Equilibria CBD Review + My Routine

The Cottage Peach is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own. Products in this post were gifted.

My introduction to CBD came at the lowest point in my life. I was exhausted and struggling with my arthritis, and every day by three o’clock my stress level had compounded to the point where the tension in my body would not go away. I have always appreciated a balance between incorporating natural remedies and modern medicine to manage my stress and discomfort, but I felt like I had hit a wall and nothing was going to help. Plus, there are so many fake “natural remedies” out there that are just preying on vulnerable people desperate for a cure. I didn’t want to fall into that trap (this is also why my CBD partnership with Equilibria is the only wellness-based company I will partner with, so hopefully that tells you something about how reputable they are)

I had tried CBD before, but it never seemed to work for me. But it took me watching another Instagram creator talking about CBD to decide to give it another try. She talked about how you need to use CBD consistently for at least 30 consecutive days in order to see an effect. In the past, I had tried to use CBD to solve in-the-moment stress and found it lacking.

It is so important when trying something new to educate yourself before making a decision, and one of the main reasons that I gravitated towards the brand this creator was advertising was that they really emphasized the importance of education and provided tons of easy to understand resources about how CBD works in your body to mirror compounds we produce naturally, retraining your nervous system to take better care of itself.

Another thing that was holding me back from really putting my trust in CBD was it seemed too easy - it didn’t make sense to me that we could all just take the same dose no matter our issues or body size and have great results. Part of what Equilibria is doing differently is that they fully support you throughout your CBD discovery journey with their free dosage consultations with experts who custom tailor your routine to fit your life and needs. They taught me that CBD is flexible, and what you need may change from season to season. For example, when I have a flare up of my arthritis symptoms or a stressful time at work filled with deadlines, I know I need to lean on my CBD routine more and increase my dosage. But I can accomplish this in so many different ways, because depending on the form of CBD that I use it may be more fast-acting or long-lasting.

So, let’s start with the basics.

What is CBD?

CBD is a phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant. But what does this actually mean? Our body produces compounds like CBD naturally in our endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that are densely packed throughout our brains and bodies. The ECS affects our immune system, nervous system and organs.

Here’s what Equilibria has to say about the ECS:

“The primary function of the Endocannabinoid System is to maintain balance throughout your body. Endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters) and cannabinoid receptors are the two essential players in this system.

Stress can contribute to a decline in ECS function, and one approach that may support the healing of this system is to introduce phytocannabinoids like CBD.

CBD is not used to treat underlying medical conditions; instead, it plays a role in supporting the ECS to address imbalances by amplifying your body’s natural balancing and healing properties.

Since the discovery of the ECS in the early nineties, researchers have identified ECS receptors in nearly every area of the body. “

Is CBD legal? Is CBD psychoactive?

CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not cause a “high”. That feeling comes primarily from THC which is only found in extremely low quantities in the hemp plant - in fact, the amount of THC is so low that hemp is totally legal in all 50 states. Think of it like a non-alcoholic beer - there may still be a tiny amount of alcohol present, but not enough to intoxicate or require legal regulation.

CBD for discomfort and soreness

One of the worst parts about having arthritis is managing the discomfort that comes with joint inflammation. I have really bad knees, so any kind of bending or kneeling (which we have to do a lot of in the garden!) is difficult for me and causes my joints to start to stiffen. I also get tension and soreness in my neck that can make turning my head difficult.

Now, before you click away because this sounds too good to be true I’ll say this is just my own experience, and it doesn’t always help especially when my discomfort is at a ten, but the first time I used the Relief Balm for my neck soreness, I was shocked. I literally went from not being able to turn my head to the side at all to almost a full range of motion in minutes.

CBD effects

So what does CBD feel like? Honestly, it’s subtle. Within a couple weeks of starting my CBD routine with Equilibria, I was in the middle of an extremely stressful day when I realized something; I could breathe. If you’ve ever experienced stress, you probably know what I mean - but with CBD, it wasn’t that it turned me into a groggy zombie, I just suddenly had the choice to decide what was worth being stressed about instead of having that stress own me. This in itself was life changing.

Difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD

I’ve alluded to the fact that not all CBD is created equal. This is a huge, unregulated industry, and I’d encourage you to be very wary of brands who make bold claims with no data to back them up. This means looking for third party testing data available publicly on their website, and also choosing a full spectrum versus broad spectrum product. Full spectrum CBD includes more than just CBD - it utilizes the entire spectrum of cannabinoids available within the hemp plant to activate something we like to call the “entourage effect”. Other minor cannabinoids work in unison with CBD to help it work more effectively to reach its goal.

From the Equilibria website: “The Entourage Effect put simply, is like having team members. The more hands-on-deck we have to work toward a common goal, the better! When CBD has the other components of the hemp plant there to help it out, its job as team leader becomes a lot more productive.

While Broad Spectrum products do include some of CBD’s teammates, they are missing one key component. And that component is THC. Full Spectrum products, on the other hand, keep THC in the formula. Albeit in teeny tiny amounts (each of our products contains <<0.3% THC, which means it won’t get you high and it’s federally legal).”

My daily CBD routine

My routine is literally the only thing that keeps me going most days. If you live with chronic illness too, you probably know what I mean! If I don't start my day with stretching, journaling and CBD my mind and my body just won't cooperate.

AM:

• Meditate 10-15 minutes - I use the Insight app for this.

• Move my body 15-20 minutes - I usually just pick a YouTube video focused on upper body, lower body or yoga or go for a walk.

• Shower

Breakfast - I try to always incorporate healthy fats into my breakfast because that helps the CBD bind better and work most effectively. Avocado, cheese, dark chocolate, eggs, nuts and chia seeds are all great sources of healthy fat. At the end of my meal I take 1 Extra Strength Soft Gel. This has a slower release than a CBD oil you take sublingually (under the tongue) and lasts longer to get me through the day.

Throughout the day, I’ll use a topical CBD to spot treat sore areas (usually my neck) with Relief Balm (best long term relief) or the Recovery Roll On (best for fast acting relief). If it’s a particularly rough day I may take a Daily Gummy in the afternoon if I start to feel my morning dose wearing off.

PM: If it’s been a stressful day, I like to unwind with CBD Drink Drops. These are an excellent non-alcoholic alternative to a glass of wine and come in a three pack with different flavors. At night before bed I take either 2 CBD Sleep Gummies (these are long lasting if you have trouble staying asleep) or 1 Sleep Melt (Best for helping you to fall asleep)

It’s important to note that I have pretty severe psoriatic arthritis and anxiety. If you’re taking CBD just for stress relief, your needs may be different. That’s why it’s so important to meet with one of Equilibria’s dosage specialists to build a routine specific to your needs.

For best results with CBD, it’s essential to make this a consistent part of your routine and allow at least 30 days to see any changes. So where should you begin?

CBD for beginners

If you’re new to CBD, I’d recommend starting with a monthly subscription to the Relief+ bundle.

This bundle includes the topical relief balm, regular strength daily drops and regular strength daily soft gels. Everything you need to really get a sense of whether or not CBD will work for you. Buying as a bundle unlocks a 25% discount which you can stack with my 15% off code “thecottagepeach”

Pro tip: The only negative I can find with Equilibria is the cost. It can be prohibitively expensive if you don’t take advantage of their promotions, although I do believe it is worth every penny for the mental health benefits alone. Thankfully, just by signing up for their monthly subscription you can save even more, and they make canceling really easy if you decide CBD is not for you. No sketchy recurring fees here!

Adding CBD to my daily routine keeps my stress from overwhelming me, and my discomfort at a minimum. I can’t imagine going without it.

Click here to shop Equilibria CBD and use code “THECOTTAGEPEACH” for 15% off your first order.

Mason Jar Gift Ideas

The Cottage Peach is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own.

Mason jars can serve so many purposes. They’re the perfect blank slate for food, crafting, and gifts. Below you’ll find mason jar ideas for Christmas, Chanukah, birthday, or just-because gifts.

The History of the Mason Jar

Back when Mason jars were invented, they were made from a transparent, aqua glass. You can still find aqua mason jars at yard sales and antique stores. Because of their age, it’s probably best not to use them for canning, but they have lots of other uses. I like to use them as vases and oil lamps, or to hold dry food or craft supplies.

John Mason, who invented the jars in 1858, didn’t get a patent on the rubber ring he used to seal them until 10 years later, by which time lots of people were producing mason jars. In 1880, five brothers began producing them under the name of Ball Brothers Manufacturing. The rest, as they say, is history.

Antique Ball jars were made in a variety of colors and shapes, some of which are very valuable to collectors today.

As more and more jars became available, the American diet changed pretty dramatically, as people could eat canned fruits and vegetables year-round. Canning as an activity goes through periods of boom and bust, but Ball jars themselves are never out of style. They are a timeless staple.

Mason jars are made of tempered glass, making them not indestructible, but quite durable, which is why so many very old jars are easily found. While the antiques have their own charm, newer mason jars retain the mix of simplicity and usefulness that made the jars the instant hit they were.

At our house, we use antique Ball, Kerr, and Atlas mason jars as drinking glasses, fill them with leftover soup, arrange pretty things in them, and do lots and lots of canning.

DIY Mason Jar Gifts

Whether you want to craft a mason jar gift or create the perfect mason jar food gift, there are truly endless possibilities. Here are a few ideas to inspire your own creations.

Spa Mason Jar Gift

I recommend using a wide mouth canning jar for this gift, to better fit some fun and pretty self-care products.

These shampoo and conditioner bars from the Package Free shop would make a great foundation in the bottom of the jar. As would this Cocoa Butter Lotion Bar, also from Package Free. Add a refreshing peppermint lip balm, non-toxic nail polish and some reusable cotton face rounds for a DIY spa gift in a jar that will make a gift everyone can enjoy!

To top off your spa mason jar gift, consider using a natural loofah sponge on top of the lid.

Love Notes Mason Jar Gift

It is indeed the thought that counts. Come up with as many things as you can – big and small – that you love about your gift recipient, write them down, and stuff that mason jar tight. You could use handmade recycled paper, cut out into fun shapes, or even take it one step further with seed paper they can plant later for a garden gift that keeps on giving.

Snow Globe Mason Jar Gift

Here’s what you’ll need to make a dry mason jar snow globe:

• Pint-sized mason jar and lid

• Winter miniatures such as pinecones, repurposed old wooden ornaments, trees, snow-people, or other figurines

• Non-toxic glue

• Ribbon

Instructions:

• Glue your collected miniatures to the inside of the mason jar lid. Once dry, screw your lid onto your mason jar. Turn the mason jar upside down and embellish the ring of the lid with your ribbon of choice.

Terrarium Mason Jar Gift

You can make a terrarium with a mason jar in its regular standing position, but I think the upside-down look is more interesting.

What you need to make a mason jar terrarium:

• Mason jar

• Moss

• Very small plants (When purchasing plants, bring a mason jar lid with you to help in choosing the right size.)

• Spray bottle with water

• Optional additions are pebbles, acorns, tiny pine cones, shells, or other small materials found in nature

Instructions:

• Wash your jar thoroughly and be sure to rinse it very well.

• Remove your plant very carefully from its pot and moisten the soil with your spray bottle to prepare it for planting in the mason jar lid.

• Compact the plant’s root ball with your hand. You may need to remove some soil. Your goal is to be sure it will fit on the inside of your mason jar lid and that all the roots will be covered in soil.

• Place the plant on the inside of the lid. The soil should not overflow, and there should be a tiny bit of space around it for other materials.

• Press moss around the edges of the soil, filling the space to the edge of the rim.

• Add pebbles, an acorn, tiny pine cones, or shells if desired.

• Now comes the hard part – placing the jar over the plants. Use one hand to hold the plant upright and guide the branches into the jar. With the other hand, lower the jar over the plant.

• You can just place the jar on top of the lid, but if you’re a bit more daring, you can try to turn the jar onto the lid’s threads. This would make it easier to move around, but if you don’t screw it in you can just hold the lid and jar separately when moving the terrarium, and it will be a bit easier to lift the jar when the soil needs moistening.

• Include a small card with these care instructions with your terrarium gift: “Terrariums do best with bright but indirect light, so they shouldn’t be kept in direct sun. The soil should be checked every few weeks, and should be kept moist, but not wet.”

Sugar Scrub Mason Jar Gift

Mix up a batch of your favorite sugar scrub and fill a mason jar with it! My personal favorite recipe is this Lavender Oat Scrub.

Candle Mason Jar Gift

Who doesn’t want a warm and cozy candle to keep them company through the long winter months? This is more of an advanced gift in a jar project since it requires a fair amount of supplies, but once you have everything you need it’s a fun weekend project that will leave your home smelling amazing! Choose a natural soy wax and phthalate free scents for a non-toxic gift.

Mason Jar Recipe Gifts

Soup in a mason jar

There are tons of incredible recipes for ready to cook soups you can serve your friends and family in the form of a mason jar food gift. Personally, I think an edible gift is one of the best kinds of gifts since it is zero waste and creates a personal experience for the recipient. Layering your ingredients creates an appealing visual effect that is sure to impress! Just be sure to include a tag (either printed or handwritten is fine!) attached to your gift with cooking instructions.

Cookies in a mason jar

If there’s anything better than soup in a mason jar, it’s cookies in a mason jar! The same guidelines apply here. You’ll want to find a recipe that is specifically made to fit inside of a mason jar so the ratios are correct. These mason jar food gift recipes only include the dry ingredients, so the recipient will just need to add whatever milk, eggs, butter or other perishable ingredients can’t be included in the recipe.

Wrapping Your Mason Jar Gifts

You can package your mason jar gift in a reusable gift bag, but here are some prettier options if you feel like getting creative:

Burlap:

Use a Burlap Ribbon to tie a simple bow around the mason jar, or use it to create a sleeve by securing a length of it around the jar with glue.

Tissue paper:

Place your jar on top of a piece of tissue paper, right in the center.

Bring the 4 corners of the tissue paper together above the jar, then gather the excess tissue paper in towards the jar and up.

Use ribbon or raffia to tie the tissue paper to the space between the jar and the lid.

Fabric:

Fabric can be used in just the way I described using tissue paper above, or can be used in the most classic of mason jar decorating methods by covering or replacing the flat part of the lid, underneath the lid’s ring.

To accomplish this, use pinking shears to cut a piece of fabric into a 5 ½ “ square.

Remove the ring from your mason jar, lay the fabric over the lid, and then twist your ring back onto the jar over the fabric. If you’d like to add a bit of dimension, simply place a bit of batting between the lid and the fabric before you secure it.

You can embellish this with a bow tied just below the ring of the lid.

Raffia:

Raffia and mason jars are made for each other. I like to wrap it around multiple times before tying it off.

Ribbon:

Natural, plastic-free ribbons are a great alternative. Use any ribbon or jute twine you like to secure a sprig of evergreen branches to the outside of the jar for a timeless gift accessory.

Is Herbal Academy Worth It? + Lavender Oat Scrub Recipe [Review]

The Cottage Peach is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own.

Herbal Academy Botanical Skincare Course

This fall, Herbal Academy generously gifted me the opportunity to become a student and experience their Botanical Skincare Course. I have been passionate about using natural products in my skincare routine for many years now, and this was the perfect opportunity to take a deep dive into learning all about making my own DIY skincare products using natural ingredients.

What does the Herbal Academy Botanical Skincare course include?

The Botanical Skincare Course from Herbal Academy has everything you need to begin making your own natural skincare products at home. The course is separated into three units - unit one covers the anatomy and functions of the skin, providing a detailed but understandable scientific overview of exactly what and how our skin works. Some of this information will probably be common knowledge, but I found the included illustrations, charts and graphs extremely helpful.

Unit two covers skincare from the inside, offering a comprehensive holistic approach to skincare that went further than I expected a skincare course to go. But this is exactly what makes the Herbal Academy courses so special - rather than just throwing a bunch of great recipes your way and leaving you to fend for yourself, this unit really cements the importance of whole body care and all the ways that how we eat and live impact our skin health, with great tips for aiding digestion as well.

This unit also covered alternative wellness practices from other cultures including ayurveda and chinese medicine - these are of less interest to me personally, as I try to align my herbalism with my own celtic culture and avoid appropriating other cultures in my practice. I found it off-putting that the module on Chinese medicine in particular did not take the opportunity to feature an instructor from the Chinese community in the lesson - while the white male instructor seems to be very knowledgeable and qualified, I would have loved to see better cultural representation in this unit.

Unit three covers skincare recipe formulation and more of the technical creation of actual recipes. To be honest, I was so pleasantly surprised by how much the course included - for how small of an investment this course is, I would have been happy with just the content in unit three, so the other two units really felt like a huge bonus. You have access to the online coursework for one year after you activate it, but each unit offers the option to download a PDF version of all the content within the course to access indefinitely. The downloadable PDFs alone are over 600 pages of course material, so this one will keep you busy for a good long time!

Is the Botanical Skincare Course for beginners?

This course would be great for herbalists of all levels who are looking to expand their knowledge and explore natural skincare product creation. There is a good mix of basic to intermediate content.

Is Herbal Academy Worth It?

Yes, I feel Herbal Academy is definitely worth the investment. You can click here to enroll in the course. You’ll have the option to purchase the companion book alongside the course - I highly recommend you do so, as the book alone is packed with recipes that you’ll want to try during and after completing the course.

Since lavender is one of my favorite plants to grow and to work with, I decided to make the lavender oat scrub from the companion book that goes along with the course. You can purchase this book separately from the course, but together with the course you are able to really dive deep into the methods and skills needed to make your own non-toxic skincare products.

What Are the Benefits of Using Lavender on Your Skin?

Aside from its lovely scent, lavender’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties make it an incredibly useful plant for our skin.

It can soothe and calm skin, help fight acne, and even help heal minor cuts and burns. It is useful for rashes and skin irritations caused by medical conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. Some studies have shown that the antioxidants in lavender may even help to reduce wrinkles.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has a long history as a medicinal treatment. It is important to make the distinction between lavender oil and lavender essential oil. Lavender oil is purely a scent, while lavender essential oil is what we want for medicinal or herbal usage.

Lavender essential oil is made by steaming dried lavender flowers. The heat of the steam releases the oils from the blooms.

Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

Aside from home uses, studies have proven that lavender essential oil can increase the effect of antiseptics commonly used to combat staph infections for patients who are having surgery.

At home, the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender essential oil can help cuts and burns heal faster and fight infection. It is very soothing for sunburn and insect bites, as well.

As an antifungal and anti-inflammatory, lavender essential oil can reduce the inflammation caused by eczema and help treat psoriasis, while helping to balance your skin’s moisture barrier.

One unexpected use for lavender essential oil is to prevent and treat acne. It may seem that adding oil to oily skin would be counter-effective, but lavender essential oil can help regulate your skin's oil production.

A common treatment for acne is to use a stripping product to remove oils from your skin. What happens when you do this is that your skin becomes too dry, and tries to compensate for that by making more oil. Pores become clogged, and combined with acne bacteria, you have the perfect environment for pimples.

Like these products, lavender essential oil can kill off the bacteria, but without drying out your skin and continuing the cycle of oil production. It is non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog your pores, and its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe any acne you do have.

Lavender essential oil is also useful as a hair product. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties protect your scalp against bacteria, and it can help with dry scalp and dandruff. As a bonus, it is also believed to boost hair growth.

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil should not be applied directly to your skin, because it may cause irritation.

For use as a skin cream, add it to your regular moisturizer or combine it with a carrier oil to create your own serum. Jojoba is a good carrier oil for most skin types. For dry skin, argan oil is very moisturizing, while for sensitive skin it might be best to go with rosehip oil.

To use your serum, apply 2-3 drops to problem areas.

To use lavender essential oil for acne, dilute it with carrier oil and apply it to your skin after washing your face.

You can also make a skin toner by mixing 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 teaspoon of witch hazel. Gently apply it to your face with a soft cloth or cotton ball.

To use lavender essential oil for dandruff, dilute the oil and scrub it into your scalp. You can wash it out after 10 minute or wrap your head in a towel and keep it on overnight.

For sunburn, combine lavender essential oil with aloe vera.

What Are the Benefits of Using Oatmeal on Your Skin?

Besides being a powerhouse of nutrition for our bodies, oatmeal is a great choice to use on our skin. People have used oats for centuries to treat rashes, eczema, and itchiness.

Oats are all natural, suitable for all skin types, inexpensive, and easy to acquire. Their amino acids, antioxidants, and fatty acids are all beneficial to our skin.

Using oatmeal on your skin can help it to maintain just the right pH, which is especially helpful for sensitive skin, and also provides your skin with vitamin E, which helps to retain moisture.

Oats work very well as an exfoliator, gently removing the dry outer layers of skin and working to remove the dirt and oil beneath, leaving your skin smooth and glowing. If used on the scalp, oatmeal can help to reduce dandruff.

Because it helps clear your pores, oatmeal is an effective option for helping to treat acne breakouts and reduce the redness they cause.

The starches in oatmeal help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier by attracting water to the skin, and the saponins have soap-like properties that make it an effective skin-cleanser. They were used for that purpose as far back as ancient Rome.

An oatmeal bath is a cooling way to calm skin inflamed by chicken pox or shingles, and its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe itchiness. Along with itchiness, an oatmeal bath can also be helpful for sunburn, eczema, and psoriasis.

How to Use Oats for Your Skin

To use as a body cleanser, make lavender oat scrub from the recipe below.

For dry skin, use colloidal oats mixed with a bit of rose water. Colloidal oats are a finely-ground oat product. You can make your own by pulverizing or grinding oats yourself. Let it sit on your skin for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.

You can make a face mask with 2 parts oatmeal, 1 part honey, and a bit of rose oil. Leave the mixture on your skin for 10 minutes, then rinse.

To make an oatmeal bath, use water that is not too hot. (Heat can irritate skin.) Pour a cup of colloidal oatmeal under the faucet as it runs. If you don’t have colloidal oatmeal, you can put oats into a sock, tie it up, place it in the water, and swirl it around until the water looks milky.

If you are ready to give oats a try on your hair, mix finely-ground oats with your shampoo and wash as normal.

Lavender Oat Scrub Recipe

Lavender oat scrub is the perfect way to combine the benefits of the lavender and the oatmeal. It can be used as an all-over body scrub to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.

DIY Lavender Scrub

It is quite easy to make lavender oat scrub, which makes it a nice way to try your hand at herbal remedies, if you never have.

Mix some up for yourself, or gift a friend with their very own lavender oat scrub!

The recipe below is from Herbal Academy’s Botanical Skincare Recipe Book. The book is a great resource, with 194 all-natural recipes for body care products from an herbalist perspective. Click here to purchase it alongside the companion course for a fully immersive experience.

What You Need to Make Lavender Oat Scrub

1/4 cup oats

4 tsp sugar

2 tsp lavender buds

¼ cup jojoba oil

Lavender Oat Scrub Recipe

Directions:

Grind the oats, sugar, and lavender into a powder. (You can use a food processor, blender, spice grinder, or mortar & pestle.)

Combine the powder with the oil and stir well.

Using Lavender Oat Scrub

To use your lavender oat scrub, apply it to your skin and scrub in a circular motion.

Rinse off with luke-warm water and pat your skin dry.

Note: This body scrub can make your tub slippery, so be sure to wipe it down afterwards.

Click here to start your herbalism journey with Herbal Academy!

Homemade Gifts For Everyone on Your List

The Cottage Peach is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own.

Most everyone loves a handmade gift, and in these times of over-consumption it is more important than ever to be mindful in your gift giving this holiday season.

Holiday waste is a huge problem, both for our budgets and the environment. Americans spent around $15.2 billion on unwanted holiday gifts in 2019, and 4% of them ended up in the trash. Think about it - how many trash bags have you probably filled with just wrapping paper in your life? A lot of it can’t be recycled or composted even if we wanted to because it uses shiny plastic coatings or glitter that won’t break down. This is an issue that we can easily avoid by simply changing some habits and using fabric or kraft paper wrapping instead. The plus side is fabric wrapping can be reused year after year and kraft paper is totally recyclable and compostable.

That number doesn’t even include all of the wasted packaging and wrapping materials that end up in landfills. Each year Americans alone use 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper valued at over seven billion dollars. Fifty percent of that wrapping paper ends up in a landfill. That's 2.3 million pounds of used wrapping paper clogging up landfills.

I know I’m not the only one who struggles after the holidays are over to try and absorb all my presents into our home and our lives. As much as I’m grateful for the thought, and know that I am privileged to be loved by so many people who want to express that love through gifts, it is a challenge when the gifts themselves don’t fit into my life. A handmade gift, however, will always bring me joy and be a useful addition to my home.

And who really enjoys the stress of holiday shopping? Dealing with shipping delays or crowded shopping centers isn’t my idea of a good time.

You can even take it one step further and choose to do experience gifts instead - this can be anything from paint night to skydiving, a museum membership, massage or a baking class. Experience gifts allow you to deepen your bond with the gift recipient and create lasting memories that you can look back on for years to come. 

Whether you’re looking for DIY Christmas gift ideas, Chanukah gift ideas, zero-waste gift ideas, food gift ideas, or just the best homemade gift ideas out there for anyone on your list, you’ve come to the right place.

50 DIY gift ideas for everyone on your list

1. Candles - Making candles is as simple as melting wax, adding scent if desired, and setting a wick into the wax before it hardens. Throughout the year, collect containers suitable for candles. This could include jars or tins, things you bought food in or found at a thrift store. Candle Science is a great source for purchasing candle-making supplies. I like to use their Golden Bran 464 soy wax when I make candles. 
   
   

2. Coasters: You can make coasters out of tiles or slices of wood. For instructions on making tile coasters with Mod Podge and paper, check out It All Started With Paint
   
   

3. Vanilla: To make homemade vanilla, simply slice vanilla beans down the middle and let them sit in vodka for a month. Distill into a pretty jar and tie a ribbon around the top.
   
   

4. Ornaments: You can make ornaments by doing small embroideries and framing them with mini embroidery hoops like these circles or these oval ones. Other ideas for ornaments are painting wood discs, or using colored air dry clay. 
   
   

5. Calendula balm: Use homemade calendula oil to create a balm. Package it in an attractive tin.
   
   

6. Playlist: In the old days, making a mix tape for someone was a big deal, and the same is true these days of making a playlist. Take time to choose meaningful songs, and the recipient will feel the love.
   
   

7. Wreath: With a wreath form, some floral tape, and dried flowers, you can put together a beautiful wreath for any season.
   
   

8. Tea: Make your own teabags using cloth drawstring sachets and homegrown or purchased dried herbs. Mountain Rose Herbs is my first choice when buying herbs. If disposable tea bags aren’t for you, mix your desired herbs and gift them in a Ball mason jar with a pretty reusable lid. 
   
   

9. Cookies: Who doesn’t want to get cookies? No one, that’s who. Package them in a compostable paper box or a reusable tin.
   
   

10. Plants: Take cuttings from your own houseplants, root, and pot up in a bowl, cup, or pot from the thrift store.
    
    

11. Cloth napkins: Use fabric scraps or repurposed fabrics to create cloth napkins
    
    

12. Beeswax wraps: Mountain Rose Herbs has instructions for how to make the very best beeswax wraps.
    
    

13. Rope baskets: Check out Happiness is Homemade for step-by-step instructions on making rope baskets, without sewing a stitch.
    
    

14. Hand warmers: Simply sew two pieces of fabric together to form the shape you want, then fill it with rice to make hand warmers that can be heated in the microwave.
    
    

15. Sugar scrub: Mix ½ cup coconut oil with ¼ cup sugar for a simple sugar scrub. Package it in a glass jar, like these from Mountain Rose Herbs.
    
    

16. Jelly: Homemade preserves are always appreciated! Get your Christmas gift-making done in summer and have more time for fun in December.
    
    

17. Granola: Follow my recipe for homemade granola.
    
    

18. Peanut brittle: Peanut brittle can be made in the microwave, making it a great gift idea to do with kids.
    
    

19. Write a story or poem: Give a little piece of yourself by writing something just for them.
    
    

20. Bind a journal: Binding paper can be done by beginners. Check out Skill Share for instructions. 
    
    

21. Knit a mug cozy: Ravelry hosts endless options of styles that are free to download.
    
    

22. Homemade game: Make a homemade board game. Think creatively – pretty pebbles make good pieces to move around the board, and sturdy cardboard can be used for the board itself.
    
    

23. Pendant: Make a pendant with polymer clay, and hang it on a pretty ribbon.
    
    

24. Macramé: A macramé hanging plant holder is a classic, and doesn’t need to be too complicated. Check out Sarah Maker’s simple tutorial.

25. Affirmation cards: Everyone could use some good thoughts to brighten their days. Use colored, blank index cards or pretty bits of decorative paper to share some.
    
    

26. Marbled greeting cards: Marbling paper is simple, fun, and only slightly messy.
    
    

27. Soap: You can make cold processed soap using lye, or create bars of soap with the melt and pour method, which uses a premade soap base.
    
    

28. Bookmarks: Use decorative or marbled paper and add ribbons, tassels, or other pretty bits and bobs.
    
    

29. Keychains:  Drill a hole in a good-looking, small rock or a sanded tree branch to make your own keychains.
    
    

30. Scrunchie: Scrunchies are a great beginner sewing project.
    
    

31. Stenciled tote bag: A simple white tote, some paints, a stencil and a sponge are all that’s needed to make a custom tote bag.
    
    

32. Ring bowl:  Make a small ring bowl using white air dry clay. Once it’s dry, paint it however you’d like.
    
    

33. Decorated glass: Use glass markers to decorate vases, glasses, or bowls.
    
    

34. Walking stick: Search out a stick of the right length, with a bit of a curve on one end. Sand until smooth and apply mineral oil.
    
    

35. Washi tape headbands: Check out The Crafting Chicks for instructions to make washi tape headbands. 
    
    

36. Bath tea: For a relaxing gift, make Pumpkin and Princess’ bath tea.
    
    

37. No-sew flannel scarf: This no-sew flannel scarf is simple enough for anyone to make.
    
    

38. Lavender eye pillow: Sew two pieces of fabric together and fill with lavender buds for a soothing, sleepiness inducing eye pillow.
    
    

39. Seeds: Save seeds from your summer garden and package in homemade paper envelopes. 
    
    

40. Pressed flower tray: Use craft glue to carefully apply your pressed flowers to a wooden tray. Arrange them in the way you’d like, then pick each flower up one at a time, brush it with glue, and put it back in position. When everything is placed, use Mod Podge to give it a clear finish.
    
    

41. Terrarium: Use a glass container and small plants and mosses to create a terrarium.
    
    

42. Recipes: Create a box of hand-written recipes to share.
    
    

43. Mittens: Use felted sweaters to make mittens by cutting to shape and sewing.
    
    

44. Chocolate covered spoons: Make delicious chocolate-covered spoons using this Betty Crocker recipe
    
    

45. Peppermint bark: All you need for this project is chocolate melted in the microwave and crushed up candy canes. Spread the melted chocolate on parchment paper and sprinkle with candy.
    
    

46. Butter: Impress someone with homemade butter. No one needs to know all you had to do was use a mixer to beat cream and add a little salt.
    
    

47. Decoupage soap: Count on Mod Podge to think of every possible item that can be decoupaged! 
    
    

48. Hot chocolate bomb:  Throw some chocolate their way with this recipe from One Good Thing.
    
    

49. Jersey knit bracelet: This is a neat way to repurpose t-shirts
    
    

50. Chalkboard coffee mug: Martha Stewart has a very simple idea for adding some individuality to a coffee mug.

What’s in my apothecary cabinet

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Why Keep an Apothecary?

Here’s the thing about an old jam cabinet full of dried plants: it may not seem like much, it may not even seem necessary, but for me it is essential, and here’s why:

An apothecary is a source of comfort: The herbs within an apothecary provide relief and warmth and the sense of being well cared for.

An apothecary heals: Maybe not best suited for your worst ailments, but a steady hand you can look to. A cup of calming chamomile tea for when you can’t sleep, calendula tea for inflammation and nerves, mint tea when you need a quick pick me up, and red raspberry leaf tea for cramps and more. 

An apothecary increases your independence: In times when essential supplies may run short, as happens with pandemics and supply chain issues, having a stocked apothecary provides a backup. Stored correctly, these dried plants are rich in essential vitamins needed for survival. 

The Healing Powers of Tea + Tisanes

What is the difference between tea and tisane? Tea comes from one specific plant, the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea is always caffeinated. Technically speaking, any other herbal plant matter steeped in hot water is a tisane. However, most of us use the word tea interchangeably, so that is how I will refer to all my herbal teas and tisanes here. While herbs can be used to make poultices, tinctures, and creams, their most common use today is as an ingredient for tea.

There is a medicinal tea for just about every common ailment, from headaches to fever, acne to stomach upset. Along with its medicine, tea offers us comfort, companionship, and ritual.

Cups of tea in the morning calm stiff and aching joints, wake up your groggy mind and bring comfort after a long night tossing and turning. 

Cups of tea in the afternoon, when mom stops by and you talk about whether or not the world is ending, bring you back to the here and now and away from worrying about the what-ifs and the should-haves and the would-have-beens.

Cups of tea after dinner wash away the endless news articles and likes and comments and to-do lists and the never good enough feelings and the Sunday scaries and the imposter syndrome and the pandemic and the climate crisis and the political climate and the war, war, war.

Cups of tea in winter warm your hands and lift your spirits, both essential in the stretch of long, dark days.

Cups of tea filled with petals dried in last year’s garden sun, cups of tea to mend you and energize you and bring you closer together.

It’s never just a cup of tea.

Have you ever made your own tea blends?

Maybe you’re used to getting your tea in individual sachets from the grocery store. The idea of loose leaf teas sounds like something that only real tea connoisseurs would do.

But did you know that most of those little pre-packaged tea bags actually contain plastic?
You can’t even throw them in your compost because they won’t break down properly due to the plastic. And the heat from the water can release harmful compounds from the plastic tea bags into your cup.

This is true even of many “organic” tea brands that are available. Many tea companies will refuse to even tell you what materials are used in their tea bags, which is doubly concerning. If you can’t compost them, they’ll just end up polluting the landfills and taking decades to break down.

Making your own tea blends from scratch doesn’t need to be intimidating or difficult. You can start with the most basic ingredients and work your way up from there. Since I have a more extensive herbal library, I’ll be talking about my apothecary in depth - but don’t be afraid to start small at first.

The benefits of loose leaf tea are many - they are medicinal, and generally available in higher quality than pre-blended teas.

Once you get the hang of making your own tea blends, you can even mix up batches to give as handmade gifts for friends and family. Just pour your tea into a nice jar or other container and add a simple ribbon for a zero-waste gift that everyone will love.

Are Plants Good Medicine?

The use of herbs, berries, and spices as medicine and comfort goes back tens of thousands of years. Women gathered plants, experimented with them, and treated all manner of health conditions. They passed this wisdom from generation to generation, sometimes orally, and sometimes in the form of recipe books. 

While male physicians did, at points, take an interest, conduct studies, and publish papers on the use of plants as medicine (without mentioning women or allowing them to become doctors themselves), somewhere along the way, this once-vital knowledge was stripped of its importance, as the work of women so often is.

Luckily,  this information didn’t completely disappear. Women continued to teach their daughters. History (her story, to be more precise) was studied and old wisdoms brought together in books and finally to the internet, where it is available to educate any budding herbalist.

An Invitation for Ease

Close your eyes and picture this. You're standing in the kitchen of an old farmhouse with wooden windows and creaky floorboards underfoot.

The fire is crackling nearby, and the scent of woodsmoke lightly punctuates the stillness and chill of winter.

You wash the our your teapot in the sink and listen for signs of life outside your window. All is calm and silent as the first snowflakes begin to land on the earth outside and the ground is coated in a hard layer of permafrost.

The work you set out to do is done, and you are tucked away at home with the rest of the afternoon stretching out before you.

This is your invitation to find ease in your day. Pour yourself a cup of tea, and put your feet up for a while.

The Best Way To Learn Herbalism

If you’re ready to begin your herbalism journey I highly recommend enrolling as a student in one of the many online courses at Herbal Academy. Their fully digital classroom offers professional guidance in an easy to navigate format that is welcoming of students of all levels and backgrounds. Click here to learn more

learning herbalism: book recomendations

I can’t attest to any of these books personally since I exclusively utilize Herbal Academy’s blog, courses and textbooks for my own education, but they are popular within the herbalism community and may be a good place to begin your learning journey. Click the images below to shop.

What Herbs should you have in your apothecary?

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some common plants I would start with when first building your apothecary:

• Chamomile - for anxiety and stress, a cup of chamomile tea will quickly calm your nerves. Roman chamomile (the variety you want for tea) grows very easily from seed and each plant produces a large number of flowers. 

• Peppermint - for bloating, gas, and some abdominal pain, mint tea also has a soothing aroma. Mints grow so well you’ll want to plant peppermint in a place you’re happy to let it spread, or in a container.

• Ginger - a powerhouse with antimicrobial properties and a huge range of health benefits. Combined with peppermint, it makes the perfect tea for any upset stomach. Ginger grows from pieces of the root, and prefers shade. In warm climates it can be outdoors year-round, but in cooler climates it should be grown in a pot and brought inside for the winter.

• Red clover - used for menopausal symptoms, arthritis, psoriasis, and respiratory problems such as bronchitis. Red clover is thought by some to be a weed, but it can be used as a lawn replacement, a nitrogen-fixing cover crop, or groundcover.

• Dandelion - used to stimulate digestion and calm hot flashes, among other things. Dandelions are, of course, happy to plant themselves for you!

• Lemon balm - calming, and is used for headaches, cold treatment, and digestive issues. It has a lemony aroma and is a tasty addition to any tea. Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, and like its relatives will be happy to take over your garden. It spreads mostly by seed, so cutting it back before seeds form will keep it in check.

• Calendula - antifungal and antimicrobial. Helps prevent infection and heal injuries to body tissues. Calendula is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components, which might help to fight cancer, protect against heart disease, and ease muscle fatigue.

• Echinacea - an immune-boosting herb that may help your immune system fight off incoming viruses or infection. Studies have confirmed that echinacea can shorten the duration of the common cold, lessen the severity of its symptoms or even prevent it.

• Red Raspberry Leaf - excellent source of potassium. Red raspberry leaf contains useful antioxidants including vitamin E, tannins, and flavonoids. Can provide support during all phases of the menstrual cycle.

• Yarrow - reduces inflammation, acts as an antispasmodic useful in treating Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)

• Oregano - if you can only start with one herb, let it be oregano. This powerful plant has antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory properties, may protect against cancer, diabetes and depression. I have personally cured an ear infection with a simple routine of one drop of oregano oil in the affected ear two to three times per day.

• Lavender - my personal favorite. A popular nervine, lavender has deeply calming properties much like chamomile.

HOW TO STORE DRIED HERBS

Storing dried medicinal herbs in your apothecary doesn’t need to be complicated. As a general rule you should store herbs in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, inside of airtight glass jars. These Mason jars are my favorite for storing herbs. The jars seen in the images in this post are antique, so you’ll need to hunt them down at the thrift stores!

Why should you store herbs out of direct sunlight?

Herbs are pretty delicate once dried, and in order to protect the active compounds within each plant that give them their healing qualities it is important to protect them from the elements. UV light from the sun can quickly break down the compounds within your dried herbs that make them so useful.

Why shouldn’t you store herbs in plastic?

There is the possibility that herbs stored in plastic can absorb some of the toxic chemicals present in the plastic itself over long term storage.

Handmade Zero Waste Tea Gift Idea

Most everyone loves a handmade gift, and in these times of over-consumption it is more important than ever to be mindful in your gift giving this holiday season. Americans spent around $15.2 billion on unwanted holiday gifts in 2019, and 4% of them ended up in the trash. That waste doesn’t even include all of the packaging and wrapping materials that end up in landfills. Each year Americans alone use 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper valued at over seven billion dollars. Fifty percent of that wrapping paper ends up in a landfill. That's 2.3 million pounds of used wrapping paper clogging up landfills.

A handmade gift of tea is a thoughtful way to show someone that you care and provide them with a gift that they will be able to use over and over again. You can mix up three different blends and find a set of matching jars to give as a little tea sampler, or make up one big batch of tea and distribute into a larger mason jar like the rose tinted jars from Ball. You don’t even have to wrap your handmade tea gift in paper - just add a simple ribbon with some dried fruit, pinecones or cinnamon sticks tied alongside it. Or, you can add a special mug to your gift that you know the recipient will love. Pour your tea into a cloth drawstring bag and place inside of the mug with a cute stirring spoon.

Wondering what flavor of tea to choose for your handmade gifts? Pick something that you know everyone will love such as chamomile or mint and add your own flair to make it unique to your personality or that of the gift recipient. You can personalize your tea gift any way you like with different add-ins like chocolate chips, candied fruits or flavored sugars.

DIY Biodegradable Leaf Confetti Craft Project

The Cottage Peach is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own.

I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”― L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

October in New England is always a special time. I don’t take for granted that we have easy access to the premiere fall leaf peeping destinations in the entire country, with the Berkshires in Massachusetts, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire nearby. While the first fallen leaf is met with a small sense of panic, soon I find myself easing into the simple, predictable rhythm of fall and smiling with each elm, oak and maple leaf I see. The maple leaves, with their bright and bold hues of yellow, orange and red, are my favorites. Although, to be honest it’s not one singular leaf that calls to me but the copious amounts of leaves as a whole, listing about as they fall through the cool autumn air and accumulate in crunchy, delicious smelling piles in every corner of the land. We are lucky to be surrounded by healthy deciduous trees on all sides, and each autumn season I look forward to counting them fall to the ground. I pick them up distractedly on my walks, feeling the endless ridges of the veins beneath my fingertips - a plastic free, all nature fidget toy if you will.

The sound of each crunch underfoot is a reminder that nothing lasts, tomorrow is not promised and summer has reached its end. That all things return to the earth, and only belong to us for a short while. I will miss the greenery dotting each branch and limb as winter draws closer and bare branches dominate the landscape. But all things must be born anew in the spring, and without the falling leaves, this would not happen as it should. If the leaves never left the trees, we would take them for granted all summer long instead of appreciating their friendly shade and whispers in the breeze.

And what about the vivid memories of the sound of leaves being raked into a mountainous leaf pile by a grown up for you to pounce in and bury yourself and breathe deeply of the decomposing earth as a child? I can’t think of a more calming memory than the hush that fell over me with my small body tucked in among the maples and elm and oak. I remember a sense of wonder that I could now touch something which had lived fifteen or twenty or thirty feet above my head all summer, an impossible distance overcome by mere gravity. If I could sleep in that childhood leaf pile made for me with love, I would.

Why You Should Leave Leaves

Perhaps my neighbors shake their heads at our laziness (although I think not, we have great neighbors) when they notice that we do not rake our leaves into those large paper hardware store bags and remove them each fall. A green lawn may be nice for some, but what fallen leaves can do for the earth and the insects that inhabit it is even better. So we choose to intentionally leave the leaves overwinter - you’ll find that they break down quite readily by spring time, and in the meantime offer a whole host of invisible benefits you may not be aware of. The cycle of leaves is an important part of nature’s ecosystem, here’s why:

• Helps suppress weeds - many weeds make their start in very early spring, before the plants you actually want to grow have a chance to establish themselves. Leaving your leaves creates a protective barrier that blocks sunlight which can slow the growth of unwanted plants.

• Provides valuable nutrients - the soil is full of microorganisms which are essential for healthy plant growth, but microorganisms need to eat too! As leaves break down, they compost and return vital nutrients to the soil which are then taken up by these microorganisms and plants to help them grow.

• Protects overwinter insects - have you ever wondered where all those creepy crawly insects invading your personal space all summer go during the colder months? Well, it’s safe to say a fair number of them are hiding out in the local leaf pile, hunkered down and waiting for warmer days. Without dry and warm habitats like leaf piles, many insects have no place to safely weather cold winter conditions. Leaves also offer food, shelter, nesting and bedding materials to a variety of wildlife. When we disturb these micro insect ecosystems, it can have many unintended consequences for the environment.

• Insulates trees, shrubs and other plants - especially in colder climates, winter can cause real damage to your trees, shrubs and other plants which aren’t as cold hardy. A freeze can cause instant plant death or shock that can severely impact growth and productivity of your plants. Leaves provide a natural blanket which protects these plants from the elements.

All this to say, I have a lot of feelings about leaves! My favorite thing to do during the fall season is to find different ways to celebrate this transitionary season through leaves. Although leaves can feel like a celebration all on their own as they sprinkle down from above, I love a good DIY craft project, so I wanted to take it one step further and create some DIY biodegradable leaf confetti!

Confetti is so fun and great for celebrations like baby showers, engagements, weddings and birthdays, but more often than not it is made of shiny plastics and other materials that do not break down after they are thrown away. Not to mention the packaging involved. Biodegradable confetti allows you to have all the fun of regular confetti without the negative environmental impact, so you can enjoy your celebration without any guilt.

Now, you can probably figure out that there are two ways to go about doing this - one would be to just literally gather a basket of whole, small leaves and sprinkle them as you see fit. And that totally works as ready made confetti, or a delightful prank to pull on someone that’s not quite so messy as a pie to the face. But this is a celebration right?! So let’s make it extra special with a confetti diy using different shapes created with a paper hole punch.

For this project I grabbed a heart and star shaped hole punch, but any shape will do - circles, stars, even a tiny leaf would be so cute! They make all different sizes of hole punches, you could use a larger hole punch that is normally used for scrapbooking too. Here are a few options for hole punches that should work well for this project if you don’t have one already:

You’re going to want to collect your leaves first. Make sure to select leaves with the brightest colors that are flat and fully dried without being crumpled or so crispy that they just fall apart in your hand. If you’re unsure which leaves will work best, grab a few different ones before you really get started collecting and just test them out with your hole punch. The hole punch should be able to cut through them quickly and easily without breaking the leaf - just like paper.

Once you have a good amount of leaves filling your basket, find a nice spot to sit and get punching. This can be a really great mindfulness opportunity. Pay close attention to the sensation of the leaves in your hands, the sound of the hole punch snapping shut and opening, the smell of earth wafting up from the basket and the feel of the confetti in your hand. Who would have thought this simple confetti craft could have so many benefits?

After you’re finished creating your confetti, you can even create a simple paper cone to help you to toss your new confetti in the air! I like to do this by cutting a circle shape out of paper and then cutting a pie shaped wedge out of the circle before wrapping it in on itself and securing with washi tape. Fill up your paper cone and get ready to celebrate!

How to make biodegradable confetti instructions

Supplies:

• Leaves, flat and dry with bright colors

• A basket or some other kind of container for collecting the leaves

• A large metal scrapbooking hole punch (½-2” wide)

• One sheet of paper

• Washi tape

  Instructions:

Collect leaves in a basket. Look for leaves that are flat and dry with bright colors. Working around each leaf from the outside edges in, use your hole punch to punch out confetti shapes from the leaves until you run out of usable leaf. Continue punching out the confetti from the leaves until you have enough confetti to fill a cone (about one cup). For the paper cone, cut a large circle out of the piece of paper. Then, cut a pie shaped wedge out of the circle. Wrap the circle around itself to form a cone shape and secure it with washi tape. Fill the cone with the biodegradable leaf confetti and enjoy!