Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday

Oh no, the birds!!!!!

A Beautiful Mind

Looking after the health of your mind is an important part of your road to balance and well-being. Maintaining mental health is extremely important. Here are some ways to make your mind beautiful to match your beautiful body.
Improve your diet: What you eat and drink can protect against feelings of anxiety and depression. Cut back on refined sugar, white flour and alcohol.
Maintain friendships: Just listening and talking to friends who are feeling down can make a huge difference-for you and for them. With texts, email and face-time you have no excuse not to!

Exercise: The effects of exercise on mood are immediate. Whether it is a workout in the gym or a simple walk or bike ride, exercise is uplifting and a can be a great social activity.
Rest: Sleep is essential to our health. Sleeping is the time when the body can renew and rebuild its physical and mental energy. 
Laugh: A good laugh does amazing things for the mind and soul!

Cry: It's good to let everything out of your system and to release pent up feelings. Most of the time, we feel much better after we have allowed ourselves to cry.
Take a bath: The mental health benefits of a comforting bath are well known. Allow yourself to escape in a soothing aroma infused bath. It will help you reset and re-energize. 
Make time for you: Make time for your hobbies and interests. Scheduling time for yourself is sometimes hard, but it will increase a positive attitude and self image. Remember, work isn't everything!

Wordless Wednesday

Leaves on a pumpkin, Leaves on the trees, Leaves on the house and Leaves on me!

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

From Simpleacresblog.com

Wordless Wednesday

The greatest gift our parents gave us was each other.

Ten Things You Might Not Know About Me

1. I have five sisters who are all younger than me.

2. I am a certified aromatherapist. I used to be a Master Gardener.

3. I love to create and putz with art/crafts.

4. I am a hobbyist photographer.

5. I have lots of pieces of black clothing...I’m convinced that black makes me look thinner!

6. I have been on an Alaskan cruise and accomplished one of my life's goals --to see whales up close.

7. I am a lover of chocolate like a lot of women. I especially love Dove dark chocolate.

8. I got my first tattoo at age 40. I’ve gotten three more since then. My youngest daughter is a bad influence on me! (Not really, I do like my tattoos.)

9. I have completed one marathon, one half marathon and many, many 5K races.

10. In case you didn't know by now I am not perfect, my family is not perfect and my home is not perfect...but my 8 grandkids come pretty close. LOL!

Wordless Wednesday

Here fishy, fishy!

Wordless Wednesday

Reach in just a little closer...

A Conscious Aging-Plan

Ah, yes, the sands of time keep falling through that hour-glass! Can you tell I just had another birthday? Time to reflect on the aging process and look ahead to another year.

Tracy Gaudet, M.D. is the author of several books, including Body, Soul and Baby and Consciously Female. She has put together a "Conscious-Aging Plan". Her plan includes these 5 steps:

1. Know your preconceptions. What's your image of an older woman? 10 years older than you? 20 years older? 30 years? What are your greatest fears about your own aging. Take time to explore these...I think my greatest fear is not being able to take care of myself.

2. Do a reality check. Think about the older people that you know and love to be around. What is it about them that you admire? Do you know anyone in their 80's or 90's that is still full of vitality, has a sharp mind and is filled with joy?

3.Visualize your future. Imagine yourself at age 90 vital and glowing--someone that others would like to be around. What does it feel like? What do you look like? How do you feel? Imagine yourself to be the oldest person around that young people gravitate to. Give yourself permission to think of this possibility as reality!

4. Make a list. Think about how many years are between you and 90. How much do you have to ask of your body? What changes could you make in your life that would support your body as it ages? Make a list of these changes.

5. Start now. Look at your list and choose one thing you'd like to work on. Think of it as a baby step that will start you in this direction and go for it! I think I need to work at keeping my mind sharp--more crossword puzzles or maybe learning a new craft. My memory doesn't seem as sharp as it used to be.

I don't love the fact that my body is aging but I am ok with it. I feel I am a much more interesting and smarter person now than when I was younger. I've had a lot of life experiences to draw from and I love the fact that I have become a grandmother! I guess embracing aging will make the years ahead possibly my healthiest, most vital and joyous yet. 

Wordless Wednesday

How did you do that?

A Happiness Fix

Is there such a thing as a happiness fix? I think so and I think you can get your "fix" in just a few minutes. Here are some things to try when you need to boost your spirits.

1. Blog. It can give you a place to journal about life, your family, whatever is important to you. You can also get a boost from positive comments that other people leave you.

2. Get outside and soak up the sun. (I know that I get very crabby when it is rainy or cloudy for too long.) Even standing in the sunlight coming in through a window can brighten your spirits. Sunlight also gives us Vitamin D which keeps serotonin levels high. (This is a feel-good hormone.)

3.Exercise. Just being able to move your body and work up a sweat can make you feel better. Sometimes just being done exercising puts me in a good mood. I know I've accomplished something good for my body.

4.Listen to music. Your favorite tunes can make you feel happier right away! Music activates the part of our brain that's hardwired for pleasure.

5. Garden. It's hard to have your fingers in the dirt nurturing something and stay feeling blue. Studies have been done that show being around flowers can relieve stress and increase calmness. It works for me!

6. Be generous. Once in awhile leave a bigger tip or pay for coffee for the person in line behind you. I tried the 29 Days of Giving Challenge where you had to give something away every day for 29 days. It made me feel good every time I gave something away.

7. Volunteer. There are nursing homes, shelters and other charitable organizations always looking for help. Knowing that you're helping others will make you feel good too.

8. Spend time with your kids, grandkids or the neighbor's kids. Experiencing little joys through the eyes of a child will cheer you instantly.

9. Pamper yourself. A new shade of nail polish, a good haircut, a new pair of earrings...little treats for yourself will definitely improve your mood.

10. Look at photos displayed in your home or in your photo albums. You can't help but smile when you look at your favorite people and remember the good times spent with them.

These are just a few ideas to bring about instant happiness. Which of these would work for you? (Can you tell I love looking at photos of and spending time with my granddaughters?) What's your favorite thing to do when you're feeling down?

Just Plain Silly

     I read this on another blog and I thought it was hilarious! (and of course I had to try it!) 11 year olds say that the skin on your elbow is called a WEENUS (yeah, I know) and that it is a true indication of one's age. Oh, really? Well, if you straighten your arm and pull the fattest piece of that skin away from the body, the speed in which it retracts tells you RIGHT THERE if you are old. If I pull mine out, I have to kind of push it back, because it doesn't snap back very easily. It is slow going. So apparently I failed the young WEENUS test. I am officially old.
    I suppose someone could do some research and come up with a formula to determine how fast your weenus should flatten out. Doesn't that sound like a gov't contract just waiting to go out...Anyway, give it a try. If nothing else, just learning a new word has been worth it!

Wordless Wednesday

Such pretty flowers on such prickly stems!

Five Minutes Away From Happiness

Is there such a thing as a happiness fix? I think so and I think you can get your "fix" in just a few minutes. Here are some things to try when you need to boost your spirits.

1. Blog. It can give you a place to journal about life, your family, whatever is important to you. You can also get a boost from positive comments that other people leave you.

2. Get outside and soak up the sun. (I know that I get very crabby when it is rainy or cloudy for too long.) Even standing in the sunlight coming in through a window can brighten your spirits. Sunlight also gives us Vitamin D which keeps serotonin levels high. (This is a feel-good hormone.)

3.Exercise. Just being able to move your body and work up a sweat can make you feel better. Sometimes just being done exercising puts me in a good mood. I know I've accomplished something good for my body.

4.Listen to music. Your favorite tunes can make you feel happier right away! Music activates the part of our brain that's hardwired for pleasure.

5. Garden. It's hard to have your fingers in the dirt nurturing something and stay feeling blue. Studies have been done that show being around flowers can relieve stress and increase calmness. It works for me!

6. Be generous. Once in awhile leave a bigger tip or pay for coffee for the person in line behind you. I tried the 29 Days of Giving Challenge where you had to give something away every day for 29 days. It made me feel good every time I gave something away.

7. Volunteer. There are nursing homes, shelters and other charitable organizations always looking for help. Knowing that you're helping others will make you feel good too.

8. Spend time with your kids, grandkids or the neighbor's kids. Experiencing little joys through the eyes of a child will cheer you instantly.

9. Pamper yourself. A new shade of nail polish, a good haircut, a new pair of earrings...little treats for yourself will definitely improve your mood.

10. Look at photos displayed in your home or in your photo albums. You can't help but smile when you look at your favorite people and remember the good times spent with them.

These are just a few ideas to bring about instant happiness. Which of these would work for you? (Can you tell I love looking at photos of and spending time with my grandkids?) What's your favorite thing to do when you're feeling down? 

Wordless Wednesday

Brews and Moos!

Christ Didn't Degrade Women

I follow Ann Voskamp and her blog  (you will also find her on Facebook). She has written some very inspiring posts and also finds great links that she passes on. This past weekend she wrote this piece and I really liked it and wanted to share it.

"Christ never beat down a woman with harsh words or lusting eyes or sneering innuendos, but He stepped in and stopped a broken woman from the abuse of angry men.

Christ didn’t degrade women in His talk, but He made women heroes in His stories. He invited a woman with a coin and broom to reveal the truth about the Kingdom of God. That’s how God loves women with His words.

Christ didn’t demonize women but He accepted the presence of a woman reviled by the self-righteous, and He welcomed the rejected though he lost the respect of the religious. That’s how God loves women with His grace.

When Christ stepped out of that black tomb, He still didn’t choose to first manifest Himself to prestigious officials, religious leaders, the Twelve, or to any man in any position — but instead He revealed Himself first to the women. He entrusted the veracity of His resurrection to the testimony of the women, He offered the privilege of proclaiming Christ as the risen Savior to the women, though no court at the time would accept their testimony. That’s how God loves women with His regard.

And know this…there are more than a few good men.

There are more than a few good men rising, more than a few good men doing hard and holy things, more than a few good men who elevate women because they’re about elevating Christ."

     In this age of sexual harassment of women so prominent in our news this is really something to think about! Just another way that Jesus showed us how to live.

Honoring Your Parents When You Are Grown

 

  Two years ago I lost my parents. They died within six months of each other. My heart still feels the loss like it was yesterday. So when I came across this article I knew I had to share it. If you are lucky enough to have parents that are living, this is good advice for you.

HONORING YOUR PARENTS DOESN’T STOP WHEN YOU’RE GROWN

Having watched my mother exchange her earthly home for her heavenly home, I am even more keenly aware of this truth: the toughest stage of life is parenting our parents. It’s a role-reversal both parent and child would rather avoid. But the Bible clearly teaches us to honor our parents, and that means caring for them when they are old. Let me suggest a few thoughts:

• Make the Time. The greatest gift you can give your aging parents is time. So, if physical distance is great, take time to call or write on a regular basis.
• Be Prayerful and Sensitive. When parents can no longer care for themselves or their home, be sensitive when helping them think about where they will live – be it in their own home with the aid of healthcare workers, a retirement center, a nursing home, or even with you.
• Be motivated by LOVE, not guilt. As you face these tough decisions, be motivated by love, not guilt. Do what they most need, not what you want most. You should always allow them as much dignity as is possible in making decisions with and for them on their behalf.

• he aid of healthcare workers, a retirement center, a nursing home, or even with you.
• Be motivated by LOVE, not guilt. As you face these tough decisions, be motivated by love, not guilt. Do what they most need, not what you want most. You should always allow them as much dignity as is possible in making decisions with and for them on their behalf.

Honoring our parents sometimes means parenting our parents. Remember, we reap what we sow. One day we hope that our children will have learned from us how to care for us when we are old.

Having watched my mother exchange her earthly home for her heavenly home, I am even more keenly aware of this truth: the toughest stage of life is parenting our parents. It’s a role-reversal both parent and child would rather avoid. But the Bible clearly teaches us to honor our parents, and that means caring for them when they are old. Let me suggest a few thoughts:

• Make the Time. The greatest gift you can give your aging parents is time. So, if physical distance is great, take time to call or write on a regular basis.
• Be Prayerful and Sensitive. When parents can no longer care for themselves or their home, be sensitive when helping them think about where they will live – be it in their own home with the aid of healthcare workers, a retirement center, a nursing home, or even with you.
• Be motivated by LOVE, not guilt. As you face these tough decisions, be motivated by love, not guilt. Do what they most need, not what you want most. You should always allow them as much dignity as is possible in making decisions with and for them on their behalf.

Honoring our parents sometimes means parenting our parents. Remember, we reap what we sow. One day we hope that our children will have learned from us how to care for us when we are old. YOUR PARENTS DOESN’T STOP WHEN YOU’RE GROWN

Having watched my mother exchange her earthly home for her heavenly home, I am even more keenly aware of this truth: the toughest stage of life is parenting our parents. It’s a role-reversal both parent and child would rather avoid. But the Bible clearly teaches us to honor our parents, and that means caring for them when they are old. Let me suggest a few thoughts:

• Make the Time. The greatest gift you can give your aging parents is time. So, if physical distance is great, take time to call or write on a regular basis.
• Be Prayerful and Sensitive. When parents can no longer care for themselves or their home, be sensitive when helping them think about where they will live – be it in their own home with the aid of healthcare workers, a retirement center, a nursing home, or even with you.
• Be motivated by LOVE, not guilt. As you face these tough decisions, be motivated by love, not guilt. Do what they most need, not what you want most. You should always allow them as much dignity as is possible in making decisions with and for them on their behalf.

Honoring our parents sometimes means parenting our parents. Remember, we reap what we sow. One day we hope that our children will have learned from us h

Having watched my mother exchange her earthly home for her heavenly home, I am even more keenly aware of this truth: the toughest stage of life is parenting our parents. It’s a role-reversal both parent and child would rather avoid. But the Bible clearly teaches us to honor our parents, and that means caring for them when they are old. Let me suggest a few thoughts:

• Make the Time. The greatest gift you can give your aging parents is time. So, if physical distance is great, take time to call or write on a regular basis.
• Be Prayerful and Sensitive. When parents can no longer care for themselves or their home, be sensitive when helping them think about where they will live – be it in their own home with the aid of healthcare workers, a retirement center, a nursing home, or even with you.
• Be motivated by LOVE, not guilt. As you face these tough decisions, be motivated by love, not guilt. Do what they most need, not what you want most. You should always allow them as much dignity as is possible in making decisions with and for them on their behalf.

Honoring our parents sometimes means parenting our parents. Remember, we reap what we sow. One day we hope that our children will have learned from us how to care for us when we are old.

Memorial Day

Big Girls Don't Cry

I was watching the news last night. A story came on about a 95 yr.-old woman who had her necklace stolen right off her neck. Turns out it had been give to her by her husband when he returned home from WWII. The good news is that they caught the thief. But when the police called to tell her about it they told her not to cry.

Why not? Sometimes the most healing, cleansing thing you can do is to have a good cry! Crying releases your emotions, slows your breathing and has a calming effect. I'm sure if this woman had cried, it would have been tears of joy.

What about when your tears are not for joy? Sometimes you cry because you need support. You are letting others know that something hurts. It's good to find a sympathetic ear and unleash some feelings. Talking about what's going on and getting a smile or hug in return can help the healing begin. 

I come from a family of women that cry easily. I used to be embarrassed by it but not anymore. I know it is just a part of me. I've cried at my daughters' weddings, my grandchildren's births and in situations where the tears were tears of anger or fear.

However, there are some things we can all do to control our emotions a little better if we want. Before heading into a stressful situation, concentrate on breathing calmly and steadily. Tell yourself you are not going to cry. Reminding yourself that you are a strong person can help you stay calm. Remember that you can let your feelings out later and have that good cry.

When was the last time you had a good cry?

Wordless Wednesday

It's all about teamwork!

Just Like Jerry Seinfeld

I am really going to date myself here but...
Some times you just have to do what Jerry Seinfeld did...talk about nothing. So here I am basically blogging about nothing! Anyway, read on. I think these facts are fun.

1. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury. 
2. Men can read smaller print than women can. 
3. Women can hear better than men. 
4. Coca-Cola was originally green. 
5. It is impossible to lick your elbow. 
6. The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour : 61,000 
7. 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 (1-9 forward and backward) 
8. If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. 
9. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. 
10. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. 
11. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace. 
12. Bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers were all invented by women. 
13. Honey is the only food that doesn't spoil. 
14. Father’s Day has more collect calls than any other day of the year. 
15. “Good Night and Sleep Tight” - In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by Ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the Bed firmer to sleep on. 
16. “Honeymoon” - It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a Month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law With all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their Calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as 'the honeymoon'. 
17. “GOLF” – Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden. Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'...and thus the word GOLF entered Into the English language.

FINALLY~~ At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!

Any silly or fun facts to add to our list? Send us a comment with yours...

Are You a "Dirt Diva?"

This newsletter is for all of you Dirt Divas (I like this name for girl gardeners!) and those of you who don’t garden but know some Dirt Divas to pass it along to.   Now if Spring would only cooperate!

A gardener can stay safe and healthy by following these good gardening guidelines:

Warm up. Treat gardening like a workout and warm up first. Stroll through your garden doing gentle stretches or take a walk. Gardening can challenge your joints, so choose a few stretches to loosen and warm your knees, elbows, wrists, and shoulders.

Be nice to your knees. To get closer to the earth, gardeners often find themselves on their knees. Reduce the strain to your knees and to your back by working with only one knee on the ground at a time. Your back should be straight as you kneel, and kneepads provide additional cushion on rough or rocky terrain. 

Take turns. Weed or dig for too long, and the repetition can cause strain. Alternate your gardening tasks to avoid repetitive strain injuries. Mix it up: pull weeds for 5 minutes, and then follow it up with a task that's a bit gentler on your hands. Switch again to digging, and then back to another task. This way, you don't overstrain any one part of your body! Take breaks between tasks to rest or do some light stretches. Sit in the shade for awhile and sip some water.

Handle with care. As a gardener, you use a lot of tools, but your hands are among your most precious. Shield them from harm with sturdy, well-fitted gardening gloves. Bare hands risk cuts, scrapes, blisters, as well as exposure to chemicals, pests, and potential allergens or irritants. Even with gloves, your hands will need a thorough washing-up once you've finished your tasks. The gloves I like best are the combo rubber and cloth gloves found at Wal-Mart.  They keep your hands dry as well as clean.

No tooling around. Tools should make a gardener's life easier, not more painful or dangerous. Gardening tools come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of sharpness, so always use them with care and caution. Choose the right tool for the job, and read and follow all the instructions included with the tool before using it. With stand-up tools - rakes, hoes, or shovels, for instance - select one that allows you to keep your back straight as you work


Gardening is an act of kindness. Yet a gardener's hands are often quite abused. Lavish them with a little well-earned therapy. Shouldn't a gardener's hands be as well cared for as a gardener's garden? 

Hand Soap. Gardening is tough on your hands. So get them some special hand soap made especially for gardeners. It will soften their hands and it will help get all of the dirt out from under their nails and from their hands.  

Heavy Duty Hand Lotion. Any gardener will be sure to appreciate some really good hand lotion. Gardening can be tough on your hands with pruning, weeding and planting. 

Great products to put in an Easter basket or as a Mother's Day Gift! 

How Best To Apply Your Foundation

Here’s a tip that I wasn’t aware of:  if you want liquid foundation to remain usable throughout its lifetime, always shake it well before application.

Then the trick is to pick the right foundation color. For a natural look your foundation should match your skin tone. Test foundations along your jawline. Blend the foundation into your skin to see if the color is right. If it's too light, then test the next shade darker. If it's too dark, then go down a shade until the color matches. You will know the best color because it will disappear into your skin. The goal of foundation application is not to change the tone /color of your skin.

For flawless application start with a clean, moisturized face. A clean face will allow the makeup to smooth and blend easier. Apply moisturizer  and let it soak in at least 3 minutes before applying foundation. (Dry skin will soak up the foundation if not given that base.)

Apply foundation by dabbing a small amount on your face. Start by applying the foundation in little dots on your forehead, down your nose and on your chin and cheeks. Blend the foundation with a brush, sponge or your fingertips. Blend it off on the jaw line and hair line. Make sure it's blended completely to create a natural, flawless look. Using your fingertips will give the heaviest application, a sponge a thinner application. Be careful in the area around your eyes where the skin is super thin. Don't forget to apply foundation on your eyelids and lips. (I’ve never done that!)

To avoid a foundation line around the jaw apply foundation as usual then use a little moisturizer in your hand and blend it down your neck.

On the under-eye area, apply makeup with a finger or with a small synthetic brush or applicator. Pat with your fingertips to blend, using your ring finger or pinkie to minimize the pressure. 

To finish, and for retouching during the day, use loose or pressed powder that is light-textured and contains no oil. Setting foundation with a powder is a must for oily skin; however, if your skin is dry or if you use solid foundation, your foundation will stay in place without powder.  

Liquid foundation should never be applied over your makeup for retouching purposes, because it is impossible to blend well on top of powder, dust, or sebum. 

The smoother your skin, the more natural the foundation will look. So do exfoliate twice a week to get rid of dead skin.

Here We Go Again

Just when we thought Spring might be on the way...

Wordless Wednesday

Reaching...reaching...I've almost got it!

Anti-Aging Tactics

Do you want your life story to be a long and joyous one, without having every line written on your face? Of course, we all do! 

Here are some ideas you can use to look and feel younger on a daily basis. 
(1) Check your attitude!How do you feel about life? Is your life going the way you want it to? Do you take responsibility for what you have created, good or bad? How about accepting who you are? Be grateful for what you have, family, friends, a job etc. Then do an assessment of the things you want to change, if any.

(2) Know your nutritional needs!
What you eat has a huge impact on how you look and feel. The foods you eat help make and maintain soft, smooth, glowing skin.Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks, instead of over-processed manufactured "fast foods". Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated. Cut back on sugar and cut out sodas.

(3) Take time outs!
When was the last time you had some fun? A good laugh? If you cannot remember, it's been too long!
What about pampering? Have you done anything special for yourself lately? A facial, manicure or pedicure? It’s easy to do these at home. It's the time you spend just focusing on yourself that will make you feel special and cared for.
(4) Grooming is ageless!

When did you last update your looks? A new hairstyle, wardrobe or eyeglasses is a very effective anti-aging tactic. Subtle changes in hair coloring can make you look years younger. Find skin care that's right for your skin type. Take care of your nails and teeth. Beautiful well cared for hands are a must if you want to appear younger!**Meaningful beauty is not just smooth skin (which is nice), but it is also an outlook on life, your life. Treat yourself and others with respect. Balance your physical, emotional and spiritual life.  Get rest when you need it, and play when you have the opportunity. These are the best anti-aging tactics!!

Wordless Wednesday

No place I'd rather be right now...

Using Toners on Your Skin

Today is all about toners. Many people consider toners to be an unnecessary step in skin care. Toners are an important step in your daily skin care routine for two important reasons.

1. A natural facial toner will improve your skin tone by tightening your pores and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It will increase circulation, giving your face a healthy glow, hydrate your skin and restore your skin's natural PH balance. A toner will enhance the overall cleanliness of the skin by removing dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and any residue from cleansers. 

2. A facial toner acts to soothe and rebalance skin after cleansing and prepares it for moisturizing.

     There are two types of toners on the market, one called toner and the other 'astringent'.  An astringent is basically the same as a toner but with alcohol added. Alcohol is extremely drying to skin, which can actually increase oil production

So, who should use a toner?
     Everybody!  Toner is beneficial to all skin types.  Toners can help control the sebum balance of oily skin by helping to remove excess oil, assist dry skin by giving added moisture and help soothe sensitive skin.

     Toner is not only for cleansing!  During the day you can use your toner as a refreshing spray mist for your face.  This is ideal for hot weather or days spent indoors in air conditioning and heating - both extremely drying to skin.

Make your own toner.
In an 8 oz. bottle mix 1/4 cup witch hazel, 1 tsp. glycerin, 6-8 drops of your favorite essential oil. (I like to use lavender or lemon.) Then fill the bottle with distilled water. Apply with a cotton ball.