WALKING ACROSS IRELAND

The other day while having lunch with my lovely friend Kyla, I made a joke about walking across Ireland and writing a book about it....

The more I thought I about it the more I realized it is something I really want to do next summer and so I brought it up to Paul. We decided we would love to hike across Ireland from north to south to raise money for Irish/Canadian immigration.

While it is still in it's infancy we wanted to put the idea out there and see if people would be interested in supporting the cause. Obviously it hits very close to home for both of us and our families on both sides of the pond. 

Obviously there are a million things to work out before then. Where would we sleep? Motels or outside or a bit of both? What about food? The exact route? Safety? How much of the fundraiser would be used for those things and how much would go directly to the charity? 

Please please please tell us your thoughts.

UPDATE: We are thinking about doing Malin Head to Mizen Head which is a route often used by cyclists and other hikers for charity.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?saddr=malin+head&daddr=mizen+head&hl=en&ll=53.409532,-8.525391&spn=7.469968,19.709473&sll=53.404575,-8.008459&sspn=7.469968,19.709473&geocode=FcydTAMdEB-Q_ynjR5bOnauKSDEgbN83qccAGA%3BFT4ZEQMd9yxq_ykLtkZuMoZFSDHJ-_dZBvQ7PA&dirflg=w&mra=ltm&t=m&z=6

10 THINGS TUESDAY - USES FOR LAVENDER

As I get older I find I am drawn more and more to the scent of lavender. It smells so clean and earthy like the air after a thunderstorm. Uses for this herb are abundant, so I've narrowed it down to my top ten.

**Please note that with these suggestions you should only use therapeutic-grade lavender oil and lavender plants that are clearly marked as safe for human consumption. When purchasing oil ask if it's safe for ingestion (not external use only). When purchasing plants ask if they are certified organic and safe for ingestion. Generally safe for pets in plant form - high concentration of oil should not be ingested.**

Lavender sugar is great for baking and sweetening drinks. It's pretty easy to make, just mix 1 tbsp dried lavender with 1 cup of organic sugar. If you prefer a stronger taste just keep adding lavender until you're happy (keep in mind it will get stronger as it ages).

Minor skin irritations and abrasions can be treated with lavender essential oil because it is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

I get a lot of sore muscles and joints and I find rubbing lavender oil directly on the problem helps almost instantly with stiffness.

Car sickness can be alleviated with the scent of lavender. I would use this on short trips, especially if you're like me and get car sick almost instantly but don't want to take medication every single time.

A few drops of oil mixed with water makes an amazing linen spray that is free of chemicals and safe for children and pets (in small doses).

Mixing baking soda and lavender oil makes a great room deodorizer. The baking soda absorbs the bad smell while the lavender fills the room with a subtle fragrance. It can also be put directly on to furniture and carpets and vacuumed away.

Satchels of dried lavender buds and stems can be placed around the home to repel moths.

Lavender is amazing for people with anxiety and sleep disorders. The scent instantly calms and releases tension. If you're having trouble sleeping try establishing a routine with lavender each night right before bed. You can try scented lotion, the linen spray, candles or a satchel to tie the act of sleeping and the scent of lavender -together.

Lavender is a natural insect/pest repellent for your vegetable garden. Most bugs and small animals will avoid the scent of lavender because it's so strong to them so line your vegetables with it as a natural barrier.

Ascetically lavender plants look beautiful indoors and out. They look especially beautiful when allowed to grow wild and free.

BLOOMS AND BOKEH

I think we could all use a little pick me up in light of recent news. Here are some blooms and bokeh to soothe your soul.

Happy long weekend Canucks!

Nemesia flowers smell incredible. 

Lavender plants also smell amazing and are much hardier. 

A SMALL THANK-YOU

Thank-you to the people who shared my I Need Feminism post it means a lot to me.
If you want to help please donate to the Rape Crisis Centre of your city/province/state/country.

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre / Multicultural Women Against Rape

I NEED FEMINISM BECAUSE....

I need feminism because...

I am a human being.

Men approach me on the street and comment on my body.

People think feminism is a dirty word or bad thing.

My mayor thinks women aren't in politics because they don't understand them.

People think men and women are currently equal.

I feel bad about being feminine.

When I made a donation to my local rape crisis centre my "friend" made a joke about helping down on their luck rapists.

Governments around the world think they get to decide what happens in my uterus.

People still blame women for being raped.

I am told to lighten up about sexist jokes.

If I have an opinion and stand up for that opinion then I am a bitch.

When people call my home they ask for "Mrs F" when it should be Ms. G.

If I change my last name, it should be my desire to do so.

Everyone deserves to have a strong mother like I do.

Men who are in touch with their emotions are called pussies, girly, weak.

Acting like a girl is considered an insult.

Women are hurting each other rather than standing together.

I should be able to chose if I want to work, stay at home, have children, adopt, get my tubes tied, or an abortion.

People make jokes about rape.

People still use the words butch and fairy.

People call me a lesbian if I am against sexism.

I love women and men regardless of sexual orientation.

Women are afraid to report rapes and sexual harassment.

Men are afraid to report rapes and sexual harassment.

People are still shaming women for showing human body parts.

I have referred to myself as "one of the guys."

I want to be taken seriously and respected.

I am called a prude for not wanting to be touched by strangers or otherwise.

Car horns should be for emergencies.

There is National/International Women's Day but a National Grilled Cheese* month.

We even have to have a women's day to begin with.

Sometimes I feel bad about myself.

Sometimes I am worried the world won't change.

I need feminism because I had to write this list.

Be sure to check out
http://whoneedsfeminism.tumblr.com

SOCIETY NEEDS A SHIFT - DON'T RAPE

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