Holistic Wellness Archives - Blue Bottle Passion

September 25, 2019 by Sue 4 Comments

Lessons Learned While Downsizing

We’ve been talking and debating about downsizing for a while. Stay or leave? Age in place or not? Put money into our home of nearly 33 years, or buy something newer? It’s different for everyone, but for us it came down to this. We aren’t getting any younger, so waiting didn’t seem like the best option, as packing and moving will only get harder. If something happened to one of us, the other would never stay alone in the house, and the task of moving would be overwhelming.

We’ve lived in our house for close to half my life. Yes, thinking about leaving can feel daunting, and I’ve shed a tear or two, preparing the house to go on the market. But hard as it is, it feels right to be downsizing.

Did I mention the process can be daunting? Denny and I are both savers. Our house made that easy, as we have a large attic and a pole barn. Three years ago we sold our lake home, and the buyers didn’t want the furniture. We gave most of it away, but a significant amount of items from the lake ended up here.

We’ve been talking about going through the attic for years, but there was always something that seemed more important, or more fun. We didn’t expect to find the perfect home for the next phase of our lives so soon. We swore we would not build a new house. Surely there was something already built out there that would work.

So Aug. 25 we signed on the dotted line and committed to building a new home. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of trips to the storage facility, Goodwill, and photographing items to list on Facebook Marketplace.

Our real estate agents walked through our house weeks before we found our dream home, to help us estimate its worth. Basically they advised taking half of the furniture out of our home before putting it on the market. At that point we decided we needed at least a year to get our house ready for listing. Don’t today’s home buyers have any imagination whatsoever? They also suggested painting the dining room and the guest room.

So step one for us was renting a self storage unit. We went with a 10’ X 15’ unit, which I reserved online. I got lucky and was able to take advantage of a Labor Day Sale, and got it for half price. Then we found a moving company and booked them to move the heavy furniture to our storage unit.

That led to about a week and a half of packing like crazy all the stuff in 2 hutches, a secretary, a couple of desks, and a coffee table with a couple of drawers. Once we had all the extra big stuff moved into storage, it was time to take a close look at what was left, and come up with a plan. Denny and his friend Wayne decided the only way to manage the pole barn was with a dumpster. I’m not sure I’d ever taken a look at what was out there. I thought of it as Denny’s domain.

What I’ve learned is the more space you have to store things, the more you store. Things like the stroller we bought in 1975 for our first born. Sadly all that time in hot and cold temps did a number on the upholstery. Into the dumpster it went.

Over the years we got a little casual or maybe just sloppy. Things we use every day, we left on the counters. Why put away the frying pan on the stove, when we knew we’d be making scrambled eggs the next morning? Now that we have to put things away, I decided to make some room by getting rid of coffee mugs. I pulled them all out, and decided which ones we could live without. Eight mugs should be more than enough for two people, right? At least another eight were donated. I told Denny no matter how cool a place we travel to is, we have no business bringing home a mug from there. Ever.

Picture day for photographing the house for the MLS arrived. Family pictures were packed away. Covers off the furniture. Kitchen counters cleared. The house looked great, but the closets and laundry room were strictly off limits. Not to mention the attic. No sense in scaring anyone or having something fall on someone.

Tips for Downsizing

If you think there is even a small chance you will be downsizing, start going through whatever you are storing soon.
Get your kids to take their stuff. A great way to encourage that is to tell them you are opening an Etsy shop, and you would be happy to list that “whatever” for them.
Sell the items you no longer need on Facebook Marketplace. Or Craigslist. I prefer Facebook Marketplace because you can see the profile of the buyer. This has been magic for us. Not everything sells, but I’ve been surprised more than once how quickly some items sell. And the big bonus is you don’t have to haul it anywhere but to the door.
Find out what Goodwill or other organizations will and won’t take. You don’t want to load up a heavy treadmill, and find out it’s not accepted.
Prepare to be surprised by how little your “collectibles” are worth. Right now I have 20something Bing and Grondahl Christmas plates on Facebook Marketplace for $5 each or 5 for $20, and no one has expressed any interest. Signed and numbered limited edition wildlife prints? Forget it. Grandma’s china? Nope.
As you pack, ask yourself, “how will I feel when I unpack this in my new home?” Will I be happy to see it again, or will I be asking “where the heck do I go with this?”

The house hit the MLS, and we had two showings the first day, and an offer within 24 hours. Now the challenge is finding interim housing for six months that is dog-friendly! Join me in my Facebook Community and I’ll keep you posted how it goes!

Can essential oils help sell your home?

February 23, 2019 by Sue 2 Comments

Simple Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

It’s been a long winter this year. Here in Minnesota, winter can arrive in October and hang around until early May. And I’m so tired of February with its record setting snowfall. Seriously the shortest month? 28 days feels like about 4 months, and I was gone for one week of it!

No wonder we get the winter blues. In fact the further north of the equator, the more likely you are to feel the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder. Women are four times more likely to have the winter blues than men.

Turn Up the Lights

One way to combat the winter blues is to increase your light. Open the curtains and sit by a bright window. Turn on more lights in your home. Consider a light box for 15-60 minutes a day. You can get a light box without a prescription, but it’s a good idea to consult a health practitioner before using one.

Check Your Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiencies are linked to depression and other health issues. Most of us simply aren’t getting enough Vitamin D. Getting out in the sun isn’t easy in the winter, so choosing a quality supplement may be the best option.

Get Moving

Getting outside to shovel snow is one way to get some exercise and sunlight all in one. I know it can really be a challenge when it’s 50 below zero windchills, and the streets are coated with ice. Even a short walk outside is beneficial. Yoga may be helpful.

Try Some Essential Oils

The chemicals in essential oils can trigger physiological responses enhancing mood. There are many essential oils to choose from that can be helpful with the winter blues. Fragrance an entire room by using a cool mist diffuser, or simply open a bottle and breathe in the fragrance for several inhalations.

Jasmine: The warm floral aroma of jasmine is powerfully uplifting and relaxing.
Bergamot: Bergamot is relaxing, uplifting and invigorating.
Frankincense: Frankincense calms and uplifts the mood while increasing energy.
Patchouli: Patchouli is stimulating and strengthening.
Ylang-ylang: Ylang-ylang has a relaxing, sedating and calming effect on the nervous system, creating a sense of wellbeing and relaxation.

Consider Your Diet

When I’m feeling down, I could eat half a loaf of toast. Processed carbs and sugars may give a temporary lift, but the let down feeling quickly follows as your blood sugar takes a nose dive, so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible. Try working cold-water fish like salmon and tuna into your menu a couple of times a week. If you don’t like fish, a high-quality fish oil supplement may help. Increasing your veggie intake is always a good idea. A healthy diet most definitely improves mental health.

See a mental health professional if you are feeling seriously depressed or have suicidal feelings.

Have you tried essential oils for the winter blues? Which essential oils have helped you the most? Comment below or continue the discussion on Facebook.

January 12, 2019 by Sue Leave a Comment

Why Vitalibis for CBD Oil?

This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

After an interesting experience using some CBD I picked up in Boulder, Colorado, I decided CBD is a product I want on hand in the medicine cabinet. I woke up in the middle of the night with terrible pain in my hand that Ibuprofen didn’t come close to alleviating. I remembered the CBD and took some. Was the CBD responsible for taking the pain away in less than an hour? I can’t really say, but I’m sure going to have it on hand from now on. There is plenty of information on the internet about uses for CBD. I’ll let you research how and whether the potential benefits can help you. And there are definitely lots of potential benefits. But how do you know which brand to choose, and why is Vitalibis CBD Oil the one I recommend?

The Product

Vitalibis starts with high-quality organic hemp grown in Colorado. The soil hemp is grown in is important because it has phyto remediation properties. This means hemp purifies heavy metals, pesticides and impurities out of poor soil, making clean, organic soil crucial for growing hemp.

Most CBD oil is extracted with solvents like butane and hexane, or CO2. Vitalibis has a patent-pending process utilizing precise 2 second bursts of heat to extract the oil, leaving all the beneficial compounds without compromising the taste. This process creates flavorful, premium, full-spectrum, phyto cannabinoid rich hemp oil.

Vitalibis CBD oil is blended with MCT oil from organic coconut oil. Throughout the growing, extraction and manufacturing process, Vitalibis products are tested by independent third party laboratories, ensuring the quality.

The Vitalibis Ambassador Program

Everyone wants to get the best price on purchases, and Vitalibis makes it easy. For a one-time $20 enrollment fee, you can purchase Vitalibis products for a 20% discount on personal purchases and free shipping over $50. That’s it. No complicated auto-ships or minimums.

The Vitalibis VIP Ambassador Program

Ambassadors receive a free personal website link upon enrollment. Sharing your link and love of the Vitalibis products can earn you a 20-30% commission. This is not your typical MLM/direct sales marketing plan with 50-some different ways of getting paid, but only when the planets align in a certain way, which sadly isn’t likely to ever happen for you. The Vitalibis VIP Ambassador Program is a unique, simple affiliate micro-influencer two level commission program that puts more money up front where you have the opportunity to earn it.

You shouldn’t have to spend money to make money. Vitalibis offers an opportunity that is a no-brainer. You can save the $20 enrollment fee in the discount on your first purchase! The company has a mission of social and corporate responsibility. The Vitalibis team has a proven track record of success in social selling. Now is the time to join Vitalibis. Together let’s share health and wellness with Vitalibis!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

December 14, 2018 by Sue Leave a Comment

Simple Tips for a Healthy New Year

Another new year is right around a corner. Thinking about new year’s resolutions? Have you ever been frustrated by the end of January when things don’t go the way you planned? What if it’s not your fault?

Improving your health can be overwhelming, especially when it seems everywhere you turn you face toxins that can cause weight gain, hormone disruption, interfere with your thinking, fatigue, joint pain, irritable bowels, cancer risk and more. Where to begin? Diet? Exercise? Environment? It’s enough to make you throw your hands in the air and give up. But what if small steps in the right direction could lessen the risk of chronic and “lifestyle” diseases?

Food & Diet

Starting a diet at the beginning of the new year is nothing new. Of course a better diet will support better health. I’m suggesting improving the quality of your food over counting calories. This includes replacing unhealthy cooking oils and fats like canola, soybean and margarine with healthier options like avocado, olive, coconut oil, and butter.

Replace or reduce your intake of artificially sweetened soft drinks with filtered water. Aspartame is linked to all kinds of health issues. Add a slice of lemon or other fruit for flavor. Avoid beverages bottled in plastic, and make sure your water bottle is toxin free, like glass or steel. Stay hydrated.

What you cook and store your food in is just as important as your choice of food. Use iron, steel or glass pans to cook and bake in. Avoid non-stick and aluminum cookware. Store food and leftovers in glass and avoid plastic altogether. Replace black plastic cooking utensils with wood or steel. Plastic can contain brominated flame retardants, chlorine, PVC, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, and other toxins that can leach into your food.

Eat more fruits and veggies and reduce the carbs and sugar. Go organic where you can. Wash them thoroughly either way.

Physical and Mental Improvements

Try for 20-30 minutes of excercise most days, preferably outside. Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Turn off the devices an hour before bed. Calm the mind by meditating, praying or rhythmic breathing. Choose personal care products without toxic ingredients.

Clean your Environment

Keep your cell phone away from your body. Don’t put it under the pillow or on a nightstand when you’re sleeping. Turn off the wifi and bluetooth when you don’t need it, and switch to airplane mode. Turn your modem off at night or use a timer. Research is showing exposure to radiation from Wi-Fi and cellular phones can disrupt normal cellular development, interfere with sleep and more. Declutter. Make sure your home is free of mold.

Each step we can take reduces the collective stressors that increase the chance of disease. Maybe those extra pounds you’re carrying aren’t just the result of a weak will. Maybe the fatigue you’re experiencing is coming from toxic exposure. Maybe that digestive issue is caused by something in your diet. Perhaps by choosing one area to work on improving each month, you can end the year healthier than you started it.

My heartfelt wish for you is all the best of everything, especially your health and happiness in the new year!

Let’s continue the conversation on Facebook!

Holistic Wellness | Healthy Lifestyle | New Year's Resolutions | Wellness Tips

October 25, 2018 by Sue 1 Comment

Remaining Relevant in Retirement

Everyone’s retirement will look different. How will you make this time of your life count?

If retirement is on the horizon, you may wonder how you will fill your days. If you speak to a retiree, you will probably hear they don’t know how they found time to work. But the biggest fear many have before pulling the trigger on retirement is becoming irrelevant, especially when so much of our identity can be tied to our work. One of the first questions we ask when meeting someone is “what do you do?” Choosing to retire should be carefully thought out.

Retirement can be an amazing time in your life. Finally you have the time and ability to design your life, complete with purpose and meaning. So how do we accomplish that?

Stay connected to family and friends

Now may be the time to get on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Our kids and grandkids don’t communicate the same way we do. Some don’t even get the news the same way. Facebook can open the door to staying connected with your former co-workers, and old friends, even if they move. Join a book club or play bunco with friends. Spend time with your grandkids.

Get physical

Once you’re retired there’s no excuse for not getting exercise. I still invented excuses right up until I got a dog. Get out. Walk the dog. Go to the gym. The best way to feel better and sleep better is to exercise regularly.

Be a life long learner

Nothing is stopping you from learning to play an instrument or how to paint. Read books. Take a cooking, photography or computer class.

Get a job

Now is your chance to get a job at that place you’ve always thought would be fun. Is it a bookstore, fabric store, or maybe the airport? You will have a chance to meet new people, and make a little extra cash. If you want a job with lots of flexibility, check out Direct Sales is the Perfect Retirement Job.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself

What’s important to you? Now you can finally get involved in what interests you. Volunteer at a hospital, get involved in politics, chair an event at your church or help out at a nearby school. Start a blog.

If you aren’t ready to sit back in a rocking chair, you have a lot of options. How do you plan to make the most of the rest of your life?

Join my Facebook community and let’s continue the retirement discussion.

June 22, 2018 by Sue 4 Comments

Is it Time to Deal With Your Old Makeup Cemetery?

How long is too long to keep expired makeup?

I had cataract surgery today, and I have to tell you, cataract surgery is a definite reminder you’re not a kid anymore. But that’s a blog post for another time. My discharge instructions included telling me to throw out all my old eye makeup, and buy fresh.

I don’t mind the idea of buying new eye makeup. I love shopping online, reading reviews. But I have a confession to make, to you, my dear friends. I have hoarding tendencies. I’ve had an empty mascara with an awesome brush on it forever, that works just right to remove the excess clumps another mascara tends to leave. There’s the foundation I bought for a special wedding that was how many years ago? I have makeup that I have replaced with newer makeup, but it wasn’t quite bad enough to throw out, so why not keep it in my travel bag? I haven’t used nail polish regularly for years, but I have a shoebox full of cute little bottles. How about those small bottles of shampoo and conditioner in hotels? I always think I’m going to use them for travel, but I never do. And then there are my Neal’s Yard Remedies products. A little goes a long way, but when a shiny new product comes out that I want to try, I can’t always wait until I use up the old.

When I was telling my sister, Nancy, about this dilemma, she said her friend Ana refers to this as the old makeup graveyard or cemetery. Well this is the push I need to deal with my old, expired makeup cemetery.

How Long Can You Keep Makeup?

Well it depends on the product. Neal’s Yard Remedies labels have information about how long to keep a product once it’s opened. Check out this blog post to better understand Neal’s Yard Remedies labels. Here in the US companies aren’t required to put expiration dates on cosmetics. Guidelines for when to throw vary.

Mascara should be tossed anywhere between 2 and 6 months. Liquid and gel eyeliner from 90 days to 1 year. Foundation lasts from 6-12 months, with pump bottles lasting up to 2 years. Powdered blush and eye shadow can last up to 2 years, and lip sticks and lip liners 1 year. Nail polish lasts about a year.

Keeping it Fresh

Makeup is an investment, and there are a few things you can do to keep it fresh. Wash your hands before applying your makeup. Keep your jars and bottles tightly sealed. Use a spatula for products in jars, rather than sticking your fingers in the product, and wash the spatula in between using. Sharpen the tips on eyeliner and lipliner pencils. Wash your makeup brushes regularly.

Powders and dry products last longer than products with water in them. Finally, be aware of changes in color, textures and smells, and throw anything that seems off, regardless of how long you’ve had it. It’s not worth an eye infection, or worse.

Next Task

My next eye procedure is coming up in a little over a week. I guess I’ll be dealing with the glasses graveyard next, because I’ve kept close to 50 years of them as backups, lol! Anyone need a pair of vintage glasses from the 80s?

Join my Facebook community for fun, information and the latest Neal’s Yard Remedies news!

June 2, 2018 by Sue 2 Comments

A Matter of Life and Death

Once in a while, something happens to get us thinking about life and death and hope. That’s probably a good thing. -Deep thoughts by Sue

I went to a funeral today. A 57 year old neighbor passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack. She was a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, friend, employee, and so much more.

When someone significantly younger passes away, it opens your eyes. We all live in denial of our own mortality, but the only certainty is we will die. We just don’t know when. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow.

Knowing that, what really is important? Family is at the top of the list. And with family, I can’t help but think about the world I’m leaving my children and grandchildren. A country divided. A planet ruined by trash and pollution. I’d like to think we can somehow change that.

We all want what’s best for our kids and grandkids, we simply have different ideas about achieving that. I do know mean-spirited name-calling and horribly adolescent behavior by celebrities in public forums isn’t helping make this a better country. How can we wonder why bullying in schools is a problem, when the news is full of this kind of behavior? News reporting with obvious bias that encourages division and anger isn’t helping. I believe deep down most people are good, and are capable of working with, and dare I say, liking people who disagree with them politically. Hate for the opposite party isn’t serving anyone.

At the end of the day (or your life) it’s people and relationships that matter. Make your peace with that family member that you’re experiencing tension with. Forgive who needs forgiving, and ask for forgiveness if appropriate. Go to church and pray, really pray. There’s power in prayer, and because of that, I have hope for the future and the world we leave our children.

If you knew you had only days left to live, what would you do? What would be important? Think about it. It’s a matter of life and death and hope.

SaveSave

February 12, 2018 by Sue 1 Comment

5 Tips to Avoid the Flu

We’ve all heard the news about this year’s flu. Hospitals are seeing more people sick with the flu than in ten years. We are advised if we haven’t gotten the flu vaccine, there is still plenty of time for it (even though it’s maybe 10% effective), and wash your hands. Is that really all we can do to avoid the flu?

How about supporting our immune system? Isn’t that our first defense against illness?

Stay Hydrated

Hydrating your body is one of the best and easiest places to start. Heating systems dry out the air in our homes, schools and work places. Dare I say dried out mucous membranes won’t be as effective as your first defense against illness, so drink enough water. Occasional diffusing with essential oils can both add moisture to the air in your home, as well as help cleanse it.

Keep Skin Healthy and Moisturized

Your skin is your largest organ, and another basic defense in keeping illness away. All that hand washing can dry your skin to the point of it being chapped and even getting those miserable little splits on the fingertips. Besides drinking enough water, be diligent about applying hand and body cream. Melissa Hand Cream nourishes, protects and conditions better than any hand cream I’ve tried.

About Your Hands

Speaking of hand washing, another frequent recommendation is hand sanitizer. Unfortunately hand sanitizers can contain chemicals and fragrances that could harm your health. It doesn’t makes sense to choose a product with nasty ingredients that can make you sick to keep yourself well. Choose a healthy option like Organic Defence Hand Spray, that is gentle yet effective, and safe for the entire family.

Diet

If you aren’t already eating a clean, whole and where ever possible organic food diet, now is the time to start. A healthy gut is a great place to start supporting your immune system, and Organic Fiber Blend may help. There may not be tons of data supporting the benefits of supplements, but I believe in extra Vitamin C, and Vitamin D3. Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years. When it comes to supporting the immune system, these berries are a nutritious powerhouse containing antioxidants, Vitamins A, B and C as well as amino acids. You can find it in syrup, lozenge or capsule form in the health food section.

Exercise and Sleep

Finally, exercise contributes to general good health, and who knows – a good work out could flush bacteria and viruses out of your system. Your body does much of it’s repair work while you are sleeping, so make sure you are getting enough. Good Night Pillow Mist can support a sense of calm and relaxation to aid in a restful night.

Unfortunately there is no guaranteed way of avoiding the flu. I believe the more you do to keep yourself as healthy as possible the more likely you are to avoid the flu.

This post is not intended to be medical advice. Check with your medical practitioner before taking any new supplements if you are currently on prescription medications to avoid unwanted interaction. If you are ill, seek the care of a qualified medical practitioner.

What steps are you taking to stay healthy and avoid the flu? Continue the discussion on Facebook.

December 9, 2017 by Sue 4 Comments

Life is Better With a Dog

After ten years without a dog, I suddenly found myself wanting, no make that needing a dog. It happened out of the blue, really. I was minding my own business, checking out the latest photos on Instagram, when I was blindsided by some adorable pictures of Basset Hounds. Each day I looked forward to seeing these cute photos, and even searched #bassethounds to follow more. I commented to the owner of a Basset Hound, that her dog photos were enough to make me want one of my own.

I thought about how our lives might be better with a dog. After our last dog passed, we felt too busy for a dog. The kids had moved on, and it was nice not being tied down by a dog. Then I realized at our age we really are home a lot, now. Denny offices out of the house. I’m a real home body. A dog’s unconditional love would certainly enhance our lives, right? We would get more exercise walking the dog and enjoy watching TV with the dog by our side.

My friends had mixed reactions to my plan of getting a dog. Those without dogs thought I was crazy, and those with dogs thought the idea was brilliant.

I dreaded telling Denny. Our dog experiences were not always the best. The first was the worst. We were newlyweds. Someone outside of the grocery store where Denny worked had a box full of puppies they were giving away. He knew I loved dogs, so he brought one home for me. We had an unfinished basement, so while we were at work, the dog had the run of it. The entire basement. Every day when Denny got home (he got home first, thank goodness!) there were piles all over the basement. Who knew a small puppy could create so many large piles? And we couldn’t figure out why we couldn’t house train this poor dog. After many piles in the basement, we decided this puppy needed someone home during the day. But God bless him, he was supportive of getting another dog.

There were other dogs after that first one. And we did learn more about training. I was home more with the kids. Some dogs worked out better than others. I have many fond memories of some really great ones. In the past, our dogs were for the kids, and we didn’t really think about whether a specific breed would fit in well with our lifestyle. This time was different. I really wanted the dog for me.

I did some breed research. There is a lot on information online about what breeds are best for older people. I bought a book about the Basset Hound breed. We applied to the Minnesota Basset Hound Rescue, and were approved. I assumed we would end up with an adult dog. Then we waited.

I was sure we would get a dog around the holidays. Because who doesn’t want a new dog to train in the middle of Thanksgiving and Christmas? I came across a pet adoption and sale group on Facebook with a post about Basset Hound puppies for sale about three hours from us. Messaging the breeder, I found she had 2 females left. I contacted the Basset Rescue to see if any dogs were likely to be available, and there just weren’t any guarantees, so we drove out to see the puppies.

If you ever saw or held a Basset Hound puppy, you can probably guess the only decision we had was to take one or both. Denny said one would definitely be enough. Rosie was the smaller of the two puppies, and she had pretty white markings around her neck. She seemed to enjoy cuddling and being held, so she was ours.

Life With Rosie

It has pretty much been chaos these first couple of weeks. Good thing we only took the one! The dog training books talk about taking your puppy out every hour. It’s more like every 20-30 minutes or there’s a puddle. At times I didn’t know if I was coming or going. How do people housebreak puppies that are at work all day?

Now after 3 weeks, we are settling into a bit of a routine. Rosie is so much fun. She’s getting me moving more, that’s for sure. I’m not on my hands and knees mopping up puddles quite as much, but I am going in and out of the house a lot. There is something about the joyful tail wagging when you come home that makes you feel so good, like you are the most important person in the world. I think she’s going to be a wonderful addition to our family.

Would you consider getting a puppy in retirement? How do you feel about vaccinations and what to feed your dog? Continue the discussion and stay informed about all the Neal’s Yard Remedies news and sales on Facebook.

SaveSave

November 21, 2017 by Sue 2 Comments

A Neal’s Yard Remedies Holiday Survival Guide

The holidays can be a stressful time. They are supposed to be filled with fun, family and feasting, but it doesn’t always happen that way, and that makes it even more stressful. Too many commitments, family dynamics, a budget stretched to the max and I could go on.

Take a deep breath, and make some time to prioritize. Exercise, sleep and diet are more important than ever at this time of year. Utilize some shortcuts. You can get a pumpkin pie from Costco instead of baking one from scratch. Maybe you don’t need to make dozens of Christmas cookies this year. If a picture is worth a thousand words, why not send photo holiday cards and forget about writing notes in each one?

The ABCs of holiday survival can help you not only survive the holidays, but thrive during the holidays!

A is for Aromatherapy

Remedies to Roll are your new BFFs during the holidays. Energy for finishing up the tree decorating and Relaxation for winding down. Study will come in handy for addressing those Christmas cards.

B is for Beauty Sleep

With all the shopping, work parties, kid’s Christmas programs, and decorating, you need the best night’s sleep possible, and what could be better than waking up to more beautiful skin with Beauty Sleep Concentrate? The restful aroma will ease you to sleep, while the serum supports your skin’s night time rejuvenation. Spritz a little Goodnight Pillow Mist on you pillow, and you are bound to sleep better.

C is for Cocoa & Cleanse

Caring for your inner health with superfood that are nutritionally dense with super-nutrients makes sense at this time of year, when meals can be on the run, and not always the healthiest. Fix yourself an Organic Cocoa Blend Rebalance instead of stopping at Starbucks for a sugar laden mocha. This comforting blend of mood enhancing cocoa and blueberry contains B vitamins and adaptogens – rhodiola, shiitake mushrooms, mama and ashwagandha to help you cope with stress and strain.

Organic Fiber Blend Cleanse contains psyllium husk and Bacillus coagulans to help maintain healthy gut function.

Remember, by taking care of yourself, you are taking care of your family and loved ones. And done is better than perfect, any day!

Be the first to hear Neal’s Yard Remedies news and specials on Facebook!