A Quick Guide to Popular Essential Oils

Blossoming mint .....

Here is a quick list of popular essential oils and their key characteristics.  You can find oils that relax, center, and ground, as well as stimulate the senses and focus the mind… Each one is like a world unto it’s own.  

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus)

• Cool, fresh, energizing, focusing, cleansing  
• Herbaceous, woodsy, camphorous, balsamic, penetrating, medicinal 
• Helpful to the respiratory tract, the sinuses, headaches, sinus headaches, sore muscles and muscle aches.

Frankincense ( Boswellia Carteri )

• Meditative, calming, centering, spiritual
• Exotic, herbal, green, woodsy, camphorous
• Aids mature skin, wrinkles, and scars, supports coughs, the respiratory tract, bronchitis, nervous tension, stress and anxiety.  
• A sacred oil, beneficial during meditation and prayer.... 

Grapefruit (Citrus X Paradisi)

• Stimulating, uplifting, refreshing, 
• Sweet, citrus, fresh, aromatic, lush, juicy  
• Supports the nervous system, is uplifting to the spirit, helps with depression, fatigue, headaches, oily skin and acne.

Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale)

• Calming, relaxing, harmonizing, uplifting   
• Lavish, floral, romantic, exotic, sweet, intoxicating, lush 
• Beneficial for the nervous system, supports anxiety, tension, nervousness and depression, 
• Harmonizing to the spirit.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

• Relaxing, calming, centering, purifying, restorative, and soothing  
• Green, floral, herbaceous  
• Beneficial and supports the nervous system, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and stress, helpful to the sinus and respiratory tract,  Aids skin care, acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns, inflammation, and insect bites.

Lemon (Citrus Limon)

• Refreshing, purifying
• Citrus, floral, fruity, sweet, clean, fresh
• Lemon supports the digestive tract and the immune system, aids acne, and oily skin.
• A beneficial essential oil to clean and deodorize the home.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus)

• Refreshing, centering, uplifting, relaxing
• Lemony, green, floral, earthy
• Supports acne, excessive perspiration, fungal infections, and is a good insect repellent.

Orange (Citrus Sinensis)

• Cheerful, harmonizing, refreshing, warming, grounding
• Citrus, sweet, fruity, floral, fresh, aromatic, lush
• Uplifting to the spirit, supports depression and anxiety. 

Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin)

• Calming, relaxing, grounding, aphrodisiac
• Earthy, woodsy, spicy, exotic, bohemian, sensual, tenacious,unique
• Supports mature skin, wrinkles, dry skin, eczema, calming to the nervous system and can be used as a moth repellent.

Peppermint (Menthe X Piperita)

• Cool, fresh, energizing, cleansing, focusing, alert 
• Minty, herbaceous, penetrating, sweet 
• Peppermint supports the stomach and is helpful for digestion and nausea, helpful to the respiratory tract, the sinuses, sore muscles and muscle aches, benefits oily hair.
• Good for test taking as it's been shown to stimulate and focus the mind.

Rose (Rosa Damascena)

• Calming, warm, relaxing, balancing, purifying,  
• Elegant, lush, peaceful, floral, romantic, serene
• Rose has been used for centuries in skin care.  It strengthens capillaries, is used to treat wrinkles, mature skin, sensitive skin, and scars, supports the nervous system and is helpful for stress, and nervous tension.
• Beneficial for grief, opening the heart chakra, compassion, and forgiveness.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 

• Purifying, grounding
• Herbaceous, camphorous, green 
• Beneficial for oily skin and hair, acne, dandruff, headaches, nervous tension, stress, sore muscles and muscle aches

Sandalwood (Santalum Album)

• Sensual, grounding, relaxing, spiritual
• Woodsy, earthy, soft, tenacious, mellow, spicy
• Supports the nervous system, is an aphrodisiac, helpful with nausea and is calming to the digestive tract.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)

• Purifying, cleansing,
• Medicinal, turpentine, camphorous, woodsy, mossy, spicy
• Anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic, antimicrobial, deodorizing, beneficial for skin care, fungal infections, viral infections, skin rashes, acne, blemishes, and oily skin.
• A powerful essential oil to clean the home.

What is your favorite essential oil? How do you like to use it? 
 Please let us know and share your insights below!!!! 

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, please pass it on...
Be Well and Much Joy!

Related articles:
Patchouli: The Wild Child
Essential Oils: Do It Yourself Aromatherapy
Lavender Essential Oil: Benefits and Tips for Self Care

Essential oils are highly concentrated.  A little bit goes a long way.  Although essential oils are natural, if individual allergies or reactions occur, discontinue use.  Check with a doctor before using if you are pregnant or using with an infant or child.  

*Resources for this article: The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy, edited by Catherine Stuart;  The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy - A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-being, Julia Lawless.

copyright 2013

Rumi: Enough Words

How does a part of the world leave the world?
How can wetness leave water?

Don't try to put out a fire
by throwing on more fire!
Don't wash a wound with blood!

No matter how fast you run,
your shadow more than keeps up.
Sometimes, it's in front!

Only full, overhead sun
diminishes your shadow.

But that shadow has been serving you!
What hurts you, blesses you.
Darkness is your candle.
Your boundaries are your quest.

I can explain this, but it would break
the glass cover on your heart,
and there's no fixing that.

You must have shadow and light source both.
Listen, and lay your head under the tree of awe.

When from that tree, feathers and wings sprout
on you, be quieter than a dove.
Don't open your mouth for even a cooooooo.

When a frog slips into the water, the snake
cannot get it. Then the frog climbs back out
and croaks, and the snake moves toward him again.

Even if the frog learned to hiss, still the snake
would hear through the hiss the information
he needed, the frog voice underneath.

But if the frog could be completely silent,
then the snake would go back to sleeping,
and the frog could reach the barley.

The soul lives there in the silent breath.

And that grain of barley is such that,
when you put it in the ground,
it grows.

              Are these enough words,
or shall I squeeze more juice from this?
Who am I, my friend?

Taken from The Essential Rumi
translated by Coleman Barks

Patchouli: The Wild Child

I don’t think there is any essential oil more controversial than Patchouli.  It’s the wild child of the essential oils.  Love it or hate it, there isn’t much in between.  For many, it’s easy to see why patchouli is so special.  It’s a soft, sensual, and romantic scent with wood and spice notes, beautifully exotic with a definite bohemian feel.  Different scents have different effects that influence our emotions, physiological responses and moods.  Patchouli is a deeply passionate aroma that even used softly can at times overwhelm the emotions.  It’s in the chemistry of the scent.  And Patchouli has this funny way of provoking all types of reactions.  For some, it can be very relaxing, but for others it can cause a strong and somewhat fiery response.

I have to admit, there is something rebellious, independent and even daring to this aroma.  Its nature is a play of opposites and contrasts: authentic, unique, wild, imaginative, yet also vulnerable, soulful and peaceful.  Maybe this is why it continues to intrigue us, confound us, and evokes such emotion and thought.  

It’s no wonder that Patchouli was embraced as the scent of the sixties and captures the mood and spirit of this time period.  Used for centuries in its indigenous home of Asia, it was later brought to Europe and the Americas, but still utilized today in many modern perfumes for its exotic and sensual aroma.  It has a strong grounding and fixative quality that acts as a base note for many perfumes and blends well with many other types of scents.  It is also one of the few essential oils that improves with age and is well suited for both men and women.

Patchouli has many varied uses.  In the orient, the leaves were stored with silks, linens and clothing to repel moths.  It’s also helpful in preparations used for oily skin, acne, scars, eczema, chapped and mature skin.  It is soothing for anxiety and insomnia and because of its sensual aroma and interesting chemical make up, patchouli is considered a powerful aphrodisiac!

Words to describe patchouli are:  woodsy, earthy, spicy, exotic, peaceful, harmonious, passionate, imaginative, creative, sensual, bohemian, intoxicating, relaxing and grounding.

Some properties of patchouli essential oil are: antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti viral, astringent, fungicidal, deodorant, and aphrodisiac. 

Patchouli is said to support the 1^st, 2^nd and 7^th chakras. 

Patchouli is a fragrance that is incredible both used as a perfume, but also in the home.  

For DIY tips on ways to use essential oils for self care and in your surroundings click here: Essential Oils: Do It Yourself Aromatherapy
and here: Ooo La La Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe

For you patchouli lovers out there, what are your favorite ways to enjoy this beautiful scent?  Does it inspire you? Get the creative juices flowing? Or does it mellow you out,....giving you time to stop and smell the...patchouli? 

If you enjoy this article please share with a friend, comment below or join this blog!

Be Well,
Alyssa

* Although patchouli is natural, if any allergies or reactions occur discontinue use.  Check with a doctor if you are pregnant and before using on babies or small children.

*Resources for this article: The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy, edited by Catherine Stuart;  The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy - A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-being, Julia Lawless.

copyright 2013

Essential Oils: Do It Yourself Aromatherapy

 There are many great ways to use essential oils.  With just a few drops, it’s easy to turn your surroundings into a peaceful, relaxing environment. It's a simple pleasure that can bring a little creativity, comfort and sensuality into your daily routine.  Essential oils support our well being physically, emotionally and spiritually.  They are readily available at local health food stores or over the internet.  Here are some do it yourself tips that are both inexpensive and easy for self care and beyond.

~ Create a fragrant home by applying several drops of essential oil or aromatherapy mist to a handkerchief or tea towel and place next to a heat source such as a radiator, heat duct, or sunny window to disperse the scent throughout your home. This is particularly wonderful in the winter.  Each time the heat turns on, you are treated to the wonderful scent of your favorite essential oil. An aromatherapy mist can be used the same way sprayed directly throughout the house.  Essential oils, just like some fine perfumes, can possibly stain fabrics, so use old hankies, tea towels and take care around linens, clothing and upholstery.

~ To bring the spa home,

spray aromatherapy mists directly into the steam of a shower or add several drops of the essential oil to bath water.  You can also add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to a washcloth, liquid soap or shampoo.  The essential oils combined with the warmth of the steam and water soothes the senses, leaving you relaxed, refreshed and restored…

Dim the lights, light the candles, put the music on and find the peace within....

~ Make an inexpensive and quick massage oil or moisturizer

by adding several drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup of your favorite carrier oil*.  Slowly massage into your limbs at bedtime or after a shower, taking the time you need to release any tensions and fully enjoy the experience of an aromatic massage.

Nothing quite like soothing the tensions right out of your muscles for a deep sense of rejuvenation.
Or share the love and give your partner the gift of a sensual massage.  

This recipe can be used as a simple moisturizer as well as a massage oil….

~ To promote a deeper, more restful night's sleep at bedtime, 

try lightly misting your pillows and linens with a relaxing aromatherapy spray.......

~ Hand wash your delicate fabrics
in a bath of warm water and a few drops of essential oil to scent your fine washables.  

~ Add a dab of diluted essential oil
to any of your pulse points any time to calm, center, and restore!

*Because essential oils are so potent, it is usually advised to blend and dilute them with a carrier oil when applying to skin. There are many different kinds of carrier oils and they can be used synergistically with essential oils to target certain problems.  I always recommend using quality ingredients.  Examples of some carrier oils are: jojoba oil, almond oil , sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil, olive oil, rosehip seed oil, extra virgin coconut oil and avocado oil.

If you've enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with a friend, commenting below, or following this blog....

Thanks and Be Well,
Alyssa

Peonies by Mary Oliver

Photo: AS.

The interplay of light and shadow, 

the subtlety of color, form, texture, and shape....

Delicate, lavish, lush and sensual...

and the scent.....

Life unfurling in Spring...

    Below is a poem by Mary Oliver, one of my favorite poets.  Her poetry is a treasure and a gift to us all.  She has won the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize and is admired by many.  She often writes about the natural world, creating an intimate portrayal of its landscapes and inhabitants.  Her poems, full of such beauty, somehow captures in the way only poets and artists can the unspoken part of what lay in the details of this beautiful world. 
    
     I believe this is why poetry, music and art are so important to the world, to people and society.  It is heartening to know that our joys and struggles are on some level universal.   When an artist is able to express what we ourselves cannot say, it frees and inspires us. This is why we are moved by art, by the combination of notes, of colors, of words.  It stirs something within us and touches those parts that are forgotten and long to be remembered……. 

Enjoy!
Alyssa

From New And Selected Poems  by Mary Oliver

Peonies

This morning the green fists of the peonies are getting ready
to break my heart
as the sun rises,
as the sun strokes them with his old, buttery fingers

and they open —
pools of lace,
white and pink —
and all day the black ants climb over them,

boring their deep and mysterious holes
into the curls,
craving the sweet sap,
taking it away

to their dark, underground cities —
and all day
under the shifty wind,
as in a dance to the great wedding,

the flowers bend their bright bodies,
and tip their fragrance to the air,
and rise,
their red stems holding

all that dampness and recklessness
gladly and lightly,
and there it is again —
beauty the brave, the exemplary,

blazing open.
Do you love this world?
Do you cherish your humble and silky life?
Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath?

Do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden,
and softly,
and exclaiming of their dearness,

fill your arms with the white and pink flowers,

with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling,
their eagerness
to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are
nothing, forever?



Copyright Peonies - Mary Oliver
Blog Entry Copyright Map To The Imagination 2013

Lavender Essential Oil: Benefits and Tips to Self Care and Beyond

Dried lavender from the garden......

If there is one essential oil that seems to be the most popular, it’s lavender.  A classic fragrance, indigenous to the Mediterranean and cultivated in areas like France, Bulgaria and Spain.  The scent of lavender is floral, herbaceous, and green with sweet, powdery, camphorous notes.  Essential oils are somewhat like wine, since their scent can greatly vary depending on the region, environment, and weather conditions that the plant is exposed to.  For centuries, people have used lavender medicinally.  The flowers can be eaten and are used to flavor many recipes and dishes such as cookies, poultry, fish, risotto and ice cream….mmmm 

Lavender has an overall positive effect on the mind, body and spirit.  Having it in your aromatherapy kit is a good idea, as it is beneficial for a wide variety of conditions.  It’s applied to the skin for problems such as acne, eczema, cuts, bug bites, stings and fungal infections.  Rubbed into the muscles, joints, and temples, it can help relieve tension and headaches.  Lavender is perhaps best known for its calming, soothing and relaxing qualities, and to help relieve stress, insomnia, emotional tension and anxiety.  

There are many great ways to use lavender oil.  With just a few drops, it’s easy to turn your surroundings (home, office, car) into a peaceful , relaxing environment.  

~ Create a fragrant home by adding a few drops of lavender to a handkerchief  and place next to a heat source such as a radiator, heat duct, or sunny window to disperse the scent through your home.  A great way to create a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.  

~ To promote a deeper, more restful night's sleep at bedtime, try lightly misting lavender spray onto your pillows, moisturizing with a lavender scented balm or even dabbing a couple drops of the essential oil on your temples......

~ To bring the spa home, lavender aromatherapy mists can be sprayed directly into the steam of a shower or add several drops of the oil to bath water for an incredibly relaxing experience.   Light some candles, play some soft music, and feel yourself slowly unwind.   

~ Make an inexpensive and quick massage oil by adding several drops of lavender essential oil to 1/4 cup sunflower oil.  Massage your limbs at bedtime or after a shower to give yourself some greatly needed self care.  Or share the love and give your partner the gift of a sensual massage.  Nothing quite like soothing the tensions right out of your muscles for a deep sense of rejuvenation.

~ Make your own aromatherapy cream by adding the essential oil to your favorite all natural, unscented balm or lotion. This way, you get the dual effect of moisturizing your skin while taking advantage of the aromatherapy benefits.  

~ Add a dab of diluted lavender oil to any of your pulse point, any time to calm, center and restore!

Lavender can be used neat in very small amounts.  However, because essential oils are so concentrated, they are usually diluted with another oil called a carrier oil.  Carrier oils can be used synergistically with an essential oil to target specific problems.  Examples of carrier oils are: jojoba, sunflower, avocado, almond, grapeseed, castor, olive, rosehip and wheat germ. 

Words to describe lavender are: Relaxing, calming, purifying, restorative, centering, and soothing.

Some properties of lavender are: antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, sedative, analgesic, deodorant,  anti- inflammatory and cicatrisant.  

What's your favorite way to use Lavender Essential Oil? Let us know.......

*Although lavender is natural, if any allergies or reaction occur discontinue use.  Essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy.  Check with a pediatrician before using on babies or small children.

Resources for this article: The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy, edited by Catherine Stuart; The Herb Bible, Peter McHoy, Pamela Westland; The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy - A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-being, Julia Lawless.

Peace

The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.

~ Carlos Santana

When I say it's you I like, 

I'm talking about that part of you that 

knows that life is far more than 

anything you can ever see or hear or 

touch. That deep part of you that allows 

you to stand for those things without 

which humankind cannot survive. Love 

that conquers hate, peace that rises 

triumphant over war, and justice that 

proves more powerful than greed.

~ Fred Rogers

The Rub: DIY Natural Deodorant

It's important to be in tune with our bodies and to be advocates for our health. Making our own deodorant and knowing what the ingredients are gives us greater control over our health and how we take care of our bodies.

In a previous post I introduced a new recipe for a natural deodorant.  It works, it's inexpensive, but here's the rub.....for some people the baking soda can cause irritation.   

Seriously?  Just when I thought I had actually found the answer to years of trying so many natural, store bought and homemade products....My kids still laugh at me, by the way, for suggesting they use vinegar under their arms...."yeah, right, mom, guess again!" hahaha...

It's a dilemma, isn't it? There must be a way to smell fresh and use natural products at the same time...

So, I went back to the drawing board, and here are a couple of new recipes including a liquid deo.


DIY Natural Deodorant Cream
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1/2 Teaspoon *Shea Butter 
1 Tablespoon plus 2 Teaspoons Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder
1 Teaspoons Baking Soda

This is the new recipe with less baking soda, more cornstarch and a touch of shea butter.  The little bit of shea butter feels really nice under the arms. Overall the recipe is mild and still works wonders.  *You can substitute with more coconut oil or some cocoa butter if you don't have shea.  If irritation occurs, you can omit the baking soda all together and use only the cornstarch or arrowroot.

DIY Natural Deodorant Spray
1/4 - 1/2 Cups Water
1/2 Teaspoon Himalayan Salt
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Combine ingredients, shake well and apply.  It's nice to have an option for a liquid deodorant.  This recipes works great too and is useful when wearing more delicate fabrics.  Just wait a bit after shaving, since the salt can sting any cuts or irritated skin.

Other tips, recommendations and considerations:

~ Our skin is our largest organ.  We absorb everything through this protective layer.  It's important that we remember: what we put on our skin is as important as what we put into our bodies.

~ Try out the recipes before adding any essential oils.  If there isn't any irritation, go ahead and add 3 - 5 drops essential oil if you like.  Essential oils are extremely powerful and  I would use them sparingly as the under arms are a sensitive and delicate area.  A nice blend would be 1 drop Tea Tree and 3 - 4 drops Lavender for their anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and sweet smelling properties.  

~ Less is more....A pea size to a touch larger, is all you need of the cream deodorant split between both arms.  A little goes a long way at inhibiting odor.  Let it warm in the hands and lightly rub it in under your arms.

~ Vinegar actually does work....It lowers the pH levels on the skin which inhibits bacteria from growing....and the vinegar smell fades pretty quickly..There are many different ratios, but 1/4 cup water to 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar should be sufficient.  It's best to wait a while after shaving or if there is irritated skin as the vinegar can sting.... 

~ Eating healthy helps too.  Following a healthy diet does wonders for our overall health and for our body's chemistry.  And so it goes that what we eat can affect our body odor as well....
  
So, as there is no one size fits all product for all of us,  we do have options so that we can find what works best for each one of us.  Have fun experimenting and trying out these recipes. Feel free to adapt them to your own needs....

Be Well,
Alyssa




copyright 2013

Inspring Women: Judith Avers

Judith Avers

Hooray! Judith Avers is in the house.  We are so pleased that she'll be starting off our new series.  Each month we will be highlighting a woman who inspires us and makes a difference just by being who she is.  

Judith Avers, the singer/ songwriter who is originally from the west, has been writing songs since she was 6 years old.  Music comes naturally to her, as does her optimistic attitude for life.   It’s easy to see why people are drawn to her.  Her gorgeous lilting voice and the soft rhythms of her guitar draw you into her songs and lyrics. The stories she tells through her music are written with a keen observation and with an openness towards life and people.  She gives voice to the human condition in its most authentic, and tender forms, provoking music that shares both strength and vulnerability.   Through her willingness to tell the story like it is, in all its shades of gray: love, loss, triumph and failings;  we feel the great spirit of humanity in her songs.  And with it comes a larger sense of redemption and forgiveness that lies within each of us.   It’s this unfailing honesty coupled with her compassionate voice that makes her music so moving and strong.

Judith has collaborated with many artists along the way as well as performing solo.  These days she is in a band called The Early Mays with fellow musicians, Ellen Gozion and Emily Pinkerton.  They’ve released one CD with another in the works and will be performing March 8, 12:00 pm at Cup & Chaucer, Ground Floor of the Hillman Library on Forbes and Schenley Dr. (Oakland) and March 9 at Club Cafe opening for Brooke Annibale's EP release show.  

Besides performing with The Early Mays, you can catch Judith on YouTube for a year long weekly series called Real Women Real Songs.  Each week Judith posts a new song written from the prompt she received the week before.  14 women are participating in this project. Some examples of the prompts are: patience, apologetic, distasteful and lovestruck.  Judith has this to say about Real Women Real Songs:  "I think it is good for me to let go of the idea of making sure things are 'perfect' and just let the lyrics and melody chips fall where they may.  Some of the songs are messy and incomplete, but they are more real and free than most songs I whittle away at." 

Judith shares these gifts with all of us and also with the hundreds of teenagers she has mentored through programs like SongSchools 101 which is run through High Rocks, a leadership and empowerment program in West Virginia.  Mentoring is an important part of what Judith does as a musician.   She says: "I see songwriting and music mentoring as a kind-of similar thing to my musician friends who have children and 'pass the songs' down from generation to generation.  I think it is very important to teach young people skills and trades.  Music making and art making are skills and if I can have one tiny part of that teaching, that is a success in my opinion. " 

To experience Judith’s music and stories visit:

www.judithavers.com

Real Women Real Songs

The Early Mays 

copyright 2013

9 Simple Tips For Getting Through Winter

Photo: AS.

It’s amazing how a simple sunny day can brighten our whole mood.  If you live in a part of the world, where in the wintertime, lack of sunlight and cold temperatures can go on for days, it can have a significant effect on our mood.  Here are some simple tips and fun ideas to make your days brighter and happier during the winter months.

Tip # 1: Move your Body  

Exercise is not only good for the body, but it’s also extremely helpful to our mental and emotional health.  It relieves stress, floods our bodies with feel good endorphins, and has an overall relaxing yet energizing effect on the body, mind and spirit.

Tip # 2: Essential Oils

Essential oils are a good way to enhance our well being and take care of ourselves during the cold, dark days.  Think citrus, such as orange, lemon, tangerine and grapefruit notes…. Pick your favorite or make your own unique blend.  Orange essential oil has been noted to improve mood. Simply carry it with you for an instant pick me up…Or combine it with a little sunflower oil and massage it into your limbs and arms.  You can even add it to some sugar or salt and exfoliate  in the shower….A little self care is sometimes all we need....Ooo La La!

Tip # 3: Green Inspiration

Take a trip to your nearest botanical garden or greenhouse. It’s relaxing, uplifting and restorative to be surrounded by the beauty of exotic plants and the soft, balmy air of places like these.  During the winter, many botanical gardens host a flower show.  Here in Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens host their annual spring show.  The entire building smells like a bouquet of flowers.  It's one of my favorite places.  Or if you’d like to take a little bit of Spring home with you, many greenhouses and grocery stores begin selling spring flowers like paper whites, tulips, hyacinth and daffodils.  

Tip #4: Let There Be Light 

During the winter, we want to capitalize on all the sunshine we can find.  Why not make it a point while getting coffee or having lunch, to sit by a sunny window.   And so it goes for cloudy days as well.  It’s much brighter next to a window and the light has an accumulative effect.  Bring a friend along, savor each sip of coffee, take a few moments to read a book, or just be in the moment, but see how quickly the body relaxes and the mood lifts in the presence of warmth and light.

Tip #5: Stay In Touch

So that cabin fever doesn't take us over, it’s important to get out of the house and surround ourselves with new environments, friends, and a change of scenery…Hang out with friends, host a dinner party, visit a museum or go to a local coffee house....You never know who you’ll meet, what fun exchange you’ll have or what can happen. 

Tip #7: Stay Warm

It's sounds a little cliche " don't forget your hat and gloves" as we were reminded when we were little ones. But there's nothing like the right gear: warm gloves, a good pair of boots (with non - slip treads), and a cozy hat, to buffer against the elements!  

Tip #8: Plan Your Garden

One of my favorite things to do in winter is to start planning my garden.  I begin thinking of all the herbs in my garden and their fragrance that follows as I walk past.  It's a lot of fun going to the local store to pick out my seeds:  plum tomatoes, arugula, spring mix, cucumbers, green beans.  And the flowers: blue morning glories, shasta daisies, white and pink cosmos, giant zinnia, bright red poppies and mammoth sunflowers.

Tip #9: When in Rome 
As the saying goes " if you can't beat 'em, join them".  So, it might be helpful to go out and have a little fun in the cold and the snow!  There is something very empowering when we surrender to what is.  So go ahead.  Go outside.  Throw that snowball, build that snowman or just let yourself wander through a park or the nearest woods and take in the beauty that winter offers!

Wishing you Beautiful, Happy Days!

Copyright 2013

Love Poems For Valentine's Day

Vita Nuova

In that book 
Which is my memory

On the first page 
That is the  chapter when
I first met you
Appear the words........
Here begins a new life
~ DANTE

In your light 

I learn how to love. 

In your beauty, 

how to make poems. 

You dance inside my chest, 

where no one sees you, 

But sometimes I do, 

and that sight becomes this art. 

(Rumi)

Come Quickly

Come quickly –as soon as

these flowers open,

they fall.

This world exists

as a sheen of dew on flowers.

Izumi Shikibu




<3 With Much Love, Happy Valentine's Day! 


And a couple of deceptively simple and delicious recipes
to indulge in, while reading poetry!

Simple Pleasures: Chocolate Toast with Coffee
The Ultimate Hot Chocolate