and reduce wrinkles. Because they are reusable, you will never need to purchase fabric softener or dryer sheets. And unlike other wool dryer balls made from yarn, they will not unravel and will last for years. Over time your Wool Dryer Balls will develop pills on them (If they bother you- just run a sweater depiller or light razor over them to remove pills). These balls last for years and the more pilling the better. Pills = softer clothing because there is more surface friction. They get better with age. Put away those chemical dryer sheets, protect your family and the environment, and go green with natural dryer balls!"

It does my heart good to know that 

there is a natural solution to the problem of static.

Supporting farmers in the USA clinched the deal for me.