Multitasking with Rosemary

I recently read a report that claimed that inhaling the scent of Rosemary could actually improve memory. To what degree it didn't say, but it does give a whole new meaning to the phrase “Rosemary for Remembrance,” one that I always viewed romantically. 

I also recently read that hanging a bundle of fresh rosemary in the shower would give off a heady aroma that, mixed in with the steam, was supposed to have calming effects. Memory I have in spades, being calm is about as foreign to me as a Greek soldier on leave (now, ya see, I'm thinking romantically again).  

To make a long story, less long, I tried the bundled rosemary thing. I clipped about six sprigs of rosemary from my plant, secured them with a green twist tie (classy, huh, but wait, it gets classier) and then secured the, well, I might as well say it, bread tie, to a rubber band and hung it over the shower head. I then turned on the shower to get the room very steamy and prepared myself to be soothed. Nothing. Not even the tiniest whiff. (Insert heavy, disappointed sigh.) 

Back into the shower this morning (I am nothing if not squeaky clean), and there was the rosemary from yesterday, mocking me. So, I wrung its little neck compressed the stems and leaves to allow release of the oils, and turned on the shower. It worked!  I felt as if I were showering in the woods. So heady, so calming, and improving my memory at the same time. What a productive way to start the day. I mean, how often can one multitask in the shower?

Just a relaxing little midweek tip for you.

This post is linked to:

Wow Us Wednesday
Work It Wednesday

What’s It Wednesday

Clever Chicks Blog Hop

Thursday Favorite Things

Create It Thursday

Home and Garden Thursday

Show and Tell Friday 

Rosemary for Christmas

Here’s a quick holiday decorating tip that will liven up your table, add a touch of festiveness to the buffet, and is perfectly usable when the holidays are over and you’re struggling to find a place to store everything.  Head to Lowe’s and get yourself a little rosemary plant that has been conically shaped to resemble a Christmas tree.  Pick up a package of bows from Michael’s that are now drastically reduced to such an extent that you’ll be paying under a dollar for a set of 12, grab some red berries from off of your wreath, out of your yard (or the neighbor’s yard under cover of darkness – unless, of course, you have a very vigilant Neighborhood Watch), and add a small string of LED lights.  You will have a lovely little living tree that smells wonderful, and its portability will brighten any dark corner in your house.  After the holidays, keep it in a very sunny spot and water it weekly.  With any luck you’ll have a wonderful herb plant to sink into your garden come spring where you will be rewarded again and again with fresh rosemary whenever you need it.  How cute is this?

This post is linked to:

Seasonal Sunday

Tutorial Tips & Tidbits