And why choose a handkerchief instead of a tissue?
Most often the answer is, “because a handkerchief is more elegant.” But today, you are not that elegant creature that normally resides in your home. Your nose is running like a faucet, sneezing your brains out and unrelenting coughing that won’t let you get a decent night’s sleep. You are anything but elegant.
So why a handkerchief? Aren’t they less hygienic than a tissue?
Yes, but if you are only going to blow on a tissue one time, get up after that single tissue use, toss it in the trash immediately, and then go wash your hands. More likely the used wet tissue is going to sit on the nightstand waiting for an additional use or two or three. You pick up the wet germy area touching it with your hands and then add it to the growing mountain of discarded tissues waiting to be tossed out. Or put the tissue in a pocket where it will wait to make a lint mess on every piece of dark clothing in the entire load of laundry. Handkerchiefs made of linen or cotton have very little lint.
So why should I use a handkerchief?
Did you know that a linen handkerchief actually has the ability to inhibit bacterial growth? It can reduce the staphylococcus bacteria by 30% to 55%. Linen has virtually no lint. It is also a hypoallergenic fabric. * Both our linen and cotton handkerchiefs are soft enough for even the most sensitive skin. No need to further irritate already aggravated noses and sinuses. They do get even softer wash after wash. Both cotton and linen can be put in the washing machine and dryer. When they come out, they are ready to use, germ free again. Just as germ free as underwear or a babies’ diaper are after a good hot water washing. You have an unending supply, wash, dry repeat. Once you run out of tissues your options are toilet paper or paper towels. We have over thirty different styles to choose from, even natural unbleached linen handkerchiefs.
There are a whole host of reasons to use handkerchiefs instead of tissues. Here are just five:
⦁ Save money…invest in a few handkerchiefs and they will last for many, many years.
⦁ Produces less waste…not just the tissues, but the boxes and plastic wrapping also needs to be disposed of.
⦁ More comfortable…soft on your nose
⦁ No lint…in either your laundry or facial hair stubble
⦁ So much better for the Earth…lots to be said about that and I will in a future blog
For those of us who live in the northern half of the country not only is it cold and flu season, but it is also cold outside.
Chicken soup is the is the all-time winner of the souper bowl. But for a healthy change Lentil Soup is easy to make and gets better on the second day. Did you know that both Jesus and Mohammed blessed lentils? Lentils are not only a good source of fiber but are loaded with vitamins and have anti-inflammatory traits.
Plain and Simple Lentil Soup
½ lb lentils
1 quart water
2 bay leaves
1 minced onion
One or two chopped carrots
One or two chopped celery stalks
1-3 cloves chopped garlic
Small can tomato sauce
Package frozen chopped spinach or fresh spinach rinsed and chopped
Handful of vermicelli
Salt and pepper
Lamb bones
Lentil soup is easy to make, and you can use pretty much use whatever you have at home. If I have a lamb bone left over from a meal I put it in a pot with the water, bay leaves, onions and tomato sauce. If I have carrots or celery, I add them also. I bring it up to a boil and then simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. When the lentils are almost tender, I add garlic, spinach, vermicelli, salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until tender. This is always better the second day. Wipe up any messes with your favorite kitchen towel.
Often, I don’t have a lamb bone and the soup is still delish.
Stay warm, don’t forget your hankie, hat and mittens! We wish you good health & may 2022 be better than expected,
The Larmor Family
*Information gathered from many sources including Textile Details.
