still Nana

Sources for oils are varied. I have a problem with big money MLM's and so called subscriptions for essential oils. I don't buy from young living or doterra. I personally think their prices are absolutely outrageous. I actually did a 6 month (?) subscription for simply earth because, 1) I was bored, and 2) I wanted to see what they were about. I also tried vitality oils. I once went to buy a small amount of oil from a distributor of either doterra or young living, I don't remember which, at a Saturday Market in Portland. I was almost completely out of lavender, waiting for my delivery. I picked up a 5 ml bottle (this was in 2014) and the price was $8.00. I put it back. For a 5ML bottle. 5milliliters is 1/6 ounce. I recently purchased a 4 ounce bottle of lavender for approximately $18.00. Let's do the math. In 2014, their prices were $48.00 per ounce. At that rate, I would have paid $192.00 for a 4 ounce bottle. Both companies operate at about the same rates. The subscription service was okay. I managed to get a discount so the price was maybe $30.00 a month. I honestly don't remember. It was great as a trial run for someone with absolutely no experience. For me, because I'd been doing this for so many years, it was just okay. The problem came when they tried to auto renew at like 6am on the day my subscription expired. To say I was upset would be an understatement. If you are truly new at this and can afford it, I'd say try it. Just beware of the auto renew, and try to find a discount on facebook. It was kind of fun but then, I'm old and easily amused. Believe it or not, start with walmart. In the pharmacy area, they carry some oils. They even have sets. Prices are reasonable, oils are good. Most of my oils are delivered from amazon. I search for the oil I need, compare prices, and get free delivery. What more could I ask for? There is so much information at our fingertips, it amazes me. I sometimes go on a research journey, on google. I look for one thing, find the answer, and get connected to another. I can spend hours researching my interests. I also keep a notebook handy to record information, or I do a wifi print to the printer in another room. Ye, I'm getting spoiled. I like my laptop in my craft room but print to my desktop setup, 25 feet away. Back later with more. Love and hugs, still Nana In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

I POSTED THIS AT THE TAIL END OF ANOTHER POST, YESTERDAY. I'm putting this here to give some context to this, hopefully, series of posts I'm starting. Okay, ladies...Mother, Dogmom and anyone else who wants to start an herbs and oils journey. I'll give you 4 oils and 4 herbs to get you started Oils to begin your stash; Oils; Lavender- an incredible must have oi for every household. Good for burns, headaches, calming babies, easing earaches, itching and a hundred other things. When mixed with other oils, it's great for allergies, pain, and colds. It's a very mild antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Rosemary- a powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral. It helps to stop hair fall, clears scalp conditions, and helps to regrow hair and eyebrows. Will also naturally darken gray hair. Peppermint- one drop on your tongue will almost instantly relieve heartburn. It's good for many things, including repelling spiders and some mice. Apparently not in Colorado, though! LOL! Sorry! I can't remember who it was that said that but I hope you're still here. Lemon- great for making natural household cleaners. Excellent antibacterial. Blended with lavender and peppermint, it's awesome for relieving allergy symptoms. Always use a natural carrier oil. Jojoba, fractionated coconut, or sweet almond oil. Herbs; Mullein- used as a tea, it helps relieve congestion, and heals the lungs. And it tastes good. With or without honey. (Always use natural, raw honey. It's nature's most loving, and perfect gift. I blend my mullein with green tea and rooibos tea. Incredible antioxidant combination. Chamomile flowers-can be used as a tea; it eases upset stomachs. simmered in hot water, strained and cooled, spray it on skin irritations, or scrapes and cuts. Very soothing. Great for excema. Tie up a small handful in a coffee filter or small muslin bag and add to a warm bath for a soothing skin treatment. With the chamomile, add; Calendula petals & lavender flowers. The 3 of them combined are great in the tub but they also (combined) make sleepy time tea look like a rookie. I'll come back tomorrow to post buying sources and more oils and herbs. I promise. I my even throw in a couple of recipes. Love and hugs, still Nana In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

Okay, ladies...Mother, Dogmom and anyone else who wants to start an herbs and oils journey. I'll give you 4 oils and 4 herbs to get you started. Oils to begin your stash; Lavender- an incredible must have oi for every household. Good for burns, headaches, calming babies, easing earaches, itching and a hundred other things. When mixed with other oils, it's great for allergies, pain, and colds. It's a very mild antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Rosemary- a powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral. It helps to stop hair fall, clears scalp conditions, and helps to regrow hair and eyebrows. Will also naturally darken gray hair. Peppermint- one drop on your tongue will almost instantly relieve heartburn. It's good for many things, including repelling spiders and some mice. Apparently not in Colorado, though! LOL! Sorry! I can't remember who it was that said that but I hope you're still here. Lemon- great for making natural household cleaners. Excellent antibacterial. Blended with lavender and peppermint, it's awesome for relieving allergy symptoms. Always use a natural carrier oil. Jojoba, fractionated coconut, or sweet almond oil. Herbs; Mullein- used as a tea, it helps relieve congestion, and heals the lungs. And it tastes good. With or without honey. (Always use natural, raw honey. It's nature's most loving, and perfect gift. I blend my mullein with green tea and rooibos tea. Incredible antioxidant combination. Chamomile flowers-can be used as a tea; it eases upset stomachs. simmered in hot water, strained and cooled, spray it on skin irritations, or scrapes and cuts. Very soothing. Great for excema. Tie up a small handful in a coffee filter or small muslin bag and add to a warm bath for a soothing skin treatment. With the chamomile, add; Calendula petals & lavender flowers. The 3 of them combined are great in the tub but they also (combined) make sleepy time tea look like a rookie. I'll come back tomorrow to post buying sources and more oils and herbs. I promise. I my even throw in a couple of recipes. Love and hugs, still Nana In a world where you can be anything, please, be kind.

Hey Dogmom! Good to see you! Thanks!

Littlesister, I feel bad for being gone so long. I'm glad to be back. I guess I lost sight of things. I didn't think I'd really be missed. I'll try my best to do better. Thank you!

Hi Dee! Good to see you!

Thanks, Mother! Good to see you! I'm glad you and the others held down the fort while some of us wandered.

Thanks, Jeepers! I'm going to try to come round more regularly. It's good to see you, too!

You too, Miki! It's good to be back!

I though I'd pop in and say hello. It's been awhile but when I got Darlene's invite I thought it I should respond. It's been an insane ride the last few years, and particularly the last two. I semi-retired (for the 2nd time) almost exactly 2 years ago. I have a lot going on, but for me, that's pretty normal. I will try to stop in once or twice a week but it will depend on how well my new venture goes. Take care everyone, and Darlene, I've been thinking about you for a couple of years, now. How all is well, and all are happy. Thanks for the reminder. Love and hugs, still Nana In a world where you can be anything, please, be kind.

I've learned a lot in almost 16 years... I almost exclusively use herbs and essential oils now. Supplements can also be your best friends. Very few adults in this country have sufficient vitamin D levels, and vitamin D is crucial to your immune system. Vitamin E for a lot of other things, vitamin C and green tea for the antioxidants. It's a good start. It's good to be back. I don't know how often I'll be able to check in but I'll try to be a little more consistent. Thanks for the reminder, Darlene. <3 Love, still Nana In a world where you can be anything you like, please, be kind.

Thanks, ladies. I appreciate your caring. I am always surprised at how strong a person can be when bad things happen. We'll get through this. We always seem to make it. I just keep looking towards the good things. Sunsets are always nice...

I'm still here, on occasion. I have a lot going on in my life right now; I'm aware that everyone has, it's just that I've had constant stress for many months now. The Admiral and I are moving in less than 2 weeks- I HATE moving!- but I may finally get some quiet time and a little peace to go with it. Don't let anyone fool you into thinikng that things get calmer when your children grow up. It simply isn't true. My only son (by birth) died in September; very suddenly and without warning. He was fine, then in 24 hours he went from unconcious to gone. He died of sepsis, a blood infection. He was 43 years old. I think I'm still in shock. I can actually convince myself it isn't true from time to time. It's a strange feeling. I'm okay though. I really am. I have a 2 yo granddaughter that is an absolute joy! I babysit while her mother is at work, and have for the last 15 months. She just turned 2 on Thanksgiving. She is funny, smart, sweet and spoiled rotten! She also knows that the things she gets away with, with her mom, simply don't work with me. I love being with her but I'm starting to think I'm getting too old for this. I'm going to cut back on the number of days I watch her. Living here with them, I spend time with her whenever she wants, even when her mom is home. It is beginning to wear me out. I'll pop in a little later; I won't stay gone as long this time. I miss being here sometimes. Take care everyone. Hugs & love to all! still Nana

Good one, MTRider! Also, one for which I have personal experience! I had trouble sleeping for years before I found the solution... and it is so simple. Lavender essential oil. You can diffuse it in your room or put a couple of drops on your hands, rub in and wipe it on your chest, throat or face. I happen to sleep on my side, so it works to have it on my hands. An added bonus is that it is wonderful for your skin! I make a blend that has lavender, that I use around my eyes. It minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and actually helps improve eyesight. No kidding! So many of these oils are absolutely AMAZING! Good luck! P.S. I saw that you have mouse problems... I've never tried it but I read somewhere that they HATE peppermint! Put 2 or 3 drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and put it in the corner of your cabinet. You could even put one in every corner. The bonus on this one is that spiders hate it, too! Just make sure you use pure essential oils, not flavorings or anything diluted. Love and hugs, still Nana

Thanks, everyone! I don't know why but, I'm still feeling a little shy. I haven't quite figured out where to jump in or what to say yet. But you know me. Once I start, I won't know how to shut up! Cat, I would love to have my lion tag back, and if I can change my name to this new one, that would be awesome, thank you! I decided to change to 'still Nana' because I'm older, hopefully wiser, a little more calm, and my life in general is very different but, deep down inside, I'm still Nana. I guess I could start with this; I've learned a lot these past few years and I've done a lot of research and learning about essential oils. The uses for these oils are limitless, and when I first started I was so shocked to realize that God gave us everything we needed to take care of ourselves, and then man got greedy and started synthesizing everything! Most of the medications we take can be replaced by essential oils and herbs! I'm pretty sure ALL of them can but, I still have a lot to learn. If there are any questions I might be able to answer, please ask and I'll try to answer. I still research like a crazy person, so if I don't already have an answer, I'll bet I can find it! Love and hugs, still Nana

I was thinking about this place and all of the people I've known here for so long, and thought I'd stop by to say hello. So many things have happenend over the past 7 years; our lives have taken so many twists and turns, I don't even know where to begin. AK lost his job, we sold our house, our grandson has grown up and moved to California with his girlfriend to go to college, we have a new (sort of) granddaughter- she'll be a year old next week, and we moved north to watch her grow up. She's the last grandchild we'll have and we were driving 300 miles round trip once or twice a month to see her; it was exhausting! When I realized I was never going to stop hating my job, we took a leap of faith and moved. I have to say, every time I said, "Okay God, I need to know which direction I'm supposed to take now." He pushed, I went, and it was the right move.Things are working out, and we are happier, we're passively looking for a new house while we live with our oldest daughter, and I'm back to semi-retirement. The move itself was so hard, and so stressful for me, I thought I was going to lose my mind. I quit my job in mid Sept., it took us a month to finish moving, and I'm just beginning to recover from the physical toll. I'm really getting too old for that kind of stuff! I feel pretty good right now, though. AK started working two days after we unloaded the truck, and my days of crazy hours, stressful work, and sheer exhaustion at the end of the day seem to be behind me, for now. I have to remember to never say never. With so much going on, I managed to get type 2 diabetes, and with my insane schedule, I couldn't keep it under control. My blood pressure was also out of control. That too, is now changing. After saying all of this, I must also say, life is good, always. God is good to me, always. I have so much for which I am thankful, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life, no matter what that entails. I am back, maybe not everyday but, I'm glad to sit on this porch again. Thanks for keeping the light on. Love and hugs, still Nana