Peonies
(no- I didn't steal these from a neighbors yard, although I was tempted to!)
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Besides all of that, one of the best new tools in my healthy living toolbox is a growing knowledge of essential oils. I thought I would share with you a bit about this subject- how I use my essential oils, and what purpose they serve in our lives. I'm sure there is a ton of information on this subject available in books and on the web- keep in mind this is just what works for our family!
According to Young Living (the company I use for my oils) "essential oils, known as nature’s living energy, are the natural, aromatic volatile liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant sources via steam distillation, and are highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs."
I find it amazing that essential oils have been around since the ancient times, with numerous references in the Bible (frankincense and myrrh, anyone!?), and yet, they are thought of today as outside the realm of traditional medicine. In fact, up until the 1930's, essential oils were used as medicine. Now, they are used for aromatherapy, message, personal care, health and wellness, nutritional supplements, and much more.
There are hundreds of essential oils, each with distinct properties. Here are my go-to essential oils, and their uses:
*Lavender: relaxation, calming, sleep-aid
*Eucalyptus: promotes respiratory wellness
*Peppermint: promotes digestive health, stimulates the mind, cools fevers
*Lemon: anti-bacterial properties, anti-septic, boosts immunity
*Thieves (a blend of clove, cinnamon, lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus): boosts immunity, used during the plague by tomb raiders to avoid getting the plague, even the government at the time wanted to know the 'thieves' secret!
Application:
You can use your essential oils in a variety of ways- simply inhaling the scent is often very effective, as is applying it directly to the skin (for stronger oils, use a carrier oil, such as unscented coconut oil or sesame oil). For example, when I had a cough this past week, I applied eucalyptus oil directly to my chest, and inhaled the scent to help clear my passages. For an even more relaxing, effective experience, apply a hot water bottle to the area where you put the oil- the effect is heavenly!
You can also:
-Put the essential oil in a spray bottle with water, and use as an air freshener- ten drops of oil to a full bottle of water. I do this with Thieves to rid the house of bacteria, especially after one of us has an illness.
-Use for cleaning- a few drops of essential oil in baking soda can work wonders on your bathtub and tile...as an added bonus, you get the benefit of the wonderful, healing smell. Lemon, and Thieves both have anti-bacterial properties, great for cleaning.
-Use a diffuser to circulate the oil in the air. Lavender is a great one to use in your baby's room to promote restful sleep.
-Add a few drops to your water. Lemon and peppermint are great for this.
Finally, keep in mind that essential oils have been used for decades to treat various infant issues- colic, teething, diaper rash, cradle cap, etc. If you are interested in using essential oils with your baby or children, check out Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child by Valerie Ann Worwood. Another great book is Aromatherapy A-Z by Connie and Alan Higley. Look up what is ailing you, and this book will tell you what essential oil to use, and how.
We are just starting on this journey, and there is so much more to learn, but we now use essential oils every day, in a variety of ways. Maybe you'll want to give it a try, too!
The Best Laid Plans
Spring Weekend
I am working on some amazing articles right now, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Here is a little peek at a photo shoot I did this week. Is there anything more 'springy' than baby lambs? I'll be continuing the celebration of this gorgeous season by stopping by the first outdoor farmers market tomorrow, as well as this amazing rare and unusual plant sale! Do you have any fun plans this weekend?
Photography Etiquette
(above picture from Tulu, a shop in Istanbul)
When I first started playing around with photography, I would stop into the shops that I already frequented, and ask the owners if I could take pictures to practice my skills. They were always more than happy to allow me free range, and I always felt comfortable asking because these were people I already knew.
When I became a bit more confident with my skills, I began to photograph shops during my travels, and I always, always asked someone in the store if they would mind me taking pictures before I began shooting. Often, they would ask me what the pictures are for, and I would tell them I had a blog, and most likely, would be posting a few pictures there, with a link to their website. Most shop owners are excited by the prospect of 'free press.' I eventually had little Moo cards made with my name, and website, so that I could hand them out to shop owners. This seems to add a bit of legitimacy to the whole "I have a blog" thing. I still use this same technique when I photograph stores- and it seems to work well. I would suggest asking first, before you just start clicking away- it is the polite thing to do, and makes everyone feel comfortable.
(Joanne Rossman- a favorite store of mine!)
I pretty much use the same approach at flea markets, and art/craft markets. While I was writing my book, I definitely learned the hard way how fussy vendors, and especially artists, can be about having their work/ displays photographed. I ran into some artists who actually refused to let me take pictures of their work- even once I explained it was for a book. I believe this is due to fear of plagiarism, and having their work portrayed in a way they might not be comfortable with. Often, artists and vendors would ask to see the images before they were included in the book- fair enough. I became pretty immune to this- but at one particular art event, the artists were so rude when they saw my camera hanging around my neck that I left the event and didn't even think of including it in my book. I figure it's their loss, and I have learned to brush off that sort of treatment. Every single image in my book was okay-ed by the artist- a lot of work, but worth it in terms of protecting myself from their potential wrath! Again- always ask before shooting- better to be safe than sorry, and it makes you seem like less of a lurker! The only exception to this rule is farmers markets- I have yet to run into a farmer who objects to their tomatoes and peaches being photographed! Although they are often curious why I am so intense about photographing produce. The only other exception is at a flea market that is super busy- if the venue is large, and the vendors are super busy helping the crowds, I might snap a few shots without asking. This is often the case at Brimfield. When it is super busy, I take my chances.
(Bowerbird- a great shop in Peterborough, NH)
A final thought- and this applies more to travel photography. When traveling overseas, it is tempting to want to photograph the people. I felt this way especially during my recent travels to India, Africa, and the Caribbean. It can be difficult to ask every single person who catches your eye, if you can take their picture, but it really is the respectful thing to do. I can't say I always ask- I was pretty snap happy in India, and I definitely got in trouble for it sometimes (the older generations seemed especially offended by having their pictures taken, and the younger generations often wanted a little compensation for cooperating!), but I tried my best. Think how you would feel if a visitor showed up in your town and started photographing you as you walked down the street with your child, or shopped at the market for your groceries. It would probably feel pretty invasive. However, if they explained they were visiting, and you caught their eye, would you mind having your picture taken- you might feel flattered and agree. Either way, the choice would be yours. The same respect should be given when you are the one taking the shots.
Whew...guess I had a lot to say about the subject...but I hope you find this helpful, and that it gives you the confidence to take your camera along wherever you go, and ask away. I might occasionally feel shy about asking, but never, ever shy enough to miss a good shot!
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