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| See ya, 2014! |
Another year has come and gone. Christmas brought much needed re-connection with family. In a few shorts months it will be spring again. Life will be brought back from the seemingly dormant earth. It's a time to leave behind was not meant for us and move into the beautiful possibilities that are available to us.
I don't do New Year's resolutions - it is too reminiscent of punishment or some sense of unworthiness to me. I liken the feeling to that I had in confession as a child - the focus on how "bad" we are does not inspire change, but rather sets us up for failure.
This year I will be doing something different. I will be choosing 12 experiences I'd like to have. It's so easy for me to get caught up in the "shoulds" of life. As a single parent I tend to focus more on responsibility rather than fun. We get to create so much of our lives - and most of us have an abundant supply of choices even within certain restrictions (whether they be financial, physical or emotional). So this year, I will be making a list of things I'd like to add to my human experience. Some are small and easily accomplished. Others will require slightly more effort. All are intended to create memories, celebrate, connect or simply to enjoy.
My list of 12 "Things," in no particularly order, for 2015:
- Visit the Olympus Day Spa, also known as naked town (no, no it's not).
- Follow an actual sewing pattern.
- Take my daughter to the Oregon Coast.
- Host a random White Elephant party.
- Host a charity curry night to raise funds for a yet named charity.
- Establish a neighborhood Food Program where spring and summer garden abundance is delivered to the food bank weekly.
- Read the Marilyn Monroe Biography I've had on my list for years. It's not higher learning, but her life is fascinating. Most of the books I read tend to be learning oriented, so something just for pleasure needs to happen!
- Sign up for a pottery class.
- Sign up for a belly dance or tap class, or some other movement class sure to make me look a fool.
- Wild card! That's right, I'm open to suggestions!
Some of these may not seem like the most frugal activities, but frugality as I see it, is not about deprivation, but rather putting your money where it gives you the the most value. Money is meant to provide necessities, yes, but quality and value with vary from person to person. Focusing on experiences, rather than stuff is my goal. It is so easy to put your mental energy towards "getting the best deal" and while that certainly CAN be a part of the frugal and simple life, it can also play into consumerism in a big way.
Who's with me for the 12 in 2015? Please share in the comments some of your 12!
I had been hearing for years that red raspberry leaf tea can be good for "lady time." And by "lady time" I mean your period. I started googling and found various anecdotes about how it helped women in pregnancy and was given upon the advice of midwives.* Most articles were about the benefits for pregnancy related issues, with afterthoughts about it's efficacy during menses.
According to Wikipedia,
"The red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), also known as garden raspberry leaf, is a pale-green leaf produced by the raspberry plant; an upright shrub with perennialroots and prickly, biennial canes. The leaf has been used in folk remedies, due to its rich content in vitamins, minerals, and tannins."
Worth a shot, right?
Since I'm doing "No Pay May," I decided I would try to make some myself instead of buying this stuff that I see in the health food store:
I have a few small raspberry plants and decided to start there. While I've read that dried leaves are better (not sure why), my period already started and I was hurting (plus I'm not very patient when I am wanting to try something fun)! So Monday night I went out to the garden, plucked a few leaves off the red raspberry bush and steeped a handful. Within an hour my cramps had eased and I did not have to take ibuprofen. Weird.
Tuesday morning - Typically my heaviest and most painful day, I did the same and my cramps were held held at bay and I still didn't need to take ibuprofen to get through the work day (Ibuprofen has been linked to liver damage among other things, so I try not to take it unless nothing else is helping). Hmmm, could it be the placebo effect?
Wednesday - I noticed the past few days my bleeding has been lighter than usual. Started cramping a bit this morning. Made some more tea. Cramps were mild enough that I didn't need ibuprofen.
Wednesday afternoon - cramps were a little stronger. Made another cup using the old leaves. - an hour later they were pretty much gone. Hmmmm...
Today is Thursday, and I'm at the tail end of my period. My period was significantly lighter, and I did not have to take ibuprofen for cramps (probably the first time since I started my period at age 13 that I have not use ibuprofen).
Other things that I have done that could be affecting the outcome here is that I begun to take iron, Vitamin D, and B Vitamins consistently about a week ago. The brain is also very powerful, and it could be a combined mental effect of placebo and having a soothing tea. Who knows?
Bottom Line: I'll be harvesting more leaves to dry and make the tea the "right" way for next month. To me this was a successful frugal experiment!
Have you had success with red raspberry tea? Have you made it yourself? Have you tried making any other kinds of tea?
*I am not, nor do I claim to be a healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice on your particular situation.
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