Real living in a processed world.
Our affinity for sourdough is well-documented, and we may have a new addition in the fold. We’ve made these sourdough cinnamon rolls for the last two Christmas mornings, and it might be a new tradition.
Not only are these rolls as delicious as any other I’ve tried, they’re made with a living sourdough starter. This results in an extra-flavorful roll, as well as imparting a number of health benefits.
Winter is a trying time for skin. When the cold weather hits, it hits hard, and I fight with dryness constantly. Fortunately, a simple body butter is easy to whip up and will nourish and moisturize your skin through the worst of times.
I posted a recipe for a basic body butter a couple years ago, and the process is much the same. This time around, I added a little arrowroot powder to help it feel less greasy, and also a good dose of peppermint essential oil. Peppermint is soothing and cooling, perfect for angry skin. It can also have a nice tingling effect. S has used a peppermint lotion on her feet and legs and likes that sensation, and I’ve tried to replicate it.
First, there were bowls of potpourri.
Then there were various plug-ins, smelly cones, and reed diffusers. I admit, I used to keep one of the gel plug-ins in my bedroom, with some sort of Tropical Breeze scent.
It seems that people have a thing for nice smells, and one of the latest that I’ve seen is the little wax melts that you put into some kind of warming device. The wax melts, a pleasant odor disperses, and we’re all happy.
But of course, something smelling of Sugar Cookie or Tropical Breeze is most likely not natural, and artificial fragrances are among the worst of offenders. Fortunately, it’s super easy to make your own homemade wax melts that still smell great and contain no toxic ingredients.
Although weeds are different things to different people, one thing is universal: if it’s a weed, you probably don’t want it around. I’m not super concerned about eliminating every weed, especially since many of them are actually beneficial. But I prefer that they stay out of the garden and out of the patio cracks.
Unfortunately, commercial herbicides are quite nasty. Glysophate (Roundup) is a particularly hot-button topic, as you’ve no doubt heard since all of these Roundup lawsuits started popping up. And while others aren’t getting the recent press, they’re no less worrisome. So if I can find a natural weed killer that works, and I can spray it while the kids are right next to me, I’m all in.
One of the many fall highlights for us is the start of apple cider season. There’s just something about it that fits perfectly with the crispness of the air, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and the smells that accompany the changing of the seasons. It’s equally delicious enjoyed cold and fresh or served warm, mulled with spices. Because of its deliciousness versatility, we also figured that it would be delicious transformed into apple cider jello.
Safe to say, apple cider jello has become a new favorite.
