Vlogmas Day 15

Thanks for following along with me through Vlogmas!
Find me online:
Instagram: amber_helen...
ko-fi: ko-fi.com/alovelyyarn123
Email: [e-mail]
Goodreads: / amber
GF, DF Beef Stroganoff Recipe: www.theroastedroot.net/gluten...
Stitch in Time Blanket: www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Yarn Candy Scarf by ‪@TheAutumnAcornKnits‬ : www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

[@TheAutumnAcornKnits]

I am truly enjoying your Vlogmas episodes, Amber, so well done and beautiful and fun!!! I can't thank you enough for mentioning my Yarn Candy Scarf pattern! I'm excited to see how your colors come together - the marled yarn look is just so pretty. Your support means a lot to me and always has. 💕Also, thank you for the idea of sorting mini-skeins into color families, I'm totally doing that later today!! I hope you have a peaceful + joyous weekend friend.💕 xoxo Judy

[@SweetMountainCrafts]

With my recent cold, I decided a hot toddy would be good. I found a recipe online. I brewed orange & spice herbal tea, added honey, whiskey, and lemon juice. Not sure how much it helped, but it tasted good and soothed my throat.

[@dianagoldermann1005]

Oh Amber I completely empathize. My poor sweet mother suffered clinical depression for years. Also with PTSD. I will forever love and miss her. She passed away in 2019. She was the kindest woman I’ve ever known.

[@roseannthomason2123]

Thank you for being so candid about mental health. I’m a nurse as well and so many struggle silently. It is truly unfortunate there is such a stigma even in this day and age. ❤ You are a pleasure to watch and a comfort to me when my mind gets overwhelmed. Thank you for your ministry. The Lord always puts us where we are supposed to be, even if we can’t understand at the time. ☺️

[@megrandmomjean5019]

Brandy, honey & lemon is what my pediatrician had me give my son who was born premature & had issues like croup & pneumonia. As a baby he never could get "just a cold", it always ended up with something far worse. This continued until he grew out of it at about 5-yrs old which the doctor told us would happen. Also, the doctor had us use a vaporizer in the bedroom.

[@alicehayden4118]

Old remedy Peel an onion(any kind) quarter it and place on a glass plate next to your bed each night. Throw onion away next morning and repeat each night. The onion draws out the infection.

[@cassandrawallace1137]

My 8 year old daughter says “That’s sad that she feels that way. I think she’s nice & strong.” Thanks for sharing your authentic self. ❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Awww. How sweet of her.

[@PamKnitsToo]

OMG Amber - you are like my younger clone. I suffered from Agoraphobia before it ever had a name. I felt like a total freak because no one understood me and just thought I was making things up. I’ve had panic attacks and anxiety but now at 75 it’s almost all gone. It was a very difficult life but I’m still here ❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Hello, Pam. It is very challenging at times. My struggles ebb and flow, but they do seem to be worse during this time of year. It's actually very encouraging for me to hear that from you, and to know that yours almost completely dissipated, even if it did take until you were 75.

[@PamKnitsToo]

I agree! The holiday season is especially difficult for me as well. My grandchildren make it bearable. My Mom was an alcoholic and died when I was 17. My brother was killed in a hit and run when I was 30. They both died on 10/5 (13 years apart) so the Fall is a hard time leading up to Christmas 🎄 without them. Your podcasts bring me such peace and joy - thank you for all you do ❤

[@lisaml7411]

I’ve heard if but never used… Cut a thick slice of onion and place it on the bottom of your foot inside your socks before you go to bed. I should do the outdoor challenge for 2024. Probably less than 1000 hours, though, to get me outside. I had a challenging summer with a broken foot ( non-weight bearing for 5 weeks) and then a hip replacement. I got really bad at staying in my house…..

[@Eaclarke82]

I know this comment isn't to me but thank you anyway as its given me some hope. I've been suffering with agoraphobia since 2010 (The whole of my 30s). It has seemed to be getting a bit better over the last couple of years but I always wonder if it gets better than it is now.

[@Lucy-qm2re]

I had bronchitis so bad the doctor recommended Brandy got some and had some it burnt all the way down. It worked. Seriously not joking

[@marthaellensmith7913]

The whiskey and honey sounds like a good idea, but my mother always swore by lemon and honey (of course she seldom drank, so ...). It winds up being like hot lemonade - astringent and soothing with the heat. This is a genuine old time remedy because my grandmother also used it (when she didn't just put me over a bowl of hot water with a towel over my head). She was born in 1896 so it is genuinely old ( of course I am currently 73, so you can figure from there). Anyway I hope you feel better soon - December colds/viruses are the worst. They put you way behind in Christmas preparations.

[@lindapayne9474]

Yes, loved yhat Lily filmed! How sweet!

[@kimberlymoye6771]

Omgosh Amber you are soo talking about me with my maniac depression. I am going through such a rough time right now and have been for several years. I see a therapist and a psychiatrist. I try so hard to get out of this funk, but it is really hard. I truly, truly appreciate you talking about it and knowing I’m not alone 😊

[@PamKnitsToo]

You’re definitely not alone. As I told Amber I have work d through my anxiety - I’m 75 now and most of everything is gone. It does get better.

[@christinegiroux8471]

You are wonderful to be doing the ministry group for people who suffer from depression. It will be a success! Thank you for sharing your struggles and not just the easy stuff- it does make you more genuine, and creates more of a connection with others! I LOVE the 1000 hours outside and plan on working towards that myself this year. Thanks for sharing that info!!! My grandfather made me milk toast when I had the flu when I was 11. Buttered toast in hot milk with whiskey, and you eat it with a spoon. It knocked me out, and I did feel better! Lol!

[@genabelgrave6929]

Yes the hot toddy works. In Barbados we use rum. We add it to a cup of tea with lemon.

[@trupple4725]

Take care of yourself, Amber! You deserve to feel better and enjoy the holidays. Get well soon and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@josephinehowe4063]

I also like to read, crochet, and knit according to my mood. I read mostly to escape and am on Goodreads and read mostly in the evening. I also downloaded Judy’s pattern and it looks like a winner. Congrats on the Jimmy Beans Wool Blanket project. Looks like fun and something with which to look forward in the new year. Your daughter is so adorable.

[@jayleendelrio2075]

Thank you so much Amber! I was watching your Vlog yesterday, when you mentioned the 1000 Hours Outside, I immediately put my shoes on and went for a walk. I’ve been struggling a lot this year with chronic pain, so I haven’t been outside in awhile, I needed this. ❤God Bless you!

[@TheDaneYard]

I appreciate your humanness. Keep being yourself. Hugs, Marie

[@nancys5996]

Thank you so much for opening up about your journey with depression. As a Christian, I sometimes feel guilty about my struggle with depression as if I’m a fake because my hope and joy is in the Lord, right? Sometimes I know it’s a sign that I need to shift my thinking, especially being more grateful, but I’ve come to realize, too, that it’s a chemical imbalance so I address it from that angle. Your encouragement and example of getting outside everyday in nature has helped me so much, too, so thank you for that. We have a lot of grey, dreary days here in MI, but just getting out and being surrounded by the magnificence of God’s creation is a never ending way to be uplifted regardless of current weather and circumstances. Merry Christmas!

[@FibreBound]

I’m all caught up on your lovely vlogmas Amber and am so enjoying the glimpses into your days again this year! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself 😊

[@shereeh4541]

Enjoy your flogmas very much! It’s always informative, encouraging and relaxing. Take care of yourself first, we’ll see you in the new year. I’m on board with the 1000 hours outside as I’m becoming an indoor person while trying to finish all my projects!

[@deniseengel1451]

My dad always made us a hot toddy out of a little brandy, lemon, honey and water when we were kids and had coughs that were keeping the whole household up at night. He would sit us on the counter in the bathroom and soak our feet in warm water while he made the toddy. We would drink the toddy, he would dry our feet and put wool socks on us and tuck us into bed. It worked. My grandmother used mustard on the chest but I don’t know how she did it. Hope you feel better soon. Prayers for healing.

[@kirsip7104]

Sorry to hear you’ve been suffering so much Amber! This virus that’s going around is nasty. I got it two days before thanksgiving. I threw everything in my anti bug toolbox at it. One thing I know always helps tremendously is elderberry syrup. I make my own by boiling down the elderberries in water, straining it and adding raw honey once it cools. It knocked the virus right out. Love that stuff!

[@bettyfockler551]

Comments about homemade remedies reminded me of my little Spanish Grandmother. She believed any illness could be cured with a physic….specifically Castor Oil. Never mention a cold coming on because she was at the door, “Castoilia” in hand. Also she would warm olive oil in a teaspoon and pour it into our ears for an earache. Of course my parents fully supported these treatments! Vicks. I still bathe my neck/chest in Vicks and wrap my neck or put a towel on my chest before bed for sore throat or congestion. Very comforting. I know how sinus problems feel. Before I had sinus surgery it pretty much colored my life too often. I still use my Nettie pot. My ENT Dr. advised me to add a teaspoon of pure Listerine to the pot. Not mint or anything else. I hope you feel better very soon! 🙏🏻

[@NYGram119]

Hi Amber, My Italian grandmother used brandy for things, although I'm not exactly sure what. Also, Grandma Walton was always making mustard plasters! God bless, and Merry Christmas 🎄!

[@rosinagreenwell1143]

Hi Amber. Loving your podcasts, especially the vlogmas ones. You come across as a lovely person and so A Lovely Yarn is perfect for you! I grew up having a hot toddy when I was ill. A very weak one! You’ve inspired me to sign up for the 1,000 hours outside, thank you. Our climate is quite mixed here in the U.K. I pray God blesses your new ministry helping those who struggle with depression. It’s certainly a very valuable help for people.

[@mycosyspace3050]

Hello Amber! I am catching up on your Vlogmases and enjoying them so much! I love Goodreads too and started following you there too. Hot toddy is the best way of keeping cold away :) Greeting from Edinburgh, Monika

[@karyncook4291]

I have a Good Reads account, but I don’t use it; instead I have a reading journal where I keep track of the books that I read each month. I primarily listen to audio books through my library app and my Audible account. There are SO many books that I want to read, that it’s easier listening to them while cleaning, making dinner, or knitting instead of trying to find time (and quiet) to sit down with a book; although, I do that too. In 2022 I read & listened to 103 books. For 2023, so far I’ve read 150 books, and there’s still time to read a few more before the end of the year. I read books from every genre, including nonfiction, but my favorite books usually fall into mystery & thrillers and historical fiction. Enjoy your reading journey!

[@alovelyyarn]

Wow! Yes, I utilize audiobooks a lot too. Great for when I'm cleaning or walking!

[@jessicalopezf8994]

Gracias por normalizar la depresión, paseun tumor de útero y entre sin saberlo en una depresión y lucho desde hace tres años con ello , es muy complicado de explicar pero ahí que normalizarlo no somos raros somos enfermos que pasamos por difíciles momentos, mil gracias me encantan tus vídeos 😊

[@Lucy-qm2re]

I had bronchitis so bad the doctor recommended brandy got some had some burned all the way down but it work. Seriously not joking. Know what you're going through my mother was diagnosed with manic depression. Proud of you for being so honest.

[@betseyfowler2625]

Congratulations on your new endeavor!!! I have a co-leader for a grief recovery group for 5 years.

[@deekay1641]

Bless you for giving your time to help others, not only here on your vlog/podcast but at your church too. Sharing our medical problems isn't always easy, but can really help someone who thought they were the only one. I swear by brandy, honey and lemon added to a cup of hot tea. I use a good dark tea, about 2 ounces of brandy, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. I'm reading the gaslight series by Victoria Thompson, I actually think I got this recommendation from you, I read book one and I was hooked. I am now reading book twenty.

[@WanderingStitches.207]

I love your Vlogmas and your life shares. Thank you for sharing your dinner recipe. We are DF/GF and I could always use new recipes that look easy.

[@alicehoyle4198]

Amber - if I have a severe cold/flu I find a hot toddy works better than over the counter medications: in a cup put about 2 ounces of run or brandy, a tablespoon of honey, a shake of cinnamon and fill the cup with hot water.

[@luciaevangelho4593]

Thanks for sharing about your mental health! I struggles with mental issues also and it's nice to hear to I am not the only one. I really enjoy goodreads also, I just started using it this year!

[@beckygwinn2107]

Oh wow. I seriously thought I was listening to my own story today. I live in Central PA and have the same respiratory virus. I also suffered in the past from agoraphobia and this time of year I fight to not slip into it again. This cold/virus is keeping me home,which is my comfort zone, making it harder to ward off those feelings of not wanting to go out. But this too shall pass. Some of the treatments my mom use to give me as a child were: blowing cigarette smoke in my ear for an earache (which worked). Putting warmed camphor oil on my neck and wrapping it with a sock for swollen glands, and of course Vicks all over the body and a hanky with some on to hold by our noses at night. After a week of this cold my husband went to our pharmacist and he told him what over the counter things to take and within two days I have finally been able to move around and do some things. I feel ya lady. Get better soon. I love your vlogs.

[@hollyknits9494]

Oh my gosh, Amber, it's kind of crazy how alike we are! I, too, am hyper sensitive to others' moods and emotions, and have the tendency to absorb them as well... And I can't nap during the day either. All the things you said, I kept saying, yes, me too! And yes, I will make a hot whiskey sling when I am sick. My mom says that her mom used to make them when they were sick (they called it a "hot whiskey sling"). You mix together a shot of whiskey, honey, and lemon juice, then pour hot water into that, then sprinkle cinnamon in it. Kind of like the "tea" you make (I also make that too!), but just with whiskey added to that. It really does work great! And yes, it was really great to see Lily too!

[@mariaorticelli8031]

I hope you feel better soon Amber. You have a beautiful home and family. God bless you and Merry Christmas!!❤ I do the Vicks on the feet thing all the time for coughs and I do believe it works!

[@kmsears1]

Enjoying your vlogmas! It is so calming. Want to learn how to make sourdough bread so I plan to try doing that in January. My husband got me a starter. Joined your Goodreads because I am always looking for recommended books. hope you feel better soon!

[@carolroy5435]

My Scottish Grandma used whiskey for everything, including teething babies and toothaches. I think it's because alcohol kills everything it comes into contact with in the body. 😅 I can highly recommend the practice. 😉 I feel like people don't understand depression, etc., because it's not a "visible" injury like a broken leg would be. And they get so uncomfortable because they don't know what to say to someone going thru it. Maybe bring that aspect up in your new group. ❤❤❤ ✝️

[@sugarfolkhomemade]

The more I learn about you the more I relate! When I was little my mom always told me I wore my heart on my sleeve and I never fully understood that until I was older but she was so right. I'm a big empath too. and when I feel down, I feel reeeaal down. The highs are high but my lows are really low, so I go through periods of depression as well. I genuinely feel like since I've started knitting though, knitting is almost like my little safe haven. It's something that's only mine, that I'm in full control of. Thanks for sharing about your struggles, and I love that you're starting that ministry! What a blessing that will be to others. Oh! About the hot toddy... I got sick last year with something where the cough was brutal and wouldn't go away. I was desperate so I tried a hot toddy and it helped a ton!

[@ericallerton809]

Sorry ur virus is lasting so long,,,, We have done the Vicks on the bottom of feet and it works,,,I still have a cough ,though feel better,,,but at night I don't cough if I do the Vicks,,,,!!! Love that crochet scrap do from Judy ,,, Have it in my mind t9 do with leftovers,,,or a advent swap from friend,,,,,!!! A quick project compared to Knit,,,, Take care,,, Feel better,,, Elaine 🏘🎄

[@bonniel3679]

You're the second person that's mentioned the Vicks on the bottom of the feet remedy recently. I had never heard of it before. I used to get bronchitis every year and one time tried red wine, lemon and honey heated and drunk very warm. I don't know if it was just coincidence, but it broke things up. A friend said his family had used it as a home remedy. I've had sinus problems my whole life and can remember my mother taking me as a child (over 60 years ago)) to a specialist who irrigated my sinuses....not a pleasant experience! I do sympathize with you about dealing with chronic sinus issues. I hope you continue to improve.

[@59lauralou]

I’m 72 and I remember my tea toating grandmother having honey, whiskey, and lemon juice when she got sick. Maybe there’s something to it. Also, your sinus problems sound like something I suffered with recently. This sounds weird but it helped me~ I put some Vicks Vapor rub on a Q tip and put up pretty far. Used my finger to block other nostril and took several deep breaths. Really get vapors up into sinus. Anyway it worked!!! Head cleared up after a couple days. Thanks for a lovely podcast and sharing your beautiful story. I knit and watch, best part of my day!

[@kendram7511]

I’ve also had struggles with depression and am also very empathic, which can be draining when you’re soaking up other people’s emotions. Has taken a lot of internal work on establishing boundaries. Hope you get feeling better!

[@kameliapandaklieva2453]

I don't have problems with my sinuses but my father has, or had. It was a regular thing, I remember it for as long as I have memories. Every once in a while he would lie in bed with a long and narrow cloth pouch filled with heated sea salt placed across his nose and sinuses area. Eventually a doctor suggested swimming. My father was born at the seaside and he loves swimming, he just didn't swim much because we didn't live at the seaside. So he started going to swimming pools and he did notice that as long as he was swimming regularly, he wasn't getting these sinus inflammations. My father's swimming style is dipping his head into the water with one stroke, pulling his head out of the water with the next stroke. When we are at the seaside he disappears in the sea for 40-60 minutes. These days, he goes to a swimming pool twice a week and I have not heard about that pouch with sea salt being needed for years.

[@deborahhendricks1492]

I remember my aunts talking about taking Rock & Rye whiskey mixed with honey when they were sick.

[@cassandra3399]

Hi Amber, my mother in law used to talk about hot toddies when you were sick. My parents put vicks vaporub on us. But now I make an elderberry syrup especially for my daughter and she had about a tablespoon a day. She is a teacher so is in contact with lots of kids. I am retired so don’t get out much. Ha. But when I get sick it always starts with a sore throat, and I like to make ginger tea for it. And I mean just plain ginger, the skins and not even peeled and nothing else but water. I boil that and just keep adding more water and drink it. It is really HOT, not just temperature and feels so good on your throat! My husband can’t stand it, but I really love it. Blessings to get well soon.😊

[@rowenaphilbeck1919]

Love your garden and such a pretty place to walk!! Your bread looks yummy!! Haven’t tried making bread but will have to do that!

[@janetdaum7395]

You might try a facial steam. Put a handful of whatever herbs you have like mint eucalyptus, etc. in a pot bring to a boil let it cool a bit. Sitting at a table make a tent over your head and the pot with a towel you might at first have to duck in and out of the steam stay there for 5 to 10 minutes. I have also found that using a clay facemask after the steam can dry up some of the mucus. Thanks for sharing a slice of your life with us. I loved the little ornament with the marshmallow person in it. Hope you feel better soon.

[@alovelyyarn]

I do the steams, but have never done a clay mask after!

[@hanab837]

My mother in law is Scottish, and she swears by whiskey for viruses. Her mother always gave them whiskey when they were sick and sent them to bed. My home remedy is to steam up the bathroom by letting the shower run as hot as it will go. Sit in the steamy room for 10-15 minites, then go outside into the cold air for a couple of minutes. It relieves the sinuses and clears your chest. If it isn't cold outside, you can put your face into the freezer for a minute or two.

[@michelleengland4562]

Honey, whiskey, and lemon

[@theboxervillehomestead2147]

My siblings and I joke it's a wonder we survived my mothers home remedies or as we called it 'Moms voodoo medicine' She too would do mustard poultices however we didn't get a nice towel we had to have a wool sock- and not just any wool sock it HAD to be a dirty one that Daddy had already worn 😮. She also would ' grease our chests' with Vicks, line us up and feed us cod liver oil 🤢, make us hot toddy's (this actually works) , heated up peroxide poured in our ears (wonder any of us can still hear) and that devils stick of mercurocrome any time we injured ourselves. I know there were more - I would mention my Mom was born in 1922 and came from France at the age of 8 so growing up in the Depression they used what they had or could afford. Glad to see you looking a little peppier friend. Have a Hot Toddy it does help- and if not the cold; you will sleep so much better. We use a Canadian whiskey, fresh squeezed lemon and local honey with boiling water- that (boiling water) breaks the alcohol down.

[@michelleann4259]

Hi Amber! Nothing wrong with feeling down and out sometimes. Yesterday I came home after a stressful workday just emotionally and physically exhausted. Some days just suck the life right out of you. My tonic is quiet times with my own thoughts, bath time and listening to knitting podcasts and of course knitting. What would I do without my knitting? Yes I was just as tired but in a better frame of mind. We have to learn how to care for ourselves. I am learning that as I get older❤

[@janiemininger6976]

Hi. I just found you and I'm a fan❣️ and I grew up with mustard plasters.. that's what my mother called them. And yes you have to be cautious about burning your skin. As I recall she made one to lay on my chest when I had a tight croupy cough. But I can relate to your sinus pressure; I have those symptoms often since I had COVID in fall '20. I find relief with gently tapping or brushing my forehead, face, cheeks etc. I found a video once that taught me how.. and invariably my nose starts running as it opens me up!

[@kathiep.7734]

Friended you on goodreads but don’t use it much. I go in streaks! When I was little parents gave me peppermint schnapps when sick .it worked .rarely went to doctor.also use the Vicks on feet.why does it work? No idea,but it does..though not thrilled about the ingredients..maybe that’s the key!❤

[@karyncook4291]

I sometimes make a Hot Toddy in the evening, when I have a bad cough. I use honey, fresh lemon juice, a shot of whisky, and boiling water, in a coffee mug.

[@lettymjurado]

Hello Amber :) I love all your podcasts. My Mom and Grandmothers have always said "take a hot shower at night rub vicks on your chest, bottom of feet and sleep with socks." I too suffer from depression and anxiety attacks, i feel the holidays make it worse for some reason :(

[@krazedvintagemodel]

Thank you Amber, for keeping me company with your vlogs, even though you're not feeling your best. The home remedies I remember from childhood include Vick's vaporub (applied on the chest and under the nose). I would try it on soles of feet, based on that past experience. My father's hot toddy was hot black tea, honey, lemon and the whiskey, of course! As an adult, I would add cinnamon and ginger, maybe onion, and my favorite aromatics. Peace and God's Blessings for your speedy recovery. 🧶☕️

[@ninad5692]

Thank you for the video. I also keep meaning to say thank you for linking your GF/DF recipes, my daughter has several allergies and I'm always looking for meals we can all eat😊

[@Gamermom628]

I would get the flu each Christmas. Daddy would make me a hot toddy. It acted like a bronco-dilator, and it helped me sleep. He learned this from his local physician, who did not lose one patient during the flu epidemic of 1918! He gave them a spoonful of whiskey for medical purposes! I love that!!

[@alovelyyarn]

Wow!

[@pammyers1982]

Hi Amber. I just added you as a friend in Goodreads. 😊 I set a goal of 60 books (I think) in my kindle app. It’s harder to read this time of year but I believe I’ve managed 3 so far this month. I’m new to using Goodreads, so I’m not sure there is a correct total there. It’s fun to see what other people read or listen to. Hoping you’re still getting better. ❤

[@angelakirklin9288]

Hot Toddy yasssss..... whiskey, honey, lemon juice and boiling water! Drink a glass just before bed and cover up good, you will sweat it out!

[@KatieMae1229]

As I’m watching this (a few days late!), I’m ordering a large-format poster of one of the 1000 Hours Outside trackers - how coincidental is that?! 2024 will be our first year attempting this. I homeschool my (eight) children so I’m thinking of doing Sunshine School outside each day to rack up the hours during our good weather months.

[@rubyredcrafts]

Hi Amber.That awful virus is in the UK too.I've have it from 7th Nov,and its only just properly gone! It felt like it kept going dormant.I'd think I was better,but when I mixed with others it returned again.Hot Toddy's definitely helped 😂 Our little dog is almost totally deaf too.But he can hear clapping sounds,so I clap for his food,to get his attention etc.Really enjoying your Vlogmas 🎄

[@alovelyyarn]

Yes, that's exactly what's happening for me! Some days are better than others!

[@meadowsweetfarmfiberartsdesign]

All i can say is you are beautiful i love your vlogmas and i pray for you🎄

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much!!

[@betseyfowler2625]

I tried to do the reading challenge but I cannot get the books to go into the challenge list.

[@traci3007]

Hi Amber, I'm going to be controversial here, but the kale is not good. Kale has a ton of oxalates which attack the thyroid and anti-nutrients that prevent you from absorbing vitamins and minerals from your food and supplements. Kale is one of those foods that somehow gained momentum as a superfood, when in fact there are countless studies which point to the opposite including the points I referenced. My grandmothers also used whiskey for everything - including teething. However, alcohol severely depresses the immune system, and most importantly, the liver - your main detox organ. When you aren't detoxing properly, you can't heal. Our bodies are bombarded with chemicals from the air, water, food, and invisible emfs. When you slow down the liver with alcohol, you then end up trying to heal your body AND fight off the assault from everything else. My family uses colloidal silver for anything respiratory. A very effective way to use it is to put a few drops in an essential oil diffuser with distilled water and put your face right in the mist. Do this several times a day. The colloidal silver gets into the lungs and sinuses and kills bacteria and viruses. Also, facial massage will help alleviate your sinus pressure and encourage lymphatic drainage. I hope you feel better soon ❤

[@lorrieforgey1231]

Love your Vlogmas so much. I feel things like you do. Like if a person isn’t being real. I can also pick up vibes from a city and its personality. Does that mean we are highly sensitive? This is not a natural remedy, but have you tried Flonase or one of those inhaled corticosteroids? When my sinuses are blocked, it’s the only thing that works. Your family is so precious. Soak up every moment with them!

[@alovelyyarn]

Hi Lorrie! Yes, I start flonase as soon as I feel myself getting sick! I also know what you mean about picking up on the vibes of a place. I have the same thing.

[@betseyfowler2625]

This is not a wives tale… I’ve been suffering with sinus headaches so bad that they have been going into migraines since I had the cold. Everyone say netty pot to flush your sinuses. Well, I’ve heard horror stories about the netty pot spreading infections, I won’t use one. Arm and Hammer makes Simply Saline. Works great. I even put my name my bottle.

[@alovelyyarn]

Yes, the neti pot does not work for me at all. Just makes it worse.

[@lindapayne9474]

Flax seed warm compress over eyes helps me with sinus congestion or infection

[@alovelyyarn]

Oh, I've not heard of that. I'm assuming it's ground flax?

[@lindapayne9474]

@alovelyyarn nope. Just flax seeds in a cloth bag. I use muslin. The seeds lay very flat and emit a mild soothing oil when warmed.

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

Thank you for a very interesting podcast. I am from the getting ready to go into the Wellington vineyards to look after a friend's huge home from the 20th Dec to 9th Jan 2024.. Have you tried the Whiskey cure yet ?

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

PS I have sent you an email

[@stephanienorris364]

Have you ever read The Guernsey Literary and Sweet Potato Pie Society? Loved that book. Its about German occupied Guernsey Island in WWII.

[@alovelyyarn]

Yes! Great book!

[@JeanneKnits]

Sorry I don't have any remedies. Old wives' tales? Is that what those are or is that something else? I do have a book recommendation. I'm not a huge reader, but this one stuck with me. It's actually non-fiction, but reads so nicely. It's called "A Very Small Farm" by William Paul Winchester. I think you would enjoy it since you have such a lovely garden and have had animals.

[@alovelyyarn]

Oh, even the title of the book sounds wonderful!

[@renepainter7166]

Your lingering symptoms sound like a sinus infection deep in the sinus passages. You can still breathe ok but the infection is deeper. My youngest daughter had one of those in sixth grade. She was off school for six weeks while on two different antibiotics that did not work. The doctor originally thought she actually might have leukemia because her white cell count was off the charts. As a last ditch effort, he sent her for a sinus scan. It revealed deep inside the sinus passages a big infection. She was put on the correct antibiotics and feeling tons better and back to school in about a week after the correct diagnosis. I am dealing with a form of agoraphobia and have for years. I can get around and go do things but there are several parameters and criteria for me to be able to do it. I have come to accept this about myself and I know God accepts me as I am. Toxic positivity is dangerous and creates an atmosphere of not being our true selves. We cannot always be in a happy, positive mood. Life is not like that. That is not a sin to feel the ups and downs of emotions we were created with when we are sick, suffering or a loved one of ours is sick or suffering. And some of us have brain chemical imbalances that cause depression and or anxiety, etc. Stop being down on yourself and criticizing your feelings right now. You are battling an ongoing illness at the moment and it's perfectly normal to feel what you are feeling. Rest when you need to rest; let yourself just be instead of thinking you constantly have to be productive. I enjoy your vlogs regardless of your mood or how you feel. Thank you for creating them and your family for allowing the camera on them to be included in these vlogs.

[@alip.9740]

Have you read A Lovely War?

[@alovelyyarn]

No, I've not even heard of it. Will look it up.

[@rosimom]

Have you tested for Covid? It's back with a vengeance and it's not pretty. I now know four in my circle down with it.

[@alovelyyarn]

Yes, twice. Not covid. Some other vengeful virus going on in our area.

[@kathydevaney7125]

I’ve had a lot of recurrent sinus inflammation problems from allergies and colds, etc. and I’ve tried other natural remedies for reducing inflammation and meds but the only thing that has worked for me is Advil Cold & Sinus which is non-prescription but you have to get it through the pharmacy. If you find a homeopathic remedy that works for you please let me know.❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Hi Kathy! I can't use it. The pseudophedrine gives me heart palpitations.

[@Brinalea1031]

Hi Amber. My grandfather swore by warm Brandy or whiskey for respiratory illnesses. I have tried warm brandy once when I had bronchitis. It helped me sleep but other than that I am not sure.

[@allysonbrownmarcolini514]

Have you read The Night Travelers by Armando Lucas Correa? Great book I just finished. Check it out!

[@alovelyyarn]

No, I haven't! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@barbbrown6746]

Sorry your not feeling better. To me it sounds like you have a sinus infection and need antibiotic. Are you opposed to going to the doctor? I hate for you to be sick over Christmas.

[@Snowcrystalsfalling]

Hello Amber, from New Zealand I have used the flu bomb . You make a simple lemon and honey hot drink, but you add, some ground ginger, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and two finely grated cloves of garlic, ( one will do if you cannot manage two) Sip this till all gone and repeat in the afternoon. I suffer sinus problems and this definitely fixes and kills what may be ailing you.💛💚💙🩵 It does work.

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you!