Empty Nest

Moved my son, Nick into his dorm today. Its just so hard to believe that my baby is all grown. It seems like the time has gone way to quickly.
I am one proud Mom today. But the house seems just too empty without him in it. I am so glad I will see him this weekend. And since its a holiday weekend, he won`t have to go back until later on Monday.
Its really hard to deal with right now. But its only a little over an hour away. So close but yet so far away.
Lucky he has set up Skype and we text each other too. I could tell he was excited though. It looks like a wonderful experience going to college. He is our future.

Friday Night

Friday Night

A quiet Friday night, I`ve been busy in my workshop. I have a few new surprises on the ~so called~ burner.

Sadly I am starting to count the days until my son leaves for college. Its not so much that he will be far away, because his school is only 1 1/2 hours away. It is more the fact that he is leaving the (for lack of a better word) Nest. I will gladly go to get him every weekend and sadly return him on Sunday`s. Thank goodness for Skype. What did mothers do before modern technology? At least I can see him whenever he wants. I`ll just have to kiss the computer screen instead of his cheek.

I have asked him if he is getting excited? He tells me not really. But I know better, he is a lean mean learning machine.

I pretty much have him all ready to go, just a few odds and ends left. Its like packing for the vacation of a lifetime, literally, what a great way to look at it.

A college education is something that should be mandatory for every high school graduate in this country, but sadly that is not the way it is.

I feel very fortunate that my son has such a great opportunity to further his education and make something wonderful of his life. I couldn`t be prouder!

Well, to finish for tonight, I`d like to tell all of you to be watching the shop. I will be offering some new products with lavender and also calendula.

Busy is best for me.You know what they say about idle hands. The old saying Idle hands are the devil`s workshop. Her`s a little info I dug up on the old saying.

Another variant of this phrase, namely "The Devil finds work/mischief for idle hands to do", but I don't have any idea as to the origin either.

: : : Here's a blurb I found, courtesy of Google:

: : : Nothing good comes from boredom. It's said that idle hands are the devil's workshop, an old saying dating at least as far back as Chaucer in the twelfth century who called idle hands the devil's tools.

: : Fac et aliquid operis, ut semper te diabolus inveniat occupatum. (St Jerome, _Letters_)

: : Therefore seith Seint Jerome: "Dooth somme goode dedes that the devel, which is oure enemy, ne fynde yow nat unocupied." (Chaucer, _Tale of Melibee_)

: : In Works of Labour or of Skill I would be busy too: For Satan finds some mischief still for idle Hands to do. (I. Watts, _Divine Songs for Children_, 1715)

: : If the Devil finds a Man idle, he'll set him at Work. (J. Kelly, _Scottish Proverbs_, 1721)

: : If the devil catch a man idle, he'll set him at work. (T. Fuller, _Gnomologia_, 1732)

: : Idle Brains are the Devil's Workhouses. (_ibid._)

: : The Turks have a proverb, which says, that _The devil tempts all other men, but that idle men tempt the devil. (Colton, _Lacon_, 1820)

: : An idle brain is the devil's workshop. (H.G. Bohn, _Hand-Book of Proverbs_, 1855)

: : "Idle hands do the Devil's work, Paul." (K. Vonnegut, _Player Piano_, 1952)

: : "Idle hands are the devil's workshop." That seems to be the attitude among President Clinton's Pentagon appointees who recently drafted plans to involve the military in domestic social programs.... (_Washington Times_, May 18, 1995)

: "Friends, the idle brain is the devil's playground."....Meredith Willson, "The Music Man"....
: because I can't come up with anything better.....

IDLE HANDS ARE THE DEVIL'S TOOLS - "Idleness is the root of mischief. This maxim has been traced back to Chaucer's 'Tale of Melibee' (c. 1386). First attested in the United States in 'Collections' . The proverb is found in varying forms:: Satan has some mischief for idle hands to do; The devil finds work (or mischief) for idle hands to do." From "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).

Another way of phrasing it, to stay out of trouble: PUT YOUR HANDS TO WORK AND HEARTS TO GOD - Philosophy of Ann Lee, "Mother Ann," founder of United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, known as the Shakers.

So get busy!

And As Always!

Keep It Clean!

JoAnn

Calendula Comfort Cream

Calendula,(calendula officinalis)

 Is the genus name of a flowering plant more commonly known as the marigold, which is not only an attractive border plant, but is edible and has useful medicinal properties as well. Be warned, however, if you want to collect and dry your garden marigolds for herbal uses, that a number of other plants are also called marigolds. Make sure yours are true Calendula officinalis before drying or eating them. Calendula flowers and leaves are edible and make an attractive addition to salads and soups. The flavor is usually slightly bitter and can add a tangy or tart flavor to your usual greens.

Calendula has a wide range of medicinal uses. It is a soothing tea for gastrointestinal problems, healing wash for skin wounds, easily infused into oil for a healing salve or balm. Great for baby diaper area.

Calendula also has the rare quality of keeping its color during soapmaking. Unlike most herbal additives, calendula will not turn brown or black in a bar of herbal soap. Add 1 tablespoon of petals to just enough oil to cover. After your soap reaches trace, stir in the oil and petal mixture throughout your soap batch. The bright orange petals will remain bright and offer even soothing properties to the finished soap.

 I use the calendula dried in my Calendula Comfort Cream, be watching for it in my Au Naturelle shop on Etsy. The benefits of the cream are listed below;

Healing Cuts and Wounds

• Cuts and wounds can be painful to endure, and can cause infections if left untreated. You can use oils, creams or compresses made with marigold to treat such wounds. You can make simple, effective marigold ointments by soaking the fresh flower petals in oil for several weeks. Those who are unsure about creating their own treatments can visit their pharmacy or retail store for marigold (calendula) treatments. You can also ask your physician about information on creams or ointments that contain marigold. If the wound is deep, seek medical attention.

Treating Acne

• Marigold is an ideal natural treatment for those who suffer from acne. Acne is embarrassing to have, especially for teenagers and young adults. With marigold extracts, your acne can clear up and heal without the appearance of scars. Find some marigolds in your backyard or your friend or family member’s backyard (with their permission). You can also grow your own marigolds if you do not know of anyone who has them. Pick six leaves off the marigolds and put them in the blender. Add one teaspoon of almonds, the contents of one chamomile teabag, and one whole raw egg to the mix. Health food stores also carry marigold treatments geared towards treating acne if you do not feel comfortable making your own. Apply the treatment to your wet, clean face until it dries, then rinse thoroughly.

Soothing Sunburns

• Sunburns are uncomfortable and even painful. Fortunately, marigold extract can temporarily relieve the pain and help treat it. For this treatment, you will need a homeopathic Calendula tincture and distilled water. Bathe your sunburn with water and pat dry. Combine ten drops of Calendula tincture and one cup of distilled water in a clean drinking glass. Use a clean rag or washcloth to gently apply the treatment to your sunburn. Blot the area and let it air dry. Apply a few times until the pain has dissipated. Apply the mix whenever your sunburn is painful. This ointment has no side effects and is completely safe to use on babies, children, teens and adults.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aunaturelle

Household Cleaners You Can Make At Home

Homemade Bathtub Cleaner Recipe

This homemade bathtub cleaner is a great scrubbing powder for polishing, disinfecting and killing mold-causing fungi - without damaging the finish. It also whitens grout.

Quick Links -- Buy SuppliesRosemary essential oil
Tea Tree essential oil

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup cup (40g) Borax
• 1/3 cup cup (40g) Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid Dishwashing Soap
• 5 drops Rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Directions

Stir together all the ingredients in a small plastic container. (It takes quite a bit of stirring to fully integrate the dishwashing liquid into the powder.) You should end up with a slightly damp powder.

To use, dampen the tub or sink and apply the homemade bathtub cleaner with a sponge or rag. Rinse well.

Basic Homemade Bathroom Cleaner Recipe

This all purpose homemade bathroom cleaner spray makes it easy to wipe away dirt and grime while also killing germs and bacteria. Plus, it smells so refreshing!

Quick Links -- Buy SuppliesLavender essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil
Tea Tree essential oil

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Borax
• 2 cups hot boiled Water
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap
• 3 tablespoons white Vinegar
• 15 drops Lavender essential oil
• 10 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Directions

1. Pour the water into a large glass pitcher with a spout. Add the borax and stir until it's dissolved.


2. Let the mixture cool to room tmerature, then pour it into a spray bottle. Add the remaining ingredients and shake well to mix.


3. To use, spray onto bathroom surfaces, then wipe clean with a cloth or sponge.

Heavy Duty Homemade Grout Cleaner Recipe

Grout is a prime area for mold and grime. This powerful homemade grout cleaner kills mildew-causing fungi, whitens and brightens grout and dissolves mineral deposits.

Quick Links -- Buy SuppliesCinnamon essential oil
Clove essential oil
Tea Tree essential oil
Thyme essential oil

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cup (60g) Borax
• 1/2 cup cup (60g) Baking Soda
• 1/3 cup (80ml) white Vinegar
• 5 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil
• 5 drops Clove essential oil

Directions

Mix the ingredients together until they make a smooth paste. Scrub into the grout. (A toothbrush makes a great grout scrubber.) Let sit for at least 15 minutes, then rinse.Caution: Wear rubber gloves - this blend can irritate the skin.
If you don't have cinnamon or clove oil, replace them with 5 drops each of thyme and tea tree (smells strong!) Use rubber gloves for this homemade bathroom cleaner blend too.

Now you can clean your home with eco friendly ingredients and without harsh chemicals. Most essential oils can be found at any health food store, and the other ingredients can be found in any store where cleaners are sold. Borax in the laundry detergent section and other ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda in the baking aisle.

I haven`t been blogging in a while, but be watching and check back. With summer slowly winding down, I will be sure and do some postings at least 2 or 3 times a week.

As Always!

Keep It Clean!

JoAnn