Monday, November 2, 2009

Magical Full Moon Monday!


It has been a long gorgeous summer.... Finally we are seeing a bit of Autumn in the South.
Halloween was tons of fun... costume parties, pumpkin carving and pumpkin seeds!

It is always interesting how the cooler weather and the shorter days bring us back into balance!
I am enjoying the crisp night air... and looking forward to being able to get back into the kitchen... and sharing my Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Recipe....


Saturday, June 20, 2009

Summer is here!

As we steam into the first official days of summer...we can enjoy the fruit our spring labors...the scent of basil blooming, the taste of sun sweet tomatoes, and the beauty of flowers galore! Butterflies flitting and dragonflies zipping to and fro...leaving streaks of color as they go!

A friend of mine inspired me to make a salsa out of something other than your normal tomatoes and peppers. Specific for people with food sensitivities. I am going to call it: 

Alice's Salsa Verde

1 fresh pineapple chopped in small chunks
1 small cucumber 
1 small vidalia onion chopped
1/2 pablano pepper or pepper of your choice
1 lemon , zest and juice 
1 bunch of flat leaf parsley chopped
1 pinch sea salt
 jalepeno sauce (optional extra kick)

Preparation: Chop onion, cucumber, parsley and pepper and mix in a bowl with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Add a pinch of sea salt to bring all the flavors together. Then add chopped pineapple. Mix well and serve. Not only good with chips, but great over a mild fish and a bed of quinoa! Keep in mind you can add more or exchange things like lime or orange for the lemon, or add garlic.... There endless possibilities with the lush garden selections available during the summer season!

Today I was reminded of the interconnectedness of the web of life! I opened to the 44th verse in the Toa Te Ching amidst a very disconnected moment...

Which means more to you,
you or your renown?
Which brings more to you,
you or what you own?
I say what you gain
is more trouble than what you lose.

Love is the fruit of sacrifice.
Wealth is the fruit of generosity.

A contented man is never disappointed.
He who knows when to stop is preserved from peril,
only thus can you endure long.

It was clearly the perspective needed in the moment!

The garden reminds me to live in a state of pure gratitude!
What reminds you?


-Take every opportunity given to love!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009



This has been a week full of testing boundaries. My daughters and I embarked on the journey of The Next Chapter, Wreck This Journal. Thank goodness for Bach Flower Essences and Peace and Calming Oil!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Birthdays!


Today is the beginning of my 35th year! It is amazing to stand here now and acknowledge all of my struggles and triumphs. Realizing the magnificent beauty that lies in this very moment. This year I have had an amazing epiphany... 
Once we get passed "Our Story" can we begin truly living our lives... even though, through the culmination of "our story" have we become the magnificent beings that we are...we have to let go of that to truly see our life's potential... living life in the present... 
I am excited about this 35th year! I am sure it will be the best one yet! 

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Wasp Stings!

A beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon... and all of a sudden blood curdling screams emanating from the trees! My youngest daughter of  8, Alexis, has been stung by a wasp! The perfect fix is a paste made from baking soda and water and a few drops of lavender essential oil... Takes the sting right out. If there is a stinger left in, use a paste made from tobacco and apply. 

Peace has been restored! 

Friday, May 15, 2009

Sprouting Soon!

Soon I will begin posting fun and intersting facts and recipes for making your own
herbal apothecary products!

Love and Blessings

BUGGY?

Summer is coming in full tilt. The garden is alive with beautiful blooms and veggies galore. The morning air is filled with the chirping of baby birds and the clicking of the bug kingdom. Do you know there are several natural alternatives for relief from these pesky life forms, that are not toxic to our bodies or the planet?

Neem (Melia azadirachta) spray is an excellent insect repellant. There is a company that makes a great neem bug repellant called Neema Aura. Where I live the mosquitos in the summer could pick you up and carry you away. It is also good for your pets! ( It can also be sprayed in the garden. )

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil is excellent for our pets as a flea repellant. A few drops brushed through your animals fur can help deter the pesky fleas.

If you do happen to get a few mosquito bites, or happen to land in a mess of fire ants, as I do many times while working in the garden, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil is an excellent fix. Just a drop applied directly to the bite area will offer great relief!

May we all be thank-full for the blessings of  Summer!