Aromatherapy Dream Pillows

Another Christmas gift I made this year was aromatherapy Dream Pillows.
I had seen the idea online and was struck by how easy they were to make, and useful!
Herbs have been known for years as being therapeutic not only for their medicinal properties but for their smell as well.
I wanted to make pillows that could be easily slipped into a pillow-case, that was stuffed with loose, aromatic herbs to induce a calmer, quieter more restful sleep.
In these pillows I stuffed:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Rose Petals
- Calendula
- Mullien

I can't say I actually measured anything, just divided the herbs evenly then poured them into the bag. I didn't stuff it tightly or with anything else other than the herbs.
I wanted it to lie flat under the pillow and not be bulky or over-stuffed.
These ones I did just simply sew shut - however if you wanted to re-use your pillow, a line of velcro could easily be sewn onto the opening so you can refresh your herbs every few months.
I would really recommend using fabric such as cotton or linen, something that air can easily pass through.
Another benefit is that these dream pillows can also be put with children, to help promote sleep as well.
If you decide to do this however, I would make a pillow that cannot be opened, or placed on top of the mattress but under the fitted sheet so playful babies don't suck on it like another toy.

Sweet Dreams!

Homemade Oil Of Oregano

I had gotten introduced to Oil of Oregano a few years ago and have been using it as a go-to method when I feel a cold or flu coming on.
The one thing I wasn't impressed with however, was the price.
Thankfully I found this recipe online and decided to whip myself up a batch!
Here are a few of the benefits of Oil of Oregano:

• Destroying organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems.
• Strengthening the immune system.
• Increasing joint and muscle flexibility.
• Improving respiratory health.

Skin Infections

Oil of Oregano can be applied directly onto the skin to treat itches, skin infections, and irritated gums, but only if it has been diluted. Always follow the instructions on your particular bottle before applying topically onto the skin, since highly concentrated oils may first need to be mixed with Olive Oil or Coconut Oil before application (usually one teaspoon of Olive Oil or Coconut Oil per one drop of Oil of Oregano). 

Digestive Problems

The high concentrations of thymol and carvacrol in Oil of Oregano have been shown to calm upset stomachs and aid digestion. Therefore, a quick home remedy for mild indigestion is to drink a glass of milk or juice that is mixed with 2 or 3 drops of the oil. 

Sinus Congestion

Oil of Oregano is a wonderful natural remedy for sinus congestion. A common solution is to add 3 drops of the oil into a glass of juice and drink this mixture daily for 3 to 5 days.

Colds and Sore Throats

Oil of Oregano is an excellent early defense mechanism when you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. Simply take 3 drops of the oil once per day (you can mix it into a glass of orange juice) and you should notice results within a few hours. Repeat this once per day for up to 5 days until the symptoms are gone. 

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/oil_of_oregano_health_benefits.php

DIY Oil Of Oregano
You need a ratio of 1:1 with fresh Oregano and Olive Oil.
I used 1/2 cup of Oregano to 1/2 cup Oil, but you can reduce the amount of oil if you'd like a stronger batch.

• Wash and dry your Oregano
• Place Oregano in a ziplock bag, cover with a tea towel and hammer at the leaves using a meat tenderizer or something similar. This will bruise the leaves causing them to release their oils.
• Heat up a small amount of Olive Oil (in the microwave is fine) until warm than add to ziplock baggy of crushed leaves. Close the bag and squish and smush the oil and leaves around for a minute or two. (This ensures that you pick up the released oil.)
• Now pour the leaves and remaining Olive oil into a clean, dry glass container with a fitted lid, and place in a cool, dry place for 2 weeks.
• After 2 weeks strain the leaves from the oil and bottle. 

Please keep in mind that there are side effects to taking Oregano oil continuously, and should be avoided if pregnant. 

Voila! You've just made your own Oil of Oregano!

Peace,

Homemade Vapour Rub

I came across this recipe for homemade vapour rub from CrunchyBetty's website.
As a Mum to a little one, I didn't feel comfortable even using the baby brand vapour rub on her little chest when she got the coughs or sniffles.
This recipe seemed straight forward enough and true enough I soon had a natural vapour rub that seemed identical in texture and smell.

Homemade Vapour Rub

• 2 tsp beeswax (grated)
• 1/4 cup EVOO
• 35 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 15 drops rosemary essential oil

Melt the beeswax and olive oil together until smooth (I used a glass bowl in the microwave, stopping and stirring a couple of times until it was completely melted). Stir well with a whisk. Continue whisking while adding the essential oils drop by drop. Transfer to a small lidded container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to  a year (or more).

Both baby and hubs loved it, not to mention it left the skin on the bottom of my feet nice and soft!

Enjoy!

Peace,

DIY Personalized Mugs

DIY Personalized Mugs

I had been admiring quirky, funny mugs on Etsy, and was thrilled when I came across a handy DIY for them on Pintrest.  I loved how cheap and available the materials were, so I decided to give it a whirl.

I went to the local dollar-store and picked up two big, white mugs. It took a bit more hunting to find the Sharpie Paint Markers, especially as I needed the oil-based ones.
The cost for the marker was around $3.50, so more than reasonable.
I lightly outlined what I wanted to put on my mugs and decided to make one for Jeremie and I.
It took a bit of getting used to, but the paint pen was quite easy to use.
I then pre-heated my oven to 350' and baked the finished mugs for 30 minutes.

I was thrilled with the finished result! It was fun, cheap and a great craft to do while the baby was napping.
Just PLEASE remember that the paint WILL come off in a dishwasher and cannot be soaked.
They're completely usable, just don't scrub on the paint, or it will flick off.

I think this will definitely be making it onto my "christmas gifts to make" list.

P.S. The mug for hubs is a popular quote from his favourite movie "The Big Lebowski" ...just in case you were wondering. Also, on the back of my "mustache you a question mug" it says: "But I'm shaving it for later." HA! punny. :D

Peace,