Missing my kids
I am in Taiwan, day 3 of a 10 day trip. I miss my kids. Want to be home. I miss my grumpy gus husband, want to be home.

Glad to be in Singapore, glad to see my pals.

Still missing my kids.

K
- posted by SLS @ 1:56 AM 0 comments   

 
Not exactly simple
Traveling the world is not really the best use of the worlds resources, but hey it is fun...

Where have you been?



create your own visited country map


Ok, not like I have visited ALL of Russia, ALl of the US or Mexico, but you get the idea :-)
- posted by SLS @ 1:11 AM 0 comments   

 
Simple Spring
Well, we don't have "Spring" in Singapore, but we just transplanted the catnip and the bringal (aka eggplant) into bigger pots. The eggplant, if it survives, will need to be thinned again as the plants get bigger and we see which are the healthy ones. I guess they will be about ready when we get ready to head back to the states for a break.

Here are some thoughts from a list serve on healing I am on. Nice ideas to spread.

Inspired by Keeping Life Simple, by Karen Levine (Storey Books, 2004).

These wise tips hold great potential for changing our lives. Just like the seeds many of us are planting now, these tips can grow into ways of being that are gentler, simpler, and filled with more honest joy in living.



Check out the ten tips for a simpler spring--and a simpler, happier life--right here:

1. Relax your standards. A messy garden takes less work than an ultra-tidy one, but it still bears beautiful flowers and fruit.

2. Take time to figure out what you find most satisfying. Some of us like to spend the spring days washing our car, foraging for wild edibles, or lazing in a hammock. Make sure you know what your pleasure-priorities are.

3. Create time for the things you care about, whether it is a daily walk in the spring sun, or 30 minutes with a good book.

4. Enjoy what’s in front of you. Spring abounds with beauty, no matter where you live. Take time to appreciate it all.

5. There is value in having a long-range perspective on life, but there is also a value in being able to live in the moment. We don’t want to miss the beauty of the buds because we’re impatiently longing for the ripe fruit.

6. Learn to be flexible; rigidity is the hobgoblin of an unsatisfying life. We can take a lesson from the trees, which sway in the spring winds and rains and are not uprooted.

7. CHANGE. . . every once in awhile you need to shake things up and surprise everyone, including yourself. On a sunny day, grab your kids and head outside for an unexpected picnic. If your child gets grass-stains on their knees, so what? The joy of acting spontaneously is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer.

8. What activities and things are you able to live without? If you really think about this, your list will grow and grow. . . Maybe you don’t really need the latest garden gadget you were drooling over in the catalog, or that new lawn chair. . . Maybe you’d rather not make those sandwiches for that meeting because someone else could do that just as well, but only YOU can do some of the things YOU do . . .

9. Remember, you always have the capacity to make CHOICES. This year, maybe you’d rather plant strawberries than roses. Or you’d rather save for a getaway rather than buy a new stereo. It’s up to you.

10. Remember that there are no bonus points in life for suffering through what other people say you should enjoy. Only you know what really pleases you.

From the Healing Den.

Hope you are having a great spring back at home.

Simply,

K
- posted by SLS @ 11:21 PM 0 comments   

 
For Jennifer-Essential Oil recipes for kids
To put on Parent Pages...
I found these online today... Things in italics are my own 2Cents


Essential Oil Recipes for Babies and Children

Natural Baby Oil
Empty container for oil
1/2 cup of olive oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Mandarin Essential Oil

The blend of Lavender and Mandarin is not only beneficial to the skin, but is relaxing and can calm a baby along with the massage given as you apply the oil. Mix ingredients in the chosen container. Shake well to blend oils.

Nothing better for mom and baby than to sit back and relax with a small baby massage.

Teething Gel for Little Ones
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or glycerin (sweeter flavor)
1 drop Clove Essential Oil

In a small bottle, mix the Clove Essential Oil with the vegetable oil or glycerin and shake till well-blended.

PLEASE TREAT THIS ONE WITH CAUTION. I HAVE READ CLOVE OIL CAN BE VERY STRONG USE YOUR OWN JUDGMENT


Homemade Baby Wipes
1 cup distilled water
1/2 cup Aloe Vera Gel
20 drops Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
2 teaspoons vinegar

Pour all of the ingredients into a glass jar with a tight lid. Cover jar and shake to blend ingredients well. Lavender Essential Oil is healing to the skin. Vinegar and Tea Tree will help to prevent diaper rash and keep the wipes from becoming moldy. If the baby already has diaper rash, be sure the vinegar doesn't irritate it.

Place your wipes (see below) in the container you will be using and pour enough of the solution over them to moisten them. You can add more later if it seems to dry. Store leftover liquid in the refrigerator.

Wipes: Choose a sturdy paper towel. Remove the center cardboard. Cut roll in half. Begin use with towel from the center of the hole. You can generally find a purchased wipes container that will fit the roll.

I advise against using paper towels. WHY not use soft cotton flannel rags, you wash these with your CLOTH diapers. So much better for the environment. Paper towels are often craft wood, highly processed, bleached and very hard on babies bottom!
- posted by SLS @ 1:04 AM 0 comments   

 
dreams
This is it, this is the dream. This is what we want. Anyone want to spare 175K for us to buy this now?



7 acres, in Amity, Amity Heights subdivision.

Perfect.
- posted by SLS @ 12:12 AM 0 comments