Ahhhhh…….
Scents can be very powerful, which is why aromatherapy has been popular for many, many years. I’ve always gravitated to certain scents, particularly spicy ones like, eucalyptus and thyme (which I frequently diffuse in the house). I also love the scent of rosemary and any kind of citrus. A couple months ago I was reading about the beneficial properties of essential oil of rosemary for reducing cortisol, boosting concentration, and stimulating mental activity. Since my job can be stressful at times, ie. tax time and during end of the month procedures, I decided to buy a terra-cotta diffuser from Mountain Rose Herbs** for diffusing essential oils in my office while I work. I love this little thing, there are no fans, no electric, just a calming scent filling the air of my office.
Each morning, I put two drops each of rosemary and sweet orange essential oil on it and hang it in the window. The sun warms it slightly and the wonderful scent fills the air. Sweet orange oil is said to create a happy, relaxed feeling while lifting the mood. Research suggests that it helps to reduce pulse rate and salivary cortisol levels, just like rosemary essential oil. Even if it didn’t have these properties it would be worth diffusing just for the scent. Do I notice less stress when my office smells great? Certainly! My mood is instantly lifted when I walk into the office.
Do you use aromatherapy in your home? What’s your favorite scent or combo of scents?
**I have an affiliate account through Mountain Rose Herbs, it helps me pay the bills associated with this blog. If you purchase spices, tea, or essential oils through them, consider clicking through the link in my sidebar and help support my work here.
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In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lion?
You know the saying about March “In like a lion, out like a lamb”. That is not proving to be the case this year. Yesterday it snowed and snowed, then a little more snow fell. I was out visiting a friend and running errands, I almost couldn’t make it back up the driveway when I got home because it was so slick.
The spot of bare ground in my back yard is covered over once again. At least it will melt of quickly and show itself perhaps tomorrow or the day after. I remember many an Easter egg hunt as a kid with a dusting of snow and wearing winter coats. We tend to forget that spring is almost always long in coming, perhaps the anticipation gives us amnesia.
Do you have memories of Easter egg hunts with snow and warm coats?
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Maple Sapping
‘Tis the season for maple sap. This year I’m not doing as much as I usually do. The snow is still way to deep to get to many of my trees and collecting sap in snowshoes isn’t the easiest thing in the world. I tapped our Big Old sugar maple right across the driveway from the house (photo from last year, there’s still a foot of snow on the ground here).
I’m also making it a light sugaring year because I’m having some chiropractic work done for my scoliosis, which acts up every now and then. I’m hoping to get it all straightened out before gardening season is in full swing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed the pain is much more bearable at that point in time, not carrying heavy buckets of sap through the woods should help. I should still get a gallon or so of syrup, even just from this one tree. That is more than enough since I still have three gallons left from last year.
What’s happening in your garden this week?
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Quote of the Day: Charlotte Brontë
“It had been a mild, serene spring day–one of those days which, towards the end of March or the beginning of April, rise shining over the dark as heralds of summer. It was drawing to an end now, but the evening was warm.”
Charlotte Brontë (in Jane Eyre)
The days are noticeably warmer, particularly when the sun shines. The days are much louder now, there are noises that have been silent for many months. Going outside brings the sound of water running, dripping, moving; snow changing back to liquid and soaking deep into the earth. I’m beginning to spend more and more time outdoors, lingering when I do chores, finding excuses to go outside. Though spring isn’t here quite yet, we’re on the cusp, waiting with bated breath!
What’s your favorite sound of spring?
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Friday Favorite: Rice
I love rice, really, really LOVE it. Since I grew up in South America, rice was a staple. As a result it’s kind of like a comfort food for me, rice and beans. I could eat a big bowl of plain rice for dinner. Delicious fragrant rice cooked with sweet browned onions and coconut oil. Cilantro lime rice is another one of my favorites.
I find my enameled cast iron pan to be the perfect pot to cook rice in. Many years ago I had a rice cooker and it worked well, but it quit working and I started using this pot. It cooks rice to perfection every time.
What are some of your comfort foods?
