Why Life is More Important than Blogging

Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of very successful blogger friends out there.  But I've decided not to be one of them.  Maybe I'll post a picture or a story here and there for those of you who love me and care, but the truth is THIS:

Nikolas Jack Benedict, born Feb 12th 2013 at home.  Our smallest yet at 9#3oz.

Our family right after NJ was born                           

Sleeping peacefully this morning at 2 months old

is infinitely more important than blogging.


Also, we're moving to North Carolina in a few months to live on a farm and generally abandon the indoor life for awhile.  More on that soon.

The Alabaster Jar - St. Agatha's Nursing Salve

Ingredients: 

lanolin butter, virgin coconut oil, 

calendula and chamomile infused olive oil blend, 

purified beeswax, lavender essential oil

Pregnancy is Hard, Abortion is Harder

Mysteries of the Divine Comedy: Nimrod's Exclaimation

The Alabaster Jar - Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion

While not the first creation, we are officially unveiling the first product of The Alabaster Jar: Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion.

So... I have no idea why it won't post vertically. My apologies. Oh, and... the spelling error will be corrected on future bottles.

Thieves' Oil has a long (though albeit somewhat sordid) history of protecting people from disease and disinfecting homes and bodies. Britt's infusion was created by using the traditional methods of creating this disease fighting blend while honoring the Tradition of St. Dismas, more commonly known as "The Penitent Thief".

While the actual Thieves' Oil essential oil blend is too potent for direct contact with skin or surfaces that will come in contact with food, Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion is both mild enough to use throughout the household but strong enough to help disinfect and protect those who dwell there.

Infusing Penitent Thieves' Oil Tincture with natural disinfectant qualities of fresh herbs.

Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion was lovingly handcrafted by Britt in our home by brewing cinnamon bark, lemon rind, fresh rosemary and whole cloves to infuse anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial oils into the tincture. Eucalyptus essential oil was added after the infusion had cooled to preserve the potency of the oil.

*Same disclaimer about weird verticallity problem as above*

Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion can be diluted 8:1 with water and used as a general purpose cleaner to clean kitchen counter tops, bathrooms, children's toys, etc. By adding 1part vinegar to the general purpose cleaner it can be used to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. A wood cleanser and polish can be made by combining 3 tablespoons Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion with 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon castille soap and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Or 3 tablespoons of Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion can also be added to dish washing solution or a load of laundry to further disinfect and deodorize.

While Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion is non-toxic, since it contains such a high cinnamon and clove profile care should be taken to prevent exposure to eyes.

If you are interested in purchasing a bottle of Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion Britt will be brewing more batches in the upcoming weeks. Bottles hold approximately 2cups of Penitent Thieves' Oil Infusion and cost $5. Refills are $3.50.

The Alabaster Jar - Teaser

This will (most likely) be the label for a new line of products that we will be making. 

Stay tuned.

Animals make nutrients more available

When we still had our chickens (yes, they're gone now, I'll tell that harrowing tale another day) I would often remark, usually audibly, about how incredible it was that our chickens would go around the yard eating weeds and bugs and turn those things into an easily stored package full of ideal protein, vitamin D and omega 3's all of which are in forms which I can easily digest and utilize.

Yes, I too could be eating weeds and bugs, but even if I ate proportionately the same amount that the chickens ate, I wouldn't be able to get the same nutritionally benefit from them than I can by eating an egg from pastured chickens. Our bodies simply are not as efficient at digesting plant matter as other animals are. Thanks be to God though that these animals are incredibly efficient at turning various foods (some of which it would actually be harmful for humans to eat) into nutrient dense, easily digestible foods such as eggs, milk and meat.

That being said, as with all truisms anymore, the case is better made via a meme with an endearing picture, so enjoy: