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Seeking Joyful Simplicity

Your best life after 40 - living with purpose and vibrant health. Empowering you with a holistic approach: nourishing foods, herbal remedies, and self-care to reduce overwhelm, manage your weight, and enjoy vibrant health in your 40's, 50's, and beyond.

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Seeking Joyful Simplicity

Letter to Myself – Stop Putting Off Happiness

8:04 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 11 Comments

Why are we so quick to feel restless and unhappy, even when we get what we want? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

 

Stop Putting Off Happiness

 “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Why is happiness and contentment so elusive? Why, even when we accomplish our goals, or get what we want, do we so quickly find ourselves feeling unhappy, restless, and discontented? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

Are you guilty of waiting to be happy?

Maybe you will find happiness when you get a new job, lose some weight, or have more self-confidence. Whatever it is, if you always look toward tomorrow for happiness, chances are you will do the same when you attain what you’ve been dreaming of.

I know, because this is exactly what I do – whenever I achieve something important, I start looking for the next thing to make me happy. And I’m not just talking about stuff.

I am finally realizing this is not a healthy way to live, and honestly, I am sick and tired of chasing happiness.

Enough is enough. I am giving myself a good firm talking to, and here is my letter to myself. If you are in the habit of putting off happiness, maybe this will help you too.

Stop Seeking and Start Being Happy Now

Dear Michelle,

There comes a time when you have to stop seeking and just be. The joy and contentment you seek is already available to you. Instead of seeking joyful simplicity, learn to discover the joy already present in your life. 

You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect. YOU don’t have to be perfect.

Life is messy, complicated, and sometimes really, really hard. Sometimes you screw up. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve happiness.

And you know from experience, even in the worst of times, there is beauty, grace, laughter, and joy to be found.

So why can’t you find the beauty and joy every day?

Michelle, let me gently remind you how to stop putting off happiness so you can enjoy being happy now.

Pay Attention

Pay attention. When you pay attention, you notice the simple, wonderful, incredible things in your life. And trust me, they are there.

It’s the ordinary moments – your children sharing patience and kindness with each other; the gentle hum of summer crickets; the way your coworker went out of her way to help someone; the late afternoon light shining across the table; the simple meal shared at the family table. These are the simple moments that make up a beautiful, joyful life.

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” – William Morris

 

Why are we so quick to feel restless and unhappy, even when we get what we want? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

 

Let Go

Let go. Take a deep breath Michelle, and relax. Everything does not have to be perfect. You do not have to be perfect. You will always make mistakes, feel vulnerable, and sometimes life will be hard and painful, and things will definitely not go your way. But that’s okay, because you can handle it. You know you can. So just let go – of your fear, your disappointment, and your worry.

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – Allen Saunders

 

Remember Gratitude

Feel gratitude. Remember to pause and consider all that is right in life. The good health, the good people, and the beauty in your life. Don’t forget these things Michelle! They are a part of you, and the only way not to take them for granted is to remember. Feel gratitude every day.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”  – Oprah Winfrey

 

Slow Down

Stop hurrying and decide to enjoy the process. There will always be more meals to cook, dishes to wash, weeds to pull, and laundry to clean. Joyful living doesn’t just happen in the in-between moments. So you might as well learn to enjoy the process. Slowing down and living joyfully is easier than you think.

 “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius

 

Stop Being So Hard on Yourself

It’s time to stop being so hard on yourself. You are good enough, just as you are. You can be both amazing and a work in progress all at once. Don’t be afraid to live vulnerable, forgive yourself for your mistakes, and celebrate your strengths.

“We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies.” – Roderick Thorp, Rainbow Drive

Why are we so quick to feel restless and unhappy, even when we get what we want? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

 

The Trap of Putting Off Happiness

This is it, Michelle. Time to stop falling into the trap of putting off happiness.

Happiness isn’t about having all the pieces in just the right place. It isn’t about living a simple, problem-free life, or reaching a certain goal.

Being happy is not a selfish or naive way to move through life – being happy makes you more resilient in the inevitable tough times, and helps you help others.

Happiness is available in so many ways, and it starts with changing your mindset.

So do it. Change your mindset.

 

Wishing you peace and happiness,
~ Michelle

 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Living with Purpose Tagged With: being happy now, stop putting off happiness

A Better Way to Start Your Day – How to Start Your Day with a Positive Attitude

7:31 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 3 Comments

Positive Ways to Start the Day - Best Ways to Start Your Morning

 How do you start your day? 

Are you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, feeling excited and optimistic?
Or do you drag yourself from bed with weariness and dread?

Despite our personal challenges, we can choose how we start our days.

I say “choose”, because we can be intentional in how we begin each day. Although I have children and a job with long hours and a long commute, I can choose to get up early or later, rush or take my time, make time for exercise or lie in bed, eat a good breakfast or hurry out the door. 

After a while it becomes a habit. And like anything else, we can either have good habits or bad habits. And how we start our mornings can have a huge impact on the rest of our day.

A Better Way to Start Your Day – How to Start Your Day with a Positive Attitude

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” ~ Aristotle 

You can, with some thought and planning, reset your habits for waking up each day.

But it’s not just what we do in the mornings, it’s the thoughts and emotions we experience that will produce profound changes in our day. Especially when life is challenging, changing what we choose to think about as we get started each day can help us find more optimism and resilience.

 

Are your first thoughts of the day consumed with worry, stress, complaining, or other negative emotions? Try these simple ways to start your day with a positive attitude

 

Changing your morning mindset – Starting your day with more positive emotions and energy

Even before you get out of bed, start with noticing your thoughts – are they positive or negative? Are your first thoughts of the day consumed with worry, stress, complaining, or other negative emotions?

Start getting into the habit of asking yourself these questions when you wake up:

  • What can I be excited about today? (If you are unable to find excitement, how about something to feel grateful for?)
  • What, or who might cause me stress today? How can I respond in a positive way, from my higher self? (Visualize yourself responding to stress in a calm, positive way)
  • Who can I surprise today with a thank you or a moment of appreciation?
  • What emotions do I want to feel today? (Joyful, focused, carefree, determined, compassionate, happy, peaceful…)

Instead of jumping out of bed the second the alarm goes off (and turning to the outside world), or hitting snooze 5 times so that you have no time for yourself in the morning, build in some quiet time before starting your day.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time or energy, there are a few simple things you can use to create a positive morning routine. Just 5 minutes of one or more of these activities can change your entire day.

To create a more positive morning routine, try some of these:

  • Light stretching (even in bed!)
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Journalling
  • Affirmations

It’s amazing how changing just the first few minutes can impact your whole day.

My challenge for you – Pay attention to how you start your day – your thoughts and your actions. Can you make it better? Make your plan to change and Get Started!

I would love to hear from you – What is your favorite way to start the day? 

With affection,~ Michelle

Start Your Day with Joy – Morning Affirmations

Join the Seeking Joyful Simplicity Community and receive 20 morning affirmations to help you start your day with joy.
When you join, you’ll be added to my email newsletter. You can unsubscribe anytime, no hard feelings. 🙂

 

 

You might also like:

The Most Important Thing – Having the Courage to Live with Authenticity

Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Living with Purpose

Beating the Winter Blues

7:22 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 10 Comments

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

Five Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

This is the time of year that many of us start feeling down, as the days turn gray and the long nights leave us missing the sun. Instead of suffering another year with the winter blues, and trying to find relief through caffeine, sugar, and comfort foods, let’s make a promise to take better care of ourselves.  These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

 

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

The cold rain falls slowly, as though uncertain of its path. Almost snow, but not quite, it clings to the branches in fat droplets, as if hoping for one last chance to freeze before finally touching the earth. The power is out, and without the usual electronic inputs, the house is exceptionally quiet. I just finished making bean and bacon soup, tossing in the last of the kale. A batch of apple pie filling went into the freezer, ready for baking another day. The candles are lit, and the house has a cozy feel to it.

 

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

 

023Winter candlelight

Beating the winter blues with candlelight

 

These are the moments I crave. The mindful and purposeful work of home, the tangible results, create a deep contentment that wraps itself around me like a favorite and comforting blanket. There is nothing that centers me like being home.

But winter is a bittersweet time. The weather means more time focused inside, but the days are short and my energy is low. How can I avoid the temptation of over-eating, and too little physical activity?

Seasonal Affective Disorder

The winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder, is common for those who live with a winter season. Sometimes mild, it can become debilitating

It seems each year, despite my best efforts, I feel the winter blues settling over me. Although I believe in the benefits of slowing down, especially after the holidays, feeling sad and melancholy affects not only me but my relationships as well. My family depends on me, and when I am am not doing well, everyone seems to suffer.

Does this happen to you?

Last year I focused on the small things to keep myself happy and healthy during the cold, gray days of winter. I believe being mindful of our inner thoughts and feelings, and having a plan can make a big difference.

This year, instead of turning to mindless distractions, bingeing on comfort foods, caffeine, and other less healthy ways to pass the winter season, let’s focus on the simple things we can do every day to take care of ourselves. And let’s start now.

 

5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Ourselves and Beat the Winter Blues

Instead of suffering another year with the winter blues, and trying to find relief through caffeine, sugar, and comfort foods, let’s make a promise to take better care of ourselves. These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

The content on this site may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. SeekingJoyfulSimplicity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for you for supporting Seeking Joyful Simplicity. ~ Michelle

Lighting

My husband gets annoyed with me in the winter months, as I go around the house early mornings, turning on lights and opening the blinds to let every drop of light in. But the older I get, the more I notice the powerful effect light has on my mood.

Such a simple thing we take for granted. Sunlight, passing through clouds, sometimes makes us stop and pause. Without even knowing it, light exerts its influence on us.

 

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

 

Being aware of the amount and quality of light in our homes is a simple way to make a huge impact on our mood and energy level. The effect of light is a physical thing – light affects our biorhythms and body chemistry, and can not only affect our energy and mood, but the quality of our sleep as well.

Using quality broad-spectrum bulbs in the rooms where we typically spend a lot of time in the winter can lighten our mood.  A simple string of twinkle lights adds a certain festive feeling, long after the holidays have passed. Candles cast a comforting glow on dreary winter days. And research demonstrates using broad-spectrum lights with timed exposure has helped many people with seasonal affective disorder and depression.

More information on light therapy for depression
and Seasonal Affective Disorder:

  • Mayo Clinic – Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light Box Therapy
  • Harvard Health Publications – Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Live Science – Bright Light Therapy Can Ease Depression Symptoms 

Music

We are all familiar with the power music has to transport us to different place and time, as we listen to our favorite tunes from the past. The right music can change our mood in an instant. Why not make a plan to take advantage of your favorite music to help you feel better?

I really struggle with getting out of bed and feeling hopeful for the coming day when I have to rise early on dark mornings. Having my favorite music close by the bed helps me plug in and get going first thing, often setting the mood for the rest of the day. It can be helpful to create a playlist of your favorite happy songs to rely on when you need a quick boost.

Nourishing Foods

Every winter it seems my stomach has a mind of its own. Cravings for high-fat and high-carb snacks and meals take over. When I’m feeling tired, or down, I cannot muster the energy or discipline to make healthy food choices. The more I give in, the worse I feel.

The food choices we make can have profound effects on our mood. When we indulge too much in high-fat, high-sugar foods, or consume too much caffeine and alcohol, not only do we suffer with the negative physical effects, we too often feel we are letting ourselves down. Over time, this can be exhausting. There are some simple strategies we can use to eat well consistently and avoid the winter blues and the unfortunate weight gain that often goes with it.

    • Eat small frequent meals. When our mood and energy levels are down, we have less motivation and self-discipline to draw upon. If we can eat small, frequent meals/snacks, we can keep our overall energy level up and avoid those “I’m starving, I have to eat something now!” moments.
    • Include healthy proteins with our meals/snacks. Adding protein can give us a longer sense of satiety and avoid the sugar highs and lows that come from high-carbohydrate eating. Carbohydrates alone are digested more quickly, leading to a sudden rise in insulin, followed by a quick drop. Even complex carbohydrates can produce this affect. Adding healthy proteins like a handful of nuts, two tablespoons of nut butter, sunflower seeds, cheese, cottage cheese, and other protein sources can help us avoid the roller-coaster of carbohydrate foods. All of these nuts and seeds provide healthy fats which give us sustained energy levels and studies suggest support a better mood. Keep the portions in check though – mindless eating through a bag of nuts or sunflower seeds can mean too many calories. Here is a delicious recipe for healthy, herbal-infused energy balls using nut butters, honey, and chocolate – Women of Power Balls, Herbal Health Treats.
    • Nourishing Herbs. There are many herbs that offer nutrition and are safe to use daily. The herbs I suggest are nourishing and mood-lifting and can help us stay healthy and happy during the challenging winter months.

You can learn more about the 4 herbs I use to relieve depression and anxiety – 4 Herbal Remedies for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. 

Physical Activity

When you’re feeling sad and depressed and eating too much and all you really want to do is enjoy a Netflix binge, the idea of physical activity can be pretty awful. Too often I end up arguing with myself, and it might sound something like this:

Pro-exercise voice says, “Come on Michelle, you know you need to get some exercise. Just go for a short walk, you will feel so much better!”

No-exercise voices says (in a whiny tone), “Ugh. It’s cold, and damp. I’ll have to put on something warmer first, which means going ALL THE WAY UPSTAIRS to the bedroom. We can walk later, or even better, tomorrow.”

Pro-exercise voice replies, “Oh no, you need to walk TODAY and TOMORROW. You haven’t done anything all week, and you are getting stiff and lazy. Besides, if you don’t stop eating those chips and get walking, you are going to have to go shopping for bigger clothes.”

No-exercise voice responds with a loud sigh, “Alright, alright. We’ll go, but just for a short walk.”

Once we get out the door, the crisp breeze invigorates us, and the blood flowing helps our brain function and the happy endorphins kick in and we tell ourselves what a great thing it is to be out here walking.

Unfortunately, the pro-walking voice doesn’t always win the argument. How can we support ourselves and stay active when we feel down? Here are some ways I keep myself active:

  • Keep my exercise clothes ready to go. I have running shoes, an ipod, and the clothes I need for the current weather, set out the night before (I typically exercise in the morning.) The less reasons I have to talk myself out of it, the easier it is to get going.
  • Create an exercise playlist of songs that really make me feel like moving. Sometimes all I need to do is plug-in for a few minutes and I am ready to go.
  • Set a schedule. I know that Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are my designated exercise days. It’s good knowing that if I get my exercise on Monday, I won’t have to fight with myself on Tuesday, etc.

Being physically active when it is cold and dark outside is a huge challenge (heck, it can be challenging enough when the weather is nice!) But physical activity offers so many benefits, and can make a world of difference in our energy levels, our mood, and even our self-esteem.

Time Outside

Outside, walking along the river trails, I hear the sound of the wind swishing through the bare branches above. Fallen leaves crackle underfoot. Everywhere are muted blues and charcoal grays. Empty trees stretch to the overcast sky, the white bark of the many sycamores blending with the even darker sky.

We can forget how beautiful these gray days are. We can be so preoccupied with resisting the discomforts of the current season, we miss the beauty and grace of it.

 

These five ways to beat the winter blues won’t magically make you happy, but they will help you enjoy better health and a better mood this winter.

 

Being in nature, even in the cold and wet is the best remedy I have found. It takes discipline, and some strong self-encouragement to get myself bundled up and out the door. But I never regret it. Moving is essential – staying still in one place too long lets the cold seep in.

Choose Acceptance

This year I am trying hard to take care of myself and avoid slipping into the winter depression I so often experience. Exercise and time outside are essential. And fighting the urge to over-consume high calorie comfort foods is always a challenge.

But even as I try to avoid sinking into a deep winter melancholy, I am also learning to accept things as they are. I will have less energy and enthusiasm, and I will feel more withdrawn. And that is OK and a natural part of the cycle of the seasons. Acceptance and non-judgement allows us freedom. Freedom to accept the current situation as it is without labeling it “good” or “bad”, or trying to change it. So much of our struggle comes from resisting. But many things in life can be like the weather – we have no control over it and it just is.

I hope you find the right balance between slowing down and caring for yourself. Balance between doing what is hard and doing what feels easy. And that you enjoy a peaceful and contented winter season.

In health,
Michelle

If you want to eat healthy, stay active, have fun, and avoid gaining weight this winter, check out my post on five great apps to help you track your meals, log your exercise, keep you motivated, and get you through the winter months at home. The apps are easy to use, free, and a fun way to stay healthy! Read more here…

5 Apps to Get You Through the Winter Months at Home

 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Living with Purpose Tagged With: seasonal affective disorder treatment

How to Feel Grounded in Life

9:13 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 1 Comment

10 ways to feel more grounded in life
Being grounded means you feel focused, centered, and present, able to make good decisions even in the midst of chaos, you feel a sense of purpose and clarity. When life is difficult, learn how to feel grounded using these 10 strategies.

Being Grounded

Feeling overwhelmed and off-balance, trying to manage when life feels chaotic and out of control can leave us feeling frazzled, anxious, and struggling. Sometimes we react to life circumstances from a place of groundedness, feeling capable and calm, despite the chaos. Other times we feel like a leaf in the wind, being blown about, our emotions at the mercy of the events around us.

“Dig deep & pull the roots of confidence from the ground of your being, standing firm in the raging storm until sunlight blossoms inside you.” 
― Curtis Tyrone Jones

Being grounded in life allows us to feel focused, centered, and present in the moment. And even though we can’t always control the events happening around us, we can choose how we respond.

Being Grounded in Life:

  • You feel focused, centered, and present
  • You have the deep inner feeling of being good enough
  • You feel secure and solid in who you are
  • You know you will be fine no matter what happens
  • You feel a sense of purpose
  • You have a sense of clarity and are able to choose your response to the events happening in your life
  • You are able to feel and express your emotions without them spiraling out of your control
  • You trust yourself
  • Being grounded is about understanding the kind of person you want to be and making decisions that support your best self

So how do we practice the art of groundedness when the challenges of life come hurtling at us?

Use these 10 strategies when you feel stressed, overwhelmed, worried, tense, or uncertain.

  1. Breath focus – coming into your body is the fastest and most effective way to reground yourself. The easiest way to do this is to practice focusing on your breath. Try this method – inhale slowly to the count of four, pause, then exhale slowly to the count of five. Repeat four times and feel your body and thoughts slow.
  2. Experience with all your senses. This is another way to come back to the body. Take a moment to pause and experience the moment with all your senses. Notice the sounds, sights, physical sensations, and scents around you.
  3. Progressive muscle relaxation. This is an excellent way to come into the body as well as notice the areas holding tension. By first noticing, then releasing, you can relax and let go of both the physical and mental tension. CLICK HERE for a downloadable PDF with simple instructions.
  4. Remember 5 positive experiences in the past week. We can instantly change our thought patterns and body tension from worry and tension by focusing on the positive. I have used this technique with my coaching clients and repeatedly seen results. Think back over the past few days and come up with five positive experiences – it could be as small as the friendly cashier at the grocery store to something more significant like a supportive phone call from a friend. The point is to focus on five positive experiences to help break the tension/worry/negativity pattern.
  5. Gratitude. Take a few minutes and write down or say aloud 10 things you are grateful for
  6. Ask Questions. If you are struggling with worry – ask yourself, “What event on the horizon is making me anxious? Why is this making me anxious and what’s the worst that could happen?” And then follow up with, “What’s the best that could happen?”
  7. Shake things up with Movement. Movement is a powerful way to instantly change our physical and mental pattern. It can be something formal like a few yoga poses, taking a walk, or as simple and silly as jumping jacks or dancing to a favorite song.
  8. Unplug. Even if you can’t completely unplug, take a break free from all social media and news. Set a time limit for yourself – a specific time during the day, or better yet, set aside an entire day or several days. Notice how you feel.
  9. Spend time in nature. See if you can walk barefoot in the grass. Use all your senses – listen for the sound of insects, the feel of the breeze on your skin, can you smell the fresh cut grass, what do you see?
  10. Visualization and grounding. Try this technique – Either from a standing or seated position, press your feet firmly into the floor. Visualize the tension and worry draining from your body, pouring into the ground. What color is it? See and feel it moving down your body from head to toe. As the negative energy drains, notice the feeling of lightness that takes over.

Okay, so my challenge for you is this – choose one or two strategies to practice feeling grounded. Practice it daily (set a reminder for yourself!) If you practice now, it will be easier when life throws challenges at you.
What strategies will you use, or do you have your own? Leave a comment and let us know!

Wishing you peace and comfort,
~ Michelle

More on Living With Intention from Seeking Joyful Simplicity

A Better Way to Start Your Day – How to Start Your Day with a Positive Attitude
The Most Important Thing – Having the Courage to Live with Authenticity

Filed Under: Living with Purpose, Simple Living

Homemade Herbal Gifts – 25 Inspiring Ideas for the Holidays

8:02 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 3 Comments

Homemade herbal gifts are a delightful way to share our love for everything herbal. Instead of joining the holiday shopping rush, we can take the time to slow down and enjoy the creative process of making simple gifts for those we love. Homemade herbal gifts for friends and family are a great way to spread love and good health. Enjoy this list of 20 inspiring ideas for the holidays.

Homemade herbal gifts are a delightful way to share our love for everything herbal. Instead of joining the holiday shopping rush, we can take the time to slow down and enjoy the creative process of making simple gifts for those we love. Homemade herbal gifts for friends and family are a great way to spread love and good health. Enjoy this list of 25 inspiring ideas for the holidays.

Homemade herbal gifts are a delightful way to share our love for everything herbal. Instead of joining the holiday shopping rush, we can take the time to slow down and enjoy the creative process of making simple gifts for those we love. Homemade herbal gifts for friends and family are a great way to spread love and good health. Enjoy this list of 20 inspiring ideas for the holidays.

The content on this site may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. SeekingJoyfulSimplicity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for you for supporting Seeking Joyful Simplicity. ~ Michelle

Doesn’t it seem like the holidays have gotten completely out of control? I don’t even have a television, and I feel the hectic, desperate push of the holiday shopping season. Years ago, I decided to quit buying gifts. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy gifting. Those closest to me receive small homemade gifts. In the spirit of giving, and for the love of herbal medicine, I put together this list of 25 inspiring ideas for simple homemade herbal gifts.

25 Homemade Herbal Gift Ideas

Herbal Honeys are a lovely and delicious way to enjoy herbs. Honeys can be infused using culinary and medicinal herbs, and make easy and delicious gifts!

Herbal Vinegars are a great way to add flavor and medicinal benefits to our daily diets. Herbal vinegars are super-easy to make and fun to give.

Solid Perfume Lockets are adorable and made with all-natural scents.


Homemade Honey Wine is so easy to make and only requires water, honey,and wild yeasts. Get as creative as you want using herbs and seasonal flavors.

Homemade Air Fresheners are simple to make and only require water, alcohol, and essential oils. A cute label added to a simple spray bottle make these a great addition to your gift basket.

Herbal Bath Teas  for those who need a little relaxation. Scratch Mommy has suggestions for creating relaxing bath tea blends, rejuvenating blends, and directions for using them. Make extra for yourself!

Homemade Bath Salts are another idea for encouraging a little down-time for your family and friends.

Rose and Aloe Lotion is a delightful treat and so easy to make.

Roses excel at cooling and soothing hot inflamed skin, and a homemade rose and aloe cooling lotion is a wonderful way to treat skin irritations like acne, rashes, eczema, sunburn, and insect bites.

Homemade Herbal Lotions are actually quite easy to make. This recipe makes a soothing lotion with chamomile and lavender.

Herbal Sugar Scrubs are a nice treat and good for our skin.

Homemade Herbal Lip Balm – using an herbal-infused oil, making homemade lip balm is easier than you think. I made enough herbal lip balm last year for all my friends and family.


Herbal Chocolates? Oh yes please! Check out these amazing Decadent Herbal Chocolate Recipes at the Herbal Academy Blog.

Chocolate Herbal Truffles. Great tasting and good for you – give the gift of love.

Homemade herbal gifts are a delightful way to share our love for everything herbal. Instead of joining the holiday shopping rush, we can take the time to slow down and enjoy the creative process of making simple gifts for those we love. Homemade herbal gifts for friends and family are a great way to spread love and good health. Enjoy this list of 20 inspiring ideas for the holidays.Herbalist Rosalee offers another easy herbal chocolate recipe

 

Homemade Candles are a delightful way to dress up your gift basket. Merissa at Little House Living has instructions for Fall Spice Candles.

Or how about lifting your spirits with these easy-to-make Lavender Rosemary candles.

DIY Herbal Bentonite Clay Face Mask with lavender and calendula.

Delicious herbal tea blends with warming and nourishing herbs to keep your loved ones healthy and happy. Include a label with ingredients and brewing instructions.

Share an Herbal Hot Chocolate Mix – using natural sweeteners and the benefits of herbs.

Herbal Infused Cordials combine healing herbs with fruit and alcohol for a delightful beverage that offers both taste and medicine. Use warming herbs and seasonal flavors to create beautiful holiday beverages.

I have a great suggestion for a simple healthy indulgence. Have you tried making your own herb-infused cordials? Cordials are fun to make, fun to drink, and can be used as gifts for all seasons. Use warming herbs for winter months, cooling herb combinations for summer season, or enjoy anytime!

Kathie at Homespun Seasonal Living has instructions and ideas for Making Herbal Dream Pillows.  

Ginger Snap Face Mask – Rose, calendula, ginger, cinnamon, bentonite clay.

Monica at the Yummy Life Blog has instructions for making absolutely gorgeous, totally easy, Natural Room Scent Jars and they make beautiful center pieces.

For culinary friends, how about creating some Homemade Spice Blends.

DIY Potpourri Jars are both beautiful and add wonderful scents to your home.

 

 

Giving homemade herbal gifts is a great way to share the beauty of herbal medicine and to enjoy the creative process of working hands-on with the herbs. Using natural and non-toxic ingredients and sharing our passion for homemade gifts shows we care for the health of those we love.

Do you enjoy giving and receiving hand-made gifts?
What’s the best homemade gift you have ever given or received?

Visit me at Seeking Joyful Simplicity – Willow Trees Farm Facebook and let me know what’s on your gift list this year!

Filed Under: Healing Herbs, Simple DIY Tagged With: DIY herbal gifts, homemade herbal gifts, make your own herbal gifts

How to Make Herbal Infused Honey – Flavorful, Medicinal

7:59 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 17 Comments

Sweet, delicious honey. Herbal infused honey is a delightful way to enjoy the many health benefits of herbs and raw honey, and is a wonderful way to give herbal medicine to our children. Let me show you how to make herbal infused honey and some of my favorite herbal infused honey combinations for both health and flavor.

 

Sweet, delicious honey. Herbal infused honey is a delightful way to enjoy the many health benefits of herbs and raw honey. Let me show you how easy it is to make herbal infused honey and some of my favorite herbal infused honey combinations for both health and flavor.

 

Sweet, delicious honey. Combining herbs with honey is a delightful way to enjoy herbal medicine. Making your own herbal infused honey is easy and the creative possibilities are endless. Using raw honey, we can preserve the flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties of herbs. What to do with herbal honeys? How about - drizzled on fresh bread, added to teas, taken by the spoonful for medicine, used in baked goods for added flavor, drizzled on yogurt, added to, granola, topping for ice-cream, given as gifts.

The content on this site may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. SeekingJoyfulSimplicity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for you for supporting Seeking Joyful Simplicity. ~ Michelle

 

Why Make Herbal Infused Honey?

Using raw honey, we are combining the power of herbal medicines with the health benefits and flavor of honey. Honey is a beautiful way to preserve the flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties of herbs. Here are some of the many ways we can use herbal infused honey:

  • We can create soothing herbal honeys for coughs and sore throats
  • Combining herbs with honey is a great way to deliver herbal medicine to children and adults who may not otherwise take herbs (avoid raw honey in children under 1 year of age)
  • Raw local honey is antimicrobial
  • Making herbal honey is super easy
  • Herbal honeys taste great!

Combining honey and herbs is the easiest way to make effective and great-tasting herbal medicine. But herbal honeys don’t have to be only about medicinal properties. Herbal honeys are delicious and beautiful and can be used in a variety of ways.

 How to Make Herbal Infused Honey

  • Fresh or dried herbs can be used. If using fresh, wash, dry, and allow the plant to wilt to eliminate excessive moisture which can lead to mold
  • Fill a clean jar 1/3 full of your herb (more or less depending on the strength of the flavor you want)
  • Fill the jar to the top with honey. Stir the contents to remove air bubbles, cover, and allow to sit for at least a week. Every day or so, flip the jar over to keep the herbs covered in honey
  • After a week, you can begin enjoying your infused honey

 

 

Sweet, delicious honey. Combining herbs with honey is a delightful way to enjoy herbal medicine. Making your own herbal infused honey is easy and the creative possibilities are endless. Using raw honey, we can preserve the flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties of herbs. What to do with herbal honeys? How about - drizzled on fresh bread, added to teas, taken by the spoonful for medicine, used in baked goods for added flavor, drizzled on yogurt, added to, granola, topping for ice-cream, given as gifts.

 

How can we use our herbal honeys? They can be set aside and used for medicine when needed. Each fall I make a medicinal honey combining antimicrobial garlic, sage, and ginger and this has been a wonderful way to shorten the duration of a cold.

Herbal honeys can also be used daily for health and flavor, or saved for special treats. Here are some suggestions for enjoying your herbal honeys.

Ways to Use Herbal Infused Honey

  • Drizzled on fresh bread
  • Added to teas
  • Taken by the spoonful for medicine (See Simple Foods for Colds)
  • Used in baked goods for added flavor
  • Drizzled on yogurt
  • Added to granola
  • Topping for ice-cream
  • Given as gifts

What kind of honey combinations can we make? Medicinal combinations might include hyssop and sage for respiratory relief, or garlic and ginger to fight the cold and flu viruses. Or you can create colorful and flavorful combinations to enjoy or give as gifts. Here are a few ideas to consider.

Suggested Herbal Honey Combinations

  • Lemon Balm Honey – lemon balm is a lovely mood-booster with a delightful lemon flavor.
  • Rose Petals Honey – pleasant and beautiful, this would make a lovely gift.
  • Lavender Flower Honey – calming, lavender honey helps us to relax.
  • Peppermint Leaf Honey – peppermint is refreshing and stimulating.
  • Tulsi Holy Basil Honey – Tulsi brings clarity and focus, while relaxing us.
  • Rosemary  Honey – calming and mood boosting.
  • Hibiscus Flowers Honey – cooling, tart, and adds gorgeous color.
  • Elder Flower or Elder Berry Honey – immune boosting benefits.

I do hope you give herbal honeys a try. So easy, healing, and delicious!

In good health,
~ Michelle

 

 

Filed Under: Healing Herbs, Simple Food Tagged With: herbal infused honey, how to make herbal infused honey, ways to use herbal infused honey

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Disclaimer and Disclosure

The information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice and care. It is simply my perspective for you to consider as you make good choices for you and your family’s health. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and maintaining health. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care. The information provided has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose any disease, nor is it intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seek the support and care of a physician and/or complementary care practitioner you trust, and above all, listen to and trust in yourself. Be well!

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