Not Your Average Granny

Not Your Average Granny presents to you:   Soothing Salve 2 ounces $10.00 plus tax & shipping & handling  Made with extra virgin olive oil infused with fresh herbs for 8 weeks or more. Then melted with beeswax and essential oils. I have been using it for a while now. I have used it on my eczema, scratches, bug bites. and my recent tattoo. Works great and smells very very good. Packaged in 2 ounce tins.

My fingers are itching to type and my mind is in overdrive again. It's scary to pour your heart out. But, I did get a good response on my last post. The response was on Facebook. I really really wish people would comment on the blog post itself also :) Well, maybe I should explain why I am so upset with religion?? Religion specifically Christianity; We are taught: To be separate from the world; to not mix and mingle with the world; if you do you will be influenced by them for the bad To just listen to God's laws and if you don't you are a problem That we are not to believe in rituals and spiritualism   To listen to God and not ourselves; we just can't be trusted To look down on people who are not us or who think and act differently (yes, I hear your protests that this is not so) That we are sinners who can never measure up  Why is this bothering me so? It has caused me nothing but anxiety attacks and low self-esteem It has inhibited ...

Early this morning we had an eclipse of the moon. It was a full moon and the eclipse turned the moon red. I have been noticing the effects of the moon on my body and mood since September when I had a return of my panic attacks . I finally feel that I've conquered that with the help of meds and meditations. Lot's of meditation , relaxing music , plenty of spiritual reading , and soul searching.  Everything is energy . Even us. So when I get anxious and nervous now, I try to remember that it's just energy. That what I'm feeling is the energy in me and all around me. I'm fine and everything is okay and as it should be. I take deep breaths and make sure I work on clearing my chakras everyday and do my meditations at night. I want to get off the meds, but my intuition is telling me to wait until I am whole. I don't feel whole quite yet. But, everyday things are getting better. I'm feeling a calmness and serenity in me. I'm feeling happier and more ...

Things happen very slowly in my life. I don't like it; but that is the way it is. I'm working on my products and designing labels. I'm never satisfied with my labels. Which is holding me up. Also, I haven't had much energy this winter. I'm working on my chakra's to remedy this situation. Then I have to photograph them. Which is a challenge too. So, things get done at a snail's pace because you see I have a full time job that sucks the life from me. I am learning a lot about myself through all of this and how I work best. Please be patient with me.

My first thoughts that I remember are when I was 3 years old. I always felt strange and out of place even then. Like I didn't belong here in this strange body, feeling all these strange unpleasant sensations and feelings. I always felt confused and never knew what was the right thing to do. I was jealous of my younger siblings because they seemed to be loved and accepted and I wanted that.  My grandmother was very religious and taught me about God and Jesus and brought me along to her "meetings" and "conventions" She was very strong in her beliefs and scolded me many times for my thoughts and actions and even for the fact that I had nail polish on. Hell was a predominant threat.  But, even though she did that, I loved her and loved listening to the Bible stories she told me with rapt attention. I loved going to meetings and conventions and singing the hymns. I even wanted to be a "worker" when I grew up. But, it was apparent that tha...

Spark Natural's Oil of the Month for February is...................... Marjoram. Use code: Granny for 10% off your order What exactly does one do with marjoram? Glad you asked. Marjoram is good for respiratory issues like asthma. When inhaled (by diffusing) this essential oil relaxes the respiratory system helping it calm down.  It has analgesic properties, so it's good for massaging your muscles and joints with a carrier oil and it  helps bring a fever down.  It can be used to treat wounds by disinfecting and preventing infection.  You can also treat anxiety . (which is what I will be using it for).  For other uses for this universal oil, you can do your own research. There is plenty of information out there.  The easiest way to use the oil is either by diffusing in a diffuser, or putting a few drops with a carrier oil or some of your own homemade salve. You can also put some in a roller bottle with some carrier oi...

I got this recipe from Pinterest. This is great for any stain you might have. It's the only thing I use. And it's easy. Easy is my middle name. In more ways than one lol. In a Spray Bottle mix: 1 part of Dawn Dishwashing Detergent (the old blue kind) 2 parts of Hydrogen Peroxide Shake. Spray. Throw in the wash. That's it. It's stinky. But don't let that stop you. It works and it's easy. When you put it through the wash you can't smell it anymore. I promise.

If any of you have been following this blog, you know that it has gone through many transformations, and myself as well. What I have come to realize is that life is a continuous process of change and recreating things. So, I'm okay with it now. Also, I have changed my mind about going part-time in my employment. I really, really, need the money. I know I won't be happy with less. So, I have decided to change my attitude and my views on things. And it has helped. Just as I changed my views on my husband many many years ago. It has helped tremendously. I think that I am really struggling with and at odds with myself. I thought I had accepted myself, but I was still holding back and afraid to show my true self. I know that is hard to believe. But, I have censored myself quite a bit. Oh no, you say. Oh well, I say. I really do think profoundly about things and do not dare say them to people for fear that you will think I'm crazier than you already do. I have decided that ...

This year marks a change for me. I have been going through turmoil the last couple of years with my job. The hospital where I worked has now been dissolved as of yesterday. Today it has a new name, new owners, etc. etc. We all had to apply for our jobs again. It was a year of emotional upheaval for me. I have been learning new things, new thoughts, a new view of myself. This has been an ongoing process. So when I applied for my job, I applied for part-time so that I could have more time to create and devote to my business and family. Now that it's all said and done, I'm scared to death. My income will be cut in half. What was I thinking? But, I know in my heart things had to change. I was not happy. So, this year is the year I will follow my bliss and learn to be content and happy with less . I will continue to make and sell my products with more time to devote to that. I will find and make a living doing the things that make my heart sing. Otherwise, life is not wort...

I just participated in an amazing healing session. The first amazing thing was that My question was the first one they answered. My name went out to the Universe! I was shocked!! My question was something like this: I have always felt like there was something I should be doing with my life that I haven't been doing. I have felt blocked all my life. How do I find out what it is that I'm supposed to be doing? Answer: Simplify:  Ask myself what makes my heart sing? What brings me joy? Follow my bliss. That is my purpose. It doesn't have to be a big thing. A grand thing. It can be a simple thing. What matters in my life? If I find that I will be in alignment with joy. So what does that really mean? My job does not make me happy. I feel stuck. Also, I found out that most creative people find a 9 to 5 job too restrictive. I find this to be true in my case. I feel stuck. Like I'm locked up and can't be myself. I don't think I'm creative though. But, I...

So, since I last posted, many moons ago, I have been going through a lot. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. Many realizations have come to me. I began a new medication to help me deal with things. Guess what, it works so darn well, I am not afraid to be myself, say what I think, or do what I want. This is good in some ways and bad in others. But, I am going to live life my way. If you don't like it, take a hike. Life is too short to be stuck and held back and afraid to speak and do anything. I want freedom. I need freedom. I want to be happy and do what I was supposed to on this earth. I have many lessons to still learn and I am determined to learn them. But, it will be learned, in freedom, the way I want. I want to get back to living the way the creator of the universe meant for us to live. I want to live simply, and naturally, and aware of nature, life cycles, energy, I want to have time for my family. I don't want to be exhausted slaving for a job that doesn't c...

I'm quite found of empty jars for drinking glasses . I do like Mason Jars also; but these are recyclable and didn't cost me anything except the food that was in them. My favorites are the small pizza sauce jar (not spaghetti), salsa jars, and small jelly jars.  Also, when the grand kids break them; who cares, there is more where that came from. I have been doing this for years. When my rustic kitchen gets finished (cough, cough), they will fit right in. The counter in the picture is my new counter top. I'm only going to have nice plates, bowls, and mixing bowls. The rest can all be mismatched. I'm not fussy (too much).  Who loves jars?

Who loves essential oils ? I sure do!! I use them in making my own DIY beauty products and cleaning products. Also, I'm trying to make up some health remedies using EOs. It's hard to find essential oils where I live. Also, I like quality at an affordable price . Luckily, that is what I found in the company, Spark Naturals !! Also, I love the fact that their shipping is flat-rate. So, I can buy as much as I want for one affordable shipping price. Yee Haw!! Love it!! Also, if you use the code GRANNY when you order, you will receive 10% off your order. That's like getting half off the already low cost of shipping. I normally receive my order in 3 working days.  One great essential oil blend to try is the LLP Blend . That's Lemon, Lavender, & Peppermint. It's great for allergies. I use 3 drops in 4 ounces of water every morning. I find that I don't even have to take my allergy pill anymore and it works way better!! Happy Shopping!!  ...

My first harvest of the season. Letting them dry and then infusing in olive oil and vodka.  This post is linked up to   Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #83

I have been trying to prefect my sweet tea recipe for a year now. I think I got it. I have experimented with the sugar amount, tea bag amount, and water amount. It was all good but these amounts are refreshing. Source 3 quarts of water 1 cup sugar 4 family sized tea bags Boil a cup or so of water on the stove. Shut off heat. Dissolve 1 cup of sugar. Steep 4 family sized tea bags for at least 15 minutes. Pour in a large picture. Fill with water to 3 quarts. Pour into a glass filled with ice. Enjoy. PS: mason jars are the best What is your favorite summer drink? photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/leebennett/6834344936/">Lee Bennett</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>

How was your Sunday? Mine was very relaxing the first part of the day. Got up early and even made breakfast (which is very unusual). I tried really hard to get everything done on Saturday so that today was a lazy day. Everything was going good until I had a hankering for seeing the grand kids. Of course, the 5 year old just had to come to my house and then I just had to pick up the 4 year old at the other daughters house. We spent the afternoon at various playgrounds after the 5 year old helped me set up and pose for these pics. She even took the pics. Love them to pieces! Although, I am now exhausted.  This summer has wrecked havoc on my complexion. I have always had a problem with acne. Finally, in my 40s, my face calmed down with only occasional flair ups. Melaleuca has always helped. But this summer it's flaring up again. Ugh!! Earlier this month, I ran across this recipe from CampWander .   Instead of using it as a spray. I decided to make astringent pads. E...

For some time now I have been thinking and rethinking the direction of this blog (and my life's direction). I have vacillated back and forth between concentrating on one thing or keeping it as it is. The fact is, I am many things. Many, many things. Like the song, Nothing in Between, by Meredith Brooks: I'm a little bit of everything, all rolled into one, I'm a bitch, I'm a lover, I'm a child, I'm a mother, I'm a sinner, I'm a saint, I do not feel ashamed, I'm your hell, I'm your dream, I'm nothing in between. So, that's the consensus, this blog will stay the same. I knit, crochet, sew, read, make my own products, and ramble on. But, in my rambles, there is also some insight. It might take me some time to see any insight. But, that's how I roll. Like it or not. I do not conform for anyone. Not even for the chance of money or popularity. I am my own person. The direction of my life will go the way I want it to. All my bad posts wil...

In my last post I mentioned the wallet I made for Craftaholics Anonymous Handmade Gift Exchange Summer 2013 . This is the gift I received from my crafting partner. A small cork board, a book mark, and 3 fabric coasters. Thank you so much, Courtney!! I have always wanted to make my own decorative cork board but never have gotten around to it. The bookmark will come in handy. I love to read! Also, I am using one of the coasters already which is why it's not in the picture.  The Gift I Received The Gift I Gave Here is a link to my last post for more information on the "wallet" I made. Enjoy!

I signed up for a craft exchange hosted by Craftaholics Anonymous . This is my 3rd summer participating. I choose this small organizing wallet to make for my partner.  This is the first wallet I have made and I think it turned out well. I follow a blog called Sew Can She . They have many cool craft tutorials featuring different tutorials from other blogs. So, the pattern actually came from LBG Studio . Next time, I will know what I'm doing and will make a few changes.  Front view. Open view Back view Inside Left. Inside Right. The right pocket is just big enough to put a small memo pad in. Also the left side holds cards or whatever you would like. I think it's a really neat thing to have in your purse. One always needs paper for something and extra room for do-dads. Also, kids would love this. I'm going to make some more for the granddaughters.

This is just a little glimpse of my essential oils and how I organize them. My oil collection keeps getting bigger and bigger and I am always reorganizing. I love my oils!  My droppers and glass roller bottles in the drawer. Also, a glimpse of my diffuser.  My EO and fractionated coconut oil concoctions. I have many roller bottle concoctions made up for my allergies, anxiety, headaches, and one for protecting me against germs. And this is not including all the cleaning products and skin care recipes I make. Plus, these oils can replace perfume. They smell great!! I can make up a custom made essential oil remedy for you also. If you are interested; just email me at icymae@gmail.com, and I'll let you know the details.