From the moment you wake up your day
is hectic. You skip breakfast and barely have time for lunch. It
seems like you can never catch a breath, which is why pampering
yourself seems out of the question. The thing we often have a hard
time understanding is that we must refresh ourselves in order to
do our best. You can only travel at 100 miles an hour for so long.
Herbs are an inexpensive yet elegant way to pamper yourself when
you take a few minutes or hopefully a few hours of quiet time.
Quick Refreshers
Tie fresh lavender, thyme, and sage
together in a small bundle and hang near your desk or work area;
even if that happens to be the kitchen sink.
Flavor plain cream cheese with
finely chopped fresh or crushed dried herbs such as basil, thyme,
dill, marjoram, chives, mint or oregano. Add 1 teaspoon of dried
herbs, or about 1 tablespoon of fresh, at a time per 8 ounces of
cream cheese. Mix them if you wish; as long as they equal those
proportions. Keep in a covered container to spread on bagels,
crackers or French bread instead of skipping breakfast.
Place dried chamomile, rosemary,
lavender and lemon balm in a small cloth bags. Place the bags in a
bathroom, under cushions or other places where pressure or warmth
will release a wonderful smell.
Special Treats
Lavender-vinegar hair rinse: Fill a
one quart jar 1/2 full with lavender leaves and flowers. Top with
white vinegar; seal with a plastic lid, or place plastic wrap over
the jar first before closing lid. Place in a dark place, such as a
cupboard for 3-4 weeks. Mix one part lavender vinegar to one part
distilled water and use to rinse hair after shampooing.
Herbal Baths: Fresh or dried
herbs can be used for a relaxing bath. Use herbs such as lavender,
rosemary, lemon verbena or lemon balm. To infuse the herbs simply
combine 4 cups boiling water with 4 tablespoons of herbs. Steep
for 30 minutes, strain and add liquid to your bath. To create a
bath bag cut a circle of muslin or cheese cloth and place fresh
herbs in the center with fine oatmeal (ground in blender) or
powdered milk. Gather the bundle and tie tightly with ribbon. Tie
the bag from the faucet while the water is running and allow it to
soak in your bath water while you are bathing.
Room Freshener: Combine dried
lavender, rosemary, southernwood, ground cloves, cinnamon and
baking soda. Sprinkle on your carpet and leave for one hour, then
vacuum. If you have very light carpet be sure to test an small
area first.
Relaxing
We all need quiet time to reflect on
our life and what we are trying to accomplish. Don't keep speeding
down the road of life without taking a daily side trip. Slow down
and relax while enjoying the natural fragrance of herbs.
About the Author:
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer and editor, as well as a Mom to
three and a wife. She is an avid gardening of herbs and flowers,
as well as a crafter.
http://oldfashionedliving.com
Old Fashioned Fun for Modern Families
