The beginning of August is the celebration of Lughnasadh, one of 4 primary festivals on the Celtic calendar which were observed across Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The others are Samhain (harvest and winter prep); Imbolc (end of winter and lambing season); and Beltane (summer!). The Celts lives revolved around periods of light… Continue reading A Mid-Summer’s Day Dream
Category: herbs
After Sun Spray
The golden rays of the summer sun feel so amazing on the white skin of those of us in the northeast! Yet sometimes, our pale skin may feel overloaded afterwards as the tender pink evidence reveals too much of a good thing. Pamper your skin with this "After Sun Spray." Lavender and Copaiba both help… Continue reading After Sun Spray
Kitchen Face Masks
This whole post goes back to the philosophy that what we need is always found naturally. Commercial beauty products are full of so many unwanted ingredients that do not belong on our skin. Just taking the time for myself for a little pampering is always a welcome moment, but knowing that what I am using… Continue reading Kitchen Face Masks
The Teeth of the Lion
"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Or rediscovered. The bright yellow, happy dandelion that announces the arrival of spring every year has been turned into a common weed from its once eloquent position as a treasured flower. Just as soon as they pop up, many… Continue reading The Teeth of the Lion
Stop Stinky Stompers
Our feet sweat. Our shoes then smell. The time eventually comes where an intervention is needed. Soccer cleats, running shoes, ski and snowboarding boots all can be refreshed with these muslin bags. They are easy to pop in and out of one pair of shoes to another. These shoe inserts combine the odor absorption power… Continue reading Stop Stinky Stompers
Poppy Blooms
During the first spring in my current home, I noticed the spiky green leaves unfurling in a unruly flower bed. I thought it was some sore of thistle. The round ball of green held itself tightly together for several days. Then one morning--bam! This beautiful red flower with its black center had burst into bloom. … Continue reading Poppy Blooms
Cleansing Wipes Are Wiped Out
Recent health threats of a new virus have caused Americans to stockpile toilet paper and cleaning supplies. On a recent trip to Target, the toilet paper was well stocked, but the shelves of disinfecting wipes were left bare. The store was also wiped clean of hand sanitizer. Recently I had made my own batch of… Continue reading Cleansing Wipes Are Wiped Out
Throat Spray
My 13 year old daughter developed a classic upper respiratory illness. Her cold symptoms included cough and congestion, but her main complaint the first couple of days was her sore throat. I gave her a tablet of ibuprofen to help with the discomfort during the day, but I also wanted to help the actual problem,… Continue reading Throat Spray
Back to Basics
This nettle and oatstraw combination is one of the first three tinctures that I learned to make many moons ago. This is a simple overall body tonic, and these two herbs are popular and easy to source. A tincture is a extract involving herbs that soak in a menstruum, or base liquid of alcohol or… Continue reading Back to Basics
The Pink Lily Pad and Two Tadpoles 