Recently I shared a post about protecting yourself from flu viruses. Please be sure to read the information about it and how to apply it to your body for protection. now I would like to share a recipe I found on line for using it in a spray.  The small portable spray is ideal for purifying small surfaces when using public places, doorknobs, toilet seats etc. I spray a little on my mask for extra protection and by the way is smell wonderful and the sinuses love it. You can now purchase Thieves oil at Whole Foods market. It is their own product with the same recipe as thieves oil with a different name. They call it Defender Blend and it costs around $12 for a 1 oz bottle.

Defender Blend Spray
1  2 oz. glass, amber spray bottle
15 drops of Defender Oil
1  teasp. Witch Hazel
a little less than 2 oz. distilled water

Add the oil and witch hazel to the bottle, then add the water to fill the bottle nearly  to the top, close the bottle and give it a litle shake.  Simple, it's ready to use.
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Just harvested a new batch of homemade kombucha!

There's a lot of scary news around us right now with the spread of corona virus.  There are rules and laws being passed to encourage us to practice social distancing and stringent cleanliness practices to prevent the spread and protect ourselves, family and communities.  I believe that good health is in our favor and there are a few simple practices that we can use to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
     1. Wearing a mask in public is now being recommended since we have to go to grocery stores and other necessary errands.
       2.   Hydration is very important.  Washing those little germs down into our stomachs will certainly kill them.
       3.    Frequent hand washing to prevent transfer of germs.
       4.    "Keep your nose clean", in not only a metaphor for keeping out of trouble  but a good practice.  Simply cupping your hand and snorting a little warm water to rinse out any dust particles that may be carriers.
       5.   Hydrogen peroxide, water, vapor inhalation.  Combine 1 part hydrogen peroxide (preferably food grade)  to 2 parts hot water in a small bowl. (1/4 cup HP to 1/2 cup hot water). Inhale the vapor, drape a towel over your head to trap the vapor, inhale vapor for about 5 minutes. The minuscule droplets will destroy bacterial in the nasal passages and lungs. 
       6.  "Thieves oil"  A protective oil that grave robbers used for protection, seriously! One drop added to a carrier oil dabbed behind the ears and wrists for protection from flu viruses.  A few drops added to a diffuser is a great way to clear the air. Add a few drops to cleaning supplies for extra protecion.
Thieves oil recipe
 40 drops of clove essential oil
– 35 drops of lemon essential oil
– 20 drops of cinnamon essential oil
– 15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
– 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
Blend oils together and store in a dark glass bottle in a cool dark place.
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    My aromatic eye pillow is ideal for those times when you just need to stop what you are doing and rest.  So much of our energy is used by our eyes.  Especially now that we are looking at computers and phones an increasing amount of time.
​    The weight and fluidity of the flax seeds helps the pillow to conform to the eyes while blocking out light completely.  The subtle fragrance of the lavender flowers helps to relax the mind.  Currently, I have the dragonfly pattern available while supplies last.  I will be making more in a variety of colors and patterns. Retail Price $15

This is where I buy my mixed baby greens on Saturdays at the downtown Austin Farmer's Market. They are so fresh and delicious I pick up a bag every Saturday.  The vendor on the left is here with  a friend selling a variety of  greens, along with Jerusalem artichokes.  I visited their website animalfarmcenter.com and was pleasantly surprised  by the scale and community of this farm located midway between Austin and Houston. They operate by the principals of permaculture and host events including farm dinners featuring top Texas chefs, permaculture workshops, Yoga retreats and more.

 So, as the holidays approach I decided to do a pre feasting cleanse. I also realized that I had to do a mind and spirit cleanse also in order to fully be renewed and appreciate the festivities. The food aspect is outlined in an earlier post which limits  my food choices to vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and herbal teas.  which is quite doable and satisfying for 7 days. Then cleansing the mind is another aspect.  With accessibility to endless information coming at us from so many directions, including social, political, environmental or cultural,  it is easy to become emotionally  challenged or drained.  So as part of my mind cleanse I will be monitoring my phone and TV habits and try redirecting my energy to something more calming.  Picking up a book will be my new go to habit for 7 days.  Spirit is another area I will include in my cleanse.  Meditation is the goal for my spiritual cleanse.  Escaping the limits of my physical self  and surrendering to the infinite, 30 minutes each day for 7 days.  I'll let you know how it works out!