Elderberry to the Rescue

My son and I both battled a nasty cold last week.  As always, we used essential oils, vitamins, and and echinacea/goldenseal blend.  However, my son (who came down with it first), still struggled and it looked like he had a sinus infection, with a cough starting too.  Then I remembered the elderberry tincture I made a couple months ago.  After researching the correct dosage, we both started taking it.  My cold was much milder, and the elderberry got me back on track.  For Noah, it took a few more doses, but within 24 hours we noticed a marked improvement.   We did give him Mucinex for a day and a half, which helped tremendously with the symptoms.

Though he’s still a bit stuffy, I believe the worst is definitely over, and we averted a doctor’s visit and (most likely) antibiotics.  Elderberry truly is amazing!  I was a bit nervous about dosing something made with 80 proof vodka, but it all turned out fine.  The consensus was 2 tbs every 3 – 6 hours, but we opted for 1 tbs instead.  When symptomatic, the recommendation is to give the tincture at closer intervals, so it can stay in the system consistently.

Making tinctures is really easy.  While resting this week, I’ve spent some time planning for more oil infusions and tinctures.  I purchased some bulk herbs a couple months ago, and want to make use of what I have.  Dried herbs do have a limited shelf life as far as making the most of their active properties.  There are lots of sites with information on how to make herbal tinctures.  One of my favorites is the tutorial on Lisa’s blog.  There are different opinions regarding dosage and the shelf life of tinctures.  Shelf life is partly dependent on whether you use vodka, glycerin, vinegar, or some other liquid to soak the herbs.  You’ll also want to store them in a cool, dark place.

Herbal medicine has been practiced for thousands of years.  There is a lot of information on line, but I recommend finding one or two reference books to have on hand incase you can’t get online.  So far, my favorite resources are “The New Age Herbalist” by Richard Mabey and “Common Herbs for Natural Health” by Juliette de Bairacli Levy.  While I don’t agree with most of the spirituality of these authors, I have found their books to be well-written and quite informative.

I’d love to hear your experience with using herbs for health and healing.  We can all learn from each other, so please take a moment to share!

Keys to Simplicity…Contentment

When I began this journey, I started reading all I could about various skills, and how others have managed to make the switch to simpler lifestyle.  Along the way I’ve come to realize there are several key ingredients to living the simple life in a society that is moving in the opposite direction.  Some key things I’ve noticed both from experience and in observing others on this journey are the importance of contentment, organization, purpose, and willingness to learn.  Today, I’m going to focus on the first key — contentment.

First, confession…it is easy for me to get caught up in consumerism even as I desire to move away from that lifestyle and be more self-reliant!   However, as I strive to learn new skills, and live a more simple, frugal lifestyle, I have found that it is still so easy to get caught up in acquiring new things.  Books are my primary downfall.  I’ve done my share of decluttering, and continue to do so.  But, as I’ve shared before, there are some items (including books) that need to be purchased, borrowed, or bartered for in order for us to make many of the items that most people purchase.

Fragrant Jasmine in Bloom

So, I have a list of things I “need”, yet I find that some of those needs are really wants.  Can I do without?  Can I come up with a creative way to duplicate an item I think I need to purchase, that will still get the job done?  For instance, I am loving working with fibers and spinning my own yarn.  I’m now longing for a spinning wheel!  Of course, a wheel is not in our budget for the near future, so I’m learning to be content with the drop spindle I started with, and my dear son and hubby are crafting me a couple more to try.

The seed catalogs have been arriving over the past few weeks – all sorts of new varieties are available!  It’s easy to just start making a list, but wait!  Don’t I have seeds from my order last spring?  I even managed to save a few seeds from my tiny garden last year.   I’ll sit down today with a cup of homegrown herbal tea, and take inventory of my seed packets.  I have a feeling I have plenty to work with!  It would be fun to place that order, but I believe I can be content with what I have.

From my own experience, and from reading blogs and books written by others trying to live a simpler life, I’ve noticed that an underlying secret to successfully moving toward the life we desire is contentment.  The culture is constantly bombarding us with messages that we need more, deserve more, etc.  Cultivating contentment isn’t always easy.  However, it is a key ingredient to living a simpler lifestyle.  Contentment isn’t really about not purchasing things we might need or even want.  Instead, for me at least, it means looking inside myself at my motivations and what occupies my thoughts.

Am I spending more time thinking and dreaming about all the things I want or need in order to give us a more simple lifestyle, than actually staying on task and making do with what I have?  Too often, I have to answer honestly that I’m spending more time pining for what I don’t have, than appreciating all the tools and resources at my disposal today.  There is always lots to be done and enjoyed around our suburban homestead.  We have been richly blessed!  I have everything I need to do a better job cooking from scratch, making my own cleaning supplies and bath products, growing food, and mastering various handcrafts.  Instead of spending valuable time and energy worrying about what I don’t have, I am resolved to be content, really content, and daily enjoy/make use of the items at hand.

“But Godliness with contentment is great gain.”  1Timothy 6:6

Days Like This

I love days like today!  I was home all day and enjoyed a peaceful, yet productive day.  I was able to start a couple things I’ve been wanting to try, and spend some time doing stuff around here that help make my house a home.  I don’t have photos of everything, but I did take a few snapshots as I went through the day.

I’ve been wanting to make infused herbal oils for awhile, and today seemed like a perfect day to give it a try.  Though I’d love to say I grew the herbs I was working with today, that’s not the case.  Some friends and I put in an order together for bulk herbs from More Than Alive.  I’ve had them for a couple months, and definitely don’t want them to lose their potency before I have a chance to give them a try.

Since I have two sons playing basketball, Arnica is always useful to have around.  I’ve purchased commercial salves, but really wanted to make my own so I have more control over potency and ingredients.  I used my solar oven to infuse Arnica and Chamomile.  Yes, I could be more patient and let the herbs infuse in the oil on a sunny windowsill for a few weeks, but I really want to use the oil, so heating with the sun in the solar oven was the next best thing.

The weather we’ve had lately has been perfect!  THIS is why I live in Florida — these days don’t last long before the heat and humidity come back, but I enjoy them while they are here.  My garden is doing well, and I’ve enjoyed a couple salads from my productive lettuce bed.

The tomatoes that survived our hard freeze a couple weeks ago are starting to get some blooms, so all is not lost there.  So, far my winter garden raised beds consist of tomatoes, kale, basil, radish, onions, spinach, lettuce, and broccoli.

This morning I picked some fresh lemon balm and added it to some dried homegrown mint for delicious tea.  I also had time to work on some hot pads and dishcloths while sitting on the lanai watching the hens scurry around the yard searching for bugs.

I recently learned how to felt soap and did some felting this morning.  They turned out pretty well.  My friend and I have started a company, Soapsy Daisy, and are doing a few local craft shows this winter.  I’ve also been working on getting an Etsy store up and going for selling our soaps and salves.  I think the chamomile oil I infused today, along with the  dried flowers, will be great in a bar of skin-soothing soap!

Lately I’ve been pondering how I can be more home-centered and what other steps we can take to live a simpler more sustainable lifestyle.  Things like making our own teas from homegrown herbs, and growing our own food is definitely a start.  Slowing down and taking the time to figure out how we can make do with something we already have rather than buying new is also a habit we are cultivating.

I’ve been reading some books about the great depression and thinking back on conversations I used to have with my grandmother.  We have so much available to us these days!  Things are often cheaper to buy, than to make.  However, part of simplifying is being creative and taking the time to make things ourselves.  Those “cheaper” items come with a price — whether it is fuel to travel thousands of miles, or being the result of underpaid workers, or simply that it wears out or breaks because of poor quality, causing us to have to purchase the item again.

Of course, another advantage of making things myself is the satisfaction of producing something with my hands.   Lately, even my teen sons have begun to use their creative juices!  I love sitting down to sew or crochet, and having them working beside me on art, drawing, music, and even sewing and crocheting!  Even though I was in consumer mode when they were young, and lamented about what they and I missed by not slowing down all those years ago, I can see that it really isn’t too late!  Partly from necessity, partly from their parent’s example as we embark on this journey, we’re all changing and growing…together.

The Bottom of the Sink

Our house was built in 1950 and had experienced various additions and renovations over the years before we purchased it 13 years ago.   The kitchen is small, but functional.  Not only do we not have a dishwasher, we don’t have hot water running to it.  For a few years we did dishes by heating water in a large tea kettle on the stove and using it to fill the sink.  Then my loving husband purchased an under-the-sink, small electric hot water heater.  It holds a few gallons and is a blessing!

Housekeeping has never been real high on my priority list for the day.  The boys and I were usually having fun learning, reading aloud, or going on field trips.  Of course, being less than disciplined with housework, meant poor meal planning and that sometimes the dishes piled up a bit.  As I’ve begun this journey toward simplicity and started enjoying my home more (and focused on making our home more homey), I’ve started spending more time in the kitchen.  I’m pleased with the money we’re saving by not eating out, or eating as many convenience foods!

I had read in books and heard from friends how much they love going to bed with an empty, clean kitchen sink.  I’ve been working harder at keeping up with the dishes all day long, and I must say, I love the feeling I get when I walk past the kitchen and don’t see any dirty dishes by the sink!  I’m sure this little confession might seem strange to most of you — people have thought me a bit strange for years

Spinning and Weaving

With fear and trepidation I decided to try and use some “fabric” I’d created with some fun textured yarn from Joann Fabrics, and the cotton warp already on my Union Loom.  I’m not very experienced at the the sewing machine, especially when I’m kind of making up my own design.  But after reading lots of different things online and consulting my trusty reference books, I took the plunge.

My biggest concern was the woven fabric coming unraveled.  I solved this issue by cutting and fusing the interfacing to the fabric BEFORE cutting.  I also did a zig-zag stitch around the edge through the facing before cutting.  No, I didn’t take photos.  I was too busy figuring this out as I went along!

All things considered, I’m pretty happy with the results.  The strap is the same warp threads braided.  I still have more fabric, so I’m considering creating another bag and making a few changes now that I’ve learned what I do and don’t want in the finished product.

When it comes to working with fibers, I’m becoming much more free-spirited.  I am realizing that you can mix different types of fibers to create truly one of a kind fabrics, rugs, etc.  Fun!

My looms currently sit with no weaving projects on them.  I’ve been too busy trying my hand at spinning with a drop spindle.  I still need to finish the edges of the other projects I took off the loom, but…well,  I just can’t help myself!  The spinning has become a bit addicting

So, the past couple weeks I’ve done some more spinning and was able to take this hand painted merino wool roving.

And turn it into, this two ply chunky yarn.  (Sorry for the blur)

Which I crocheted into a soft, warm scarf.  All with one spindle!

I’m ordering some more roving made with different fibers and my oldest son is making me another, lighter weight spindle.  I’d like to try making thinner yarns — it’s all a process, but I love learning new things!

Projects off the Loom

I’m so excited!  I have been weaving on the same warp for months.  Because warping the loom is so time consuming, I have left everything on the loom and just continued to add projects.  I finally decided it was time to take everything off so I could actually use some of the items.  Now I have three rugs, about a yard of fabric, and two sections that will most likely be kitchen towels.

I finished the edges of a rag rug for the kitchen last night and I love it!

Part of my journey to simplicity is slowing down and actually savoring the time it takes to prepare things by hand or wait for them to grow.  Rag rugs are also a great way to “waste not, want not” by using linens, and even clothing that we no longer need.  My challenge will be to not let things pile up for “someday”, but choose to get to work preparing and then weaving them for something useful.

The loom looks strange with no weaving on it.  Can’t let it stay that way for long

Now I need to get the warp tied back on the loom so I can create some more.  I’m actually going to make this warp more narrow so I can make placemats and smaller rugs.  I also am ready to tackle warping the four-harness LeClerc loom that has been sitting idle in my studio.  It is a bit intimidating, but I’m feeling much more confident after watching my new DVD, Beginning Four Harness Weaving , and re-reading my favorite learn-to-weave book, Learning to Weave, by Deborah Chandler.

If you want to learn how to weave (the most common looms available are four-harness), then you must get your hands on these two fabulous resources.  I have searched online for videos and found some good ones, but none that put it all together the way Deborah Chandler does.

Over the next day or two, I’m hoping to have some photos to share of the finished items from the loom, and my progress on warping the newest loom.

My Studio

While I have enjoyed the cooler, drier weather, the past day or two have been downright cold.  I find myself staying indoors more, which means more time for creative endeavors!  Today I’m preparing fabric strips so I can finish a rug and get all my projects off my loom.

A few months ago I bartered homemade soap and a gift card for a beautiful Le Clerc floor loom with bench.  The loom had not been used in years, and the seller really wanted to see it put to use.  I’m working on trying to figure out how to get it warped, and I’m anxious to create something on it!  I had to do some serious rearranging in order to incorporate a second floor loom in our small house, but I managed.  Now the front room is my “studio”!

I joined a local weaver’s guild, and have enjoyed making new friends.  Now when I at thrift stores or yard sales, I’m always on the look out for weaving yarn and materials!  Thankfully, I’ve come across several cones of wonderful thread/yarn for about $1 each.

I am so enjoying working with fiber!  Along with the loom, the former owner also passed on a stash of yarn, a warping board, and a drop spindle.  I ordered some wool roving and this week I’ve attempted to do some spinning.

For the record, spinning is much harder than it looks!  I am determined though, and there are ladies in the weaver’s guild who also spin, so I’m hoping to find someone to mentor me in both.

Although I’m not very good at it, I have found the spinning (or my attempts) to be fairly relaxing and I’m excited about the idea of creating items from yarn I’ve spun by hand!

Frost on my Florida Garden

Woke up this morning to lots of frost on the ground.  I didn’t cover my plants last night, so I knew I was risking losing some plants.  Turns out it was cold enough, for long enough that even commercial farmers who used freeze cloth, still lost their plants.

I’m sure you’d like to see photos of the Florida frost, but it’s too cold to go outside for this wimpy Floridian  Those who live up north are used to dealing with frosts and freezes.  We’ve been in the midst of a real cold snap down here – the longest in decades.  My tomatoes were already struggling – the broccoli seedlings WERE doing well, as was the lettuce.  When it warms up a bit, I’ll go out and see how they faired.  Honestly, winter gardens are usually pretty lush down here, so our food production and that of those who bring items to the farmer’s markets is going to be severely impacted.

Such is life when we a striving to grow our own food!  Next week after the next forecasted freeze, we’ll get back to work.

Moving Forward

It’s been a while — too long really — since I posted here.  Over the past several months I’ve dealt with a variety of family issues and had a health scare myself.  Through it all I’ve continued to try to focus on making our house a home, and refined what “simplicity” means to me.  I’m looking forward to sharing more about my journey in 2010.

I’ll admit that I’ve put off blogging because I allowed myself to believe that I’d gotten too far behind in posting, so why bother.  I can’t believe I really believed that…but sadly it’s true.  I was frustrated by my lack of consistency.  That was somewhat brought on by life circumstance, and also from the belief that many days I had nothing exciting or new to share.

Reflecting back over the past months as one tends to do this time of year, I realize that I had many things to share, I am learning everyday, and most importantly I missed the writing, interacting, and “centeredness” that writing in a journal (of sorts) brings.  I even stopped writing in my own personal journal for a season!  Although I have continued to learn some new skills, I have also found a loss of focus in my steps toward simplicity and homemaking.  Believe it or not, I think the lack of journal/blogging is related to my lack of focus.  The writing keeps me accountable and motivated, and it keeps me connected with others on the journey!

Enough explaining!  I am putting the past behind and moving forward.  Not as a “resolution” that I too often fail to keep past January 5th.  No, I’m freeing myself from the pressure of HAVING to write, and then not writing because I felt guilty because I DIDN’T write.  Crazy, isn’t it?  Instead I’m writing out of a heart of gratitude, and a real desire to share my journey with others.  Folks, the way things are going, we’re going to need each other’s support more and more in the coming months and years.

So, what does this all mean?  I guess it means that I’m going to forgive myself more quickly for failures, and hope that you’ll understand if I miss a few days now and then.  A good friend has encouraged me with the thought that taking the pressure off myself to write will most likely mean I’ll do more of it — I pray she is correct!

Chickens with “chicken pox”

Well, not exactly.  The correct term is Avian Pox, but two of my girls had it recently.  I noticed black, wart-like bumps on their combs and on one of the girl’s eyelids.  Did a little searching online, and found that chickens and other fowl are susceptible to this virus.

Now I know why egg production had been a little low for a couple weeks!  When you only have three hens, you definitely notice when one or two don’t lay like normal.  There is no cure for avian pox, basically you just let it run it’s course.  It is contagious to other birds, but it looks like only two of my three have had it so far.  They are both already on the mend.  Since garlic is so helpful when humans are sick, I decided to add some garlic to their feed and water.  I also tried to give them more roaming time outside the coop so they could eat more greens, also good for their immune system.

I don’t have a picture of the girl’s with avian pox, but this site does, as well as providing more information.  Even suburban farmers have to deal with livestock issues, and do our best to treat whatever comes a long.  Thankfully, their respiratory tracks were not affected and things are back to normal in the hen house