How to Freshen Your Office & Outlook With Lavender & Lemon

The Office:
How many of you spend forty hours or more of your life in the office every week, year after year?  Yeah, I thought so...
It can get crazy there! The office can turn a sane person into a loon in no time flat.  I'm going to show you a couple of things you can "make and take" to the office that will help guard against sickness and regrettable moments like this ;)

First of all, take a moment to read all the attributes of lemon and lavender listed above.  Every single attribute could be applicable and utilized in the work place!  Especially DNA repair...for your boss!  No?  :)

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How to Make Sassy Water With {100% Pure} Essential Oils

Source

Sassy Water is a lot of different things to a lot of people.  First and foremost, Prevention magazine's Flat Belly Diet promotes Sassy Water (named after Cynthia Sass, Nutrition Director at Prevention magazine) as a Jump Start beverage infused with fresh lemon and cucumber slices, grated ginger and spearmint leaves.

Source

As a twist to this, I'd like to suggest a new Sassy Water using essential oils, pure enough to drink!  Many thanks to Brooke at The Family Kitchen for sharing this recipe!


Using doTERRA CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) essential oils I can splash in a few drops of lemon, grapefruit, ginger, peppermint and cinnamon for a new twist on Sassy Water!  


Why use EOs over fresh ingredients? 

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Oil Drip Pan Magnetic Board w/ "Rusty" Patina Recipe

Sometimes I run across things on Pinterest that really float my boat.  Wait...make that, ALL the time!  I'm loving this one, it has rustic elegance written all over it...never mind it's oil drip pan.

Did you know that you can go to Ace Hardware or Walmart and pick up a giant magnetic board in the guise of an oil drip pan??  We're talkin 47" X 26" of functional space for under $10!

Here's a few ideas on how to make one of these genius, functional, cheap magnetic boards match your style and work for you!

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Essential Oils for Pets: Dog Whisperer Approved

Essential Oils Aren't Just For Humans Anymore

Did you know that everybody's favorite Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan uses essential oils in his work with challenging pets?  He does and I'm grateful he paved the way for this conversation!

Let's face it, we're crazy about our pets!  They're family right?  For many of us, our pets are part of the household, they reside in our homes, so doesn't it make sense to be aware of their wellness AND their household footprint too?  Your pet is very much a contributor to the health of your family and home!

In this instance, Cesar is using Lavender essential oil to calm a traumatized dog.  First, Cesar puts 2 drops of lavender in his hands and cups his nose to inhale the scent so he himself can stay calm, then he applies Lavender during a mini massage to relax the poor puppy aromatically and physically.

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Make Nate's Rustic Side Table With Succulent!

Camp Wander was chosen to debut Nate's Rustic Side Table with Succulent Pocket...Hooray!

The simplicity of this piece feeds all my senses because it's rustic, re-purposed, functional, {green} and FREE...

Hooray Again!

As per Nate, all you need is what you pretty much see in the photo.  By the way, I'm creating an entire blog post around one cell phone camera shot so, my apologies for the lack of photos!  Nate doesn't have time for unnecessary details such as two cell phone camera shots....apparently.

Provisions:

1 - cut log to your desired height

1 - 4in succulent (plant)

Sand the top of your cut log and drill a hole large enough and deep enough on top so that a 4" succulent pot (and plant) will fit.  You can varnish the whole table if you prefer or, keep it beautifully simple and rustic.  Set your trendy succulent pot in it's pocket and...

...open a beverage of choice, sit yourself down and enjoy your masterpiece!

P.S.  Nate's my son, and a darn talented son at that ;)

Thanks Nate!

9 Things I Always Knew Were Good For Me

Last week I ran across an article written by Maria Rodale who must have gotten in my head somehow.  As I read her list of 10 good things...I was shouting amen and hallelujah sister all the way down the list.  Validation is a beautiful thing!  

9 Things I Knew...

1.  Coffee:  I was 41 when I had my first cup of coffee.  The reasons aren't important but, I knew in my heart that it couldn't be all bad...coffee is natural and the world LOVED it so!  (brb, must brew).  Life as I knew it changed after my first cup.  Even though my upbringing taught me differently, coffee has become one of my greatest joys and, my life is brighter because of it!  

2.  The whole (organic) egg:  I too stuck with the yolk while others shouted "FOUL" (hehe).  Remember when white was in and yellow was out?  My favorite part is the yolk, that's where all the good stuff is!




3.  Nature's Fats:  Organic butter, olive oil and even lard are what I'm talking about.  Fat is necessary for a healthy diet, there are foods that the body can't digest without healthy fats  like spinach and kale.  As long as these fats are organic and natural (without chemicals or engineered) and used in moderation, they can be part of a healthy diet.  

4.  Sunlight:  When did the sun become the enemy?  I've always loved the sun!  I feel rejuvenated and alive when exposed to sunlight.  The emphasis on sunscreen has become excessive to the point that people avoid sunshine at all costs! I'm not saying that sunscreen is all bad, but as a society, we've  become increasingly vitamin D deficient which is essential for good health!  Get out and enjoy the sunshine and, your "healthy (in moderation) tan".  

5.  Chocolate:  Nature provides and mandates that anything that tastes so good must have some healthy qualities (amen!).  For me, chocolate is right up there with coffee...a joy, in moderation of course (says my jeans).




6.  Buy organic:  I've been a believer and a consumer of organic products for years!  Even before the farmer's market and buy local movement became popular, I looked for and bought organic food.  I'm an avid organic gardener because it feels right.  I don't understand how people look the other way and buy cheap, chemical laden foods to feed their body.  Now, there's plenty of evidence to back up my hunch that organic foods and gardening are the right thing to do.  Never before have we had such high rates of cancer, diabetes, allergies and autism.  

7.  Getting out in nature:  More and more people isolate themselves from nature because they're too busy or it's too dirty.  For me, nature is one big AHA moment.  There is no place else that makes me feel centered or at home than being outside.  Get dirty, let your kids get dirty, climb a tree or hike a trail.  Get healthy, save money and cancel your therapist appointment, visit a National Park!


8.  Get some sleep:  Does anyone remember the movie "Baby Boom" with Diane Keaton?  She played the part of a high powered marketing exec in New York who had it all...or so she thought.  When did it become vogue to work and not sleep?  I'd rather get 8 hrs, early to bed and early to rise!  Like I've said before, I must have farmer's blood in my veins because that my natural rhythm.

9.  Laugh!:  Everyone must know this...it's pretty much a no-brainer, no rocket scientist needed...but maybe a  neuroscientist?  I love this:  When in doubt, choose comedy over tragedy, laughter over tears and common sense over peer pressure.  I've always detested scary or sad movies, books or plays.  Why on earth would I want to spend my precious free time creating anxiety for myself?  

Thank you Maria Rodale for your insightful list!  If you get the chance, check out her blog, Maria's Farm Country Kitchen, I love it!

What did you always "know"?

How to Repel Bed Bugs...Naturally

Unlike the last post, the pretty lavender spritzer for linen and home, this post is gross, sick and gag reflex worthy!  I could talk myself out of staying in a hotel for the rest of my days after reading about bed bugs.

*shudder*  *cringe*  *gasp*

Bed bugs ugh!  I know this isn't a pretty subject but if you're vacationing this summer in a hostel, hotel or any other place where large numbers of people sleep, we need to know this stuff!

Bed bugs can be found in the swankiest hotels and the humblest  hostels.  The little buggers are no discriminators of taste but, they're particular of their habitat and who they dine on.

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CW Extra! No Spill {To Go} Cup!

We're constantly on the go, we're a big deal and we're B U S Y.   And...we want things fast, simple and delicious!

Here's an idea who's time has come!  We love this for our Baked Oatmeal in the mornings but, it comes in handy for any time of day!  If you have kids, it's perfect for picnics and beach days...just fill with fresh fruit or yogurt or both!

Portability and versatility with a cup, a lid and a spoon!

5 Reasons to Start using Essential Oils

A few days ago I posted a "How to Apply Essential Oils" reference chart and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised at the positive feedback!  


Some of you sent emails wanting to know how to get started with essential oils, a totally valid question!  I was a bit daunted in the beginning too.  So, let's start with the medicine cabinet and my 5 alternatives for OTC products.

Most of our medicine cabinets look like the left side of the photo, am I right?  Did you know that a few essential oils, can replace most if not all the OTC products you're harboring in your medicine cabinet?  Well, you can!

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How to Apply Essential Oils - Reference Chart

Many of you already know that I'm a strong believer in essential oils.  I've experienced their superior healing qualities first hand and added them to household cleaners for their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and, anti-microbial properties.  I also use essential oils in skin care recipes that I sell commercially and use on a daily basis myself. 

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Got Wine Corks? Re-purpose into Firestarters!

If you're anything like me, you find wine corks somewhat artful, each is unique and really hard to throw away!

Guess what realsimple magazine came up with (LOVE that mag!).  Yep, it's on fire right before your baby blues.

Look at the backround of this photo, see that huge hurricane glass?  It's full to the brim because I'm a cork hoarder.  There, I said it out loud...errr typed it, I feel so free.

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Elk Camp Solar Lanterns + Provisions

Welcome to Elk Camp on the Grey's River in Wyoming.

The elk hunt in Wyoming is a big deal.  We rely on elk for it's clean meat throughout the year.  Mike's already knee deep in topo maps, lists, gear and more lists.  We spent last weekend scouting elk camp sites...in June!  There's just so much to plan and organize because you never know if it's going to be warm in Oct. or snowy (ewww).  Needless to say, the gear involved borders on ridiculous.

This year I have a crafty contribution to Elk Camp that will ease the burden of old, out of shape guys chasing elk and, reduce some of the gear.  

 Solar lanterns!

Lets face it, gas lanterns are SO yesterday!  Make your guy several inexpensive solar lanterns for his burly adventures and bask in his clueless wonderment.  Picture this welcome sight, a few lanterns lighting up camp as the guys stumble in after a long day of hiking.  No worries of flame or fire and, the lanterns start to glow at dusk without being told :)  

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10 Garden Solutions Lurking in your Pantry

Betcha didn't know that you may already have the solutions you need for many of your garden woes.  Look to your pantry, many of our everyday pantry staples are powerful allies in the garden!

I learned of these things from P. Allen Smith's cat Marge, apparently she writes articles for P. Allen.  Title of the article: Marge says, "From Kitchen to Garden".   She thinks he's a knucklehead, I think he's adorable!


Let's look at a few of these solutions.  I may throw in a few of my own too.

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What's for Dinner Tonight? CW Extra!

Afternoon everybody!  It's time to answer that "old as dirt" question:

What's for dinner tonight?

Lucky for us, it's summer time and grilling season.  I have a quick marinade for steak that will rock your world!  Only 2 ingredients besides S & P, and 30 to 60 minute marinade time.

Marinade: 1 part Balsamic Vinegar

                      1 part Whiskey

Fill a 1 - 1/2 oz shot glass with 1 part vinegar to 1 part whiskey.  This will be enough marinade for two steaks (I placed my wedding band next to glass so you can get a better idea the size of the glass).  

Marinate your steaks for 30 min to an hour and grill!  

Bon Appetit!

Rebecca

How to Stake Tomatoes the Rustic Sicilian Way!

Behold our rustic garden.

This ain't Italy and we're not Sicilian but, we like how they do things (minus mafia mayhem).  They treat their tomatoes with an "in yo face" no nonsense approach and demand a profit.  Yo Pauly!

Mike and I have gone the rounds on how to stake tomatoes.  I want tidy, symmetrical, gigantic cages and he wants...this.  But every  year, even in our pathetic garden zone, we get a killer crop of the juicy red orbs.


Which proves to me, tomatoes appreciate ugly gardens.



The beauty of the tough guy approach to tomato staking is economical simplicity.  The materials can be broken down and used year after year, the method allows for air circulation and containment and, last but now least:  a great way to repurpose T-shirts!

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DIY Pesticide Wash for Produce

Several weeks ago, I blogged about a DIY Produce Rinse.  A basic formula of water and vinegar that's been proven effective for removing bacteria from produce.  

Since then, I've received a lot of comments voicing concern about  pesticides used by non-organic growers and can pesticides be washed off? 


YES, you can wash off most pesticides but, it isn't convenient, nobody claims this method removes ALL pesticides and, in order to be effective, specific steps need to be taken to avoid cross contamination.


In my search for a pesticide wash, I must say, there's a deplorable lack of actual scientific fact and/or studies on the subject.  Why is this?!  Shouldn't this be important and available information to everyone?  It shouldn't be so difficult to protect our health...grrrr!

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