Strategic Living

Gaye Levy's Tips for Living a Joyful, Healthy & Stress Free Life

  • Home
  • Strategic Living
  • DIY
  • Essential Oils & CBD
  • Prepping
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Resources
  • About

Gaye Levy’s Strategic View

4 Comments

FacebookPinterestEmailSMS
Bread for Survival & Comfort: Five Recipes You Can Make Today
Prepare Your Home and Protect Yourself from Coronavirus
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Today I share with you The Strategic View.  Instead of a  full-blown article, my goal with the Strategic View is to share snippets of news, information, and opinion, as well as an update of what I am personally doing to stay prepared while pursuing what I fondly refer to as a strategic life.

Give it a read and if you are so inclined, leave a comment with suggested topics you would like to see me cover.  Feel free to get upfront and personal, okay?

Most of what I cover today is related to the current COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the globe.

Gaye Levy Strategic View | Strategic Living Blog

The Science Behind Soap

Since last summer, I have become a soap making fiend. Seriously, I love making and using homemade soap. Because of this, I was curious about the science of using soap as an antiviral.

In the simplest of terms, soap works because of the way soap molecules interact with the surface of a virus.  These molecules unglue the virus from a surface and dissolve their fat layer, causing them to fall apart.

Here is an article that explains this process in more detail:  The science of soap – here’s how it kills the coronavirus

Note: beauty bars such as Dove are not soap. They are “syndets” or synthetic detergents. I am not sure whether they work the same or not but just to be safe, use REAL soap to wash your hands.

A while back I posted a soap-making tutorial:  Beginners Guide to Budget-Friendly Hot Process Soap from Scratch.  For the lye-adverse, check out soap making using the melt and pour method: Super Simple Goats Milk & Honey Soap for First Time Soapmakers. 

DIY Soap-based Household Cleaner

For over ten years, I have shunned commercial household cleaners and opted for toxic-free, chemical-free DIY cleaners instead. These cleaners are based on castile soap with the addition of essential oils for an anti-bacterial boost.  It is not too late to start using soap-based household cleaners!

Ingredients:
Liquid Castile Soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s)
Water (preferably distilled or filtered)
Optional:  Antiviral Essential Oils (Oregano, Tea Tree, Immunity Blend, there are many to choose from)
Spray Bottle (I use these glass bottles as well as these plastic bottles)

Directions:
Add 2 tablespoons of liquid castile soap to a 16 oz. spray bottle.  Top with water. 

For an immunity boost, add 20-30 drops of an antimicrobial essential oil.  Right now I am using my DIY immunity blend but in the past have used tea tree, oregano, lavender, cinnamon, and thyme either singly or in combination. Right now, though, I feel that an immunity blend is my best bet.

Give the bottle of cleaner a good shake before using it.  I find that rinsing is not necessary.

Bonus:  this cleaner is safe on all surfaces, including natural stone, granite, and wood.  I sometimes use it to deep clean my cabinets and dining table before using my DIY dusting spray.

One more tip:  I mix up a batch without essential oils in a 2 quart Rubbermaid container.  I add my essential oils when I refill my spray bottles.  In this case, you will add 1/4 cup to the 2-quart container.

A Word About CBD and Your Immune System

Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a lot of bloggers and social media posts alleging that CBD oil can boost your immune system, thus increasing the odds of helping to fight off infection.  Just to be clear, at this point in time I am not one of them.  Maybe it does and maybe it doesn’t.  The bottom line is we just don’t know.

Furthermore, I follow a lot of CBD vendors and to me, it is a travesty that so many are aggressively promoting CBD as a way to combat COVID-19.  Shame on them. 

What CBD can effectively do?  From my own personal experience, CBD can help you manage stress, reduce pain and inflammation, and sleep better.   Again, for me personally, it has been a miracle worker.  As a refresher course, here are the articles I have written so far about CBD.  I hope you find them informative.

What You Need to Know About CBD Oil
What I Learned Using CBD Oil
CBD Dosing: How Much CBD Should I Take?
Homemade CBD Salve that Really Works
Create a CBD Rollerball for Joint & Arthritis Pain Relief

If you are interested in learning more about CBD and the immune system, here is a well-written, science-based article that discusses this topic:  Can CBD help you fight the CoronaVirus and support the Immune System?

BOGO HIGH POTENCY FORMULAS
20% Off Everything Else Using Code GAYELEVY

What is “Novel” About Coronavirus

By now you have read that COVID-19 is a “novel” coronavirus.  So what is up with the term “novel” when used in this context?

Actually, it is used quite literally.  While there are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses, COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. 

So there you go.  Novel denotes “new”. (Source)

Pandemic Gear you May Already Have

Something my husband and I do daily is to take our temperature.  So far so good.  Although we have a fancy-schmancy temporal artery thermometer purchased years ago when I first put together my prepper medical kit, any common fever thermometer work.

Exergen temporal artery thermometer

Something else we do daily is scrub our nails with a nail brush two or three times daily.  If you don’t have a nail brush, consider dedicating an old toothbrush for this purpose.

Summing It All Up

Being an optimist, I truly believe we will get through this and while life may be distressing and even painful in the short term, we will come out the other end as strong or stronger than ever.  That said, there is one thing we all need to do right now.  In two words:

BE KIND

Many people are really hurting right now and in anger, fear, or both, they will lash out at anything.  Don’t be a jerk and lash back.  Practice restraint and be nice.  

Yours for a Joyful Life,
Gaye

Strategic Haul

When I began writing my article Prepare Your Home and Protect Yourself from Coronavirus, I made a point of telling my Facebook followers that I was sickened by the commercialization of the Coronavirus and that I wanted to write a no-pitch post.  I was subsequently asked to please include links to the products that I personally and so, on a limited basis, I did so, especially with the essential oil products I use.  That said, I want to reiterate that the threat of a pandemic is not something we should embrace as a way to make money or to make a political point. Especially the latter.

Here a few items to consider in your quest to stay healthy.

Dr. Bronners Liquid Castile Soap:  This soap is a staple in my cleaning pantry.  It comes in various “flavors” such as peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, rose, almond and more.  These days I prefer the unscented so that I can add my own essential oils in accordance with how I am using the soap.  In addition to the DIY Household cleaner above, I use Dr. Bronners to clean my toilets, mop my floors, and shampoo my dog.  A little goes a long way!

Nitrile Gloves:  At least locally, I am not seeing shortages.  We use nitrile glove in the kitchen for meal prep, when administering first aid, and now, having them on hand for when we venture away from home.  Last I checked, Costco was still well-stocked with nitrile gloves in all sizes.

Protective/Immunity Essential Oil Blends:  I started out using Shield, from Spark Naturals.  Now I make my own immunity blend.  If you prefer a ready-made blend, consider the following from brands I trust:

Plant Therapy Germ Fighter
Now Foods Natures Shield
Edens Garden Fighting Five Blend
Spark Naturals Shield (5ml) or Shield (15ml)

AromaSoft Lifetime Essential Oil Diffuser:  As with many of the products I promote, this diffuser is not going to be the cheapest on the block, although $20 is not bad especially when I used to pay $60 or more for a diffuser.  This BPA-free diffuser puts out a strong mist that can fill a room.  All that in spite of its size.  Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

~~~~

Like this? Be sure to visit Strategic Living on Facebook and Pinterest!  To learn more about Gaye, visit her ABOUT page.

Stay Informed!  Sign up and be the first to learn about something new at Gaye Levy's Strategic Living Blog 


CBD Oil from OrganicaNaturals | Strategic Living Blog

Want to give CBD Oil a try?  Get a 20% discount using code "gayelevy" at checkout.  Free shipping and a 60 day return policy.

~~~


Bread for Survival & Comfort: Five Recipes You Can Make Today
Prepare Your Home and Protect Yourself from Coronavirus

Related Posts:

  • Beginners Guide to Budget-Friendly Hot Process Soap from ScratchBeginners Guide to Budget-Friendly Hot Process Soap…
  • Easy Homemade Melt & Pour Soaps: Interview with Jan BerryEasy Homemade Melt & Pour Soaps: Interview with Jan Berry
  • Who Is Samantha Biggers and Why Should You Care?Who Is Samantha Biggers and Why Should You Care?
Gaye Levy’s Strategic View
FacebookPinterestEmailSMS

Filed Under: Current Events, Strategic View 4 Comments

Comments

  1. Linda Smith says

    March 28, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    Mu neighbor’s sister (whom I had never met) rang my doorbell & presented me with a dozen farm-fresh eggs! She told me if I would leave the empty carton on the porch she would leave me eggs each week because her chickens were laying like crazy. How cool is that?

    Reply
  2. Grammyprepper aka Lee says

    March 28, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    @LindaSmith, that is WAY cool that your neighbor is sharing with you! Wish I had a neighbor like that!

    I use both Plant Therapy’s Germ fighter (roll on that I use before I go out of the house and throughout the day) and Spark Natural’s Sheild (in an inhaler and in our diffuser). I happen to use Now Foods Lemon EO for cleaning and laundry.

    I have an orange peel vinegar ‘cooking’ for cleaning purposes as we speak. I’m letting it sit for a few days more, and that will become my ‘go to’ kitchen cleaner.

    I am with you, Gaye. All these ‘companies’ making claims of ‘cure’/’prevention’ and taking advantage of ppl makes me cringe. I am grateful to have had the guidance of sage folks like you to help me be able to discern which products to choose to use.

    I work in the local grocery store, and I have to tell you, I have seen a lot more kindness lately. Many customers wish us to stay well, thank us for being there and doing our jobs, and bless us with prayers. A regular custome even gave a coworker a package of TP when she mentioned she hadn’t been able to grab any before it ran out!

    I find myself wavering between calm and anxious. And I am not anxiety prone, But I have come to grips with ‘it is what it is’. I have come to terms with the fact that because I am considered ‘essential’, I will likely or already have been exposed. I could ‘hide’ behind the fact that I am considered ‘high risk’. But I am still out there every day, doing my job. I’ve never been one to shy away from adversity, why should this situation be any different? I am being ‘careful’, I am not being ‘stupid’; I am a retired ER nurse, so this situation is not ‘unusual’ to me.

    Gaye, just keep being ‘the voice of reason’. I don’t mind your product links, because a lot of the products I use today came from previous links from you. You are not one of those trying to monetize this crisis. Most of the bloggers I follow are practically ‘giving away’ their books etc. right now. Those whose products I don’t already have, I am trying to support as best I can by not taking advantage of their ‘low’ prices, hoping that what I can give covers someone who maybe can’t afford it right now.

    Keep fighting the good fight! And you and Shelle take care of yourselves.

    Everyone stay as safe as you can, and pray for our country and our leaders in this time of strife!

    Reply
  3. Wanda Hartman says

    March 30, 2020 at 10:06 am

    Gaye,

    Thank you for being you. You have no idea how you’ve inspired me, heck, you led me to a new career in aromatherapy.

    I was all set to launch my website in just a few days offering lotions for quality of life issues and CBD when the President announced the Stay Home guidance. At that point, I didn’t want to be perceived as someone just taking advantage of uninformed consumers so I’ve delayed the business launch.

    Instead, I had a decent supply of alcohol on hand so I began making sanitizer: wipes, spray and hand. I also made a hand salve since all the hand washing makes for dry and cracked hands and fingers. I then offered it to my nurse friends and have been making no-contact deliveries since. A small contribution I can make to my community while staying safe for Covid-19.

    Now, I think I’ll launch in May and in the meantime continue my sanitizer distribution and likely work on product development. The private sales to a small clientele will cover monthly expenses in the meantime.

    Be Well

    Reply
    • Gaye Levy says

      April 8, 2020 at 3:09 pm

      Awwww. You are making me blush!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

CBD FLASH SALE

BOGO HIGH POTENCY FORMULAS
20% Off Everything Else Using Code GAYELEVY

Find it Here

Connect With Me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Meet Gaye Levy

Gaye Levy Oct 2018

Glad to meet you!  Learn more about me here!

 Subscribe via RSS

Great Deals from Amazon

Amazon Banner | Strategic Living Blog

Recent Posts

And Then They Came For Me

CBD for Stress + CBD Holiday Deals

Packaging Food for Long Term Storage Using Mylar Bags and O2 Absorbers

Create a CBD Rollerball for Joint & Arthritis Pain Relief

Stay Informed

Sign up to get newsletters and article updates sent to your inbox!

Privacy Policy

Categories

  • Adult Coloring & Other Hobbies
  • Book Festival
  • Current Events
  • DIY Projects
  • Essential Oils & CBD
  • Low Carb & Keto
  • Preparedness
  • Strategic Living
  • Strategic View

CBD Special Offer

BOGO HIGH POTENCY FORMULAS
20% Off Everything Else Using Code GAYELEVY

Privacy

I take your privacy seriously.  Here is a link to the Strategic Living Privacy Policy.

Affiliate Disclosure

I use affiliate links to help fund this website.  I earn a small commission when you make a purchase and for that I thank you.  This includes links that a part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for bloggers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

All that being said, some links are not affiliate links because I also promote companies and products that do not compensate me in any way.  I only promote products and use myself, most of which are purchased with my own money.

High Quality CBD Oil from OrganicaNaturals

CBD Oil from OrganicaNaturals | Strategic Living Blog

Get a 20% discount using code “gayelevy” at checkout. Free shipping and a 60 day return policy.

Recent Posts

Quote by Martin Niemöller
Using CBD to manage stress and anxiety plus free CBD
Make a CBD Roller Ball for Pain | Strategic Living Blog

Recent Posts

  • Real Prepping for Real Preppers
  • And Then They Came For Me
  • CBD for Stress + CBD Holiday Deals
  • Packaging Food for Long Term Storage Using Mylar Bags and O2 Absorbers

Meet Gaye Levy

I’m Gaye, just an ordinary gal trying to make sense of our changing world. I am addicted to DIY projects, essential oils, grown-up coloring, prepping, and ballroom dancing.

I live what I call a Strategic Life and believe you should too. Everyone needs to live a joyful life that includes wellness, happiness, and comfort.  Won’t you join me?

Click to read more.

Find It Here

Stay Informed!

Stay Informed!  Sign up for my newsletter and be the first to learn when something new is posted at Strategic Living 

Privacy Policy

I take your privacy seriously.  Here is a link to the Strategic Living Privacy Policy.

COPYRIGHT 2021 GAYE LEVY · STRATEGIC LIVING · BACKDOOR SURVIVAL LLC · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

DISCLOSURE: SOME OF THE LINKS ON THIS WEBSITE MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS. WHEN YOU MAKE A PURCHASE FROM THESE LINKS, I EARN A SMALL COMMISSION. WHILE COMMISSIONS ALLOW ME TO KEEP THIS SITE 100% FREE, I ONLY ENDORSE PRODUCTS I USE MYSELF AND TRUST.

I take your privacy seriously.  Here is a link to the Strategic Living Privacy Policy.