Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Herbalism: Fever Few

Herb of the day: Fever Few



Fever few is indigenous to Europe, but has made it over to the Americas.


USES:
Only use fever few in tea form. most commonly used for Migraines, joint pain, menstrual crams, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
Do not ingest if pregnant, fever few can cause premature birth or miscarriage.

Monday, January 30, 2012

I won a give away!!!

i won a $100 giveaway at craftsy with Hart's Fabric, placed my order, and should be getting to my house tomorrow!

Here's what I ordered,

1 Floral print pin cushion, $3.99

1 Clover small needle felting mat, $9.99

1 Clover, pen style, needle felting tool, $14.99

Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People, $27.99

The Liberty Book of Home Sewing, $27.99

Cranberry Organic Hemp Wool, 2 skeins, $6.99/each

Cocoa Brown Felt fabric square, $0.59


My new facial regime

Photo, courtesy of Crunchy Betty
I have been using Crunchy Betty's daily scrub for a few weeks or so now. And it has made a DRAMATIC improvement for my skin. I tweaked it a little bit to fit my personal preferences, (added a drop or two of honey, and a drop or two of Dr. Bronner's magic soap onto my wash cloth before I wash my face with it.)

The only thing the scrub consists of is 50/50 crushed almonds, and crushed oats. I poor a little bit into a small bowl and add a few drops of water, honey, and Dr. Bronner's soap.

After the cleans I swipe a bit of apple cider vinegar, diluted in water, over my whole face.
My last step is a very small amount of Aloe Vera gel, a few drops of tea tree oil, and a few drops of vitamin E oil, mix it in my hands, and gently massage over my face.

And that's how I cleans my face day and night. It has made such an improvement. I have always struggled pretty hard with acne, and in the last week, it has nearly diminished to nothing!

Mushroom chart

I just think mushrooms are so cool looking

Herbalism: Rose Hips

Herb of the day: Rose Hips


Rose hips contain an extraordinary amount of vitamin C (50 times more than citrus) along with many other nutrients like, vitamins D, A, and E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.

USES:
antiviral, ant-inflammatory, Cardio health, skin, digestion, arthritis and joint pain, nerve calming, depression, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness, headaches

Friday, January 27, 2012

Herbalism: Herbal cures for headaches

CURE: HEADACHES

There are many reasons people get headaches. A good idea is to be sure to drink PLENTY of water. I get headaches when I haven't been drinking enough water, or getting enough nutrition.

Helpful herbs:

These following herbs may be taken in tea form.

As a good base, I would try drinking chamomile or peppermint tea. Neither are known to be a pain reliever, but they are very calming. Feverfew (migraines), butterbur (migraines), passionflower, White willow bark (A fairly high dose), Black cohosh, The Chinese like to take ginger for headaches (Raw or in tea form)

Aromatherapy is also known to be very powerful. Rubbing a few drops of lavender oil on your temples, or a few drops below your nose is very calming. You may also try inhaling peppermint steam. Or take a bath in relaxing scents, such as chamomile.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Herbalism: Cinnamon

Herb of the day: Cinnamon

Cinnamon is not well-known to be healthy. Normally, it is mixed with sugar.
But, it is rich in vitamin C, and anti-oxidants. A small amount in tea or something is actually healthy. In small amounts. Cinnamon in very large doses can be toxic.

USES:
Blood circulation, blood sugar-control, colon health, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Herbalism: Oregano

Herb of the day: OREGANO
(Origanum vulgare)



Oregano is in the mint family. Which is why if you're allergic to mint, you may also be allergic to oregano. And vise, versa.

Oregano contains disease preventing and health promoting properties.



USES:
Cholesterol, digestion, cold, influenza, mild fevers, menstruation pains, stomach pains, diuretic, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal.

365: Days 20, 21, & 23

It's been a few days since I've posted one of these.
I've been busy. Ron has gone to his uncle's house for a few months to work for him, it was hard saying goodbye. I will miss him, but I'm sure the time will fly.

Here's a current headband I'm working on. My friend wanted a rainbow one. I don't see why anyone would wear it. It's horrible, ha



This is what I did to the cover of my notebook that I keep recipes in:



Monday, January 23, 2012

Herbalism: Mint

Herb of the day: Mint
(Minta Spacata)

There are actually many different kinds of mint. Other than the ones we all know, Spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint. One thing to keep in mind if you're thinking about growing it, IT TAKES OVER. Keep it in a separate pot if you do not want your yard covered in mint. It dies down in the winter, and will return in spring with a vengeance.

If you are allergic to oregano or basil, you might be allergic to mint.

USES:
Basically, if you're having stomach issues, mint is very soothing to the digestion tract.
It helps keep you attentive and motivated, which is why it's very good to give testing students peppermint candies during important tests. Or all tests.
Breath Freshener, Sinus issues, Anti-itch relief, 

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Herbalism: Cilantro

Herb of the day: Cilantro
(Coriandrum sativum)


Rich in antioxidants, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. 

USES:

Blood pressure, antiseptic, digestion, deodorant, anti-fungal, arthritis, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol, detox uses.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Herbalism: Parsley

Herb of the day: PARSLEY
(Petroselinum crispum)

Not very often do we hear about the health benefits parsley can actually provide to us.
It is high in antioxidants. In fact, it is known to be a plant one of the highest levels of antioxidants.

USES:
cholesterol, constipation, reduces blood sugar, diuretic.
The leaves, stems and roots of parsley contain antiseptic properties.

Yarn Giveaway



Thursday, January 19, 2012

Herbalism: Lavender

Herb of the day: Lavender

(Lavandula angustifolia, or Lavandula officinalis)

Lavender is well known for being relaxing all around. It calms your nerves, inside and out. If I get ear infections from earrings, I drop a small amount of lavender oil on it, and it is soothed. Not to mention how pleasant it smells and tastes. I have a friend who's mother makes lavender cookies. MMMM, they are so tasty!


USES: 
Sleeping problems, anxiety, headaches, dry skin

Consumption of lavender can be through aromatherapy, or making a tea out of the flowers. Lavender is safe to eat.



365: days 18 & 19

There are 3 pictures for these two days because I couldn't decide on 1 for the bows.

Anyway, these are bows I made. MORE bows I made. I've made so many.



And this is my cup of tea.


Honey challenge!

I vowed to take the honey challenge! That is, Washing my face with honey everyday for two weeks. I found this challenge on Crunchy Betty, if you would like to read about the benefits honey can give to your skin and maybe decide on this challenge yourself!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Herbalism: Rosemary

I plan to become an herbalist in my life, and have decided to start now. I will be sharing and/or documenting all of my discoveries on my blog for all of you to view as well. Herbs are a very healthy alternative to drugs or medicines, if used correctly and wisely.

Today's herb of the day: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)





Rosemary is used very widely in aromatherapy. In fact, it is the second most commonly used herb world-wide. Second in line to Lavender.

USES:
Abdominal pains, insomnia, anxiety, depression, basically, it's very calming.
It can also lower blood pressure, help keep a sharp memory, prevent baldness, you can use it in soaps and shampoos! Rosemary has so many uses, it's crazy.
And we all know how delightful it tastes.


Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians thought of Rosemary as a holy plant, and would burn it while worshiping their gods! 




Ipod/ phone case

I made this small bag for my boyfriend out of my own hand-spun yarn! It's awesome!


I didn't follow a pattern for this project. I just used garter stitches until it was the right length.


I even added a secret pocket on the inside liner.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

365: days 15, 16, & 17

These last few days, I've varied my pictures a little. I've been experimenting with my new camera.

This is a picture of my stove fire. I like the marks on the window.


This is a close-up on the cables in the headbands I've been making. In my current mustard-color.


And this one is my knitting needle, and a skein of yarn.


Cleaning Tuesday

I actually got a lot done today.
Although, if you looked at my bedroom, you wouldn't be able to tell.
I've been exercising more lately, I think it's helped with my motivation.
I finally got my old suitcase cleaned. I've been meaning to do that lately. I keep my scrap fabric in this suitcase.
I took some pictures just for fun!

This is a before and after picture. The left is what the whole outside looked like before I scrubbed it down.


This picture is really nice. I'm getting the hang of using my new camera, finally!


Saturday, January 14, 2012

365: Days 12, 13 & 14

It still counts if the pictures were taken on the same day, right?
Eh, whatevs.



Knitting update

Finished another headband! I've now completed 3, and working on a fourth.
This is made from a spool of wool I found at a thrift shop. Barely had enough to finish.
I'm selling this one for $15, if anyone is interested.



Thursday, January 12, 2012