Grab Bag Wonder Wipes:

Just discovered these through my #3 spawn… and they are GOOD. The ONLY towelette wipes made with essential oils on the planet. No chemicals, no fake “fragrance”, just pure, real stuff… and they leave your hands clean, smelling great, no sticky residue, no fake, gross scent.

Herban Essentials uses the highest quality, 100% pure, therapeutic grade, steam distilled or cold pressed essential oils. We make a constant effort to obtain organic, wild-grown oils from American farmers whenever possible. Our products are made in the USA, are cruelty free and are never tested on animals.

A bag of 20, individually wrapped towelettes, in any scent (if you can’t decide, there’s a mixed bag, too) will set you back $16. They’re not cheap, but… well…. are you? Love, love, love. Click on the image to order from them or find retailers near you.

Grab Bag Boo Bits:

Lots of creative carving ideas on this Pinterest page, along with this smart way to gain safer access to your candle inside:

So creative….

Pull out the drill and create a wallpaper pumpkin:

How To make Your Pumpkin Last for WEEKS: “After you scoop out and carve your pumpkin, dip it in a large container of bleach and water (use a 1 tsp:1 gal mix). The bleach will kill bacteria and help your pumpkin stay fresh longer. Once completely dry, (drain upside down), add 2 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to a quart of water. Brush this solution onto your pumpkin to keep it looking fresh for weeks.”

Grab Bag Fantastic Fall:

Between the yummy towelettes and the pumpkin tips, I’m hankering for fall… and good smells. I vow to do this soon:

If you want your house to smell heavenly, boil some orange peels with a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon on Medium heat. ~ Do this come Fall and everyone will love it – an old Southern trick.

Grab Bag Compassion Fashion:

Sigh.

Breathe.

Smile.

Actually, change that. Easier to smile first, THEN breathe.

I came across Susan Piver’s website recently and felt an introduction to her was worthwhile. Susan is a Buddhist, and her website is chock full of Buddhist perspective on everyday existence.

Here I share with you an excerpt of what she wrote on December 14th, 2012.

The day of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

I chose this entry because it is one of those events that nearly everyone struggles with, in some fashion, for a very, very long time. I liked Susan’s acknowledgement of our gut reactions and desires, and her tempering of those to a more beneficial response.

Beyond processing the events in Connecticut, let Susan’s take inspire a new perspective for us all to strive for when faced with any difficult circumstance:

I’m afraid that there is not much we can do other than to be absolutely, irredeemably heartbroken. It turns out that this is helpful. Weep, sob, rage. Weep, sob, rage. Every time your mind tries to tell you, “this is because of poor gun control,” or “this world is rotten, terrible and I have to ignore it in order to survive,” and/or “if mental healthcare was better, we could help people before they explode into violence,” please ask it to wait. I’m not saying we shouldn’t act. WE SHOULD. But before we act, we should feel. Allow your heart to break. Let down your guard. There is strange redemption in heartbreak.

Then, in your own way, you could open your heart to the suffering of all who have been directly involved.

Relax your mind and then think:

For all of you children who lost your lives and may now be wandering terrified and confused, I share your suffering with you. In return, I offer you my peace. 

Breathe in their suffering. Breathe out your peace.

For all of you parents who lost your children, I share your unspeakable suffering. May I take even the tiniest bit of your sorrow and rage into my own heart to relieve you of it. In return, I send you my strength. 

Breathe in their suffering. Breathe out your strength.

For all of of you children who lived through this horrific day, I share your suffering with you. May I take in your fear and your nightmares. In return, I send you my bravery. 

Breathe in their suffering. Breathe out your bravery.

For the officials of the state of Connecticut and of this country who have born witness and now must act, I share your suffering with you. May I take in your shock and confusion. In return, I send you my confidence and open heartedness. 

Breathe in their suffering. Breathe out your confidence and open heartedness.

Then, as best you can, relax your mind and sit quietly for a few minutes or a few lifetimes.

We can’t leave out that someone committed this crime. We might hate the horrible monster who did so. We might condemn and excoriate him. I’m not saying don’t do that. It’s not useful (especially to you), but it is human. The only thing we cannot do under any circumstance is think that we are any different than he is.

It would take a very big person to offer compassion to the perpetrator and I for one am not capable of it today. But while I cannot feel kindhearted, nor will I permit myself to imagine that if I lived his life, I would not be just like him.

In the meantime, tonight I will wrap my arms around those I love and, recognizing the extraordinary fragility of our lives, give thanks for the preciousness of our time together. Truly, the only solace is in the dharmas of love, compassion,and fierce warriorship.

Grab Bag ‘Scope Dope:

25 Things You Never Needed to See Under an Electron Microscope

Grab Bag Life Hacks:

Stain Removal Advice for Dozens of Tough Stains

Remove rust from tools: Solution of 50 percent regular bleach, 50 percent white vinegar. Let set, rinse off.

When you are sick – rubber band an empty tissue box to a full one – use empty box for used tissues.

It is said that chalk will remove grease stains from clothes. Simply rub the stain with chalk, then toss in the wash as normal. Would love to know if anyone has had success with this? 

Grab Bag Brain Game:

OK… kind of an addicting word game… that made me feel 12…

Grab Bag Funny Stuff:

Another episode of Bad Lip Reading:

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