Archive | HEALTH AND WELLNESS

CBD has taken the supplement world by storm. Derived from the cannabis plant, this chemical compound offers various benefits including helping to relieve pain, reduce anxiety and boost sleep quality. Unlike cannabis itself, it does make you high due to the absence of THC. This makes it a great way of experiencing the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. 

You can find CBD infused into many products ranging from oil to bath bombs. Below are 7 examples of different ways to try CBD.

Oil

A common way to try this supplement is in the form of CBD oil. This consists of a carrier oil (such as hemp oil, olive oil or coconut oil) that is infused with CBD. The oil comes in a little bottle with a dropper. You dispense drops directly into the mouth or add CBD to drinks and food. It usually takes an hour to work and the effects can last up to 6 hours. 

Tinctures

CBD tinctures are similar to CBD oil – they come in a small bottle and are dispensed using a dropper. But the CBD is infused in alcohol instead of oil. The effects are faster, longer and more potent. However, it has a bitter taste that some find less appealing. You can similarly dispense droplets into the mouth or add to your food and drink.

Tablets

You can also take CBD in the form of tablets. These can be swallowed with water so that you don’t have to taste the CBD itself. The effects can take as little as 30 minutes to kick in and will last several hours. 

Gummies

You could also try CBD gummies for relaxation and potential pain relief. These are consumed just like candy gummies and taste much nicer than some other forms of edible CBD. The effects are similar to a tablet.

Beverages

A large number of beverages are now available that are infused with CBD to help relieve anxiety and help with chronic pain. This includes juices, sparkling drinks, teas and even alcoholic drinks. Like gummies, this can be a more flavorsome way to enjoy the effects of CBD. The potency can vary depending on the drink product. 

Topical creams

You can also buy several lotions and creams that contain CBD. These can be applied directly to parts of the body to provide topical pain relief and muscle relaxation. There are some claims that CBD creams may reduce inflammation and even fight acne, but research is still needed to fully support these effects.

Bath bombs

Finally, it’s possible to buy bath bombs that are infused with CBD. The CBD is inhaled and soaked into the skin as you’re taking a bath, helping to make bath time more relaxing, and potentially helping with pain relief. 

Conclusion

These are just some of the different ways to try CBD. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress or help fight insomnia, it’s worth trying this compound to see if it has an impact. Be wary that some people do experience side effects like nausea and diarrhea, but these are relatively rare and mild. 

Let’s be honest—some days just call for a hot bath and a deep breath. Lately, I’ve been making my bath time feel a little more like a mini spa retreat, and the secret to that transformation? Bootleg Bath’s Lavender Bath Oil.

I don’t say this lightly: it smells so good. Like, close-your-eyes-and-let-it-all-go good. The kind of scent that instantly melts the stress off your shoulders and makes you forget about your to-do list for a little while. It’s floral and soothing, but not overpowering—just the perfect balance of calming lavender and silky botanical goodness.

Why I’m Obsessed

The first thing you notice (besides the dreamy scent) is the texture. It’s rich and luxurious without feeling greasy, and it turns an ordinary bath into a soft, aromatic soak that leaves your skin feeling so smooth.

And it’s not just about indulgence—there’s a lot of love behind the label:
🌱 Plant-based ingredients that are kind to your skin and the planet
💧 A little goes a long way—just a few drops create a full-sensory experience
🧘‍♀️ The lavender essential oil is perfect for unwinding before bed or anytime you need a reset

How I Use It

🛁 In the Bath – Just a few drops under running water and your bathroom turns into a spa. The scent is soothing, the oil makes the water feel silky, and it helps lock in moisture while you soak.

🧴 As a Body Oil – I’ll sometimes use it right after the bath while my skin is still damp. It leaves a subtle glow and a calming scent that stays with me into the evening.

💆‍♀️ On Pressure Points – A tiny bit rubbed into my temples, neck, or chest is amazing before meditation, sleep, or any time I need to breathe a little deeper.

Make It a Ritual: Fun Ideas for Relaxing in the Bath

Want to turn your next bath into a full-on vibe? Here are a few of my favorite ways to create a truly relaxing soak with your lavender bath oil:

🕯 Light a few candles – Dim the lights and let candlelight soften the mood. Bonus points for a wood wick candle for a cozy crackle.

🎧 Play a chill playlist – Think acoustic covers, soft instrumentals, or spa-inspired sounds. Lavender + lo-fi = instant peace.

📚 Read something indulgent – Whether it’s a novel, a magazine, or a poetry book, bring something light and feel-good. (Just be careful with the splashes!)

🍵 Sip something warm – A calming herbal tea like chamomile or mint is the perfect bath companion.

🧖‍♀️ Apply a face mask – Multitask your self-care with a hydrating mask while you soak. Your skin will thank you.

🌿 Add some extras – A sprinkle of dried lavender, a little bath salt, or even flower petals can make the bath feel even more luxurious.

📱 Unplug completely – Leave your phone outside the bathroom and give yourself permission to fully check out for 20–30 minutes. Trust me, you’ll feel so much better for it.

A Moment of Peace, Naturally

In a world that feels like it’s always on, I’ve been craving more moments that help me slow down, breathe deeper, and care for myself with intention. Bootleg Bath’s Lavender Bath Oil has become one of those little luxuries that I reach for when I need to feel grounded.

It’s a small thing—but it’s also a powerful reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Sometimes, it’s as simple as warm water, a soothing scent, and ten quiet minutes to yourself.

If you’re looking to elevate your self-care game or create a more relaxing evening routine, you need this bath oil in your life. It’s beautiful, effective, sustainably made, and smells absolutely divine.

👉 Find it at BootlegBath.com and thank me later.

💬 Already tried it? Tell me how you use it—or share your favorite way to unwind after a long day!

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know that Olive, our sweet Frenchie, has quite the personality… and quite the list of allergies. Finding treats that are safe, healthy, and actually excite her? Let’s just say it hasn’t been easy. So when we discovered Natural Farm Pet chews, it was a total game-changer, for all of us.

These chews are the only ones she’s truly obsessed with and trust me, she doesn’t hold back when she loves something. The second I grab the bag, she’s spinning in happy circles. And once she gets one? It’s full-on tunnel vision chew mode. I even have to hold the end of the chew while she snacks, otherwise, she’d try to gulp it whole out of sheer excitement! P.S. I didn’t take new photos of Olive chowing down, she’s been really sick lately.

🐶 The Allergy-Friendly Treat We’ve Been Searching For

Olive’s skin and stomach are both incredibly sensitive, so we’ve had to be extra cautious with everything she eats. That’s one of the main reasons I love Natural Farm:

🌿 100% natural, single-ingredient treats
❌ No chemicals, fillers, or artificial additives
🐄 Grass-fed, hormone-free beef
📦 Eco-conscious packaging

Their chews are gentle on her stomach, great for her teeth, and don’t trigger any of her allergy flare-ups. And for a dog who’s allergic to just about everything… that’s a BIG deal.

🦴 Olive’s Favorite Chews (and Mine, Too)

We’ve tried a few different Natural Farm varieties, but Olive’s top picks are the bully sticks and odor-free braided chews. She loves the flavor and the satisfying texture, and I love that they last longer than most chews and don’t leave a sticky mess on the rug.

And let’s be real—as much as we all love our dogs, not all chews are created equal. Natural Farm’s chews don’t smell terrible, don’t splinter, and they actually do what they promise: keep Olive happy, occupied, and safe.

🐾 Why Natural Farm Stands Out

What really sets Natural Farm apart is their commitment to transparency and sustainability. As a pet parent, I care not only about what’s in Olive’s treats—but where they come from, how they’re made, and the values behind the brand.

✅ All-natural, traceable ingredients
✅ Ethically sourced and made with care
✅ No mystery meat, no junk, just real, high-quality protein
✅ Eco-friendly packaging to reduce plastic waste

They’re a brand I feel genuinely good about supporting and that peace of mind is priceless.

🐕 Treat Time = Bonding Time

One of my favorite parts of Olive’s chew routine? The little moment we share when I hold the end of her treat and she goes to town. It might seem silly, but it’s become a sweet little bonding ritual. She looks up at me with those big, grateful eyes like, “Thanks, Mom. You get me.”

🐾 Final Thoughts: A Treat Worth Barking About

If you’ve got a pup with allergies, a picky eater, or just a serious chewer who deserves something better, Natural Farm Pet chews are 100% worth trying. They’re clean, simple, and made with love—and if Olive’s reaction is any indication, your dog is going to be obsessed too.

🛒 You can check them out here.

💬 Got a pup with allergies or a favorite chew you swear by? Let me know! I’m always on the lookout for Olive-approved options.

We live in a world that glorifies busy. The to-do lists, the multitasking, the pressure to be constantly available, it all adds up. For YEARS, I lived on busy mode with an insane daily routine! My alarm would go off at 5 am and I’d jump out of bed and start right into my day. Seriously, I’d either immediately workout, do a bit of work or clean the house, but I was always busy.

I hit a breaking point after a couple of decades (yes, it took awhile!) but I realized it wasn’t serving me. I said to myself, what if, instead of speeding through the days, I slowed down on purpose? What if I chose simplicity, presence, and intention over hustle?

Welcome to the beauty of slow living, a lifestyle rooted in mindfulness, sustainability, and finding joy in the everyday moments. You don’t have to move off the grid or change your life overnight to experience it. You can begin right where you are, with a few small shifts in your daily routine.

Here’s how to create a more mindful rhythm in your days (with my favorite tips!), one that feels good for your heart, your home, and the planet.

🌞 Start Your Day Gently

Instead of diving straight into screens or tasks, give yourself a moment of stillness. Light a candle. Sip a warm drink. Step outside for a breath of fresh air.

Ideas to try:

• A 5-minute morning stretch or meditation
• Journaling or writing a few words of gratitude
• Opening the window to let in natural light and birdsong

This is how I start every morning now. Jayson and I wake up together, he makes me a cappuccino, and we snuggle next to the fireplace for quiet time!

It doesn’t have to be elaborate, it just has to be intentional. And since starting this routine, I feel so much more relaxed throughout the day!

☕ Create Rituals, Not Routines

Routines are helpful, but rituals are what ground us. A morning cup of tea, an afternoon walk, lighting a candle while you prep dinner—these simple habits become little anchors of peace throughout the day.

My morning ritual looks like this: cappuccino -> workout or a hike -> get ready -> ease into my morning work! The work out is definitely a ritual that I do not skip, it’s a lifesaver!

Ask yourself: What tiny moment can I turn into a sacred pause?

🧺 Do Less, More Mindfully

We often think productivity means doing more. But real productivity, the kind that leaves you feeling fulfilled, comes from doing fewer things with more presence.

Whether it’s folding laundry, cooking dinner, or working on your laptop, try doing just one thing at a time. Slow living invites us to stop rushing through tasks and instead connect with them.

This one is TOUGH for me. I’m a multi-tasker to a fault! But I’ve been trying to slow down, do one thing at a time, and it’s making a difference.

🧼 Make Everyday Tasks Beautiful

Yes, even the dishes. Especially the dishes. Choose tools and products that you love to use, beautiful, functional, sustainable. A wooden dish brush, a glass bottle of natural soap, a handmade dish towel.

Turn on music, take your time, and let it be a part of your rhythm instead of a chore to check off.

As I’ve gotten older, this has become very important to me. I don’t buy anything unnecessary that doesn’t light me up!

🌿 Get Outside, Daily

Whether it’s a morning walk, lunch on the patio, or a quiet moment in the garden, nature has a way of slowing us down. Let the sun, breeze, and birdsong remind you to breathe deeper and live more gently.

This is essential to my own well-being, I love to sneak a hike in the morning or the afternoon (depending on how busy my day is!)

Leave your phone behind and allow yourself to simply notice, the smell of fresh earth, the sound of wind through trees, the way the light shifts.

🧘‍♀️ Let Go of “Shoulds”

A big part of slow living is rewriting the story of what a “successful” day looks like. It doesn’t have to be packed with productivity. Maybe success looks like taking a nap, saying no to a commitment, or spending 15 quiet minutes reading a book you love.

Again, this one is a work in progress for me! I’ve gotten better at it now that Jayson works for me and is home all day! He’s great at letting go of “shoulds” which in turn is rubbing off on me.

Give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and redefine your pace.

🕯️ Create a Soft Evening Wind-Down

Let your evenings signal a gentle transition. Dim the lights, close the laptop, and swap screen time for something more soothing.

Try:

• Reading by candlelight
• A lavender-scented bath
• Herbal tea and journaling
• A short walk under the stars

Now that we are empty nesters, it could be really easy to grab dinner on the sofa (or bed – my favorite! Don’t judge!) but Jayson and I have been very mindful to have dinner almost every night at the dining room table, just like we did when Eben lived at home.

The way you close your day matters. Let it be slow, soft, and nourishing.

💚 Slow is a Superpower

Choosing slow doesn’t mean you’re falling behind, it means you’re tuning in. To your breath, your surroundings, your values, and your life.

Start small. Pick one slow habit and make it part of your day. Let it root you in something deeper than the scroll, the schedule, or the rush.

And remember: you don’t have to do it all to do it well.

💬 I’d love to hear: What’s one way you’re slowing down this season? Share your favorite slow living rituals in the comments!

Spring may still be around the corner (up here in the mountains), but March has a way of whispering change. The days are getting longer, the air feels just a little softer, and nature is slowly beginning to wake up. It’s not quite the bloom of April or the buzz of summer, but that’s what I love about it—it’s a pause. A breath. A space to savor the slow moments and reset before the rush.

If you’re anything like me, the start of the year was go-go-go. Resolutions, planning, organizing, doing. But March offers a different kind of energy—a quiet invitation to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with what matters most.

Here’s how I’m embracing the season with a sustainable, intentional reset—and how you can, too.

🍃 Refresh Your Routines—Gently

Instead of waiting for the official spring clean, I like to ease into it. A few small shifts can feel so grounding right now:

• Swapping out heavier winter decor for light, natural textures (hello, linen and rattan)
• Going through one drawer, one closet, or one shelf at a time
• Opening the windows, lighting a candle, and letting fresh air and scent revive the space

This month, it’s not about overhauling everything. It’s about finding small, mindful ways to make your home and habits feel lighter.

☕ Make Your Mornings More Mindful

I’ve been trying to reclaim my mornings a little—stepping away from screens and diving into something slow and simple instead.

Lately that looks like:

• A warm mug of coffee or tea in silence
• A few pages of a feel-good book
• A quick gratitude list or journal entry
• Stepping outside for just five minutes to breathe

Even 10–15 minutes of quiet can shift the tone for the entire day.

🌎 Reconnect with Nature

March is the perfect time to get outside and watch the world change in real time. You don’t have to wait for full blooms—there’s beauty in the slow return of color, the softening of the ground, the songbirds coming back.

Take a walk without your phone. Sit on the porch with a cozy blanket. Start prepping your garden or even a few herb pots. Nature is the best reset there is—and it’s free, grounding, and always available. Jayson and I started up our daily hikes (now that it isn’t freezing!) and it’s giving me LIFE!

♻️ Simplify & Choose Sustainability

There’s something about this season that naturally calls for less. Fewer distractions. Fewer obligations. Fewer products.

It’s a great time to:

• Switch to eco-friendly household products (reusable towels, natural cleaners)
• Finish what you already have before buying more
• Declutter your digital space, too—clean out files, unsubscribe from emails, organize your phone

Simplicity and sustainability go hand in hand. When you slow down, you naturally consume more consciously.

🌷 Let This Be the Season of Slow

You don’t have to wait for a dramatic spring overhaul to feel refreshed. Let this in-between month be your gentle nudge to rest, reset, and realign.

Here’s to cozy mornings, cleaner spaces, longer walks, and saying yes to the moments that matter. 💛