Household alchemy for the new year

I don't make grand sweeping resolutions, because they rarely pay off. But I have a few smaller and more modest ones and feel like sharing them!

-Grow stuff, specifically of the edible variety. From February I will have a near-permanent home, a bit of space and a garden, so this will be my first chance in ages. (I tried pots of herbs once before, but didn't have a particularly stable lifestyle so didn't do a good job of it. And certainly couldn't revive the one my housemate had been keeping in the fridge.)

-Knit. It is a good way of dealing with frustration, sometimes I forget that.

-Cut down on the conventional toiletries. I doubt I will cut them out, but less is more.

-Try having an Etsy store. I'm not sinking my soul into it, but I've considered it for a while and want to test out how much of a commitment it would be.

Slow haircare

In termtime, I often resort to blowdrying just through lack of time - also lack of inclination to leave my hair wet in a Scottish winter when not making excessive use of the heating. But in the vacation, I find that putting hair in several plaits while damp and leaving for as long as possible - preferably a whole day when I'm not going out anywhere - is just as good for making civilised ringlets out of what is naturally a rat's nest.

De-coldifiying

I have a cold, at an inconvenient time to have one. I can't just go with it and sleep it off. So here's some tips for dealing with that.

Never underestimated the snot-busting properties of the average cup of tea. Take it black or with soy milk to avoid the mucus-making muckiness of dairy. Declare a tea exclusion zone, however, for an hour before and after each meal - otherwise it can deplete iron absorbtion.

Coffee with chilli in is good for warming up. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the filter before adding water.

Salt water up the nose (introduced carefully - if you don't like the idea of pouring it into your nostril you can buy sprays that are especially designed) can help to thin the snot out and dry it op. Cayenne pepper can also help, but don't add too much unless you're a total masochist.

Coconut oil on the nose can slow down the red-rawness that comes from too much wiping. Don't get snot in the jar though.

Inhaling eucalyptus oil is a good way to unblock your nose. Adding some to a hot bath is even better.

You will probably need to sleep more. Lavender oil and valerian can help you nod off before your nose gets blocked again.