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Elisheva & Shoshana care cosmetics GIFT BOX 2021 now on sale! + Discount code added!

NordenBladet – December is the time to make presents. Just now is the right time to see that there are presents under the Christmas tree! The Estonian quality-checked handicraft cosmetics brand Elisheva & Shoshana has compiled for this purpose a luxurious and heartfelt gift package that contains four nature friendly hit-products. Take care of your body, your entire system and your hair and make them stronger with quality Magnesium-products, and pamper your skin with the peeling and moisturizing creamy coffee soap!

This year’s “E&S Gift Box 2021” gift package includes:

a Magnesium Chloride Bath Flakes Natural STRONG 47%
The product Elisheva & Shoshana “Magnesium Chloride Bath Flakes Natural STRONG 47%” is a natural bathing supplement with a broad spectrum of muscle relaxation, spasm alleviating and nervous system calming effect. E&S magnesium chloride flakes are dermally promptly absorbed, it takes 5-15 seconds to enter the cells. About 95% of the applied magnesium enters the cells, the absorption through the skin is therefore preferred to oral intake in the form of capsules, powder or pill, also transdermal application of magnesium entails no gastric or intestinal burden. Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) can help alleviate the following complaints: depression, anxiety, fatigue, headache, asthma, muscular tensions, painful joints, sleeping problems, spasms, intestinal complaints, accumulation of toxins (detox effect), excess weight, magnesium deficit. Magnesium chloride is an important factor in the elimination of toxic elements and heavy metals and helps recover the minerals balance in the organism, it regulates the cholesterol level and normalizes the values of blood pressure.

a Magnesium Hair Energy Maximus+ Scalp spray
The healthy and beautiful hair begins with the healthy scalp. Elisheva & Shoshana “Magnesium Hair Energy Maximus+ scalp spray” is an ultra efficient scalp treatment product for individuals experiencing various scalp problems (dandruff, hair loss, psoriasis, dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, pruritus, fungal infection of the scalp and hair, etc). Magnesium Hair Energy Maximus+ scalp spray removes from the scalp the calcium salts that interfere with hair follicle and scalp oxygen metabolism. The spray is absorbed in the scalp immediately, it takes 5-15 second to enter the cells. Ten doses of spray amount to 100 mg (28% RDA).

a Peppermint + Magnesium Chloride Bath Salt
Elisheva & Shoshana handmade “Peppermint and Magnesium Chloride Bath Salt” is a bathing accessory with a broad antibacterial spectrum and anti-inflammatory effect. Taking salt baths increases blood volume that can significantly alleviate chronic fatigue syndrome. Infections and toxins can cause dehydration of the organism. Sea salt helps the body take in more water and this is beneficial for the lymphatic system, besides it is part of the osmotic processes and efficiently cleans the cells that way. Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂ – 6H₂O) can help alleviate the following ailments: depression, asthma, tense muscles, sleeping disorders, spasms. Natural peppermint oil (Mentha Avensis Leaf Oil) is good for alleviation of common cold symptoms and headache.

a Coffee + Argain oil soap
Elisheva & Shoshana (E&S) handmade “Coffee and Argan Oil Soap” with pleasantly coffee-scented aroma, creamy moisturizing and nourishing content and skin-purifying and protecting texture gentle to skin is a washing accessory for hands and body. Originating from certified agricultural farmers, Kingdom of Sweden roast coffee gives the soap a natural creamy hue, olfactory remembrance of the peaceful stretch of morning coffee along your day, delicately clearing the complexion from weary skin cells and complementing the soft and smooth qualities of skin. Pressed from seeds of distinctive Argan tree (Argania spinosa) growing untamed in North Africa, quality argan oil ingredient is immensely moisturizing and wields antibacterial agency.

Delight yourself or your nearest and dearest and buy a gift that has been prepared with a kind heart already today! Use the profit code / discount code: NORDENBLADET21 and you will get a nice Christmas present “E&S Gift Box 2021” with a -15% discount! The discount is valid from 1 December to 31 December 2021(or until the goods are sold out). You can submit your order on ElishevaShoshana.com website HERE.

PS! The present has been beautifully packed by hand and is ready to be handed over (the box does not have any price tags, advertisements or any invoice labels inside!). Fast and inexpensive transportation within Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Latvia.

Wishing you a cordial and warm holiday season with Elisheva & Shoshana!








GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT NEEDED? The best gift idea is Nordic handicraft! The luxurious Elisheva & Shoshana giftbox is now available with a discount!

NordenBladet – Holiday season is arriving soon and the gift sacks need to be filled. Yet what gift to make for the nearest and dearest? It can most certainly be the Nordic and handmade products!

Elisheva & Shoshana’s this year’s luxurious gift package in the value of 57.70 is already on sale and available from ElishevaShoshana.com webshop with more than 30% discount. Two care products for the head (efficient detox shampoo and scalp spray), a cozy 100% natural and stimulating bathing salt, and allergy-free and skin-friendly beautiful handicraft soap are available until the end of December or until sell-out with the nice price €39.90. Many discounts extend also to other products, and for everybody buying for over 50 euros, Elisheva & Shoshana will add a complimentary gift!

Giftbox 2020 is beautiful hand-wrapped and all ready to go! To the gift item we do not insert a check or any price-tags! Have a glance, what the package looks on the inside and on the outside and what exactly it contains, from the gallery below and from the product descriptions! Treat yourself and your circle with a memorable holiday gift and add some relaxation to your days, some pleasure and luxury. Attain a pleasant feeling and pamper your skin and hair with quality care products! The Scandinavian highly valued and loved E&S care products are suitable also for people with a more irritable skin, for expecting mothers and for toddlers, since they do not contain any synthetic fragrances and artificial pigment! The giftbox is available from E&S website – LINK TO PRODUCT.


1. Aloe Vera+ Deep Cleansing Detox Scalp Treatment Shampoo (200ml) LINK TO PRODUCT

Hair becomes greasy and dirty very quickly? There is no need to worry about that any more! The health and beauty of the hair begins with the scalp. Elisheva & Shoshana deep cleansing Detox scalp care shampoo with Aloe is an ultra efficient scalp and hair care product that normalises your scalp’s greasiness without irritating the skin and deeply and gently cleanses the scalp from former grease, dandruff and residue. With a skin-friendly pH level (pH 5.5), this shampoo improves microcirculation (the scalp’s blood supply), strengthens the roots of the hair and helps brittle and/or damaged hair grow quickly.

Aloe is a powerful herb that gives might and is rich in vitamins, it helps fight germs and fungi, in some cases also viruses. It helps protect the hair from outer pollution, sunburn and damage caused by heat (i.e. using the hairdryer), it adds moist. The shampoo can help alleviate the following scalp conditions: hair that quickly gets greasy, dandruff, hair falling out, psoriasis, dermatitis, seborrheic ezcema, pruritus, fungi, etc.

E&S “Deep cleansing Detox scalp care shampoo with Aloe” helps keep the scalp clean longer and renders the hair strong, shiny and healthy! It contains more than 75%  100%organic components and the product can be used by all age groups, incl. children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

2. Magnesium Hair Energy Maximus+ Scalp spray (75ml) LINK TO PRODUCT

The healthy and beautiful hair begins with the healthy scalp. Elisheva & Shoshana “Magnesium Hair Energy Maximus+ scalp spray” is an ultra efficient scalp treatment product for individuals experiencing various scalp problems (dandruff, hair loss, psoriasis, dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, pruritus, fungal infection of the scalp and hair, etc). Magnesium Hair Energy Maximus+ scalp spray removes from the scalp the calcium salts that interfere with hair follicle and scalp oxygen metabolism. The spray is absorbed in the scalp immediately, it takes 5-15 second to enter the cells. Ten doses of spray amount to 100 mg (28% RDA).

E&S “Magnesium Hair Energy Maximus+ scalp spray” (15% concentration Zechstein magnesium chloride) is a suitable gift to pamper yourself as well as your loved ones – the spray protects the scalp and the hair against external taint, it boosts the hair and provides the scalp with sufficient hold of magnesium, it deeply cleanses the scalp, stimulates and activates the growth of hair follicles. The hair spray is 100% natural and it can be used by all age groups, incl. children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is also suitable for persons with diabetes and also for vegans. It prevents hair loss as well as dental decay in pregnant women and individuals on a special diet.

3. Eucalyptus + Sea Minerals Bath Salt (250g) LINK TO PRODUCT

Elisheva & Shoshana (E&S) handmade “Eucalyptus and Sea Minerals Bath Salt” has a stimulating, refreshing and concentration enhancing effect. Eucalyptus boosts the respiratory function and helps relax the muscles after training, it alleviates pain and reduces inflammation. Sea minerals include 90 different minerals and microelements that help clean the organism from toxins, regulate the function of sebaceous glands and keep the skin young and fresh.

E&S Eucalyptus and minerals bathing salt is intensive, it lasts long and leaves a pleasant fragrance on the body and feet. The beautiful prestigious package and the unique bathing salt adds to the attractiveness of your bathroom design and is a wonderful gift for you as well as your loved ones.

Suitable for frequent use either as an all over procedure or also for the feet only.

4. Dandelion + Goat´s Milk soap (80-95g) LINK TO PRODUCT

Elisheva & Shoshana (E&S) handmade “Dandelion and Goat´s Milk Soap” is delicate, odorless, skin purifying, protecting and nourishing bathing aid for hands and body. Blossoms of dandelion gathered from the fine fields of Estonia add to the soap the fair yellowish and greenish natural patches, thus making each one a petite masterpiece. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is considered a most powerful Nordic medical herb. Goat milk is known to be nature’s elixir, containing plenty of A, B6, B12 and E vitamins that carry the role of rejuvenating skin cells, and proteins that help free the skin from acne breeding bacteria.

E&S luxurious “Dandelion and Goat Milk Soap” is skin friendly, efficient and long lasting. It is suitable also for gentle and sensitive skin. The beautiful prestigious package enveloping the unparalleled quality soap will invest in your bathroom and serve as a splendid gift to featherbed your own individual self as well as a distinguished group of your loved ones.

Appropriate for use on a daily basis.

 

SEE if you have enough self-love in your life

NordenBladet – Healthy, natural and harmonious self-love is the hallmark of a warm, pleasant and trustworthy person who can take equal care of themselves and their relationships with other people and the world, writes Hedvig Evert in her book “The Artist of Happiness”. We bring you some characteristics of people who have learned to love and value themselves, and characteristics of those who have not yet done so.

A person having enough self-love is characterized as follows:
• they have adequate self-esteem
• they know their worth
• they take 100% responsibility for their own life
• they believe in their abilities and importance
• they make decisions based on love, trust and peace
• they are calm, smiling, stable
• they are confident in themselves and others
• they are open to the world
• they feel the value of their own activities
• their self-image is clearly perceptible
• they are mentally and physically healthy, they radiate positivity and give energy
• they act with inner feelings and inner motives
• they focus on satisfaction, not success
• they feel and radiate love
• they are self-assertive
• they are cooperative
• they perceive the abundance of resources and bring everything necessary to their life

A person not having enough self-love is characterized as follows:
they have low self-esteem
• they experience feelings of inferiority
• they avoid responsibility and look for justifications from the outside
• they have low self-confidence and experience oppressive guilt
• they make decisions based on fear, anger, frustration
• they are irritated, anxious, tense, worried
• they are constantly controlling themselves and others
• they are suspicious and skeptical of the world
• they are living in constant anticipation of praise, recognition and gratitude
• their self-image is poor and undeveloped
• they have a weaker health, chaotic health problems; they radiate negativity
• their actions are motivated by external factors
• they want to prove themselves with every act
• they seek to earn love
• they are either too intrusive or too humble
• they are competitive and show combative attitude
• they perceive a lack of resources and are constantly exerting themselves

How to have enough self-love for yourself? First, you need to focus your attention, which is scattered everywhere in life, on yourself. Love equals attention. Read more about this in the OHMYGOSSIP article “Start Comparing Yourself to You, Not to Others or 5 WAYS to Cultivate Love, Care and Self-Respect

Source: NordenBladet.ee
Featured image: Pexels

8 GOOD TIPS on how to stimulate your creativity

NordenBladet – “I have no idea, I don’t know what to do.” — “I am not a creative person.” — “I cannot find a solution to this situation.” Does all that sound familiar? Absolutely. But the good news is that, in fact, we are all creative. Creativity is a set of qualities and skills that allow you to create original solutions, find previously unnoticed connections and discover something completely new.

Have you ever wished you could draw, paint, write poetry and books, create music? When someone instills in themselves that they are not creative, it becomes a limiting belief and turns into a reality. Creativity exists in all of us, but we need to work hard to stimulate it. Make developing creativity a habit!

Here are some useful and good tips on how to encourage and develop the creativity of yourself, your partner or your children:

1. Make a plan
Setting up the exact problem is half the battle. Creative techniques can be broadly divided into four categories: “icebreakers” to stimulate creative thinking; problem definition, idea generation and idea evaluation techniques. The first category includes short exercises or games that help you tune in to the creative wave — yes, the brain also needs to be get ready for training. For example, you can ask to finish a drawing that is in progress, play with words, or solve a puzzle. These are often fun short exercises that help to create a friendly and open atmosphere, and you will definitely smile when implementing “icebreakers”. It has long been known that positive emotions stimulate creativity.

Problem-finding techniques have unfoundedly been less widely used. People often start generating ideas too hastily. Instead, you need to first make sure that the problem you are looking for has been correctly identified. An unambiguously and precisely defined problem is the basis for the application of creativity. For example, problem-solving techniques include back-and-forth planning, which analyzes how the solution to a particular problem helps to solve each subsequent higher-level problem, asking the “why” question until the root cause is identified, and an idea of the situation where the problem is left unresolved. There are other techniques.

However, most of the creative techniques are aimed at generating ideas, because it is the abundance of ideas that you want to achieve. The application of idea generation techniques involves divergent thinking, where the goal is to achieve a large number of ideas. It is important to refrain from evaluating ideas during their generation: it is like driving a car with the handbrake on — it drives, but with difficulty. Therefore, the generation and evaluation of ideas must be kept separate.

2. Learn creativity
If you want to be more creative, you should learn creativity in the same way as all other things. Read biographies of creative and innovative people, such as Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla) or Richard Branson (founder of the Virgin Group). In addition, you may want to read books on creative thinking and various techniques on how to improve it. A good book is, for example, “Big Magic” written by Elizabeth Gilbert. She has also written many other books, the most famous being “Eat, Pray, Love”. Watching TED or TEDX videos will definitely have a positive impact. These are available at www.ted.com. There you will find thousands of good presentations made by world-renowned experts in their field. Many of them focus on creativity and innovation.

3. Surround yourself with creative people
When you are with people who think creatively, you become more creative yourself.

4. Play
Creativity is unleashed only when you have fun! Experimenting, trying new things and carefree playfulness help your imagination to run freely. Do something that will make you happy: jump on a trampoline, swing, play board games, watch a comedy, sing karaoke or play with colours for fun. You will soon feel your inner child wake up and will notice you are more creative.

5. Take time for yourself
If you are constantly in action, but do everything to others and forget about yourself, it is impossible to be creative. Start by dedicating at least 30 minutes every day only to yourself by being alone and doing the things you really enjoy. For example, try drawing what you see in your window, or read a good book, or just play with your cat. It sends a signal to your brain that you are worth enjoying the great things life has to offer, your self-confidence grows, and it also gives you the courage to express your creativity.

6. Move
Be active! Walk around the house or garden, backwards, go for a swim, visit a new exhibition or sit in your favorite café in a different place than usually. Moving in a new way and making small changes to your daily routine encourages your brain to create new connections, helps you see things from a different angle, and makes you feel safer about change. As you move, your body begins to produce endorphins that make you happier — don’t hold yourself back, let life move with you! Movement brings change and it means that you are close to fulfilling your dreams.

7. Communicate
Spend time with people who support your creativity. At a time when you are encouraging your inner child to come out and be playful, you need playmates, not those who are holding you back. Spend time with those you feel comfortable with, not with those who are closed and skeptical. Choose those who say, “You look great in your cool brightly coloured shirt!”, and not those who ask, “Why are you wearing this weird blouse?” It’s okay if you don’t have supportive friends at first, because the most important thing is that you know what you want and feel that you are on the right track. Start alone and you will see that soon you will meet nice people with the same interests — similarities attract! Creativity needs a safe and positive feeling. This means that you have to acknowledge and praise yourself when something comes out well.

8. Set a specific goal for yourself
Your brain likes clear signals. Therefore, think what is fun for you, what clothes you look great in, what would be your dream home and the perfect job. Cut out pictures, take photos and write what you like. Arrange these pictures as a dream collage for yourself and hang it where you can see it as often as possible. If you are confident in your desires, your creativity finds the opportunities and energy needed to manifest them in your life. Visualization is a very powerful way to create, so be as specific as possible about what you want.

Featured image: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

FOUR REVOLUTIONARY discoveries about love or lack of it

NordenBladet – “Analyzing recent scientific discoveries, it can be said that love is the only medicine that heals. Researchers can confirm with certainty that life is not possible without love and that lack of love is the cause of all diseases and problems,” says Ellen Tõemeel on the website of the Institute of Holistic Therapy.

All indigenous peoples knew about the healing power of love. Legends, myths and fairy tales are laced with wisdom and tell about the power of love. The strongest healing power is attributed to unconditional maternal love — it is the purest form of love. Folk wisdom from ancient times also speaks of the healing power of love. In addition to the use of natural medicinal substances, the healing power of shamans and witches can largely be attributed to their unwavering faith and loving attention to the sick. Today, it is called the placebo effect — a person’s belief in a method of treatment, and that they will be healed, is what heals them. It is estimated that nearly a third of recoveries occur due to the placebo effect.

Today’s scientists have observed and studied love on both a physical and mental level. Important discoveries about the state of love have been made in a wide variety of scientific fields. The nature and effects of love have been studied by physicists, chemists, biologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and cardiologists.

Here are recent revolutionary discoveries about love:
1. Love is the most powerful stimulator of the immune system. From the point of view of healing, the existence of love both inside and around the sick is extremely important. In a loving atmosphere, biochemical processes start in the body, which stimulate healing. The prospects for the recovery of a positive-minded person are quite different from those of a desperate patient. The link between mental disorders and physical illnesses has been scientifically proven: for example, depressed people often have cardiovascular diseases. In addition to traditional therapies, the therapeutic effects of love have also been studied and applied to the treatment of patients with eating disorders.

2. Lack of physical proximity and touch has a devastating effect on the nervous system. Scientific observations have shown that the spinal cord of children who do not experience sufficient physical intimacy withers. In an environment with lack of love, one’s ability to be receptive to oneself and others, and to experience feelings, decreases. A common symptom is mental disorders, which can culminate in chronic physical and mental conditions. In more severe cases it results in psychosis or death.

Cultures where children are shown physical affection are more peaceful. A child who is shown physical affection experiences approval on both a physical and mental level. Positive recognition encourages a child to continue discovering, and their innate potential can be revealed. A child who has received physical affection becomes a bolder, more intelligent and empathetic person than a child whose life lacks positive and appreciative physical contact.

3. For the subconscious that controls 95–99% of our lives, love, food, and information are almost indistinguishable. This is due to the fact that during the formation of the basic patterns of the subconscious, these three all come from one source — the mother. It helps to explain a lot of people’s painful conditions and symptoms. A person suffering from a lack of love may interpret this as a feeling of hunger. The result is so-called emotional eating, where one tries in vain to fill the emotional void within themselves with food. Like overeating, there is an over-consumption of information. People feel a constant hunger for information and consume everything that television, the media and the internet offer to alleviate it. By the end of the day, however, they experience dullness, exhaustion, and feel empty inside. In either case, it is necessary to bring much more love into a person’s life in order to finally eradicate hunger.

4. The amount of love is directly related to a person’s daily thoughts, feelings, behavior and choices. This amount can be influenced by everyone with their consciousness. It does not require effort but will and focus. Accordingly, it is very important to realize that the source of sought-after love is always within the seeker, not somewhere outside. We have the ability to create a loving environment by offering love to others as well as to ourselves. Both sharing and receiving love increase the amount of love in a person’s life.

Photo: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

CHILDREN are our best teachers because they see the world more clearly than adults. How can you be as happy as a child?

NordenBladet – Today’s world and parenting standards strongly dictate how children should be raised, what standards should be followed, and what is “right” and what is “wrong.” Abnormalities are under immediate attention and are even being “treated” with pills.

In fact, parents do children a disservice by vigorously pushing their thoughts and ideas. Imagine being constantly told what to do and what not to do. You stop thinking for yourself, a capsule of indifference or rebellion gradually grows around you and kills emerging creativity. We must not forget that we are all born free and want to live free!

Paulo Coelho has said: “A child can teach an adult three things: being happy for no reason, being busy with something all the time, and how to demand what you desire with all your might.” That is true—children are smart and we have a lot to learn from them.

Children are much better connected to the world than adults because they have the ability to live in the moment and in the present; children do not feel fear and are carefree.

Several scientific studies have shown that people use their subconsciousness from childhood most of the time (almost 95% of the time). Until the age of six, fundamental habits are programmed into our memory and subconscious. Afterwards, these habits control our live—we follow them or try to change them.

Teaching a child how to think and react in certain situations hinders their ability to find solutions to problems on their own. Children are almost always happy, they have no resentment against anyone, they are incredibly forgiving and caring!

Children are always fully aware, attentive, and curious, while adults are prisoners of their own mind and reason, deprived of the simple joys and wonders of life. Children are able to notice small details (such as a tiny insect) much better than adults. Why? Because children are tuned to every frequency and vibration around them.

Most children and adolescents are dominated by Theta and Alpha brain wave patterns. Both are considered to be extremely relaxing to brain activity and come to the fore when our body is completely free from stress. These same brain waves increase creativity and the ability to store large amounts of information that can be stored in long-term memory.

Children know how to be happy. Let’s not cut their wings when they are discovering the world. It is time for us to learn from the little ones, because they can teach us things that have real value.
But how do you change your brain waves? There are many different ways to change your brain waves. One way to change your consciousness and increase your mental strength is by using the power of sounds. Learn how sound frequencies can help you achieve positive results and change your brain waves HERE.

Featured image: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

HOW nalbinding from Scandinavia rose to glory and laid the foundations for today’s handicraft techniques

NordenBladet – Handicraft is no longer considered just a grandmother’s hobby. Among fashion gourmands, knitted, crocheted and embroidered items are highly priced, from sweaters to mittens. Also at fashion weeks you can see more and more knitted, embroidered and crocheted fashion.

If we talk about the history of knitting, we should start with needle weaving or nålbinding*. Nalbinding is an ancient yarn technique. Today, people often associate it with the Vikings and Scandinavia, and in Finland it is considered a special feature of Eastern Finland, although nalbinding has been used in other parts of the world aswell.

However, it is true that a rich selection of words related to needle binding come from Finland: neulakinnastekniikka (nalbound mitten technique), kinnasneula (nalbinding needle), Karelian nieglomus (item made using nalbinding technique), etc. The oldest surviving nalbound item dates from Israel from around 6500 BC. Some fragments also come from Denmark and China. The dead buried in the Tarim River basin found in China about 1000 years ago were wearing nalbound clothes. Later, this type of handicraft spread all over the world: to Peru, Egypt, England and elsewhere. Today, nalbinding is still practiced among the Pemon Indians of Venezuela.

As it was not customary in Finland to burn the dead in ancient times, and the ground there does not preserve textiles well, the first nalbound items date back to around the first millennium BC: mitten fragments from Eura, Mask, Köyliö and Kekomäki, and two different mittens, from Tuukkala, reports neulakintaat.fi. However, the second oldest mittens have survived from the 19th century. In Joutseno, couples wishing to marry had to pay in cash or in nalbound mittens, whereas mittens knitted with needles were not accepted. The reason may be that it is almost impossible to undo the stitches of a nalbound item. Women, and even men, made not only grey work mittens, but also white party mittens, decorated with red and green loops, fringes (in western Finland) and yarn pendants (in eastern Finland), which were customary to give as a thank-you note. Black-and-white mittens or mittens with round decorations were considered Sunday mittens. The jouhikas or fishermen’s work mittens were made from strong animal hair, and in West Karelia men had to make mittens themselves.

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Choose the colour (s) you like and order a beautiful and unique hand-knitted Elisheva & Shoshana knitting (Hat 22.- / Scarf 26.- / Set 42.- ). The order will be completed in about 10 days. Send us your request: info@elishevashoshana.com

At the end of the 19th century, it was assumed in Parikkala that a well-equipped household would have 20 pairs of nalbound socks and mittens. The needles were kept very well and passed on. Items knit in this technique were mostly not sold (everyone could make them), but there were exceptions. At the beginning of the 20th century, the imaginary border of nalbinding tradition went through Sipoo, Tampere and Kokkola: the technique was known to the east of the imaginary border, whereas the Åland Islands were the only point of reference for nalbinding in the west. The imaginary border kept moving eastwards and during the Second World War such mittens were already known as Karelian mittens. Although knitting and crocheting became increasingly popular and the skill of nalbinding began to be forgotten, the needle binding technique was still very popular until the 1950s. Later, however, the two aforementioned techniques took over the Finnish handicraft world, and nalbound mittens were worn by forest workers and reindeer herders alone, who soon began to prefer waterproof mittens bought from shops.

According to the data of the Estonian Sheep Conservation and Breeding Society, the oldest nalbound textile fragments in Estonia date from the 12th to the 13th century. Although over time the technique was forgotten, mittens of this kind still retained their place in wedding rituals. The fragments of the needle binding technique found in Estonian burial sites are mostly spun from coarse yarn, but there is one big difference with Finland: while Estonian mitten fragments have strong aging marks and nalbound mittens were commonly known as felts or felt mittens, a survey conducted in Finland in 1957 revealed that almost no one felted the mittens. Of course, it can be that mittens were turned into felt also in Finland hundreds and hundreds of years ago, simply not being the case anymore. About a dozen nalbound mittens from the 18th and 19th centuries have been stored in Estonia. When you type in keywords “nõelkinnas” (nalbound mitten) and “nõelkindad” (nalbound mittens) in the Estonian museum database MUIS, you will find more modest items than those of our northern neighbours, but in several pairs you can notice colourful wrist parts and the beginning of the Finnish style. Today, interest in nalbinding has started to grow again in Estonia, Finland and elsewhere. Courses and trainings are offered (see, for example, bone processing course / needle binding course on the kultuur.ee website or the needle binding course for beginners at Räpina Horticultural School) to keep this type of handicraft alive.

For each of the previous sections, you could witness the victory of knitting with needles over needle binding. It really was like that. There is not much information on the formation of knitting with needles. It is believed to have evolved from needle binding in Roman Egypt, where stockings and socks were made. However, places and times are difficult to identify because the exploration site does not mean that the fragment originated there and it is often difficult to date the fragments. The first knits to be dated are 13th century Spanish pillows and Egyptian socks. Richard Rutt, a researcher of the history of knitting, has argued that in the past people knitted only in circle, and although in the past it was possible to knit purl stitches for heels, they were used as decoration only from the middle of the 16th century. By the 19th century, flat knitting had become completely common. Today, knittings are produced on machines, but knitting is a widespread hobby all over the world and an important part of almost every culture. There are hundreds of variations in knitting techniques and they vary from region to region. For example, Haapsalu lace and specific types of kiri mittens and chains come from Estonia. In recent years, thousands of different knittings have become fashionable, which has also inspired enthusiasts.

Crocheting is significantly younger than the previous two techniques. It was not until the 16th century that the technique developed as we know it today. There are three theories about the origins of crocheting: its emergence in Arabia and its spread along trade routes, its development among the South American tribes (rite-related crafts) or its emergence in China (the origin of ancient crocheted dolls). However, you can be quite sure of the fact that this type of handicraft evolved from the tambour embroidery technique and spread in Europe in the 19th century as a way of making lace, helping the Irish to survive the famine. Gradually, crocheting also reached Estonia (for making the wrist part of mittens; bags and blanket edges) and became less elaborate over the decades. Today, in addition to knitting, crocheting is one of the most common handicraft techniques in the world, and there are also huge regional variations. For example, Dolce & Gabbana, Rodarte, OHMYGOSSIP Couture, Moschino, Versace and Chanel have used crochet in their collections.

All these handicraft techniques have a long history, but they have reached the modern day and even the catwalk. Let us not consider them obsolete, but admire their beauty and take them up without letting them be forgotten.

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* Nålbinding is a handicraft technique in which textile objects (especially mittens and socks, but also hats, sweaters, etc.) are made of yarn by forming loops and intertwining them with the help of a needle with a single bone or wooden blunt end.

Nalbinding is a likely precursor to loop knitting and crocheting.

The nalbinding technique also allows the use of shorter pieces of yarn and therefore does not require complex spinning technologies.

Probably the nalbinding technique was already known in the Stone Age. In Estonia, the first archaeological finds in the nalbinding technique with remains of objects from the 12th–13th century. From the 17th century onwards, knitting with needles spread in Estonia and the nalbinding technique was forgotten over time, but nalbound mittens made in this way sometimes remained a ritual object in wedding customs. In recent years, those interested in history and handicraft have begun to revive the nalbinding technique.

Photo: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

STUDY: Sleeping with your DOG in bed ensures better sleep

NordenBladet – Have you heard the saying that dogs don’t belong in bed? A recent Mayo Clinic study shows quite the opposite: sleeping with your dog is good for you. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the dog’s presence in the bedroom disturbs people’s sleep or not.

The study included 40 healthy adults with no sleep problems and dogs at least 6 months old. Participants were studied for 7 days.

The results showed that the participants slept much better with their dog. The size of the pet and their night time movement did not play a role here.

One of the authors of the study was Dr. Lois E. Krahn, who said that people tend to think that pets should not be let in the bedroom because they interfere with our sleep. The results showed that sleeping with a dog is a good idea as it gives us a sense of security and calms us down.

Today’s pace of life and lifestyle have led people to work most of the day, so they come home and see their pets only in the evening. People are often away for the whole day. Therefore, it is understandable that people want to spend as much time as possible with their pet while at home. One way to do this is to sleep together in bed.

Dog owners no longer have to worry about whether or not to allow their pet to bed — sleeping with your dog is good for your health. The better you feel, the happier you are!

Photo: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

Plant these herbs in your garden and you will be worriless about mosquitos all summer + PHOTOS!

NordenBladet – Just now is the right time to begin with preparations in the garden – set ready the flowerbeds, grow the plants already in advance. Not a summer night goes by that wouldn’t bother us with the annoying gnats. There are several ways to scare off gnats. NordenBladet reveals to you the means to get rid of the mosquitos as well as bring pleasant herbs on your dinner table.

Since gnats are surely attracted mostly by standing water and body smells (sweat), you might start with the first. Remove all still rainwater from the garden. Further, while working in the garden it is common that sweat would start pouring down the skin, for that occasion the herbs growing in the garden can be helpful in playing a trick on gnats. One can rub the plants between the palms, then rub some on the skin and that is how gnats will stay in a distance.

So, what are the plants that should be growing in the garden?

Culinary sage and rosemary
Both these plants have an intensive smell and smarten up human senses. Should you me making a bonfire in the garden, through some sage or rosemary rods in the fire. For gnats the bunch of smells coming from the smoke is undesirable.


Kuva: Pexels/Monicore

Lavender
Besides mosquitos, lavender will keep off the more dangerous ticks. Lavender is well known as an air refreshing perfume that relaxes the senses. Rub the plant between the palms or directly against the body.


Kuva: Pexels/Brigitte Tohm

Peppermint
Peppermint extract is so strong that it may kill the eggs and larvae of several species. Among others, it also serves as protection against gnats.


Kuva: Pexels/Pixabay

Catmint
Catnip contains a natural chemical nepetalactone that protects against insects. The ether oil gives the young plant the scent of a rose, with time it turns into scent of lemon and that in turn protects against mosquitos.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj6Ax6jFLGc/?tagged=catmint

Basil
Basil also oozes a strong smell. Surveys have shown that basil’s ether oil is toxic for gnat larvae. Since the herb is a household name on the table then you may grow lots of it in the garden, because as a bonus it cuts short the gnats laying eggs.


Kuva: Pexels/Kaboompics.com

Lemon balm
Lemon balm is in the same family as mint and it slightly smells like lemon, It is a herb, yet it also efficiently protects against gnats.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjYJRftgD4Y/?tagged=lemonbalm

Featured image: Pexels/Pixabay
Source: NordenBladet.ee

Finnish gentleman discovers tick trap – during testing 100 ticks were collected in 15 minutes

NordenBladet – The Finnish fellow Reima grew tired of ticks and invented a smart tick trap. During testing within 15 minutes this trap attracted nearly 100 ticks and tick larvae.

Reima Kutila developed a tick trap that from now on he is producing and marketing from his garage. The trap invites ticks with the warmth and carbon dioxide, giving the impression of a passer by, either human or animal, mediates Iltalehti. The trap is made from fabric, with pockets sewn on it, and the pockets are stuffed with pads that are warmed up to 40 degrees, and carbon dioxide is blown from a balloon underneath the fabric.

Iltalehti was witnessing the event when the trap was tested in Espoo and when during 15 minutes 100 ticks and larvae were stuck on it.


Reima Kutila (Extract from Iltalehti video)

Featured image is illustrative: Pexels/Tamar Willoughby
Source: NordenBladet.ee