I’ve said before that I am with coconut oil like the dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is with windex… I use it for everything. Right now, I have a five gallon bucket of it sitting next to my desk because we use so much and I don’t have anywhere else to keep it… […]
http://infocus247.com/2015/06/05/101-ways-to-use-coconut-oil/
This morning, I slipped under my nearly 3-year old daughter’s covers to wake her up with a kiss and a cuddle, but was met with resistance. Her: Noooooo mommy, I didn’t ask you. It’s wake-up time, we can’t cuggle. Me: Just a little cuggle? {I try to assume our usual position, by slipping […]
https://thebestseasonofmylife.wordpress.com/2016/02/04/the-beauty-in-bedsharing/
Reblogged from Offbeat Home &Life
This was one of my many ideas that I came up with while fighting my sinus infection and flu. I would like to have a room in my house devoted exclusively to clothes, washing, ironing, and storing.
Lo and behold, after a little research I found that others had the same idea too! Here is one woman’s approach:
Family closets are usually used by large families but you don’t have to have five or more kids to benefit from a family closet. Heck, you don’t even need to have a kid to enjoy the ease of keeping all the clean laundry in one place.
Our family is made up of two parents and two children (and two dogs and a cat). I refuse to carry clean laundry up the stairs and distribute clean clothes to several locations just for them to get dirty and need to be washed again. I can’t justify that effort when I don’t enjoy it and when there is an easier option, so we’ve set up our laundry room-adjacent family closet in a way that makes more sense.
It’s not magazine-pretty but I love it!
Here’s how the closet works: the clothes are hanging on a hand rail hung from the ceiling with rope. I added some screws on the ends (perpendicular to the rail) to keep the hangers from sliding off.
The basket of coats, jackets, hats and gloves will only be on that chair during the cold seasons. When it warms up they’ll go out into the shed (in a tub with a lid) and our swimming stuff will go in that spot.
I always keep a tub easily accessible for outgrown clothes to donate. Tossing clothes into the tub here and there helps keep the clutter down, plus it makes getting ready for a clothing swap much simpler.
We also have a reading nook in the family closet because you have to utilize all the space when your house is 700 square feet.
It’s a little odd, but it works well for us — and is a huge timesaver for me!
DIY Reusable Rice Heat Packs
I’ve mentioned in the past that we don’t use microwaves, but I do make one exception.
We make homemade reusable rice heat packs are easily heated in the microwave. Most of my concerns about microwaves (especially that they make food taste terrible) don’t matter for something we aren’t eating, so I don’t mind using it for this purpose.
Natural Heating Pads
Before I had kids, I used an electric heating blanket. Once I conceived my first child, I noticed that the warning label cautioned against use while pregnant and also carried warnings of the potential for burns, electric shock and fires.
I wanted to find a natural alternative, and in college, I often used this hot/cold pack that could be heated in a microwave or put in the freezer.
That one finally bit the dust after college, but thankfully, my mom figured out a homemade version that we’ve been using ever since.
Her homemade rice heat pack is super-simple to make and works wonderfully. Just a couple minutes in the microwave and they stay warm for almost an hour.
How We Use These
I now have a couple of these and all of my children have one that they made with my mom. We use them all the time, but some of my favorite uses have been:
- In labor: I had terrible back labor with my last birth because she decided to arrive breech. The only thing that got me through the excruciating positions needed to get her out safely were these heat packs on my back. They were amazing.
- Cold nights: Once upon a time not that long ago, we lived in a poorly insulated apartment with three kids, including a preemie. It got really cold at night and no amount of running the heater (despite the $400 electric bills) got it warm in that apartment. We would heat these up each night and place them in our children’s beds under the sheets (but below their feet) to keep them warm while they were falling asleep.
- Cold and Flu: In the unfortunate event of a cold or flu, these are wonderful for keeping warm and easing the achy muscles. (These are the other things we do if illness strikes to speed recovery)
- Great sleep: Years ago, I started sleeping with an ice pack on my head. I found that it improved my sleep quality. These rice packs are great to put in the freezer and use for that to improve sleep.
- Reusable Hand Warmers: I’ll be posting a separate tutorial for these, but lately, I’ve made little miniature heat pads with felt and fleece to heat up and use as hand warmers (if we ever get cold enough to need them this year!)
Rice Pack Supplies
- One 5-pound bag of white rice (might not all be used)
- A 12-inch square piece of material. I’ve used cotton, old sheets or pillow cases, or flannel (see other variations below)
- Thread
- A sewing machine or a needle
Rice Pack Instructions
- Fold the material in half with right sides together and sew two of the sides so that three sides are closed and one smaller end is left open. In other words, if it is folded, sew the bottom and the long side so that it becomes a tube that is roughly 12 inches by six inches with one six inch side open.
- Turn inside out so that the rough ends are hidden.
- Fill the tube with rice until it is about 2/3 full.
- Fold the remaining side in so that the rough ends are hidden and sew closed.
To use: Heat in the microwave on high for 60 seconds or until desired temperature.
Simple Variations
There are some great tutorials online for making a really nice looking rice heat pack. This is one of my favorites. I make nicer looking ones like that for gifts, but for regular home use, these are easier:
- Use an old knee-high sock– just fill with rice and sew or tie the end.
- Use an old pillow case: Just cut in half. Use the side with the bottom seam and fill with a couple of cups of rice. Sew a line all the way across to create a sealed tube, then repeat with another couple of cups of rice. Repeat until the entire thing is full and seam the end to create a finished rice pack with several tubes full of rice.
- Create a simple sleeve with a piece of square material: Fold in half and sew up two of the sides, leaving a thinner end open. Fill with rice and sew the remaining side to seal.
Ever made your own heating pad before?
Reblogged from Wellness Mama
~~I made a heat pack for my mom last year, and wish I had made more. They are fantastic for those of us with cold hands and feet, or horrible menstrual cramps! I’m also curious if you have made one before?
Tonight, Brian and I watched the first episode of Bleak House by Charles Dickens. BBC has done an excellent adaptation of the book, and has been a favorite of mine for many years. If you embark on this mini-series adventure, be warned that it might take you a little over eight hours to complete. That’s why episodes are your friend!
One of the Bleak House characters, John Jarndyce, has a special room that he likes to call “The Growlery”. As I was driving home tonight, I was thinking how nice it would be to have such a room. Especially one that I could visit briefly, growl, and promptly lock my growls there. I seem to be full of growls these days.
Music is actually taking up most of my brain tonight. A few blog titles went through my mind – “I’m My Own Worst Enemy”, “What Potential”, or “Why The Heck Do I Love Music”. None of which I had enough courage to actually write at the top, but somehow felt necessary to share here. Yes, I ask myself everyday, “Why the HECK do I love music???” Generic answers include, “Because it’s beautiful” or “Because thats what you’ve always done”.
I’ve been trying to come up with a better answer.
Unfortunately, that’s not easy. Every day I wake up and think: “Today could be my day!” After about 30 minutes of morning blinking, I realize that perhaps whatever I was avoiding is still there kicking me in the behind. Then I get on with my day and forget about the possibility of doing something great with my music. No point to practice = no practice = no music = depressed Annie. It’s definitely circular.
Playing music by myself or just for fun are not things that I’m really good at. Therefore, if there isn’t an external push to play high-quality music, then I don’t even bother playing at all. Somehow, I’m hoping that by sharing this in public, that I’ll get over this roadblock. I’m my own worst enemy.
The word amateur makes me uncomfortable . I refuse to settle for this in my music career. However, until I can learn how to let go of my insecurities and up-tightness, I will be an amateur.
Just an amateur.
And this is where I’ve sat since the beginning of high school. Yes, I’ve learned from the best teachers, and emulated some of the best technique, but I’ve never just let go. Well, I shouldn’t say that – there have been a few instances. The time where I just let it all go for my Senior jury in Conservatory and my professor actually came on stage to give me a hug because I had made a breakthrough. Or the time I gave a private concert for a special group of people who had never heard a live violin before.
As a musician, how can I only have a handful of experiences like that? Shouldn’t I strive for more? Those few times are what keeps me going. Someone in the office asked me if I liked Berlin Philharmonic. I said, “Oh, Yes. They’re the best. They are the reason I decided to accept my offer to SF Conservatory.” Their music inspired me with one of those magical moments. I bet the Berlin Philharmonic has that effect all the time, and I’m bummed I wont let myself be a part of the sharing.
I’ve been taught well, I have the tools, the technique, the focus, and the heart of music, but yet I don’t have the freedom that I long for. Yet.
And again I say, YET.
I’m searching for answers, praying for inspiration, and looking for open doors. (My biggest prayer has been answered so far: getting to a point where I feel free enough to share all this! To me that is a sign that I’m in the right place at the right time, and am just waiting to emerge into the next phase.)
My current goal is to A) Let go, B) Play for enjoyment every day, and C) Reach out to others
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Hello again!
It’s been a few weeks since my keyboard has been put to good use. I’m sure I’ve had time to write, but everything seems to be just a blur since before Christmas. To tell you the truth, that seems like ages ago already.
Texas has been as cold as California the last few weeks. Low 30’s during the night, and between 40-60 in the daytime. The only difference is that people actually turn on the heat here. In California, it never got QUITE cold enough to nudge the thermostat to 70. Or at least that’s what my parents say.
Christmas – reader’s digest version
Brian and I traveled out to California for Christmas and New Years. Between December 23 and January 1st, we visited as many people as we could fit in. A whirlwind tour, I would call it. We wanted to make sure no one was left out or forgotten! Many cups of warm tea, lovely hospitality, and even some music and dancing. Thank you to everyone who had us over, or met up with us over the holidays. We really appreciate it!
We were also able to fit in a trip to the beach and a few cozy nights of games in front of the fireplace. We spent Christmas with Brian’s family – which was wonderful and joyous! Emma and Phillip were in town from PA, which made it a special visit as well.
Sunday after Christmas, we were with my family, and again on and off throughout the visit. So thankful for the music nights and the New Years Eve party! What a joy to play with Gary Thomas for New Years!
Back to Texas
Starting work again was such a drag. I swear that I’ve been sick ever since I got back to Texas. Even though I loved seeing everyone and staying up late every night, I dont think I’m as young as I used to be. (Am I allowed to say that yet? haha) What with stomache pains, head cold, and a lingering cough. It hasn’t ended yet, and I’m hoping and praying that the lingering will give up.
However, the month of sickness did allow me some moments alone to hibernate and hatch new plans. I’m always in the process of hatching ideas, but the most effective ones are those that are accompanied by a sick day in bed. No news right now, but music plans are hibernating currently! OF COURSE planning the wedding is also marinating in there also.
The Good and the Bad
Good – The girls decided I had slept long enough this morning and leapt into my bed. This is actually a good thing, believe it or not. I can be such a grumster in the morning. The silent pout, and the “Don’t notice me” hunch are trademarks of an Annie morning. But they were so happy and laughing, that I couldn’t be toooo grumpy for tooo long. Perhaps this is getting me ready for having my own girls?
Brian and I went boot shopping today. And guess what? HE FOUND BOOTS HE LIKED. I cant believe it because he has been agonizing over it for the last month. Which ones, which store, why get them… etc. Now he’s happy, and I’m even happier! It’s gonna be a Texas wedding in CA.
I’m getting to know so many awesome musicians! Especially musicians that are in a similar stage of being-recently-out-of-school and finding their way. So much to relate about. More on that another time.
I now have 5 students, and I love each one of them. In California, I wouldn’t have liked to go to people’s houses to teach, but here, I love it. Probably because I don’t mind driving, and southern hospitality is the best. Hooray for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
My membership at the YMCA is my new friend. As soon as I got it and started exercising, I started being on the mend from my winter sickness. Fancy that.
Bad – The FWSO wants to go on strike. I don’t really have a comment about it right now, but it’s a bummer that Fort Worth had to get on the bandwagon that so many other orchestras have gotten on over the last 5 years. Actually, I do have a comment from Brian: He says that the future of orchestra and music in the concert hall is being gravely affected by new technology. I agree, but I’m not helping very much by writing this post ON MY COMPUTER. Alas.
I’m still not quite healthy yet. Three things I have learned from this winter sickness: Annie likes to justify everything she does or says (just to make sure nooo one would ever misunderstand her :P). Annie is OCD about her ears (yes ears not fears). Annie doesn’t sound old enough to know cool things – AKA deceptively sweet. Now that these things are in the open, I don’t have to be embarrassed anymore, right? Once I get better, Little Firecracker-Annie can come out to play!!
Oh, I forgot to mention that I also like bickering. Not something I’m proud of, but I’m learning it’s a favorite activity with those I love very dearly. However, I now have more appreciation for my mother’s undying patience with her red-headed girl. I asked Brian: “Dont you wish I were just sweet and submissive all the time?” His response: “Oh, I know better than that. I’ve lived with red-heads my whole life!! ” He concluded that life would be boring otherwise. And I think so as well. (At least I wish I were sweet, right?)
It’s pumpkin time for Annie. That’s all folks!
I woke up a few mornings ago with a new realization of this quote. I’m not sure if it can be put into words, but the over-all feeling I had was of realizing that joy could actually be within my reach. As long as I “let it go”, so to speak.
For me, the making up your mind part of it seems to be letting go. Trusting. Having Faith. Not tenaciously holding onto the past and letting the sweet times turn sour.
There are so many things to be joyful for! Just realizing this is half the struggle, though. Humans are capable of so many amazing things – how often we hold ourselves back.
That’s what it feels like when I forget to choose joy. I can choose to put God foremost in my life, and to stop being a “solo” act, or I can choose to depress myself with my inability to function by myself.
When I let go, my inspiration and motivation soars to new heights.
Here’s the many things that happen when I let go:
That’s just about everything that makes me tick! Why would I ever choose to prevent myself from doing these things? Beats me.
It’s a choice that I have to make from the moment I wake up.
I will be as happy as I choose to be.
Read it with this music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alFTOEtPpvw
In a recent article that I read, Hieroschemamonk Ambrose talks about how to form an “Orthodox conscience”. It really touched me on many levels, and I gleaned a quote from St. John of Kronstadt.
How easy it is to let the cares of the world turn a warm heart to apathy. How easy is it to not pursue the warmth of the Holy Spirit, and the feeling of grace. Most places I look, I see a landscape that could turn my heart cold, and lose sight of the reason why I’m here.
Why am I here?
For the glory of God, I would say.
The little I know about this concept is through the many times I’ve been touched through beauty, love, and grace. What does it really mean to me though? I’ve recently been through some deep searching to understand how important this is to me and why I want to count it as my top priority. When all else fails, what do I have to fall back on? The warmth of grace.
“The purer the heart becomes, the larger it becomes; consequently it is able to find room for more and more loved ones; the more sinful it is, the more it contracts; consequently it is able to find room for fewer and fewer loved ones–it is limited by a false love; self-love.” -St. John of Kronstadt
How does one attain this pure heart? Perhaps the first step is through beauty.
Dostoyevsky says that, “Beauty will save the world.”
“The whole phenomenon of worship is bound up with the idea of beauty…(By beauty is meant, the expression of Godliness in earthly terms…) Beauty today, in human understanding, is a hint of Paradise, a memory of the Paradise lost, and an anticipation of Paradise to come. The human soul…understands and feels beauty without words.” -Fr. H
To have a desire for a pure and warm heart, I think that one must be touched by beauty. A desire for Paradise is the beginning of life in Christ.
Why else does the church offer beautiful hymns, icons (windows into Paradise), vestments, flowers, and incense? Why else does the Lord allow us to see the beauty of creation?
Every step of the way, He’s trying to show us Paradise and plant in us a desire for life eternal.
Why do we not crave that?
Why do we let the world harden our hearts? The world doesn’t need apathy.
Search out beauty and joy. Allow your heart to be touched.
Apathy drives loved ones far away. It destroys relationships and provokes despair.
“Science may have found a cure for most evils; but we have found no remedy for the worst of them all, the apathy of human beings.” – Hellen Keller
Why would anyone want to forsake love, and grow apathy instead? It seems that in this day and age, hate is not the emotion people have for God, but rather apathy. Sometimes it’s anger, but mostly apathy.
It’s so easy not to give a d*mn. It’s so easy to have apathy encompass your whole life and take over your view of all that is beautiful – the way to Paradise. It’s so easy to put up your invisible hand and push people away.
Why not warmth, love, and grace. A piece of Paradise can be here on Earth.
Rose in Bloom 