Saturday, December 29, 2012
The Essence Of Peace: Healthy Flavored Dipping Oils
The Essence Of Peace: Healthy Flavored Dipping Oils: Use fresh or dried herbs mixed with olive oil to make flavor infused healthy dipping oils. You can drizzle over pasta, salad or vegetable...
Monday, November 5, 2012
Candles Exotic or Simple
Candles can set the mood, create warmth, and induce relaxation all at the same time. Tonight is cold and after a stressful day of work I want to relax. Since I always have an assortment of scented candles I decided tonight was a good evening for candlelight. In the fall I love the smell of spice scented candles.
You can choose tea candles, votive, pillars, or a mixture. I like scented versus unscented but that is just personal preference. Create a few locations in each room for candles. First for decoration and ambiance and secondly for emergencies like when the electricity goes out. I keep a candle lighter near each centerpiece of candles. This makes it easy so I don't spend time searching for it if the lights do go out.
Candles also make great gifts for your children's teachers, house warming gifts, or most anyone. I have been browsing for great smelling candles. I love the Mandarin Sandalwood.
You can choose tea candles, votive, pillars, or a mixture. I like scented versus unscented but that is just personal preference. Create a few locations in each room for candles. First for decoration and ambiance and secondly for emergencies like when the electricity goes out. I keep a candle lighter near each centerpiece of candles. This makes it easy so I don't spend time searching for it if the lights do go out.
Candles also make great gifts for your children's teachers, house warming gifts, or most anyone. I have been browsing for great smelling candles. I love the Mandarin Sandalwood.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Indoor Herb Garden
Grow an herb garden year-round indoors. With a window that gets at least four hours of direct sunlight you can have fresh herbs on hand for any recipe or even harvest enough to dried and store. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, sage, and mint all do well on a window ledge. Keep them in small containers that drain well and do not hold water. Plants in small containers need to be feed nutrients every two weeks as they will use up nutrients from the soil at an amazing rate.
What Is The Oxy In Oxy Clean ?
Oxy Clean is a great product. I use to use it all the time. It was great for getting out tough stains such as blood, grass, wine, or other hard to remove stains. It was so miraculous that I bought anything that claimed the "Oxy" in the label.
Recently I found the secret of "Oxy". The secret is 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. Here is a recipe for homemade Oxy Clean that works and saves you money.
1 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Peroxide
1/2 Cup baking or Washing Soda.
For scented add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil. My favorite is lavender.
Recently I found the secret of "Oxy". The secret is 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. Here is a recipe for homemade Oxy Clean that works and saves you money.
1 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Peroxide
1/2 Cup baking or Washing Soda.
For scented add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil. My favorite is lavender.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Peroxide Times Twelve
3% Hydrogen Peroxide is inexpensive and versatile. Here are a few of its uses.
1. Keep your toothbrush germ free by soaking it in a cup of peroxide.
2. After rinsing your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide over it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
3. Use peroxide instead of mouthwash. It will whiten your teeth and you won't have any more canker sores.
4. Use peroxide on your dish rag or spray it on your counters to kill germs.
5. Soak any infection or cut in 3% peroxide.
6. Use a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water to disinfect your bathroom without harming your septic system.
7. Use a 50/50 mixture and spray into each nostril whenever you have a cold or sinus problem.
8. Use half a bottle of peroxide in your bath water to rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
9. Use a cup of peroxide in your laundry instead of bleach.
10. Use peroxide to clean your mirrors.
11. Anyone struggling with foot fungus should use a 50/50 spray mixture to spray on them frequently.
12. Use a 50/50 spray mixture for natural looking gentle highlights in your hair. It lightens gradually so there is no drastic change and it will not burn your hair like regular hair dyes.
1. Keep your toothbrush germ free by soaking it in a cup of peroxide.
2. After rinsing your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide over it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
3. Use peroxide instead of mouthwash. It will whiten your teeth and you won't have any more canker sores.
4. Use peroxide on your dish rag or spray it on your counters to kill germs.
5. Soak any infection or cut in 3% peroxide.
6. Use a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water to disinfect your bathroom without harming your septic system.
7. Use a 50/50 mixture and spray into each nostril whenever you have a cold or sinus problem.
8. Use half a bottle of peroxide in your bath water to rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
9. Use a cup of peroxide in your laundry instead of bleach.
10. Use peroxide to clean your mirrors.
11. Anyone struggling with foot fungus should use a 50/50 spray mixture to spray on them frequently.
12. Use a 50/50 spray mixture for natural looking gentle highlights in your hair. It lightens gradually so there is no drastic change and it will not burn your hair like regular hair dyes.
Healthy Flavored Dipping Oils
Use fresh or dried herbs mixed with olive oil to make flavor infused healthy dipping oils. You can drizzle over pasta, salad or vegetables. Or use as a dip for warm bread. Seal in a decorative jar and give as a gift.
Warm olive oil on low heat. Add 6 sprigs of fresh herbs or 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs and a few peppercorns then let cool and pour into jars. Dried herbs last longer then if using fresh herbs and can be stored in a cabinet. If using fresh herbs you must refrigerate and it will only last a week or two.
For each cup of olive oil use 6 sprigs or 1/2 a teaspoon of the herb or your choice adding a few peppercorns for added flavor. Sometimes I add a little finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Some of my favorite dipping oils are:
Rosemary Olive Oil
Basil Olive Oil
Oregano Olive Oil
Warm olive oil on low heat. Add 6 sprigs of fresh herbs or 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs and a few peppercorns then let cool and pour into jars. Dried herbs last longer then if using fresh herbs and can be stored in a cabinet. If using fresh herbs you must refrigerate and it will only last a week or two.
For each cup of olive oil use 6 sprigs or 1/2 a teaspoon of the herb or your choice adding a few peppercorns for added flavor. Sometimes I add a little finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Some of my favorite dipping oils are:
Rosemary Olive Oil
Basil Olive Oil
Oregano Olive Oil
Use More Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil Is:
· Anti-inflammatory
· Antimicrobial
· Antifungal
· Antiviral
· Improves nutrient absorption
So why aren't we using more of this?
Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment – use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest!
Digestion – the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
General health -The fat in coconut oil can aid in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
Use as insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything. You can also use lavender oil.
Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon of liquid cocoanut oil to their food.
· Anti-inflammatory
· Antimicrobial
· Antifungal
· Antiviral
· Improves nutrient absorption
So why aren't we using more of this?
Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment – use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest!
Digestion – the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
General health -The fat in coconut oil can aid in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
Use as insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything. You can also use lavender oil.
Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon of liquid cocoanut oil to their food.
Relax in Lavender
For restful sleep, drip a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow. Another option is to wrap a handful of the dried flowers in a cheesecloth sachet, tie and throw in your pillowcase. We used dried lavender for my daughter's wedding and had some left over. It made great sachets for gifts.
Lavender essential oil can be applied like a perfume to the hair, neck, ears or other body parts. Smells delicious but a little goes a long way. Also this can be added to your dog shampoo to make Fido feel special. The aroma also helps a hyper pooch relax.
Lavender flowers (fresh or dried) emit a strong, aromatic, relaxing scent when crushed between the fingers. For a quick mood pick-me-up or instant stress relief, crush and roll between your fingers a few of the flower buds and inhale the scent slowly and deeply. Breathing deeply and inhaling the lavender scent will calm nervous tension, anxiety and panicky feelings within minutes.
I love lavender soap!
For the laundry try wrapping lavender flowers in a square of cheesecloth and tie with a string. You can also drip a few drops of essential oil onto the sachet for an extra aromatherapy boost. Toss the sachet into your dryer . This will make your clothes smell great. It will freshen up to 30 dryer loads!
Lavender essential oil can be applied like a perfume to the hair, neck, ears or other body parts. Smells delicious but a little goes a long way. Also this can be added to your dog shampoo to make Fido feel special. The aroma also helps a hyper pooch relax.
Lavender flowers (fresh or dried) emit a strong, aromatic, relaxing scent when crushed between the fingers. For a quick mood pick-me-up or instant stress relief, crush and roll between your fingers a few of the flower buds and inhale the scent slowly and deeply. Breathing deeply and inhaling the lavender scent will calm nervous tension, anxiety and panicky feelings within minutes.
I love lavender soap!
For the laundry try wrapping lavender flowers in a square of cheesecloth and tie with a string. You can also drip a few drops of essential oil onto the sachet for an extra aromatherapy boost. Toss the sachet into your dryer . This will make your clothes smell great. It will freshen up to 30 dryer loads!
Benefits of Lavender Oil
LAVENDER IS ONE OF THE MOST RELAXING FRAGRANCES.Lavender is very calming. It is a powerful remedy offering both physical and emotional relief for problems as varied as burns, migraines, insomnia, insect bites, skin problems, infections, stress and nervous tension. Lavender is a remedy for aching muscles, acne, bugs & bacteria, burns, cuts & wounds, earache, eczema, fatigue, fevers, giddy spells, headache, insomnia, long haul travel, menstrual cramps, moths & mosquitoes, scabies, shingles, sinusitis, stress & anxiety and sunburn. Lavender is particularly aromatic .offering antiviral, bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers. Of the many therapeutic uses of Lavender oil, respiratory relief would be one of the most frequently reported benefits. Lavender Oil Properties:
. Defends system against airborne viruses. Lavender is one of the most useful of the botanicals for the relief of anxiety and stress. Good for aches and pains and muscle stiffness . Lavender is also beneficial for healing wounds including all types of burns and treatment of eczema, dermatitis, scabies and psoriasis.  |
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Healing Honey
Honey is the perfect food. It will never deteriorate or go bad. If it starts to thicken and become granulated you can warm it and it liquefies.
My daughter, Hilary, had a sore scratchy throat and took honey. The next day the sore throat was gone. There have been may studies that show honey can fight bacteria. Used alone or in combination with herbs or spices honey can be as potent as an antibotic. It can also be used both internally and externally.
For centuries honey has been used to cure bed sores, wounds, and burns. Apply honey directly to the wound and cover it with a sterile bandage. The dressing should be changed twice daily.
Natural honey is better then grocery store honey which can be made or combined with high fructose corn syrup. Honey from wildflowers is more potent then honey from single plant source. My next blog will list the combinations of herbs and honey and their uses.
My daughter, Hilary, had a sore scratchy throat and took honey. The next day the sore throat was gone. There have been may studies that show honey can fight bacteria. Used alone or in combination with herbs or spices honey can be as potent as an antibotic. It can also be used both internally and externally.
For centuries honey has been used to cure bed sores, wounds, and burns. Apply honey directly to the wound and cover it with a sterile bandage. The dressing should be changed twice daily.
Natural honey is better then grocery store honey which can be made or combined with high fructose corn syrup. Honey from wildflowers is more potent then honey from single plant source. My next blog will list the combinations of herbs and honey and their uses.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Having a Restful Evening
When it has been a long week. Even the weekend has been filled with chores I can.t seem to get done any other time. It never seems to end. So tonight I am going to play catch up. Instead of catch up on work it will be catch up on rest.
After dinner it will be peace and quiet. I have already lit some scented candles and dimmed the lights.except the one near my chair. I am playing some soft flute music and am going to curl up with a good book. The temperature has been dropping down so I may turn the fireplace on for a while while I make some hot chocolate.
I can hear my wind chimes. The wind is blowing pretty heavy tonight. Although it is not anything like what the east coast is getting from Hurricane Sandy. Still the sound of the wind is soothing. I am thankful for a warm home and the sound of Peace.
Night!
After dinner it will be peace and quiet. I have already lit some scented candles and dimmed the lights.except the one near my chair. I am playing some soft flute music and am going to curl up with a good book. The temperature has been dropping down so I may turn the fireplace on for a while while I make some hot chocolate.
I can hear my wind chimes. The wind is blowing pretty heavy tonight. Although it is not anything like what the east coast is getting from Hurricane Sandy. Still the sound of the wind is soothing. I am thankful for a warm home and the sound of Peace.
Night!
Rosemary Chicken Recipe
I wrote a the benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil and mentioned that the herb itself can be used in cooking to give health benefits that aid digestion. Here is the recipe I use.
Makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary leaves finely crushed
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 boneless chicken breasts, skin removed
6 small red potatoes, halved
Makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary leaves finely crushed
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 boneless chicken breasts, skin removed
6 small red potatoes, halved
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix oil, paprika, rosemary, sea salt, pepper and and dash of garlic powder in large bowl. Add chicken and potatoes. coat well. Arrange potatoes in single layer on foil-lined baking pan. Bake 15 minutes. Push potatoes to one side of pan. Place chicken on pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender, turning potatoes occasionally.
The Miracle of Magnesium
This past summer my sister shared with me an article from First for Women magazine. It was the July 9th issue. I read it and said sound good but I have read so many things in magazines that really didn't work. So when I read that it helps muscle aches and pain, insomnia, moodiness, melt away stress and triple weight loss. PLEASE!
Well, my sister knows what a skeptic I am so she brought out her stash of powdered magnesium and shared her experience with me. She had packed on a few pounds and felt bloated. When she found the article she decided to try it. After locating the powdered magnesium at a health food store she tried it and within a week could tell a big difference. No more bloat and her clothes were fitting better.
She gave me her stash and I promised to try it. I have to confess it made a big difference for me as well. I also felt more energetic yet felt calm and peaceful at the same time. I no longer feel bloated and have lost a few pounds even though I have not tried to diet.
The brand I get is called Calm but there are many others. I wouldn't be without it. I went on a short trip and forgot to pack it. I will not do that again, but within a few days after resuming my daily dose which I mix with orange juice I was back to my new normal. Since then I have also shared this with one of my daughters to see if it helped her. It did.
When my sister went to Colorado for a few months she did not take the powdered magnesium and she could only get the capsules where she was. She got the capsules but she said it was not the same. The article goes into much more depth so if you get a chance to read it I recommend it highly. Also get the powdered magnesium and not the capsules or tablets. It can be found at most health food stores or natural food stores that sell organic foods.
Let me know your experiences.
Well, my sister knows what a skeptic I am so she brought out her stash of powdered magnesium and shared her experience with me. She had packed on a few pounds and felt bloated. When she found the article she decided to try it. After locating the powdered magnesium at a health food store she tried it and within a week could tell a big difference. No more bloat and her clothes were fitting better.
She gave me her stash and I promised to try it. I have to confess it made a big difference for me as well. I also felt more energetic yet felt calm and peaceful at the same time. I no longer feel bloated and have lost a few pounds even though I have not tried to diet.
The brand I get is called Calm but there are many others. I wouldn't be without it. I went on a short trip and forgot to pack it. I will not do that again, but within a few days after resuming my daily dose which I mix with orange juice I was back to my new normal. Since then I have also shared this with one of my daughters to see if it helped her. It did.
When my sister went to Colorado for a few months she did not take the powdered magnesium and she could only get the capsules where she was. She got the capsules but she said it was not the same. The article goes into much more depth so if you get a chance to read it I recommend it highly. Also get the powdered magnesium and not the capsules or tablets. It can be found at most health food stores or natural food stores that sell organic foods.
Let me know your experiences.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Although rosemary has been used
since ancient times scientists still are just beginning to figure out how the
body utilizes it. The scent can boost
brain power but also produces calm.
Kathleen Blanchard, RN recently wrote on EMAX HEALTH “According to results of a new study published in the journal
of Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, compounds in rosemary called
terpenes can enter the bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the nose and
lungs. Researchers
found the herb contains a specific compound that when inhaled enters the blood
stream and improves cognitive performance.
Over
the centuries it has had multiple uses:
Aids in digestion Rosemary as an herb is
often used in cooking and helps aid in digestion, and reduce flatulence. It can be added to any meat, poultry, or fish
dish as well as vegetables or breads. My favorites are Rosemary Chicken,
Rosemary Bread and Baked Rosemary Potatoes. Only use the herb for cooking and
not the oil as the oil is for external use only and can cause vomiting and seizures if ingested in that form.
Hair Care Rosemary
can be used to treat dandruff. It stimulates
the hair follicles and reduces gray. It
is an ingredient in many hair care products.
Rosemary is often mixed with tea Tree Oil and Basil Oil for a scalp
treatment.
Skin Care Rosemary
can be used as a toner or to reduce dryness.
Pain and congestion If you have arthritis pain or respiratory congestion try a
Rosemary vapor bath to sooth aching muscles or relieve congestion.
Aromatherapy
Rosemary essential oil is used extensively in aromatherapy. The oil
blends well with frankincense, lavender, sage, cedarwood, basil, thyme,
citronella, lemongrass, chamomile, and peppermint. It used in lotions, candles, bath oil, beauty
products and room fresheners.
On the agenda for tonight are my Rosemary Chicken and
Herbed Rosemary Potatoes. Yum! Maybe later I will soak my feet in some
Rosemary Oil and some Lavender. A little
goes a long way. Just a few drops
needed.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Boost your immune system using eucalyptus essential oil. The Eucalyptus is a huge tree that grows mostly in Australia. I can grow as high as 300 feet. The leaves give off a powerful fragrance when they are pressed and bruised. Eucalyptus not only boosts the immune system but it will ease sore muscles and symptoms of congestion.
Uses:
Unblock sinuses
Ease head congestion
Soothe a cough
Bath soak
Foot soak
Fragrance can lift your spirits
To relieve congestion add 4 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to 10 cups of boiling water in a heat proof bowl. Use a towel over your head and breath in the vapors deeply. This will clear head congestion and clear the mind as well as relax you.
For on the go relief you can add 2 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to facial tissue or handkercheif that you can carry with you.
Uses:
Unblock sinuses
Ease head congestion
Soothe a cough
Bath soak
Foot soak
Fragrance can lift your spirits
To relieve congestion add 4 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to 10 cups of boiling water in a heat proof bowl. Use a towel over your head and breath in the vapors deeply. This will clear head congestion and clear the mind as well as relax you.
For on the go relief you can add 2 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to facial tissue or handkercheif that you can carry with you.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Causes of Stress
We all have stress. So what causes stress? There are many causes. Here are a few.
Planning a wedding
Death of a spouse or partner
Divorce
Menopause
Seperation
Loss of job
Relationship difficulities
Retirement
Change in health of close family member
Change in your health
Working more than one job
Working more than a 40 hour work week
Pregnancy
If one or more of these happens within a twelve month period you are probably suffering from stress. Even with a welcome event such as a wedding or pregnancy there is stress because the event is life changing.
There have been times in my life when more thean one life changing event has happened and I had to find ways to cope. I will discusse these in later blogs. If any of my readers want to share their stories and how they cope feel free to email me at pkalman7@bellsouth.net with the subject line the essence of peace.
Planning a wedding
Death of a spouse or partner
Divorce
Menopause
Seperation
Loss of job
Relationship difficulities
Retirement
Change in health of close family member
Change in your health
Working more than one job
Working more than a 40 hour work week
Pregnancy
If one or more of these happens within a twelve month period you are probably suffering from stress. Even with a welcome event such as a wedding or pregnancy there is stress because the event is life changing.
There have been times in my life when more thean one life changing event has happened and I had to find ways to cope. I will discusse these in later blogs. If any of my readers want to share their stories and how they cope feel free to email me at pkalman7@bellsouth.net with the subject line the essence of peace.
Relaxation Station
Stress affects our minds and bodies. Everyday we are bombarded with stress at home, at work, in our personal relationships. All of this stress can take a toll on our health and our peace of mind.
We can learn to de-stress and relax to help our bodies to reset itself. As we learn to relax, our mind is renewed and our spirit regenerated. This helps us to cope and improves our overall health.
This past year I wanted to create a place in my home where I can totally de-stress. A place that radiates peace, calm, serenity. I wanted a place where my senses were hightened yet my body and mind could relax and unwind. I am almost finished with it and am starting to see the benefits.
I call it my relaxation station. We all need one. Someplace that suits our personality and needs. Myself I am a book person. I love to read. My area includes a bookcase with lots of books, a picture window overlooking a pastuer with some horses and a beautiful pecan tree. I have a recliner that belonged to my Dad that has heat and massage which is wonderful. A small fireplace and sented candles. A quilt my sister made me covers me on cold days when I just want to curl up with a book.
Wow. I am getting in may peaceful relaxed state just thinking about it. If you don't have one you need one. It doesn't have to be big just cozy. Put there only what you really love. Make it your own. I will start my next blog post while you are creating your special place.
We can learn to de-stress and relax to help our bodies to reset itself. As we learn to relax, our mind is renewed and our spirit regenerated. This helps us to cope and improves our overall health.
This past year I wanted to create a place in my home where I can totally de-stress. A place that radiates peace, calm, serenity. I wanted a place where my senses were hightened yet my body and mind could relax and unwind. I am almost finished with it and am starting to see the benefits.
I call it my relaxation station. We all need one. Someplace that suits our personality and needs. Myself I am a book person. I love to read. My area includes a bookcase with lots of books, a picture window overlooking a pastuer with some horses and a beautiful pecan tree. I have a recliner that belonged to my Dad that has heat and massage which is wonderful. A small fireplace and sented candles. A quilt my sister made me covers me on cold days when I just want to curl up with a book.
Wow. I am getting in may peaceful relaxed state just thinking about it. If you don't have one you need one. It doesn't have to be big just cozy. Put there only what you really love. Make it your own. I will start my next blog post while you are creating your special place.
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