Skyfall, the childhood home of James Bond, did more than just give a catchy title — and provide a nice explosion site — for the 23rd movie in the James Bond series.
It put James Bond’s story into context and gave us a glimpse into how 007 was born (both literally and figuratively), serving as a backdrop for the closest thing we’ll ever see as an origins story for the iconic character.
And since the house itself is a memorable presence and many have been wondering whether James Bond’s Skyfall home is a real house — and if they can go visit it or not — let’s separate facts and fiction for a sec, and see if we have any real-life brick-and-mortar locations we can scout or if everything was born in front of a green wall.
Skyfall house in the 2012 James Bond movie
Said to be located in the barren rural lands of Glen Coe, Scotland, Skyfall is the Bond family estate in the Scottish Highlands.
Left in a state of disrepair, with only the faithful gamekeeper Kincade left to look over the estate, Skyfall is by no means dear to James Bond’s heart, something that the spy doesn’t try too hard to hide.
James Bond’s house serves more as a battleground, meant to attract the story’s villain, Javier Bardem’s calculated (and down-right scary) Raoul Silva.
And Skyfall serves its purpose right, attracting both Silva and his small army in its booby-trapped grounds, for a memorable confrontation that ends is Silva’s death — and the utter destruction of the property, as the Skyfall home explodes and is left to burn to the ground at the end of the movie, with James Bond’s words echoing his utter lack of interest in preserving the old Bond family home, saying: “I always hated this place.”
The real Skyfall house
Surprisingly enough, especially given its tragic fate, the Skyfall house was real, but not in the traditional sense.
The property was purpose-built from scratch at Hankley Common, in Surrey, England (and not in Scotland, as the movie would make you believe.)
Skyfall Lodge, the brainchild of art director Dean Clegg, was built to resemble the weather-beaten stone builds of the Highlands, complete with creeping moss and small mullioned windows.
The property was designed, built and used as a filming location all within the span of six months, culminating with a fire that engulfed it into flames.
Inside James Bond’s Skyfall home
While the exterior of the Skyfall house may have been real, the interiors were not.
All shots from inside the Bond Skyfall house were created and shot on a soundstage at Pinewood Studios, but the filmmakers went to great lengths to make sure viewers will not be picking up on that while watching the movie.
The made-for-screen interiors featured all the classic amenities of an ancestral British country lodge, such as wood panelling, oil paintings, grandfather clocks, stone fireplaces, stag-themed paraphernalia and antique furniture.
More homes from movies
Bruce Wayne’s Manor in Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy is a Palatial Estate Fit For Gotham’s Prodigal Son John Wick’s House is Real – And Just as Complex as Our Favorite Badass Character Rick Dalton’s House in ‘Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood’ Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House is So Much More Than Just ‘the Blade Runner House’
I barely brushed the surface of combating food waste in a recent article, but the comments added so much to the article that I thought I could stop at just one. And then I found some more statistics.
In the U.S.:
We waste 40 percent of edible food
It costs $750 million just to dispose of the food we waste
And when you consider the extra costs of packaging, transporting, and storing wasted food, the overall cost of wasting food goes up to $165 billion.
But there’s more — 33 percent of purchased meat is wasted, followed by 25 percent of seafood. Even 15 percent of purchased fruit is wasted. That’s not good, especially when you consider that meat is so expensive, not to mention all food.
But what matters most is what happens in your household. And according to the same statistics, each U.S. household wastes between $28-43 per month on food. I’ve seen other statistics that put that number closer to $600 annually per household. That’s not a huge amount of money, but wasting money on food doesn’t make sense any way you slice (or dice or julienne or…) it.
Smart storage
Food storage has changed a lot since my grandparents were growing up in the 30s. They preserved their meat by smoking it. They killed a chicken after lunch and dressed it for dinner. They say that they ate bad apples all winter. They started out eating the not-so-good apples first, but by the time they got to the good apples, they weren’t very good, either. (But I don’t know. This comes from the same grandfather who walked up hill to school both ways. And I think he was barefoot in the winter, too.)
Without question, freezers and refrigerators have extended the life of produce and other foods, but I still waste food. I am getting better as using up the produce, but I am also trying to learn the best ways to store produce so it lasts as long as possible.
This winter, I noticed that my onions were getting moldy more quickly than they ever had before. After throwing out a handful of onions three times, I looked at how and where I was storing the onions. In a plastic bag, in a warm cabinet, next to a heat register. Well, according to the National Onion Association (doesn’t that make you want to cry?), there was nothing right about that. Onions should be not be stored in plastic bags; they need to breathe and prefer a cool, dry, well-ventilated environment.
Potatoes also prefer a cool and dark, ventilated environment. A refrigerator, kept slightly warmer than normal, was recommended as a good place to store pounds of potatoes through the winter.
Refrigerator management
If you have produce drawers in your refrigerator that have different humidity settings, in general, vegetables should be at a high humidity setting. This keeps the water vapor inside the drawer which prevents vegetables from wilting.
On the other hand, fruits usually emit more ethylene gas and need low humidity settings. Some vegetables, like peppers and mushrooms, prefer low humidity. In general, foods that emit more gas usually have a shorter shelf life.
If you don’t store your greens in the high humidity drawer, you can wash the greens and wrap them in damp paper towels. That makes them last much longer.
Tomatoes get mealy when placed in the refridgerator. So when we have a garden, I leave the tomatoes on the plant as long as possible. When we don’t have a garden, I let the supermarket be my storage unit for tomatoes. But if I must store them at my house, I do my best to eat them quickly. If not, I may store them in the refrigerator.
Consider the temperatures of different parts of the refrigerator. The door is warmest, so foods with lots of sugar, salt, or vinegar are fine on the door. Milk can be kept on one of the middle shelves. Since the bottom of the fridge is coldest, keep meat there.
My leftovers get stored in a selection of containers, but my favorite ones are clear glass. Why? I waste much less food when I can see what’s in each container when I open the refrigerator door.
Along with all these other tips, one more method of food storage extension is to not wash your produce until you’re ready to use it (with the possible exception of greens).
Products to extend produce life
Other than storing items properly, using up produce quickly, and selecting quality produce in the first place, there are also other ways to extend the life of produce.
The BluApple absorbs ethylene gas which hastens ripening. When used in fruit bowls, dark areas where you store potatoes and onions, and produce drawers in the fridge, it triples the life of the produce — at least, that’s the claim. I haven’t used this product, so I can’t say for sure. It costs $19.90 for two BluApples and a 12-month refill kit.
Tupperware sells another option. The FridgeSmart containers regulate airflow and have ridges on the bottom to prevent the fruits and veggies from sitting in condensation. I have used these. Not only do they keep my fridge organized, but things like celery seem to last much longer. A four piece set is $84, though you can purchase different sizes individually for less than $20.
Some people choose to fight food waste by allowing the supermarkets to store the produce for them. I think that’s a great idea, but I live 15-20 minutes from a decent-sized grocery store. Also, we’re going to be growing more of our own food this year which means I will probably (hopefully!) have lots of produce life to extend.
Many factors increase food waste which means there are many factors to improve to decrease food waste. Which methods do you use? Do you think you waste as much food as these statistics say you do?
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Empire continues to spread its wings worldwide. The British billionaire is well known for tearing up the rule book and pushing the envelope with aviation and cruise ships to great fanfare, and his Virgin Hotels brand is slowly but surely opening properties across the U.S. and the U.K.
Built in 1928, the Old Dearborn Bank Building on North Wabash Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, was purchased by the Virgin Group in 2011. The hotel finally debuted in 2015 following refurbishment delays due to the building’s landmark status.
How does Virgin’s modern and unconventional approach to hospitality mesh with an iconic century-old building?
Here’s what you need to know about Virgin Hotels Chicago.
Snapshot
In the heart of the city, Virgin Hotels Chicago adopts an unstuffy, more casual approach to hospitality, focusing on youthful fun and a hint of British cheekiness. Room rates are lower than nearby luxury properties, though guests may find the informality that can stretch to service standards and food quality too much to bear.
What you’ll love about Virgin Hotels Chicago
Virgin’s fun style is evident throughout the property, providing an alternative to cookie-cutter corporate accommodation offerings. You might feel like you’re staying with a cool friend rather than at a chain hotel.
A location that is close to everything
In downtown’s vibrant “Loop” area, the property is an easy walk from some of Chicago’s most popular attractions, including the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as The Bean). The Chicago Theatre is the ideal Instagram backdrop for your vacation photo just a few blocks away.
Chicago’s elevated trains (the “L”) pass right by the hotel for journeys that cannot be made on foot, with a stop for the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple lines directly across the road from the hotel.
Rooms that feel like home, with some fun bells and whistles
Virgin Hotels calls its guest rooms “Chambers,” with 250 rooms that start at a generous (in this zip code) 350 square feet and feel homey yet luxurious with furnishings like leather armchairs and gold side tables.
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At the base of the bed in the spacious, airy bedroom is a new option for remote work, allowing guests to sit on the bottom corner of the bed, facing the bedhead while working on a laptop — a chiropractor’s nightmare. It’s an interesting idea, but not very practical or comfortable for extended periods.
The bathroom, storage and vanity areas are combined into a single walk-through room, “The Dressing Room,” with plenty of space to unpack and stretch out.
A comfy makeup chair between the double vanity is ideal for preparing for a night on the town. You can keep your glad rags catwalk ready by using the fluffy bathrobes provided. A huge walk-in shower with a rain shower head and a handheld fixture also has a tiled bench for tired feet and Red Flower toiletries to match the occasional red tile, a constant subtle reminder of the Virgin brand.
In many ways, Virgin’s Chambers feel more like a thoughfully-designed and well-equipped city apartment than a hotel room.
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A Smeg minifridge (bright red, of course) stocks minibar favorites at surprisingly reasonable prices, including $6 for a large can of First Pils lager, $3 for pretzels and just $2.50 for a bottle of Coke — a bargain compared to many big city minibars where a tin of nuts can easily cost upwards of $15.
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While the round tables are not the most practical to work at, the Bel & Bel Vespa high-back cream leather chair is a fun feature to swing around in this already bright and playful space.
The whimsy continues in the hallways with statues that make no sense but bring a smile to guests’ faces among the splashes of Virgin red.
Affordable last-minute suite upgrades
Base rooms at Virgin Hotels Chicago start at a reasonable $198 per night in the low season to a less justifiable $436 for peak summer dates.
While suites are priced around $100-$120 per night over the cheapest Chambers, guests should watch their inbox a few days before departure when Virgin offers suite upgrade email offers at dramatically discounted prices.
For just $20 per night extra, you’ll get significantly more usable space — a 150-square-foot living room complete with a huge ottoman and flat-screen LG smart TV is an excellent deal at 83% off.
Everything about dining with Miss Ricky
On the ground floor, the hotel’s main restaurant Miss Ricky’s is open from morning to night and offers an outstanding hospitality experience.
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The staff is incredibly upbeat and enthusiastic when welcoming bleary-eyed guests starting their day. In addition to bottomless coffee, expect Mexican favorites like chilaquiles, a nod to the city’s large Hispanic population, and omelets with herbed breakfast potatoes.
Room service is also available from Miss Ricky’s. While the breakfast sandwich is an odd combination of savory fillings inside a sweet croissant served with strawberries and grapes, it is filling and the flat white coffee is perfectly crafted.
In the evening, the mood at Miss Ricky’s is more formal, with an Italian and Spanish-inspired menu featuring an elegant cured Atlantic salmon and black cod ceviche ($20) for an appetizer and a luxurious lobster spinach ravioli in a Champagne cream sauce ($29) for an entree.
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Virgin has done an excellent job with this space, and the staff here should be commended.
Why you might not love Virgin Hotels Chicago
Virgin’s alternative approach to hospitality won’t be for everyone. Some staff take the relaxed attitude too far with groups of business guests baffled by the lack of professionalism and “can do” attitude.
A head-scratching loyalty program
Rather than being an obvious earn-and-burn partner of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program, Virgin Hotels instead has its loyalty program called “In The Know,” teasing room upgrades, welcome gifts and invitations to special events. Even if guests carefully fill in all of their personal preferences, it is unlikely any tangible benefits will actually be delivered, and it all seems far from rewarding.
The promised 2,000 Virgin Points for booking directly and signing up for In The Know may never arrive either, and even if they do, guests still cannot redeem Virgin Points for Virgin Hotels.
This separate vague “loyalty program” seems needlessly complicated and likely to lead to disappointment compared to Virgin Points, which can be a terrific value.
Rooftop frustrations
On Level 17, Cerise enjoys breathtaking views across downtown Chicago.
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Unfortunately, guests may find the view is the only reason to visit.
The signature Lil Smokey cocktail with Conejos mezcal ($17) had far too much sweetness with little balance of smoke, and the presentation wasn’t much to write home about either.
Even worse was the food. A seemingly simple request to remove gluten from the caramelized Brussels sprouts and charred broccolini lead to both dishes being stripped of all flavor and seasoning, then boiled, with no explanation. Neither tasted pleasant.
The pork carnitas tacos were greasy and heavy, the grilled octopus was tasty but tiny, and the fries were served lukewarm with sauces in ballgame-style plastic tubs.
The food, cocktails and service at Cerise could be elevated to match the amazing view.
Potential guests should note that the flagship on-site food and beverage destination, The Commons Club, is closed, seemingly a lingering victim of the pandemic. Fortunately, this vast space has been converted into a co-working area that is quiet, civilized and great for working outside guests’ Chambers.
Do you work here?
Smartly dressed reception staff at the front desk provide a warm welcome and explain the amenities available to each guest on arrival.
However, after leaving the front desk, the service varies wildly. Almost every staff member seems to be dressed differently, from formal to sloppily casual.
My room service was delivered by an employee wearing sweatpants and Timberland work boots. Every staff member at Cerise was dressed in different variations of non-uniform, casual black clothes, making it difficult to guess who was working and who was not.
The casual presentation doesn’t automatically equate to casual service, but appearance and professionalism seemed to be directly correlated here. Cerise seemed to have more staff than was necessary, but they seemed more interested in mucking and joking around with each other rather than serving customers or displaying a professional attitude.
Alternatives
Business travelers looking for service and atmosphere that is more corporate than casual should consider the nearby Kimpton Gray Hotel, also inside the Loop.
IHG One Rewards members can earn and redeem points at sensible rates while enjoying luxurious accommodations and mixing with other business travelers for after-work drinks at the popular Vol. 39 bar with its library aesthetic.
Alternatively, the Thompson Chicago, part of World of Hyatt, offers memorable room designs with masculine dark and creme color tones and views of Lake Michigan while adopting a more grown-up service culture.
Accessibility
Rooms and all public areas can be accessed without needing to tackle stairs, holding a gold level 8.7/10 accessibility score by Mobility Mojo. Guide and service dogs are welcome, guests can borrow wheelchairs, and there are a dozen accessible bedrooms available.
Buying a house is like dating: When you find the right one, things will fall into place, and it usually happens when you least expect it. For my husband, Scott, and me, that house took the form of a 1950s-era brick ranch house. We envisioned it as a place of weekend escape from our busy work lives in New York City. We were newly married with no kids (yet), and we were full of excitement and possibilities. Of course—having worked at interior design magazines my entire career and having a firsthand look at the most exquisite living spaces in the world—I was eager to finally try out interior decorating for myself.
ELLE DECOR’s style director Parker Bowie Larson standing in the entryway of her home.
Read McKendree
Needless to say, we were in the dark—at times literally. We spent our first night without light because we didn’t consider the fixtures the home had. Then there was the time the heat didn’t turn on and we slept through the night in 40 degrees thinking that the burner must be broken, only to learn from the heating company that we were out of oil and why didn’t we call them immediately? As my husband and I talked about our budget, it became clear that we would need to do the house in stages and live happily with folding tailgating chairs as an excuse for living room furniture longer than we thought. Thankfully, the previous owners had left some beautiful blue-and-white curtains by Kravet, so we had some semblance of ambience.
The living areas of Parker Bowie Larson’s house were railroaded, so she chose a round clamshell-top dining table and Rajasthan bone inlay chairs by Made Goods to break up the rectangular shape of the spaces.
Read McKendree
Mishaps aside, the first challenge was to figure out how to use the living spaces. Our house had three and followed an odd railroaded floor plan where one space flowed directly into another. The first one had a sloped wooden ceiling, which felt befitting of a cozy TV room. I ditched the tailgating chairs in favor of a David Easton sofa from Kravet, a small antique desk and chair for writing letters, and a lounge chair and ottoman upholstered in a Hill Brown fabric.
The larger of the three rooms, complete with a beautiful working fireplace, felt perfect for a more formal living room. Luckily, thanks to those blue-and-white Kravet curtains, I was able to stick to my favorite color scheme and reupholstered two antique bergères in a Manuel Canovas Bagatelle fabric with a coordinated houndstooth pattern for the back. To break up the combined spaces, I went with a circular table and Indian bone inlay chairs by Made Goods for the dining area. But my favorite pieces arrived via truck from my alma mater state, North Carolina: antiques from grandmother. I have always been very close to my grandparents and having their furniture surround us felt particularly comforting. My grandmother’s accompanying handwritten note listing where every piece was from made it even more special.
See More of Parker’s Long Island Home
For years, we lived with only half of our house done, but once we found out we were expecting our first daughter, it was time to decorate the rest. Even though I was having a girl, I painted her room my favorite color, Carolina blue, using hot pink fabrics for the window shades and upholstery paired with a painted white floor. For the second bedroom upstairs, which we made a guest bedroom, I went with a hot pink paint color called Peony from Benjamin Moore, contrasting it by using an indigo blue Indian floral pattern from Les Indiennes for the bedding and curtains. This was the first floor that felt truly “done” to me, thanks to our elbow grease, and I was so proud to bring my daughter home from the hospital and see her wonder at the colors and patterns (although her favorite thing was looking at the trees through the window by her changing table).
Read McKendree
During the pandemic, we felt lucky enough to move out to our house full time. With daughter number two on the way, we quickly realized we needed a space for toys and for our little ones to play, so the next and final project was finishing our basement. I collaborated with Denise Davies and Karri Bowen-Poole from Project Playroom, whom I had recently worked with on a kids’ room story, to create the playroom of my girls’ dreams. Smart play is critical to Davies and Bowen-Poole’s ethos, so we installed a rock climbing wall, monkey bars, and swings, which allowed my daughters to work on their motor skills and saved us on many a cold and rainy day. California Closets designed and installed shelving to store and organize their games, toys, and crafts, and I used a fun macaron wallpaper from Wallshoppe to complete the whimsical look.
Larson collaborated with Project Playroom to create the perfect recreational space for her kids.
Read McKendree
With the kids’ spaces complete, I had to surmount perhaps my biggest challenge: convincing my husband of the merits of bold wallpaper. We redid our own primary bedroom using the Oiseaux & Feuillage pattern from Antoinette Poisson for the walls and a simple blue check by Chelsea Textiles for the window coverings, adding in molding for extra architectural detail. For the entryway, I decided to go with a beautiful floral from Raoul Textiles and complemented it with one of their blue moiré patterns in an adjoining hallway. Strategically, I installed everything while my husband was away. When he arrived home, he commented, “It looks like a bunch of girls live here.” It was an apt statement as I reminded him we had a third daughter on the way.
After eight years feathering our nest, we put our home on the market to find a new place that would accommodate our growing family. It was bittersweet. But despite my husband’s opinions, all the painting, wallpapering, and decorating paid off: We were in contract within a week of putting it up for sale. Even the rock climbing wall and swings were a huge hit (one real estate broker told us it was the best playroom he had ever seen), and we were so happy when we learned that the new homeowners wanted us to leave them.
Read McKendree
Your first love always sticks with you, and so does your first house. Our home started out as our escape and became our haven during the pandemic. It will always be part of our family as we remember how it welcomed each of our three girls home. As we settle into our new place, I’ve taken the lessons from our first one with me, first and foremost the idea that it’s OK to take your time. The second, and most important, is that your home is an expression of who you are, and you should never be afraid of choosing the patterns and objects you love. But, perhaps, I will leave those tailgating chairs behind.
Style Director, ELLE Decor
Parker Bowie Larson is the Style Director for ELLE Decor, covering everything interior design-related ranging from tabletop to furniture to kitchen and bath, and has previously worked for Architectural Digest and Cottage Living.
Are you thinking of designing a smoking haven in your house or apartment where you can retreat to after a long day?
Not only can a personalized smoking room be helpful in reducing the exposure of smells and smoke throughout the rest of your living space but creating your very own smoking sanctuary can also add character and a high-ly unique style to your residence (see what we did there?)
Plus, you get your own personal space to dedicate to an activity that brings you joy — you get an extra thumbs up from Marie Kondo for that.
While brainstorming your in-home dream lounge, there are a few key points to keep in mind.
First, you will want to decide on the best location for your set up. Second, you’ll want to focus on the furniture and décor of the room.
Lastly comes the selection of smoking accessories. These are often the most important in that they are what you’ll be passing around and consuming with, ultimately completing your overall smoking experience.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing an appropriate location for your smoking room is half the battle.
Whether you plan to designate an entire room, basement, attic, or shed, you will want to make sure that the location you choose is not exactly smack dab in the middle of your main living space.
Smoke has a tendency to spread quickly through a home (and, let’s face it, weed stinks), so allocating a relatively remote place will grant smokers the freedom to enjoy their cannabis consumption without any negative impact on non-smokers, or additional members of your family or household.
If ventilation is of any concern, you can consider installing an exhaust fan (which can be as simple as a wall mount, or as complex as a professional-grade air ventilation system).
Let’s be honest, we’ve all spilled, or been in a room where someone has spilled, bong water and it is less than pleasant (to say the least), especially when not cleaned up quickly or properly.
To get ahead of these, you can use candles, incense, or essential oil diffusers to reduce unwanted odors while also creating a relaxing ambiance. Otherwise, incorporating trees and large plants in and around the room will help to clean and recycle the air while also adding to the overall atmosphere.
Furniture & Decor
When laying out your smoking room, you’ll want it to match your own personal style.
Whether you decide to design a psychedelic, retro, modern, or traditional stoner-style space, there are a few key things to consider in regards to furniture and décor.
Comfortable seating is an absolute must. Floor pillows and bean bag chairs are often a rather cheap and comfortable way to provide seating for multiple people, while also making it easy to add, reduce, or rearrange your seating set up.
Hanging chairs are more costly, but also provide a more unique look, while a loveseat, futon, or couch can always do the trick and can seat several people at a time for those larger sessions or parties.
By hanging some colored LEDs or black lights around the room, you can reduce harsh lighting and help achieve a relaxing vibe in your area.
With black lights, you can add some reactive wall art, such as tapestries, decals, or paintings, and further set the mood. If you want a more energetic feel, look for warmer colors with hues of red, yellow, and orange with matching LEDs (which are very energy efficient).
For a more chill and calming feel, utilize more soft colors like blue and violet. For the animal lovers out there, consider adding a fish tank with neon reflective fish!
Decorate the tank as you wish and enjoy zoning out on your new beautiful swimming companions. Just don’t forget to feed them and clean the tank regularly.
Blankets and pillows of different fabrics will not only add to you and your guests’ comfort, but the different materials will also be fun to feel and cuddle up with when your sessions conclude.
Having different items around like musical instruments, games, speakers for music, picture/activity books on the coffee table, and other tactile objects will also add some fun to your smoking sesh, whether you are sparking up alone or with others.
Smoking Accessories
Perhaps the most important feature of your newly designed room will be the equipment you use to consume.
As with most pieces you use to smoke, you’ll want to have somewhere to trash the ash, especially if you prefer to use rolling papers like our Rowll All-In-One Rolling Kit.
It might seem obvious, but it isn’t uncommon for people to ash in whatever they can find, be it a water bottle, on their leg, or the floor.
We recommend our Glow In The Dark Cup Ashtray, or our Silicone Ashtray. Silicone is great for those who prefer to smoke out of pipes or bongs, since you won’t break your glass against silicone.
If you are looking for a full setup, without having to shop around for each individual piece, you will be relieved to know that at everythingfor420.com/ we offer several bundles to cover everything you could need!
Our Green Herbalist bundle, which includes rolling papers, hemp wraps, a rolling tray, 3-layer kief-catching grinder, and a beautifully crafted 10-inch tall Highlander Bong, is one of our best.
This bong features a tree percolator, diffused downstem, and an ice-catcher to filter, cool, and deliver the super smooth and super potent hits.
There is an endless amount of ways to personalize your smoking room.
Once you have your location selected, the rest is simply personal preference. Whether you are the type to prefer black lights and glow-in-the-dark decorations, or a more simplistic vibe like tapestries and LEDs, the world of design is your oyster.
Regardless of the style you choose to go with, it’s always fun to have a poster, book, chalkboard, or whiteboard that can serve as a stoner guest book where all who enter can leave their mark and keep the memories alive.
But, more importantly, making sure you get the highest quality smoking accessories on the market is where we come in.
More tips for your fancy home
Top 4 Safety Hazards Around the House and How to Address Them The Benefits of Massage Chair Recliners and Why You Should Get One for Your Home 3 Things to Consider When Buying an Air Filter for Your Home How to Safely Light Artwork in Your Beautiful Home
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What does it mean when your right hand itches?
It’s just a little scratchy, but it hurts to touch. That probably sounds familiar if you’ve ever had an allergy or hives on your skin.
But what does it mean when the right hand starts itching? And why do some people think that scratching for more than 20 minutes helps relieve the itchiness?
Right hand itching questions stem from the same reason people ask about left hand itching.
Did you know…Itchy right hands are a common superstition that is thought to bring good luck.
There are many different explanations for why this might be the case, but most people believe it has something to do with the fact that an itchy right hand is usually a sign that good things are coming.
If you’ve ever wondered what the top 13 most popular superstitions related to right hand itching and money are, this list is here to answer your question.
What is the superstition about a right hand itching money?
The superstition of an itchy right hand has many different interpretations.
One interpretation is that it means you will receive money soon. Another interpretation is that it means someone is talking about you behind your back. Overall, the belief is wealth is in your future.
Right Hand Itching Meaning
Right hand itching is an unexplained itch on the right side of the hand. It’s often believed to be one of the medical diagnoses of itchiness.
Most people experience right hand itching at some point in their lives, and it can be a sign of something more serious.
There are many possible causes for right hand itching, including dry skin and allergies. But most cases don’t have a clear cause or solution.
That is why so many people there must be luck with right hand itching and money – or even the lottery!
Origins of the Right Hand Itching Superstition
The right hand itching superstition is a belief that the hand that writes or types with the left hand becomes itchy. It likely originated from an ancient practice of scratching one’s head to relieve an itch on the opposite side of the head.
There is no evidence to support this superstition, and it likely originated from an ancient practice of scratching one’s head to relieve an itch on the opposite side of the head.
The superstition may have been passed down through oral tradition and then written down.
Possible Meaning of Right Palm Itching
Right palm itching is a common phenomenon that has been etched into history and folklore. Many people attribute this itch to an ancestor or someone in their family who passed away.
What does it mean when your right palm itches?
Right palm itching is a common phenomenon that has been etched into history and folklore. Many people attribute this itch to an ancestor or someone in their family who passed away.
1 – True Medical Cause
First of all, I’m not a doctor, so you much have any serious itching checked out by a medical professional (they are good at their jobs).
If you are finding that your right hand is itchy and uncomfortable, there are a few things to consider and take medical action.
Here are some thoughts:
If the itchiness persists for more than 24 hours, then this could be a sign of an infection.
If the discomfort is caused by a skin allergy, then you may be experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling or hives.
Hint…this is why going to the doctor can be helpful to help you figure it a true diagnosis.
2- Something Causing you Stress
When you have right palm itching, it can mean that you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
It could also be a sign that you’re not taking care of yourself properly.
When you have right palm itching, you need to uncover what is causing the stress in your life. This might be because of work pressures, relationship problems, or some other issue.
You might feel overwhelmed and stressed if this continues unchecked. Taking care of yourself by getting enough rest and exercise can help to relieve the itchiness.
3 – Belief in the Possibilities of Money Coming to You
Right hand itching has been a sign of wealth, good luck, and the arrival of visitors since ancient times.
If you are experiencing itchy hands, rubbing your left one on your right is said to bring more wealth and fortune into your life.
Just like with positive money affirmations, there is truth to believing in the power of the mind to overcome your realities.
Right Hand Itching and Lottery
Right hand itching is a term used to describe an annoying and persistent sensation in the right hand. It’s often referred to as a “lottery” because it can be difficult to determine what’s causing the itch.
Nevertheless, some people believe that there is a connection between an itchy right hand and the winning lottery numbers.
There are several news stories of people who won the lottery shortly after having an itchy right hand. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
What are some of the 13 popular superstitions?
Superstitions are common beliefs that help people make sense of the world.
When it comes to money and wealth, naturally people want to gravitate to anything that will help their situations.
Here are some of the most common superstitions and their associated explanations.
Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day by many people.
This superstition may have arisen from a number of different things, such as the number thirteen being associated with bad luck.
For example, some people avoid traveling on this day, but others believe that traveling is a great way to avoid any bad luck. Additionally, some people believe that it’s bad luck to buy a lottery ticket on Friday the 13th, while others think that this could bring them good luck.
Whatever the reason, many people believe that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. However, many believe that if you take action and are proactive about your day, you will receive good luck or fortune.
Breaking a mirror will give you seven years of bad luck
This superstition is based on the belief that breaking a mirror will release the bad luck that has been trapped within it. The story goes that if a woman breaks her mirror, she’ll have bad luck for the next seven years. If a man breaks his mirror, he’ll have bad luck for the next seven years and also be unable to see himself in mirrors.
This superstition may originate from ancient beliefs about witches and their ability to cast spells by using objects such as mirrors. It’s possible that people believed that breaking a mirror would release all of the negative energy associated with the witch’s spell.
Today, this superstition is still popular and often used as an excuse to break mirrors without really understanding why!
Unlucky to walk under a ladder
There are many superstitions surrounding walking under ladders, but the most common one is that it’s unlucky. This superstition is based on the idea that a ladder is a sign of bad luck.
The belief is if you walk under a ladder, you’ll be cursed and will have problems throughout your life.
There isn’t much evidence to support this superstition, but it’s still widely accepted.
Many people believe it because they’ve heard it from their parents or grandparents and don’t want to risk offending anyone. If you’re worried about crossing under a ladder and causing bad luck, simply avoid doing so!
Alternatively, you could try saying “good luck” as you walk underneath it to ward off ill fortune.
Knocking on wood will keep you safe
The idea is that the sound of the knock will send a message to the gods or spirits who live in the wood, asking them to keep
There’s no scientific evidence to support this superstition, but many people continue to do it anyway because it makes them feel good. For many right hand has a spiritual meaning.
So, whether you believe in it or not, there’s probably some truth to the saying “knocking on wood.”
Horseshoes are lucky charms
There are many superstitions surrounding horseshoes, but the most popular belief is that they are a lucky charm. People believe that throwing horseshoes will bring good luck to the person who catches them.
Horseshoe tossing is a centuries-old tradition in many countries and has been linked to both physical and spiritual health benefits. Playing a game of horseshoes is easy on the body and provides benefits with social interaction.
Another theory suggests that hanging horseshoes in the “U” position will keep out evil from the house where it is hung. By decorating your door with a horseshoe in the U position, you are keeping your home free from negative energy which can have a positive impact on their lives and attract good luck to the house.
Wearing a white ribbon around your neck
People in the United States and other countries wear a white ribbon around their necks to protect themselves from illness and danger.
The ribbon is a symbol of peace and purity.
A penny found on the ground is good luck
Some people believe that if you find a penny on the ground, it means good luck for the day.
This superstition is based on the belief that money is associated with both happiness and good fortune.
In fact, one gentleman collected all the pennies he found for 45 years and ended up saving over $5000! (source)
Throw salt over your left shoulder and on the floor
It is said that throwing salt over your left shoulder will protect you from bad luck.
The superstition is said to originate from the ancient Egyptians who believed that the left side of the body was associated with the dark side of the moon. To avoid bad luck, they would throw salt over their left shoulder with their right hand to cleanse themselves.
Bad luck to open an umbrella indoors
Opening an umbrella inside is considered bad luck because it can bring rain indoors.
This superstition likely originated from the belief that opening an umbrella will cause the wind to change, which in turn will cause rain.
Crossing your fingers when you make a wish.
The superstition of crossing your fingers when you make a wish is a result of the Latin word meaning “to shut the hand.”
In ancient Roman times, it was believed that making a wish with your open hand would allow the bad luck you were wishing for to enter your house. So instead, you crossed your fingers.
The custom has become so popular that it’s even found its way into our society.
Putting money in an egg carton to bring money in the future.
They say that the egg carton is like a time machine and that when you break the egg and the money falls out, you are telling the universe that you want to receive that money.
Others believe that putting money in an egg carton will bring you good luck.
This is a very simple thing for people to do.
Sneezing Means Death
When someone sneezes with their right hand, it is thought that the devil will enter their body through their nose and they will die soon. There are many superstitions surrounding sneezing and they vary by culture.
Another thought people believe that if you sneeze, it means someone is talking about you. It is said that a sneeze is a “passing of the wind” and that the wind carries the words “bad news” to the person who is sneezing.
Right hand itching is one of the 13 popular superstitions. There are many beliefs on what it means when your right hand itches, but the most popular belief is that it means good luck is coming your way. To ensure a good night’s sleep, some people say “Blessed are the meek” before bedtime.
Saying “Blessed are the meek” before bed
Some superstitions include saying “Blessed are the meek” before bed to ensure a good night’s sleep.
This is because people who are meek often have less stress in their lives and are less likely to have anxiety or depression. Saying this before bed will help you get a good night’s sleep, which will help you have a better day.
Just like starting with a billionaire morning routine, this is something simple to do to ensure a great day!
What is the superstition about an itchy palm?
There are a few different superstitions about an itchy palm.
One is that it means you will receive money soon. Another is that you will be going on a journey.
And finally, some believe that an itchy palm means that someone is talking about you.
Right Hand Itching and [Bad Luck]
Some people believe that right hand itching is caused by bad luck or misfortune, so they try to avoid situations that might trigger it (like trying to play the lotteries).
Others think that scratching the itch will make it go away, but this isn’t always true. In fact, scratching can sometimes make the itch worse.
What are the different interpretations of this superstition?
There are a few different interpretations of this superstition.
One is that it means you will receive money soon.
Another is that it means someone is talking about you behind your back.
And finally, some believe that an itchy right hand means you should be on the lookout for danger.
How to improve the luck further?
There are many ways to improve your luck further, and some of these include doing things that have been traditionally associated with luck.
Here are specific things to try:
Avoid unlucky days and times.
Keep a positive attitude throughout the day.
Wear prosperity bracelets.
Carry a good luck charm with you.
Dress in lucky symbols.
Follow the same routine when you found success.
Pick up pennies that are head-side up.
Don’t let negatively affect you
There are also a number of simple tips you can follow to increase your chance of success, such as staying organized and disciplined in your work, avoiding distractions, and setting realistic goals.
Is it a Fortune, Lottery Number, or just a Symptom of Itching Palms?
The best way to deal with right hand itching is to identify its cause and treat it accordingly. If you cannot identify its source, you may want to consult a doctor for further testing or treatment options like prescription medications.
If the doctor cannot find a medical cause of your right hand itchiness, then start tracking when and where your itchiness occurs.
Then, you can easily prove your right hand itchiness wasn’t from blisters, nerve disorders, or something else crazy.
Your truth will be the decision on whether your right hand itching was from money coming your way or a medical disorder.
If you are looking for believable excuses to miss work, then scratch your right hand to your left to come into instant cash.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
When the snow melts and bulbs are blooming, buyers are out in force. If you’ve heard that spring (and leading into summer) is a good time to sell, you can tell whoever told you that they’re right for the most part! In many areas, the warmer weather means that people are eager to get out of the house, move while the kids are out of school, and are ready to look at homes with beautifully manicured yards. While hotter climates might have a slight downturn in the market during the 100+ degree weather, other markets thrive. If you’re considering listing your home this spring, you can optimize your home for higher offers with these seven timely tips.
1. Embrace Every Blooming Thing
Crocuses, hyacinth, and tulips peeking through your soil? Great. Blooms can be one of your greatest spring selling assets. If you don’t currently have bulbs in your yard, hit the nursery and purchase sprouted bulbs or opt for plants like pansies and primrose that look great and can withstand an unpredictable spring. Add additional color and curb appeal with planters and pots. You can even plant blooming daffodils or tulips to beds that need a refresh.
Brighten up porches, decks or balconies with potted blooms.
2. Touch Up the Yard and Exterior
When the snow melts, it reveals all the blemishes and flaws that were covered all winter. Before you list, give your home’s exterior a good once-over. Note any dead grass, chipping or fading paint, and damaged sections of fence. Turn your observations into a to-do list and get to work. Rake the grass, clean out beds, fertilize, lay sod, and edge the lawn. Do you need to repair fences, railings, steps, or decks? What about adding paint and stain in those well-worn areas? Even if you don’t find much to fix, consider giving your home an instant facelift by rubbing mineral oil on a painted front door or adding new house numbers.
Paint your front door new leaf green or robins egg blue to make your home one to remember when it comes time to put in offers.
3. Deep Clean
It’s called spring cleaning for a reason. After months shut inside the house, everything can use a good, thorough scrubbing. Have carpets cleaned and wash the windows both inside and out. Clean out closets and attack junk drawers. Wipe down the walls, make tiles and counters gleam, and pay attention to smaller things like grout, which can take a room or wall from dull to sparkling with just a little elbow grease. Clean the oven, and organize and wipe down the laundry room. Sort through towels, sponges, and other cleaning tools and toss ones that are shabby or smelly. Have slipcovers, upholstery, and pillow covers cleaned.
Do your spring cleaning before you list; they might want to buy the furniture too!
4. Perform Pre-inspection Repairs
If you’re selling your house, then you know a buyer is going to want to have ahome inspection completed before they seal the deal. Why not perform a preemptive strike and do your own inspection first? Identify small things that you can update or repair before the buyer can point them out. Often small issues lead buyers to fear there are larger maintenance issues, so making simple repairs before you list is smart. Change out filters, fix that wobbly banister, and take care of small things like torn screens or loose shingles.
Free painted-shut windows, repair screens, and fix broken panes.
5. Box Up Winter
You can make your house and yard feel bigger by simply packing away winter toys, tools, and clothes. Put your winter wardrobe in storage to make closets feel larger. Box up mittens, gloves, hats, and boots. Trade out ice melt and shovels for watering cans and gardening tools. If possible, store winter items neatly in sealed boxes or containers in a shed or off-site storage facility. You don’t want to crowd the garage or yard with items you’ve packed up. Trade out heavy, wintry throws and pillows for brighter, lighter pieces that feel more like spring.
Don’t crowd the garage when you clean out the house; organize it or get a storage unit.
6. Brighten the View
After you’ve cleaned those windows, let the sun shine in. Wash window coverings and trade out dark, dingy drapes for sheers that give your home an airy feeling. Clean blinds and make sure to keep them open during showings. Consider removing valances, which tend to box windows in and create a more formal, stuffy feeling. Add brighter light bulbs to every room to add more light. Outside, add window boxes full of flowers or herbs to set off windows and provide a pleasing view from every angle.
Add sheer drapes inside heavier ones.
7. Bring Spring Inside
Don’t let buyers lose that bouncy, spring feeling once they cross the threshold of your front door. Continue the colors and scents of spring throughout your house. Open windows and let fresh air blow away the remnants of a closed-up winter. Add fresh flowers to mantles, side tables, and the dining room. Display fresh fruit in the kitchen. Use diffusers and candles to bring the crisp, inviting scents of spring inside. Trade out linens, towels, and accents for light, bright colors and clean patterns that make buyers want to cozy up and call your house home.
Fresh flowers will put a spring in buyers’ steps.
Spring is a time for new beginnings, and it can be the perfect time to sell your home, especially when you use Homie! With our low flat fee, you get a dedicated agent who can advise you on how to make your home appealing to buyers, from staging to pricing! Click here to learn more about listing your home with Homie.
Frank Lloyd Wright is undoubtedly one of the most influential architects of all time.
A champion of organic architecture, a philosophy he promoted throughout his career that focuses on the harmony between human living and the natural world — incorporating buildings into their surroundings — Lloyd Wright designed more than 1,000 structures in his lifetime, out of which 532 were actually built.
Credited with building some of the most innovative spaces in the United States, Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous works include the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, the striking Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California, Robie House and the Illinois Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, the Tokyo Imperial Hotel in Inuyama, Japan, and the famous Blade Runner-featured Ennis House.
But of the hundreds of architecturally distinct homes he built in the span of his 70-year career, Lloyd Wright’s own home in his native Wisconsin has the most interesting — and downright tragic — backstory.
While undoubtedly one of the legendary architect’s best works, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin house was the site of a gruesome attack that took the life of Wright’s girlfriend and her two children.
It also burned to the ground (more than once), growing bigger every time the architect had to rebuild it. So let’s take a look at the storied history of Taliesin.
What is the story of Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home in Wisconsin?
The American architect was born and raised in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, which left a lasting impression on his young mind and inspired many of his most iconic works.
At the age of 29, in 1896, Wright built a windmill on the Taliesin estate, on land that belonged to his mother’s family.
The project, requested by his aunt, was the first in a series of developments that over the years became part of the 600-acre Taliesin estate as we know it today.
Wright would return to his homeland of Taliesin in 1911, under more controversial circumstances.
In the early 1900s, Wright was married to Catherine Lee Tobin, had six children, and was living in Oak Park, Illinois.
He was then tasked to design a house for his friend and neighbor Edwin Cheney when he fell in love with his friend’s wife, Mamah Borthwick Cheney.
In a daring and controversial move, the two lovers ran off to Europe, where their affair flourished, and when they returned to the U.S., they wanted a place to call their own, far from the judgmental eyes of the public.
That’s when Frank Lloyd Wright decided to leave his Chicago family behind, return to his roots and build a house for himself and Mamah in the secluded hills of Taliesin.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin I — the “love cottage” with a harrowing story
Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin I, as we now call it, was completed in 1911 near Spring Green, Wisconsin, to serve as the home of Wright and Borthwick.
The home/studio that Wright created is the quintessential representation of the architect’s Prairie School design.
Wright described the 12,000-square-foot house as ‘low, wide, and snug,’ and that’s exactly what it is.
The house, which was named after the Welsh bard Taliesin — and translates into ‘radiant brow’ — was the result of Wright’s attempt to blend man-made structures and materials with nature and the elements.
The house had an open-space design, with windows placed so that the sun could come through in every room at every point of the day.
All the materials used in the construction were locally sourced, in an effort to seamlessly integrate the house with its surroundings.
Wright was a big fan of Japanese culture and architecture, and he was inspired to bring a taste of Japan to Taliesin, as well. The architect’s home included an artificial lake stocked with fish and aquatic fowl, a water garden, as well as a ‘tea circle’ in the middle of the spacious, green courtyard.
The home that Wright built was stunning, and to this day it remains one of his most beautiful creations.
The beauty of Taliesin, however, did not do much to impress those living in nearby communities, who disapproved of Wright’s relationship with Borthwick.
At the time the couple lived in Wisconsin, Borthwick had divorced Cheney, but Wright was still married, as Catherine Tobin refused him a divorce. Due to the scandalous aspect of their relationship, locals and media dubbed Taliesin ‘the Love Cottage.’
Nonetheless, the couple lived happily at Taliesin, joined by Mamah Borthwick’s two children and a number of household workers and employees.
Among those employees were Julian Carlton, a handyman and servant, and his wife Gertrude.
In 1914, the 31-year-old worker started acting strangely, becoming more and more paranoid and staring out the windows holding an axe. Given his strange behavior, Wright and Borthwick decided to let the couple go, and they gave Carlton and his wife notice in mid-August.
The events that followed the next day, on August 15, 1914, were so shocking that Taliesin will unfortunately forever be associated with them.
That August day, while Wright was away on business, Julian Carlton attacked Mamah Borthwick and her two children, ending their lives.
He then turned against the other members of the household, after which he set the house on fire.
His killing spree ended the lives of Borthwick, her two children, as well as two other workers and their young boy.
Following the attack, Carlton hid in the basement’s fireproof furnace and swallowed hydrochloric acid in an attempt to end his own life. Somehow, he survived, and he was arrested and taken into custody.
While awaiting his trial and sentencing, he died of starvation, as the acid he swallowed had burned his esophagus to the extent that he could no longer eat.
Carlton’s wife was luckily not in the house at the time, as she was waiting for her husband to join her on a train to Chicago.
Taliesin II – Frank Lloyd Wright rebuilds his Wisconsin house
Taliesin I was, in large part, destroyed, and Frank Lloyd Wright was left heartbroken, losing the love of his life and the beloved home that they shared.
He was so devastated that he couldn’t even bring himself to hold a vigil or a formal funeral for Borthwick, instead burying her in an unmarked grave in a nearby graveyard.
However, Wright soon got back on his feet and decided to rebuild Taliesin.
By the end of 1914, he had built Taliesin II, and had found companionship in Miriam Noel, who sent him a condolence letter after that summer’s massacre.
Wright, however, only settled in at Taliesin II in 1922, after he finished work on the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
RELATED: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House also known as The Blade Runner House
He was finally granted a divorce by Catherine Tobin, and married Miriam Noel in 1923. The marriage, however, was doomed to not last, as Noel’s erratic behavior, later diagnosed as schizophrenia, led to a tense relationship between her and Wright.
Noel eventually left Wright and moved out of Taliesin II in 1924. One year later, in an eerie turn of events, Taliesin II burned to the ground due to faulty wiring, and Wright was back to square one.
However, like a phoenix, Taliesin would rise from the ashes once again.
Taliesin III – Wright rebuilds it once more, but the costs drive it into foreclosure
Even after two fires tried to destroy his work, Frank Lloyd Wright was not ready to give up on Taliesin, and he rebuilt it once again, as Taliesin III.
Each time the architect had to revamp Taliesin, the house grew bigger.
In its third and final form, Taliesin featured 37,000 square feet, and all the buildings on the estate combined totaled no less than 75,000 square feet on 600 acres of land.
The third reconstruction of Taliesin did, however, create a pretty big dent in Wright’s pockets, and he was severely in debt at the time work on Taliesin III was finished.
In 1927, the Bank of Wisconsin foreclosed on the property, and the architect moved to La Jolla, California, forced to leave his beloved hilltop home behind.
His fans and students, however, devised a plan to have the revered architect reunited with Taliesin.
Darwin Martin, a former client of Wright’s, formed a company dubbed Frank Lloyd Wright Inc., to issue stock on the architect’s future earnings. Various other clients and students purchased stock and ended up successfully bidding on Taliesin for $40,000, giving it back to Wright.
SEE ALSO: The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homes
Thankfully, the innovative design and historic importance of Taliesin were recognized by Wright’s clients and admirers, and the efforts to preserve and keep the estate alive paid off.
In January 1976, Taliesin was named a National Historic Landmark District by the National Park Service. More than three decades later, Taliesin was one of the buildings included in The 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a selection of eight buildings designed by the architect across the U.S.
Today, Taliesin is a historical and architectural gem, and Frank Lloyd Wright fans can visit the estate on professional, guided tours.
If you’re an architecture fan, a student, or design aficionado and you’re ever traveling near Spring Green, Wisconsin, you don’t want to miss out on the chance to visit Taliesin.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Taliesin?
Frank Lloyd Wright’s house in Wisconsin, Taliesin, is located at 5481 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588, USA, about 2.5 miles south of the village of Spring Green in the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin.
What does the word Taliesin mean?
Taliesin is a gender-neutral name of Welsh origin, meaning “radiant brow” made famous by a 6th Century Welsh bard who is said to have performed at the courts of three different kings. Lloyd Wright reportedly named his house in Wisconsin Taliesin to signal that was “of the hill,” not on it, building it below the hillcrest, on its brow rather than its crown.
Did Frank Lloyd Wright rebuild Taliesin?
The legendary architect had to rebuild his Taliesin house in Wisconsin twice. The first time was in 2014 after a gruesome attack by employee Julian Carlton who ended the lives of Wright’s then-girlfriend, Mamah Borthwick and her two children, and then set the house on fire. The second time was in 1925 when Taliesin burned to the ground due to faulty wiring.
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This reader story come from SB, a regular reader and commenter on GRS. SB writes about personal finance and personal development topics at One Cent at a Time.
Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success or failure. These stories feature folks with all levels of financial maturity and income.
This is my second guest post at this blog. I am grateful to J.D. and his team’s humble gesture in allowing me to do it. I hope to provide the same value regular writers of this blog provide to you.
My grandmother was nearly illiterate, born and reared in rural India during the British occupation of the country. At the age of 14, she was abducted by the British army (later released), which ultimately caused her to marry early at the age of 16. She couldn’t complete school beyond basic education. Still, she became a very wise woman and mastered many skills.
My aunt happened to write down some of my grandmother’s home-remedy techniques from her narration. Recently, my cousin forwarded me a soft copy of that compilation. I’ll mention a few common symptoms and their natural cures, all at a fraction of the cost of medicine. But before that, let me tell you why I find home-based cures so beneficial.
The Benefits of Home Remedies
Drugs contain unnatural substances and chemicals, which are foreign elements to our body. Natural remedies, on the other hand, are not synthetic molecules like drugs; they are made of living organisms which we eat anyway.
Some drugs act as a manipulator and force the brain to think differently — an example is an anti-depressant. The problem with this is, the moment you stop taking the drug, the symptoms often recur.
Natural remedies have fewer side effects compared to prescription drugs, as drugs tend to alter the chemical and hormonal balance of our body.
Natural remedies are available at a fraction of the cost of prescription drugs. Your grocery bill will cover them.
The Benefits of Prescription Drugs
It is important to remember that most drugs are developed by studying the natural cures and identifying ingredients which actually affect the symptoms. Still, prescription drugs are more useful under most circumstances. They work faster. We can’t afford to be bedridden for days and hope for natural cures to work someday. Life is tough and we must get well sooner.
We don’t have time to be sick. Prescription drugs provide the quickest recovery. They start fighting the bacteria and antibodies as soon as we take them. You may argue that we take chemically altered substances every day, be it the milk or the apple, or even the chicken. They have pesticides, growth hormones and God knows what.
An Introduction to Home Remedies
My grandmother was raised in a 100 percent organic environment. With near zero pollution, she ate healthy, farm-harvested food. Since childhood, I took medicines almost for any illness; rarely was I given a natural cure, except honey and basil leaves for a cold. Our bodies are used to chemicals anyway; therefore, natural remedies may not work the way they worked for our grandparents. Still, there is no harm in detoxifying our bodies to the extent we can, over time. My grandmother’s advice may help to accomplish that goal.
Here are some excerpts from the treasure I was handed recently.
Acidity: Acidity is caused by excess acid secretion from the gastric gland, the acid which is used for digestion.
Chew a piece of clove, and take some time to swallow. It provides instant relief.
Another immediate relief is to eat a small cup of yogurt.
For more sustainable relief, drink warm water every day early in the morning.
Drink coconut water regularly.
Mix a few drops of honey in water to drink.
If you know what a jaggery is, suck a small cube of it after lunch/dinner.
A glass of water with a teaspoon of soda can also provide immediate cure.
A couple of pieces of dates can also give you instant relief.
Backache: If you happen to work in a chair, you may have this symptom already. As a software professional, I have had backaches for the last few years. The natural cure is garlic. Eat a couple of cloves of garlic every day.
Prepare an ointment by frying a few cloves of garlic in olive oil, strain and let it cool. Apply to your back every day.
Indian masala tea can be a cure too — the one with cloves or ginger. Take it daily. (Two cups of masala tea can boost your energy as well, which is a low-cost replacement of Red Bull or 5-Hour Energy drinks.)
Eating oranges, lemons and berries can reduce the pain over time.
Drinking water with a tablespoon of honey can make your day pain-free as well.
Cough and cold: When allergens or viral infections cause an inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, we get cough and cold. Here is a less-costly alternative to Tylenol or Excedrin. (This is a remedy I learned in childhood: My mother used to give me a teaspoon of honey and a few basil leaves –Indian Tulsi — to chew. To get instant relief from congestion of nasal passages, she used to heat water with some cloves, cardamoms and cinnamon sticks and peppercorns.)
A soup with a lot of garlic in it can also bring relief.
Cut okra into small pieces and boil it, inhale the steam to get relief as well.
Take a hot-water bath when you catch a cold.
Migraine: This is caused by a contraction of blood vessels in the head. It can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, nicotine and alcohol consumption.
Concentrated grape juice can bring relief.
For a more sustainable remedy, put tomatoes and cabbage into your daily salad.
A daily dose of garlic can treat this symptom as well.
Grind cabbage leaves and apply to the affected area for relief.
When migraines occur, excuse yourself from work. Find a dark room and lie down. Exposure to sunlight may cause the migraine to intensify.
Per my grandmother, even if the migraine is in the back of your head, applying sandalwood powder on the forehead can cause blood vessels to function properly. You may have seen Indian religious workers applying a patch of sandalwood powder on the forehead throughout the day. It’s an age-old practice.
Snoring: I am afflicted with this disease for sure. My wife says I am the worst offender and she can’t sleep because of my snoring, so I have started following these tactics already.
Stop smoking. Smoking causes more mucus formation around the throat.
Go to the gym. Weight loss can even end snoring.
Alcohol increases snoring. (When you drink, you’d better sleep in a separate room!)
Sleep side-wise rather than on your back.
Avoid heavy meals before going to bed.
Stop eating oily/spicy foods at dinner.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, and don’t sleep during the day.
Wash the bed sheets and pillow covers frequently, and even change your pillow after a few months. The dust and allergens can accumulate on them, causing nasal passage blocks.
Stress: It’s amazing that stress was a concern even 60 years ago in a rural village. Here is her wisdom, which may reduce stress because you’re saving money. But more than the money saved, the main point here is reducing the dependence on synthetic drugs.
Chewing Indian basil (Tulsi) leaves every day is the best natural cure.
Yoga and Dhyana (meditation) can also cure this.
Milk and almonds in the morning keep you fresh and energetic.
Bad eating, oily foods, eating meals quickly, and drinking alcohol may cause depression over time. One of her tips to cure stress is to “love everybody and everything”!
Applying betel leaves on your forehead can ease your tension.
A few ingredients which are repeated here (and in the rest of the natural cures my grandmother used but which I don’t mention here) are mint, honey, water and garlic. Have sufficient supply of these items at your home, if you plan to follow the tips.
Also, another synergy I can see here is the morning drinking and eating habits. If you start your day the right way, the rest of your day should follow that lead and keep you upbeat.
Readers, even if you rely on these natural remedies, when the situation warrants it, there’s no alternative to a doctor and the prescription medicine. You need to know when to rely on home remedies and when to go to a doctor. Don’t ignore your doctor for a bit.