Loosen the Binds, They're College Bound

People ask me which child is harder to let go, a son or a daughter. Seems like a ridiculous question but does cause a parent to pause and be honest with ourselves if we subconsciously have different expectations between our children.

With my daughter it was a day of emotional turmoil as she and myself worried how we would handle the college move-in day without making spectacles of ourselves at the moment of parting. Of course we did, but in our defense we blended right in with the other blubbering mothers.

 That scenario was a bit more one-sided when it came time for our son to make his departure. He has had one foot out the door for months and was very ready to begin a new chapter in his life. Our daughter was just as ready to spread her wings but I have to admit we did hover over her a bit longer. With our son we were more conscious of embarrassing him in front of his peers. His eye contact before saying good-bye relayed the message to me, 'Call me later when we can talk, just be cool for now'.

My husband and I think it funny to think back only 10 - 20 years and how things have changed. Dorm rooms are the same size as they always were, yet somehow students back then managed to fit stereo systems complete with oversize speakers, desk computers with their huge monitors, and even a TV set. Now we send them off with a laptop computer, and hand-held devices, all of which take up minimal space, yet their rooms still need organizational maneuvering. Even the bed-side table has no need for a phone and alarm clock, just a docking station.

Always the mom, I put together an assortment of "what if" items from my Meadow Muffin Gardens shop. The idea is the hope of covering the bases for ailments that result in a phone call home; of which there is little for me to do from here.

Care Package
Students on their own are often challenged with stress overload, time management challenges, sleep deprivation, and susceptibility to illness. My policy is "first do no harm", so before they rush to the drug store and use products haphazardly, I'd hope they'd at least try the natural route first. Our bodies really do want to heal themselves and once back in balance, ailments often resolve themselves.

This Care Package assortment contains natural means of handling things like headaches, anxiety, sleeplessness, blemishes, sore muscles, as well as odor and germ control. The links below will take you into the Meadow Muffin Gardens shop to read about each item in more detail.


Sleep Aid Linen or Air Spray

















This linen and air spray is ideal for the anxious student who has trouble relaxing the mind and body. This calming, pleasant smelling spray is a great form of aromatherapy appealing to both guys and girls.



Foot or Shoe Odor Powder

















Laundry duties are not always high on a busy student's agenda, therefore the hamper can develop nasty odors. The same goes for athletic bags and shoes worn without socks, and the smelly feet themselves. This Stinkfoot Powder is great for absorbing moisture and freshening offending odors.


Blemish Spot Treatment Astringent

















Change in routine, diet, sleep habits and stress all contribute to annoying facial, chest and back break-outs. Our Herbal Vinegar Blemish Treatment packs a powerful punch by utilizing the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of various medicinal herbs infused in apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is known for balancing skin pH. This blend can be used as a facial astringent (diluted) or as a spot treatment on the blemish itself.


Rosemary n' Lavender Body Spray

















Girls can use as a body spray and guys would probably use it as an air spray around their desk. Either way this blend is a great combination to get going in the morning or as a pick-me-up to help with concentration while studying. Lavender helps one relax and Rosemary perks up the brain.


Germ Fighting Air n' Surface Spray













With so many people living in close quarters, dorm rooms are a breeding ground for germs. This essential oil blend has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties very helpful to destroy germs on surfaces such as computer keyboards, phones, door knobs, bathrooms, and so on.


Muscle Ache Overexertion Balm

















Overexertion from athletic training, gym workouts or just an action packed weekend can easily result in sore, achy muscles. Herbal oils, aromatherapy and beeswax combine to form a balm wonderful for relief from those aches and pains.


Tension Headache, Muscle Ache Massage Oil

















Muscular tension in the neck, shoulders and back are often the result of intense concentration, incorrect posture or sitting at a desk for long periods of time without stretching.
The essential oil blend relaxes jangled nerves and helps reduce inflammation.


Immune System Booster

 Elderberries have long been used in herbal medicine in the form of a syrup to be taken daily during cold season to boost the immune system or as a natural remedy to aid the body in its fight against a cold or fever. It can be taken right off a spoon or added to hot water to drink as a tea.
This item isn't part of the care package since it needs to be refrigerated and not all students have access to a refrigerator. If interested and you want it to be included in the care package just add its listing to your purchase .

 Hopefully our now adult children will take care of themselves, but it is comforting to know that they are prepared to handle issues as they pop up so little annoyances don't develop into actual illness.