Time To Relax

A few weeks ago I was asked to teach a class on "using herbs from your garden" to a local group of women. Now I'm no expert, but I do I grow several herbs in my garden; some that I use for cooking and some that are simply decorative. I often share my bounty with neighbors who need a little bit of this or a little bit of that. I think that's who this whole "class thing" started.

At the class I shared some of my favorite recipes and had a tasters table that included:

• rosemary roast beef (which is quick and easy to make in the crock pot)


• pesto


• parsely dip


• potato goo, and


• a couple of flavored vinegars

But the favorites things were the lavender eye pillows that I made for each attendee. The gentle weight of the flax and the relaxing scent of the lavender helps relieve stress, tension, and headaches. Now who couldn't use one of those?

What?! You'd love to make one for yourself and all of your dearest friends?

Well, yes...I'd be happy to give you instructions! Here you go.....

Lavender and Flax Eye Pillow

You start with two 3.5" x 8.5" pieces of fabric (cotton, satin or silk). You can cut them in the typical eye pillow shape, if you prefer, but it's not necessary.

Now stitch the right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance and leaving a 1.5" opening to turn. Turn right side out and press.

Now this is the fun part.....combine 1/2 cup flax seeds and 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers (you can find both at your local health food store). Ahhh...doesn't that smell nice? Using a funnel, fill the pillow with the flax seeds and lavender. You can use a funnel from your kitchen or make one by rolling up a piece of paper. The lavender can sometimes be stubborn, so you may need to force it down the hole with a pencil or something similar.

The last thing to do is stitch the opening closed, either by hand or by machine.

Now lay down, put your feet up and enjoy a few relaxing minutes by yourself. If you prefer something cool over your eyes, store your pillow inside a plastic zipper bag in the freezer. That's a real treat!

Now wasn't that simple?