The wind howled through the night, rattling windows and bending trees like they were made of paper.  Rain came down in sheets, soaking the ground, turning dirt to mud, and tossing loose things around like a child throwing a tantrum!  By morning, the yard looked like a battlefield, branches down, debris scattered, puddles pooling in all the wrong places.

And yet, right there in the middle of it all, our little yard sign stood tall.

Some Things Bend, Others Hold Their Ground

Storms have a way of testing everything in their path.  Some things snap, others scatter, and some, against all odds, stay exactly where they were planted.  That little yard sign, flimsy as it seemed, didn’t budge!  The wind tried, the rain pounded, yet there it was, standing like it had something to prove.

Life throws storms at us the same way.  Problems roll in, unexpected and uninvited, shaking our foundation, testing our patience, and seeing what we’re made of.  Some days, it feels like we’re one strong gust away from toppling over.  Then, we realize, we’re still standing.

Anchored by Purpose, Not Just Strength

It wasn’t brute force that kept that sign in place.  It wasn’t made of steel or bolted down with concrete.  It stood firm because it was anchored deep enough to withstand the storm.  It had just enough flexibility to sway without breaking, just enough grip in the soil to hold its place.

People are the same way.  It’s not about being the biggest or the strongest, it’s about being rooted.  When we know who we are, what we stand for, and why we do what we do, we don’t get knocked over so easily.  The world can throw wind, rain, and a whole mess of trouble our way, and when we’re anchored in something real, we endure.

Storms Come and Go, Strength Remains

By the time the sun came back out and the ground started drying, plenty of things had been knocked down, blown away, or left in a heap.  That little sign?  Still there, a little damp, maybe a little weather-worn, but unshaken.

That’s the lesson.  Storms don’t last forever.  They roll in, they test us, and then they pass.  What matters is what’s left standing when they’re gone.

Life will bring its share of storms, some loud and raging, some slow and relentless.  We might bend, we might get a little battered, yet if we plant ourselves in something solid, we’ll hold our ground.

Just like that little yard sign, we were made to stand strong.

Nature is full of look-alikes.  Some plants stand side by side in the wild, growing from the same soil, soaking in the same sun, sharing similar leaves, flowers, and berries.  Yet, one might heal while the other harms.

Take Belladonna and Black Nightshade, two plants that, at first glance, could fool even an experienced forager.  Both belong to the Solanaceae family.  Both have dark, tempting berries.  Yet, one is deadly, while the other is often used in traditional medicine.  The difference isn’t always obvious, and learning to tell them apart is a matter of knowledge, experience, and sometimes, hard-earned mistakes.

Life works the same way.

Some Things Seem Harmless Until They’re Not

The world is full of people, habits, and choices that look good on the surface.  A sweet smile can hide ill intentions.  A smooth talker can lead you down the wrong path.  Even certain opportunities, shiny, full of promise, can turn toxic when you get too close.

Much like how a child or an unsuspecting forager might mistake belladonna’s berries for something edible, we sometimes mistake unhealthy relationships, false promises, or bad habits for things that nourish us.  We don’t always see the danger until the damage is done.

This is why discernment matters.  Just because two things look the same doesn’t mean they are the same.

Wisdom Comes from Knowing What to Trust

A seasoned herbalist knows how to distinguish between useful plants and dangerous ones.  They don’t just rely on appearances, they check the details.  The way the leaves are shaped, the way the plant grows, even the tiniest differences in the flowers or stems.  They’ve learned, maybe through study or experience, that some things are not what they seem.

In life, we have to develop the same skill.  We need to watch how people act, not just how they talk.  We need to examine choices beyond their immediate appeal.  We need to ask ourselves, Is this really good for me?  Or does it just look good on the surface?

Trust isn’t something we should give freely just because something seems familiar.  The world is full of belladonnas disguised as black nightshade, things that seem harmless but have the power to poison.

Not Everything Poisonous Kills Immediately

One of the most deceptive things about belladonna is that it doesn’t work instantly.  It takes time.  The poison moves slowly, numbing, confusing, shutting things down piece by piece.  By the time symptoms fully set in, the damage is done.

Toxic people, toxic habits, and toxic thoughts work the same way.  They don’t always ruin us overnight.  They seep in gradually, making us comfortable with discomfort, convincing us that what’s harming us is actually fine.  Before we know it, we’re weakened, uncertain, and disconnected from the things that truly nourish us.

This is why awareness is key.  If something feels off, it probably is.

Growing Where We’re Meant to Thrive

The good news?  We don’t have to fear everything that looks similar.  Just because something could be harmful doesn’t mean we should stop trusting altogether.  Instead, we learn.  We sharpen our instincts.  We surround ourselves with people who help us tell the difference between what’s nourishing and what’s toxic.

And when we do find the things that are truly good for us, the people, the choices, the opportunities, we appreciate them more.  Because we know the difference.

In the end, nature teaches us what we need to know.  Look deeper.  Trust carefully.  And never judge something by its appearance alone, because not everything that grows in the same field is meant to be part of our garden.

Winter has a way of settling in and making itself at home.  It sneaks into the cracks, piles up in the corners, and leaves behind a mess that no one asked for.  By the time the snow finally melts and the air starts smelling like something other than frozen regret, the porch, the eyes to the soul of a good home, looks like it’s been through a battle.

Leaves that got buried under last fall’s first frost are now a damp, matted mess.  Cobwebs cling to the railings, old grow bags caked in last year’s soil, dirt and dust layer the floorboards, and everything just feels a little… tired.

Much like life, sometimes we don’t realize just how much has piled up until we step back and take a good look.  And holy buckets!  It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed.

Rolling Up Our Sleeves and Facing the Mess

There’s no shortcut when it comes to clearing off a winter-worn porch.  You can stand there, staring at it, sipping your coffee, and hoping it’ll clean itself (which is exactly what I did this morning), let’s just be honest, that’s not how this works.  It takes effort.  It takes a broom, a bucket, and the willingness to get your hands a little dirty.

The first sweep always kicks up more dust than it clears, much like tackling any problem in life.  At first, it might feel like you’re making a bigger mess (and you very well might be with your allergies!)  You start uncovering things you didn’t even realize were there!  Gardening tools in the corners, a rogue mop bucket, the remains of last summer’s potted plant that never quite made it 😢.

It’s overwhelming at first, and step by step, the space starts to clear.

Letting Go of What No Longer Belongs

Not everything that winter leaves behind deserves to stick around.  That’s true for porches, and that’s true for life!

Some things, like the porch swing that just needs a fresh dusting, are worth restoring.  Others, like the rusted-out tiki torches you’ve used once, need to go.  As we clean, we make choices.  What’s worth keeping?  What’s just taking up space?  What’s weighing us down, and what’s ready to shine again?

It’s the same kind of reckoning that comes with the changing seasons of life.  We gather what’s useful, sweep away what’s not, and make space for what’s next.

Preparing for the Good Days Ahead

Once the dirt is gone, once the broken things are cleared away, once the floorboards have been scrubbed and the chairs wiped down, the porch feels different.  Lighter.  Warmer.  Full of possibility.

That’s the reward.  A clean porch isn’t just about getting rid of winter’s mess, it’s about making room for spring mornings with coffee in hand, summer evenings with a cold lemonade, and the everyday moments that happen when a space feels welcoming again!

Life, much like a porch, gets messy.  The seasons will always leave their mark, storms will always pass through, and things will always need tending.  The trick is to keep sweeping, keep clearing, and keep making space for the good things to come.

Because no matter how long winter lasts, spring always finds its way home!

Have you ever seen a wet hen?  I mean really seen one?  Not just a few raindrops on a feathered back, a full-on, drenched, squawking, storm-weathered bird?  It’s a sight!  Feathers ruffled, attitude on full display, strutting around like the whole world owes her an apology.

And if we’re being honest, sometimes life makes us feel just like that… a wet hen.

Flustered and Frustrated, Still Standing

Life has a way of dumping a bucket of cold water on our plans.  One minute, we’re pecking away at our dreams, the next, the sky opens up, the wind howls, and suddenly, we’re out in the middle of the yard looking like we’ve been through a tornado (damn Iowa weather!)   Bills pile up, the to-do list never shrinks, the kids (or animals 😉) refuse to cooperate, and that beautiful vision of a peaceful homestead or thriving garden suddenly looks like a muddy mess.

Much like that wet hen, we stomp around, shake off what we can, and cluck a few choice words under our breath.  Here’s the thing, she doesn’t stop.  She doesn’t pack up and quit just because she’s uncomfortable.  She keeps moving.  She keeps scratching at the dirt, keeps doing what hens do because she knows the sun will come back.

Fierce When Pushed, That’s Not a Bad Thing

A wet hen isn’t just flustered, she’s got fire!  If you’ve ever tried to wrangle a chicken who doesn’t want to be held, you know exactly what I mean.  When she’s irritated, she’s not afraid to let you know.  Maybe that’s something we need to embrace a little more in life.

We’re taught to keep our heads down, to be polite, to go with the flow, and sometimes, a little ruffled-feather energy is exactly what’s needed.  Sometimes, life pushes us, and instead of just taking it, we need to push back.  Speak up.  Set boundaries.  Demand respect.

That hen isn’t mad just for the fun of it; she’s standing her ground, making sure the world knows she’s still in control.  We should, too.

Drying Off and Moving Forward

The best part about a wet hen?  She dries off.  She fluffs back up.  She finds a warm spot in the sun, shakes off the storm, and keeps going.

Life is always going to throw storms our way.  We’ll have days where we feel wrung out and weary, like we’re stomping through the mud while everyone else seems to be gliding on by.  Just like that hen, we don’t stay drenched forever.  We get up, we shake it off, and we keep moving forward.

So the next time you feel like life has you running around like a mad, soggy chicken, embrace it!  Let yourself be a little ruffled, a little loud, a little stubborn.  Then, find your sun.  Dry off.  Get back to doing what you do best, living, growing, and thriving!

Even a wet hen knows that the storm never lasts forever.

Starting a business is one of the most exhilarating and terrifying things you can do. It’s standing at the edge of something unknown, taking a deep breath, and jumping in; hoping your wings catch the air before you hit the ground.  It’s a mix of excitement, fear, and the constant battle between “This is a great idea” and “What if this fails?”

I know this feeling all too well because I’ve been there… more than once.  When I launched Pampered Potions, it wasn’t just about selling natural skincare products; it was about creating something meaningful, something that aligned with my values and passions.  If I said it was easy, I’d be lying.

The Fear Factor

No one really talks about how scary it is to start something from nothing.  There’s the financial investment, the self-doubt, and the endless what-ifs that creep in late at night.

What if people don’t buy my product?

What if I can’t keep up with demand?

What if I fail?


That fear doesn’t go away, it just changes.  In the beginning, it’s fear of failure.  Later, it’s fear of growth, of making the wrong decision, of not living up to expectations.  Here’s the truth; fear is part of the process, and it’s also proof that you’re doing something worthwhile.

Taking the Leap

At some point, you have to move forward despite the fear.  When I started Pampered Potions, I didn’t have everything figured out.  I had a vision, a passion for holistic skincare, and a deep desire to create something of my own.  That had to be enough.

And so I started, small, uncertain, and determined.  I tested recipes, worked late into the night, and put my heart into every product.  The fear never disappeared, and I learned to work alongside it instead of letting it stop me.

Lessons from the Journey

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

Start before you’re ready.  You will never feel fully prepared, and waiting for the perfect moment means you may never begin.

Learn as you go.  There’s no way to predict every obstacle, so be flexible and willing to adapt.

Ask for help.  Whether it’s mentorship, networking, or emotional support, surround yourself with people who believe in you.

Celebrate the wins.  It’s easy to focus on what’s not working, but acknowledging progress keeps you motivated.

Remember why you started.  When things get tough (and they will!), go back to your original purpose.  It will keep you going.


The Reward

Despite the fear, despite the setbacks, despite the sleepless nights, starting a business is one of the most rewarding things you can do.  There’s nothing quite like seeing your ideas come to life, hearing from customers who love what you’ve created, and knowing that you built something from the ground up.

If you’re standing on the edge, unsure if you should take the leap, this is your sign!  Jump!  It will be scary, it will be hard, but it will also be worth it.  And if you ever need encouragement, just know that I’ve been there, and I believe in you! 💕🥰🤗

People say talking to your plants helps them grow, and I thought, what if I tried singing to them?  It might sound a little out there, and it’s one of the most unexpectedly therapeutic things I’ve ever done!  As someone who’s deeply connected to nature and holistic healing, I’ve discovered that those quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet, thanks to the chickens and Ryu) moments with my plants have a magic all their own.

The Connection Between Music and Growth

It began as a simple habit, I’d hum while watering or sing softly while repotting seedlings.  And soon, it became something more.  Singing became a way to be fully present, sharing a little joy with the green souls growing under my care.  Science says plants might actually respond to sound waves, but honestly?  I’m the one who’s growing the most!

Music as Mindfulness

When I sing to my plants, my mind slows down.  Worries fade into the background, and I’m grounded in the moment, no screen (unless I whip out the karaoke machine), no to-do list, just me and the sprouts.  It’s like nature and I are having a little duet, a reminder that growth is slow, steady, and worthy of celebration.

How I use it:

Singing while watering to create a calm atmosphere

Humming softly while repotting to ease stress

Playing soft music in the garden to set a peaceful tone

Sitting up a little concert with a mic (a wooden spoon works great) and a chair and singing your heart out

A Therapy Like No Other

Some days, I sing happy tunes; other days, it’s a soulful ballad only the beans hear (their favorite in Hallelujah by Pentatonix.)  Either way, it’s a release, of stress, sadness, or pure joy.  The best part?  My plants don’t judge; they just keep growing, reflecting my care back at me with every new leaf and bud!

Favorite moments:

Seeing new growth after a week of singing sessions

Feeling lighter and more present after a garden serenade

Watching the garden thrive alongside my own personal growth


The Lesson in Growth

Singing to my plants has taught me something profound: Growth responds to care, consistency, and love; whether it’s in a plant, a person, or a dream.  So if you catch me serenading my calendula, just know, I’m not crazy, I’m healing.  And growing right along with them!

Bringing Music into Everyday Life

What I love most about singing to my plants is how seamlessly it fits into my daily routine.  It reminds me that nature doesn’t just provide for us; it partners with us!  Whether it’s calming my nerves through music or nurturing my garden with song, these little moments of connection are powerful.  If you’re curious about adding music to your plant care, start simple.  Pick a favorite song, step alongside your plants, and let the music do its work.  The garden and your plant babies will thank you! 💕

Today is a special day in our home, it’s Taylor’s birthday!  And as I sit here reflecting on the simple joys of life, I can’t help but think about the beauty of being a traditional wife and homemaker.  There’s something deeply fulfilling about caring for your family with natural remedies, home-cooked meals, and a home filled with love.  Nature, after all, has always had the answers.

Long before pharmacies lined every street corner, people turned to the earth for remedies, skincare, and emotional support.  As a naturopathic healer and someone who believes deeply in the power of natural remedies, I’ve seen firsthand how simple herbs and oils can transform well-being, inside and out.

So today, let me take you on a tour of my personal “nature’s medicine cabinet”, the oils, herbs, and plant-based wonders that have become staples in my daily life.

🌿 Lavender Oil: The Calming Classic

Lavender oil is like that dependable friend who always knows how to calm you down.  It’s my go-to for reducing stress, soothing burns, and helping with sleep.  Just a few drops on my pillow or in a diffuser can shift the whole energy of a room.

How I use it:

Add to lotion for a calming nighttime moisturizer.

A few drops in the bath for instant relaxation.

Mix with aloe vera for a sunburn-soothing gel.

🌿 Walnut Oil: The Skin Nourisher

I recently discovered walnut oil, and my dry skin is forever grateful.  Packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins, it deeply hydrates without feeling greasy.

Favorite uses:

As a facial moisturizer after cleansing.

Mixed with brown sugar for a natural exfoliating scrub.

A few drops on my hair ends for shine and softness.

🌿 Peppermint Oil: The Energizer

When my energy dips or a headache hits, peppermint oil is my secret weapon (even though I loathe the smell!)  Its cooling sensation and potent scent provide quick relief and a much-needed pick-me-up.

Go-to applications:

Dab on temples for headache relief.

Diffuse in the morning for an energizing atmosphere.

Add a few drops to a DIY foot soak for tired feet. (Taylor’s favorite!)

🌿 Chamomile: The Soother

Chamomile isn’t just for tea; it’s a gentle powerhouse for calming both skin and nerves.  I use it regularly when tension is high or when my skin needs some TLC.

How it helps:

Steeped in tea to calm anxiety and aid digestion.

Infused in oil for a soothing massage blend.

As a compress for irritated or inflamed skin.

🌿 Calendula: The Skin Healer

Calendula has been a skin savior for centuries, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.  It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and strong enough to speed up the healing of minor cuts or rashes.  We are currently growing this little beauty in our greenhouse!

My favorite uses:

As an infused oil in homemade lotions.

In salves for scrapes and bug bites.

A soothing tea to support lymphatic health.

🌿 Rosemary: The Mental Clarity Booster

Rosemary isn’t just for cooking; it’s a brain-boosting herb with a crisp, herbal scent that helps with focus and memory.

Ways I use it:

Diffused when I need to concentrate.

Added to hair rinses for scalp health.  (Another one of Taylor’s favorites!)

As a steam facial to refresh my skin and mind.

🌿 Tea Tree Oil: The Protector

Tea tree oil is like nature’s disinfectant.  With its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, it’s an essential part of my toolkit for skin issues and cleaning.

Practical uses:

Applied to blemishes to reduce inflammation.  (Great for teenagers!)

Added to natural household cleaners.

In foot soaks to prevent fungal issues.

Bringing Nature into Everyday Life

What I love most about these oils and herbs is how seamlessly they fit into daily routines.  They remind me that nature doesn’t just provide for us; it partners with us.  Whether it’s calming my nervous system with chamomile or nourishing my skin with walnut oil, these natural remedies help me feel more connected, balanced, and, honestly, more like myself.

Being a traditional wife in today’s world feels like reclaiming something sacred, a connection to the earth, my family, and a simpler, more intentional way of living.  On Taylor’s birthday, I’m reminded of how these natural remedies are more than just self-care; they’re part of the legacy we build when we nurture our homes and our loved ones with intention and love.

If you’re curious about integrating natural remedies into your life, start simple.  Pick one oil or herb and explore its benefits.  Nature’s medicine cabinet is vast, and there’s always something new to discover! 💕