Raines Realm

So its definitely that time of year. The time when everyone around us is either in the middle of being sick, starting to get sick, or almost over being sick. Its rough! So, what is one to do when running the gauntlet of illness smack dab in the middle of the holidays? My go-to for getting us through this time and throughout the whole year, is my Thieves blend essential oil. I love it! The smell is amazing and its such a comfort to have this in my toolbox. It smells like the holidays, which then makes me wonder if the holidays smell like the holidays because people double up on these specific ingredients during this time...but I digress... I use thieves literally every way that I possibly can! I diffuse it throughout the day. I make roller bottles with it that we all apply to our spines and feet daily. I make an amazing tea with it, using just one drop mixed with lemon and honey. I mean seriously, if you think it smells amazing, it tastes even better! I love mixing it with my ...

Do you get anxiety every December? Do you find yourself in debt when January rolls around? Do you dread all the chaotic shopping of the holidays? There really is a better way. I used to freak out every year around this time. I obsessed over trying to show my love for others by the price tag on their gift. It took all of the joy out of giving, stressed me to the max, and left me worrying about January's bills. This season is not a competition for who can spend the most money. Its also not about matching the cost of gifts that are given to you. Its about the love and care that goes into choosing a gift for someone else. In our home, we make pretty much everyone's gifts during the holidays now. This ensures that everyone gets personalized gifts that suit them and a lot of thought goes in to each and every one! We also don't go into massive debt. I prepare by purchasing the materials throughout the year, so I don't have to worry about getting everything in Decemb...

Lammas is a special holiday (aren't they all), that is shared by many belief systems and paths. It is generally celebrated on August 1st, although some start the celebration the day before. Lammas is centered on the beginning of the wheat harvest with loaves of bread from the first harvest being baked and blessed for the celebration. It is also the time when Summer metaphorically dies in preparation for Winter. You can read a very basic description of Lammas  here . This time is looked upon as a time of reflection and new beginnings. The first chills of the change in seasons can sometimes be felt. It is bittersweet. Focusing on the future while acknowledging the past is a wonderful way to celebrate this beautiful time of the year. Traditionally, several cultures will make corn dollys during this celebration in preparation for Spring. It represents the promise of future seed for the next harvest and is typically a shape made of wheat fibers that is filled with seeds from...

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it's time to take a heartfelt look at all of the things we sometimes take for granted. One of the biggest things is probably the dining room table. Eating at the table can be a magical experience. Its also very practical and beneficial for everyone. Sharing meals at the table has always been an excellent way to truly connect with others. When we eat with others, we tend to have improved communication. This is important for family and friends alike, but especially for children. Studies have concluded that children who eat at the table 5 or more times a week had better grades and lower rates of smoking, drinking and illegal drug use. Manners were also much more developed. Enjoying meals at the table is also connected to more mindful eating. We generally eat slower and can better understand our body's full signals. We can also focus on the tastes of our food and truly enjoy it. The table is the stage where our meals are allowe...