Jenna of Cold Antler Farm in Jackson NY (where I visited for Antlerstock last month!) is offering 2 specials for the holiday season, and I had such an awesome time at her farm that I wanted to share these neat ideas with all of you.

First is her "Visit the Farm, Leave a Fiddler" gift: you get a farm visit and tour, 4 hours of lessons, and a FIDDLE! You (or the giftee) pick the day in 2016. This is a great experience for anyone who's been playing with the idea of taking up music (pun intended!)

Any herbalists or other small businesses out there thinking about designing a logo? The second gift idea utilizes Jenna's skills as a graphic designer PLUS includes a donation to Heifer International and two 2016 workshop passes. From her website:

"So in summary: You get a printable voucher for a logo to be designed in 2016 ($300-500 regular price), a workshop pass for you and your gift ($200 value), and part of the money goes towards a family in need that can start raising livestock where farm animals are needed most."

Start your holiday shopping now and tick the most difficult person off your list- get them the gift of a unique experience from a talented woman making the world a better place!

1 large tablespoon softened (not liquid) Coconut Oil
1 large tablespoon Baking Soda
1-3 drops Carrot Seed essential oil, optional
3-5 drops Lavender essential oil, optional

Blend together in a glass or ceramic bowl- wood or plastic will absorb oils. When you have a smooth paste, gently apply to skin.

Exfoliate your face at the bathroom mirror, avoiding extra delicate eye and lip skin.

Then step into your shower or tub and exfoliate arms and legs. If your shower is like mine, carefully step back out, being sure not to slip, and start your shower water. Once water temperature is adjusted, re-enter and shower away.

The floor will be SLIPPERY so move carefully, and consider bringing a scrub brush with you. Once you've washed off your coconut oil/baking soda, take a minute with a squirt of soap to scrub the floor and the soles of your feet.

Voila! Your skin is baby-butt-smooth, your shower is clean, and you're ready to take on anything. Happy day, Beautiful Introvert!

Burn yourself? Put Lavender essential oil on it.

There, that's all you need to know. Now go and impress your family and friends, bakers and pizza makers, the clumsy and the accident prone.

Really! That's all there is to it! Recently a friend was over for lunch, and the poor soul grabbed the lid of a pan that just came out of a 400 degree oven. Adding to the pain, they valiantly found a safe place to deposit the glass topper instead of dropping it on the floor, risking both lid and linoleum.

While they ran for the cold water faucet, I ran for my essential oil tray. Several drops applied directly to the red skin, and again after lunch as we said our goodbyes, and my friend went home.

The next day I called to check in. "How is EVERYONE not talking about this? Why don't they all know?? It's incredible!" No blister, no pain, and fast healing.

Lavender is an analgesic- it takes away pain. It's also cooling, and stimulates cell regeneration to speed repair. That's a perfect trifecta for a burn remedy. I've used it many times, most often on myself, and always to great effect.

Because:
- you've thought about starting to mediate, but didn't know how
-  it's free!
-  you have 15 minutes to give yourself a break
- Deepak Chopra has a soothing voice
- did I mention it's free?

I have done several of the free Chopra Center meditation experiences since they began offering them about 3 years ago. In between, I meditate with one that I purchased, for real cash money, because I found it so powerful and helpful.

Sign up RIGHT NOW, it's the last day to join!

Here is a picture of my meditation spot:

That's right folks, I meditate in bed! How much easier can it get? And there's no excuse not to! I decided that if I can't wake up 15 minutes early to start my day off on a positive and peaceful note, I needed to make some huge changes at bedtime. So I add an extra pillow to prop me up, snuggle under my quilt and click the Chopra Center app on my phone. Easy peasy, and so very worth every minute.

Chopra Center Meditation