The fragrant blossoms of indoor citrus are especially inviting during the winter. Scented plants like these fill many roles. They mask stale cooking odors. Fragrances act as much needed stimulants.
Aromatic essential oils of fruits and other plant materials serve the same purpose. To learn more about aromatherapy, there's no better source than "Aromatherapy 101" by Karen Downes, available from Hay House, Inc. This empowering guide is very reader-friendly. The introduction serves as a great primer on aromatherapy. She lists the plants, including a number of fruits, alphabetically by common name.
Pamper yourself during the winter months. Create your own in-home spa products made from fruits. Many kinds of skin and body care items are easily made at home.
Learn about making and using such skin care products from expert Julia Busch, author of "Treat Your Face Like A Salad," published by Anti-Aging Press, Inc. This enjoyable, informative book walks you through every step of body care and facials from cleansers to moisturizers featuring avocado oil and toners.
Follow a diet rich in health- giving fruits. These tend to have high antioxidant contents. Proper nutrition is especially important in the winter.
Winter is a great time to try some new fruit recipes. A wonderful place to start is "The All New Good Housekeeping Cook Book" from Hearst Books. This high-quality hardcover with over 1500 recipes and 600 color photographs is especially suitable for novices because it includes all the basic how-to's that new cooks need. Whatever kinds of recipes you like this volume has it. So many cookbooks refuse to lie flat, but not this one.
Interacting with nature is an antidote to seasonal stress. Keep those bird feeders stocked with cold-weather goodies, including fruits.
Feather your nest with fruit-themed interior designs. 'Trompe L' O Eil-Creating Decorative Illusions With Paint" by Roberta Gordon-Smith from North Light Books (F & W Publications, Inc.) features numerous projects with fruits. With color illustrations, this great guide gives you everything you need to know in order to complete wonderful interior landscapes.
Quilters can choose from many fruit-related projects for winter. Some are featured in "Garden View Applique-Vintage Album Patterns" by Faye Labanaris, available from the American Quilter's Society. This marvelous how-to book features all-color, step-by-step instructions. It contains patterns for 45 different projects.
