Talk about a scorcher summer! We did everything to try and save our tomatoes, but in the end we did not get much out of our crop. But it will just make us a little more grateful for what we did get, to cherish our harvest just that little bit more. In order to make the most out of our tomatoes, I have been picking them just as they are a bit ripe and fully ripening in the window so that they don’t get rot or have any bugs/squirrels demolish them. Then I wash, core and freeze them in silicone ziplock bags for fall when we can make our sauces, stews, soups and more. Our onions came up gangbusters, even though they were a little small, as well as the potatoes, but still so tasty!
I have been trying to become more eco conscious in helping Mother Earth with daily tasks and have switched to the silicone ziplock bags, they last longer and are heavy duty. I picked up some online in 3 different sizes. Another way to help the environment is to ditch paper towels. I had previously bought some of the flannelette hand towels on a roll, and loved them so much! I found there wasn’t enough of them, so I went out to Len’s Mills and bought 2 yards of flannelette and made my own no-sew ones. Just used pinking shears! Sooo easy, and they wash up nicely, I just give them a rinse with a little soap after use and hang up to dry.
If you have any suggestions of how to make anything more eco conscious, I would love to hear from you! Every little bit helps for sure!
STAY HYDRATED!
As the temperature climbs, everyone knows to stay hydrated. But did you know that you can be dehydrated and not even realize it? Some symptoms of dehydration are feeling tired, have a slight headache, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, a dry mouth, lips or eyes, not urinating enough (fewer than 4 times a day), and if your urine is dark yellow. Some people add lemon slices or mint sprigs to their water. I find sometimes you can get ‘waterlogged’, where you can’t even swallow water any more. I find switching to ginger ale or juice for a little bit helps, then definitely go back to the water. As well, drinking TOO much water (3 to 4 litres for some people) can upset your electrolytes and your metabolism. Especially if you drink it within a short period of time.
SOAPS, MELTS & FIZZIES
As I said in my previous blog, I have discovered the wonderful world of making all things relaxing. There is something to be said about making your own de-stressing items. I love gathering all the ingredients, adding this and that, creating the scent
that I want and putting them into molds, or bags, thinking up a creative name for the items and crafting labels. It’s such a fun and relaxing project for me. I like to give them as little gifts for friends and family.
I have also started making some homemade smudge bundles to use in my studio. I gather sage, lavender, rosemary, basil, thyme, etc. and play around with different scents that go into each bundle. My husband used one when he went on a trip recently to cleanse each space he stayed at and said it worked nicely. He was talking to someone at one place where they were starting a meditation session and they asked if he could smudge and give a blessing for the group. As he is a certified honorary novice Monk (certified from the forest Monks in North Eastern Thailand), he said it would be an honour!
More Projects Coming!
As my garden grows, there will be more projects in the works. I purchased some sweetgrass and planted it during a little ceremony and blessings and it is growing quite well. I have been nurturing the little clumps and watching them spread their fronds. Hopefully by autumn I will have enough to make some sweetgrass braids for my studio. There is a specific way of braiding them and I will do so with much love and gratitude.
Meanwhile, keep enjoying your summer. Even if there are blips and blunders along the way, try to stay mindful. There could be a lesson in there somewhere that you need to take heed of. Stay humble and grateful to all things that come your way!
Until next time!
Sandra
Sandra A. Murphy Reflexology 