photo of orange cloudy sky

Supports for Fire Season

When I consider which plants have been used historically to support healthy airways, I first think about what would be most accessible to the most people. This post has some choices that are easy to find at most grocery stores, save one local (to me) business offering that I am going to highlight.

Elderflower Mocktail (5 minutes)

Tonight I experimented with a summer mocktail that ended up being a winner! Refreshing, light and crisp, and always a delight to use so many ingredients straight from my yard. Recipe in link.

composition of cosmetic bottle with pink rose petals and wooden plate

DIY Rose Elixir

I’ve had a few people ask me for the recipe to the Rose Elixir that I posted about a few weeks ago. It is so lovely, and the one that I made has multiple plants in it that historically have been known to be supportive in times of depression, sadness, and grief – especially for women. No matter what the coming months throw our way, I feel reassurance knowing this sits in my pantry at the ready.

photo of assorted herbs

Respiratory Supportive Herbs at the Grocery Store

I wanted to take a moment to share some key herbs found at many grocery stores that are historically known for supporting the respiratory system.

DIY Lavender Honey Body Wash

Today I’m sharing a quick and easy 5 minute DIY body wash recipe. This recipe is a simple way to reduce our plastic footprint and chemical consumption.

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Why DIY?

So why make stuff that is often easier and cheaper to buy? I like to do homestead projects because, for me, making stuff is just plain fun – at times it’s even meditative. But equally as important to me is the fact that there are often far fewer chemicals, waste and plastics involved with things that are homemade.  I also tend to appreciate the things I take time to bring to life by hand more than anything I quickly purchase on impulse.

Humans are wired to create.

I find it interesting that when I take time to “make”, I am always more deeply satisfied at the end of the day.  Additionally I love the bonus of community-building that can occur when I share or trade the things I make with others.

Try making something this week, however simple, and see if it doesn’t enrich your life too!

DIY Peppermint Lip Balm

This DIY peppermint lip balm recipe took me from start to finish about 10 minutes.  It feels great and is about as clean as it comes, with only two ingredients plus optional peppermint essential oil.  

Garden Abundance: Sneaky Greens

When you have an abundance of kale or other greens to consume, here’s an easy, make-ahead ice cube tray recipe to help you add a serving of greens to your smoothies.

Garden Abundance: Cilantro & Parsley Pesto 🌱

If you have an abundance of cilantro and parsley in your garden, check out my easy, make-ahead, Cilantro Parsley Pesto recipe. Both of these herbs have an impressive array of health benefits. Also, ever wonder why some people love cilantro and others hate it?

Little Rituals: Pay Attention

When I slow down enough to notice details and deliberately move through the moments of my day, there are so many opportunities to be amazed and feel gratitude.

I don’t always remember to pause and notice, but when I do, my day is better without fail:  I am more grounded in my values, more conscious of the actions I choose to take, and more resilient for any obstacles I face.

This weekend, I challenge us both to take five minutes to intentionally pause for the seemingly small stuff.

Little Rituals: Sit Outside

Today’s little ritual is quite possibly my favorite of them all. I rely on it often to help me return to baseline in times of stress, anxiety or frenzy, and to promote gratitude in times of ease.

This practice invites you to find ten minutes of space in your day to do nothing. Absolutely nothing. On purpose. And to go outside while you do it.  If being outdoors is not possible, then at a minimum sit by a window.

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Little Rituals: Light a Fire

Is there anything better than sitting around a fire on a dark, crisp winter night?  Whether alone or in community, something about a campfire is universally familiar, comforting, and grounding.

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Little Rituals: Feed the Birds

Do you have a bird feeder in your yard?  Or a place for birds to get water? If not, I humbly suggest you consider getting or making one this winter.  Create a sanctuary for winter birds to come and fill their tummies, and claim it as a visual reminder to clear space in your mind, and free yourself from a few moments of worry and/or thought-clutter.

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Little Rituals: Honey Lemon Cayenne Tea

Lately each day, when I’m feeling chilled or sense the hint of sickness coming on, I find myself making warm honey, lemon and cayenne “tea”.  I have always sworn this concoction can nip a fuzzy headed, drippy sore-throat feeling in the bud before it ever settles in, but I’ve never really known why it always seemed to work.  This week I took time to explore that curiosity.

Kid Fun: Make a Tiny Wormery (and Maybe Save the World🌎)

As follow up to my recent post on the importance of helping the Earth maintain and replace healthy topsoil, here’s a simple activity to help you have this conversation with your kids: Make a Tiny Wormery!