Thyme for Herbs

The Daylily Garden is Done!

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:29:00 +0000

Finally! The new daylily garden is done. My husband edged the whole thing on hands and knees, while I moved mulch from our 10-yard pile. It took us weeks because of the weather, other obligations, and just plain old age -- we don't work for hours at a time like we used to.
I hate to admit it but this will be the last time I try to spread mulch by myself. Since the plants were already in, I had to drop it be the handfuls; but now that it is finished, I feel it was worth it. Hopefully it will last for a few years and help to hold back the weeds, but the next time it needs to be done, I will have a work party and offer to feed my family/workers a great meal.
This fall I'll be transplanting still more daylilies from my daughter's yard where they were housed during the sale of my previous house and the move here. There are a few openings left for the new plants and I have a long border garden along my driveway that is ready and waiting. I can't wait for daylily time (mostly July, but can be the end of June to September) to see how much color I get this year. But for right now I am just enjoying the fruits of my labor and this glorious spring. The Daylily Garden is Done !!!

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Make Your Own Cherry Bird Suet Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

A lot of songbirds are attracted to fruit, as you well know if you are trying to grow apples, peaches, pears or grapes!
Keep them away from your crop, by offering something of their own. Hang this suet cake away from your garden and keep the birds on the opposite side of the yard.

2 c. rendered suet
1 c. chunky peanut butter
1 c. canned or dried cherries
1 c. rolled oats
1/2 c, sugar
1 c. hulled sunflower seed
1 c. crushed graham crackers
1/2 c. whole-wheat flour
1 T. fine sand

Melt suet in a saucepan over low heat. Add peanut butter, stirring until melted and well blended and reserve. If using canned cherries, drain well and mix with the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Allow the suet-peanut butter blend to cool until slightly thickened, and then stir it into the mixture in the bowl. If necessary, add more flour to reach a firm consistency. Fill chosen container or press into a plastic lined cookie sheet or cake pan and freeze until hardened. Cut into squares to fit suet cages. Keep remainder in a bag in the freezer.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Homemade Suet Cakes

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

All of a sudden the bird calls fill the air. The bird activity is so great, you wonder why they don't run into each other while flying. Maybe they have their own highway system and driving rules; such as, fly on the right side of the air path and dip the wing for a right turn blinker. They are busy making nests and preparing to produce little carbon copies of themselves. For this, they need lots of energy which can be found in homemade suet cakes.
Buying suet cakes to keep up with these hungry little guys can be expensive. I've found several home made suet cake recipes that I will be sharing. It's fun and easy.
Many recipes call for rendered suet which just means that you should heat it over low heat and pour through a strainer or cloth to make sure there are no meat particles left behind. You can purchase the suet at your meat market or butcher shop. Sometimes it has been rendered for you.
You can add some seeds from your last year's vegetable garden. Dry them well first and save them in a baggie in the refrigerator to keep them fresh until your are ready for the next year's use, if you are not planning on using them right away. Or buy seeds in bulk at your local farm store.

2 c. rendered suet
(use all or any combination of the following seeds, but keep the total amount equal in order to take up the bulk)
1/2 c. hulled sunflower seed
1/2 c. flax seed
1/2 c. cantaloupe or watermelon seeds
1/2 c.safflower seeds
1/2 c. thistle seeds
1/2 c. pumpkin or squash seeds

Melt the suet in a saucepan over low heat. Allow it to cool thoroughly, and then reheat it. Mix the seeds together in a large bowl. Allow the suet to cool until slightly thickened, and then stir it into the mixture in the bowl. Mix thoroughly. Cool until you can handle it. Shape into cakes that will fit in your feeder or press into chosen molds ( I saved the plastic mold from purchased cakes I had used previously) Refrigerate until hard. Serve and keep remainder in a marked bag in the freezer.

You can also mold these into a ball shape and drop into a mesh onion bag you have saved. It's a great way to re-purpose items. Tie the bag tightly on both ends before hanging in a tree. Some birds love to cling to the side of the bag while it swings gently in the tree.
Now get busy, make your own suet cakes, your feathered friends will thank you.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Orange Star Flower Resurgence

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:02:00 +0000

In December, I wrote about an Orange Star Flower that I had received for Mother's Day 2011 that was beginning to emerge from hibernation after I had placed it in a closet. I had hopes that I could force it to bloom before its time. But little did I know of this particular plant.
Although the greenery began to grow, it did not begin to bloom until it was good and ready. Here it is, just in time for this year's Mother's Day. It is not quite as prolific with orange stars as it had been when I first received it, but it is thriving nicely. And it looks like there are more blooms to come throughout the spring and summer.
Until my daughter gave this plant to me, I had not heard of it before. I think it is fast becoming one of my favorites.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Square Foot Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:31:00 +0000

This year I am going forward with my Square Foot Gardening plans. If you've never heard of it, you really should look into this method. I've wanted to do this for years, but finally I have the place and opportunity, as well as a retired husband to help me out! It looks like it's going to be a very good day, weather-wise. Blue skies and warming temps.We have to move more quickly now; it's almost time to get the planting done. Here are some pictures of how we have begun to set it up.

I'm heading out soon to a flea market, the first of the season in my area. I'm hoping to find some good deals, maybe some garden treasures. Then we're back home to work outside. The mulch is being delivered this morning, also; that's always exciting. I love the fresh smell of the wood. But then the back breaking work begins. We move a little slower this year, there have been a few injuries since last summer, and we take more rests. I hate getting older. It interferes with my gardening plans big time.

Square Foot Gardening is perfect the solution for us. Everything is within easy reach. It's a sensible way to approach vegetable gardening, allowing you to plant exactly what you want in a small area; therefore easy to weed and take care of.
Square Foot Gardening was started by Mel Bartholomew in the '80s. I've owned his book ever since, my copy is dated 1981, and so now is the time to give it a try. Follow along with me on my journey into a new world of vegetable and herb gardening.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herb eBooks

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:08:00 +0000

Have you noticed the Herbs Gone Wild ebook series in my right column at Amazon? I am so happy and proud of my good friend Diane Kidman that I just had to post her widgets. Diane is a blogger at dkmommyspot and An Uncommon Thread. And now she has finally achieved her dream of becoming an author. Her three books have been consistently in the top ten herb ebooks at Amazon, often reaching the coveted number one spot.
Diane has spent several years studying and taking a course with the famous herbalist Michael Moore. And now she has put all of her knowledge to use by writing these three witty and helpful herb books.

Herbs Gone Wild! Ancient Remedies Turned Loose, is filled with suggestions on how to use the everyday herbs you grow in your garden (and others you might need to purchase) as health aides for your family. The following product descriptions will give you a good idea of what these books are all about:
Whether it's cold and flu viruses, high blood pressure, or arthritis, herbs have offered reliable relief for centuries. Herbs Gone Wild! (Volume 1 of the Herbs Gone Wild! Series) shares practical remedies in an entertaining and easy-to-read format so you can be your family's home herbalist. Learn what herbs to use for cold and flu symptoms, first aid, general aches and pains, and more. Medicinal teas and tinctures with proper dosages are laid out simply. You'll even learn how to make your own tinctures and salves, saving money and improving your family's health naturally. And with the help of the Herbal Medicine Chest guide at the end of the book, you'll be able to quickly reference over 70 herbs for home use.

Diane's second book in the series is Beauty Gone Wild! Recipes for Gorgeous Skin and Hair. Once again it is very easy and fun to read. I found my self wanting to create some herb recipes right away and get started experimenting with her suggestions.
Tired of forking over large amounts of money for fancy-pants lotions, creams, hair care products, and perfumes? Want to get rid of your cupboard of chemical cocktails disguised as deodorants and toothpaste? In Beauty Gone Wild! (Volume II of the Herbs Gone Wild! Series) you'll learn how to save a ton of money while avoiding harmful ingredients by making your own herb-based beauty care products. The instructions are easy, the ingredients pure and natural. The best part? It's fun. And the results are phenomenal. The moisturizing cream recipe alone is worth the read!

And the newest of the three part series is Hair Gone Wild! Recipes and Remedies for Natural Tresses.
I think this one was the most enjoyable for me. What girl doesn't like to fuss with her hair. And we all have one problem or another whether it's too curly or straight, thick or thin, and maybe the color is not the correct shade to suit us.
Tired of your hair's unruly behavior? Ready for some natural hair care that not only works but brings your hair's true beauty to light? Whether you're looking for a few quick remedies to end your hair woes, or you're ready to go all out and learn the magic behind the no 'poo phenomenon, Hair Gone Wild! will take you there with easy-to-understand instructions and a good dose of that most ancient of remedies, humor. Everything from how to make homemade hairspray and gels to how to ditch the shampoo and grow magnificently manageable hair that you'll finally love!

I'm sure you'll love these books as much as I do. Pop over to the side bar and give one a try!
Congratulations, Diane, on the publication of your books and the start of a new career!

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Earth Day 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:25:00 +0000

It's Earth Day once again. How did that year spin by so fast? A lot has happened in my life in that time, and I'm sure it has in yours, too.
We all love our Earth. It's so beautiful with its green and blue on the outside. Move a little closer and you see all the colors of the rainbow, both in geography and people. For me today is a time to reflect on the Earth and what we can do as individuals to make it better.
Each year I try to go a step forward in doing my part. I now use organic sprays on my fruit trees, try to encourage bees to come live in my garden, put up lots of bird houses and feeders, and water only when necessary. Today I am finally taking another step I have always wanted to do. I am buying a compost maker. We have had many plans to make our own compost pile in the past, but when you live in the city, it's not always an option. Although I do live at the start of the north woods in Michigan, ( I'm actually in the Manistee National Forest area) I am still in a suburban setting, where all houses have large 2 acre lots. I could have a compost pile if I wanted, but it would take away precious space from the areas that I have plans for other projects; therefore, we decided to buy a small composter. Just enough for the two of us and our leftovers. It's just one more step to going green. Compost makers save on your garbage accumulation, and at the same time makes something wonderful for your garden know as "black gold."
Next I'm saving for a rain barrel, but that's for another day.
So you see, you don't have to jump right in and do everything at once that is on your list for helping the earth. Just make a start. If each of us does one little thing and sticks to it, it will make a big difference.
Go ahead and take that first step. You'll be proud of yourself and Mother Earth will be proud of you, too! Happy Earth Day!

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Daybreak Magnolia

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:47:00 +0000

Isn't it gorgeous? This is my newest garden member. It's called "Daybreak" Magnolia. The Thundercloud Plum that used to live in this spot is now in the back yard, and loving it!
Once I saw this tree at the nursery, there was no going back, even though I did not go there to buy a magnolia. This is not only a beautiful specimen of the magnolia tree, it is practical, too. The late Dr. August Kehr, a famous magnolia hybridizer, considered it to be his finest creation. The huge blossoms are fragrant and a beautiful rose-pink, which Dr. Kehr named as "light Neyron rose." And the best part of this particular tree is that it was hybridized to bloom in the late spring, in my area that will be late April to early May, so it should avoid all frost damage. Well, this is Michigan, after all, so I won't count my chickens.
My new tree will spread to about 15 feet total ( 7 1/2 feet from the trunk) and reach 20-25 feet tall. I planned it far enough away from the daylily garden so when mature, it will only cast a shadow in the very late afternoon, but will still provide shade for a weary garden sitting with her afternoon tea.
My Daybreak Magnolia is so lovely, I may be out in the garden at daybreak just to admire the lovely blooms in the morning.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

My 2012 Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Spring has arrived and I'm back to gardening in my new 2012 garden. After working on and planning it all last year, this will be the first full summer of it's growth in my new home.

We have had the warmest March ever in recorded weather history for my part of Western Michigan, and it has been wonderful. Of course, that means that everything is blooming early, and that can mean danger for some plants in the garden. They started popping their lovely heads above ground only to be hit by a freezing rain on the last day of March.

The daffodils took it all in stride. No damage done to the rhododendrons, either. Actually, the only visible result was a beautiful glass effect on the tree branches. The day before this ice storm hit, I had moved the Thundercloud Plum you see pictured above to a new location in the back yard. It's branches were bent over with the weight, and I was sure it would not survive the shock of it all. But later in the day, as the ice started to fall from trees in chunks, the branches popped right back up, and now my little tree looks very healthy.

And of course, the daylilies didn't seem to notice that anything had gone awry, little troopers that they are. There's a lot to be done yet, with mulching, etc, but we are way ahead of schedule with the spring yard work and it feels good. The big excitement this year will be watching this first batch of moved daylilies (8o) grow in their new home. I still have about 40 to dig in the fall if they are large enough to split. I am also starting a new vegetable garden in the Square Foot Gardening plan laid out by Mel Bartholomew. I have always wanted to try it and this yard is perfect for it, as well as the fact that we are getting older and large plots no longer work for us.

The summer of 2012 looks to be a very fun gardening year. There's nothing like the anticipation of what will come!

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Health and Beauty -- Peppermint Hair Rinse

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This is a nice rinse to follow the garlic conditioner. Peppermint always makes everything smell so fresh. This is especially good for oily hair.

10 T. chopped peppermint leaves
2 pints soft water ( rain water works well)
2 pints cider vinegar

Put the peppermint leaves in a pan; pour in water and brig slowly to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and infuse for 1 hour.
Strain the infusion and stir in the vinegar.
Pour into bottles, cover, and label.
Use about 1/2 pt. of the rinse after shampooing.

Makes 1/2 gallon

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Garlic and Oil Conditioner

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:46:00 +0000

My mother went to beauty school when she was 18 years old back in 1945. She never completed it because she met and married my father shortly after. Since he had recently returned form World War II they decided to start a family right away. I was born 11 months later. Mom was thrilled to have a girl so she could try out everything she knew about beauty. I remember her putting "hot oil treatments" on my hair which was heated castor oil, then she wrapped my head with a towel. and 15 minutes later lathered my head up with a good shampoo. She always followed with a vinegar rinse. I must say I often got compliments for my shiny hair when I was about 8-10 years old, so I guess it worked. But mostly I loved that bonding time with my mother fussing over me for hours.
This conditioner recipe reminded me of that old fashioned, gentler time, Mom never used the garlic which is great for healing an itchy scalp with its antiseptic qualities.

10 large cloves of garlic, crushed
1/2 c castor oil

Stir the garlic and castor oil thoroughly, cover and infuse for two days. Strain into a bottle, cover and label.
Massage the oil into the scalp, wrap the head in a towel, and leave on for about 1 hour; shampoo with an aromatic herbal shampoo.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Steaming Facial

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Give yourself a facial with steam; it's so relaxing and is good for your skin.
Choose your favorite herbs so the scent will be enjoyable.

2 cups fresh herbs or 1 cup dried herbs ( try lavender, or peppermint)
hot water ( not boiling)

Place the herbs in a bowl, and stir well.
Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.
Steam your face for 5 minutes.
If your skin is extra dry, massage in a little moisturizing cream after the facial.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Mint Astringent

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

After a gentle face washing with your new herbal soap in the morning, splash on some mint astringent to refresh your face and close the pours. And it smells so good!!!

2 T. chopped mint
4 T. cider vinegar
2 1/2 c. distilled water

Put the mint and vinegar in a jar with a lid; cover and infuse for seven days.
Strain out the mints leaves and pour in the distilled water. Mix well.
Pour in a clean bottle, cover with lid, and label.
Shake well before using.
Makes 2 1/2 cups

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Rose Petal Cold Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

There's no need to buy expensive night creams when you can easily make your own. Yes, there's a bit of fuss with the double boilers, but it's worth it, not only for your face but in your pocketbook as well. This mixture does not contain any herbs, but rather use roses. It might better be made in your gardening season when the rose petals are readily available, saving even more money. It's great for all skin types.

1 1/2 c. of scented rose petals
6 T. olive oil
1 1/2 T. purified beeswax
about 1 t. distilled water

Check the rose petals and discard any damaged ones.
Put the olive oil in the top of a double boiler and heat gently.
Stir in as many rose petals as the oil can take up.
Remove from heat. cover and infuse for seven days.
Strain the oil through a non-metallic strainer, pressing the petals against the sides to extract as much oil as possible .
Melt the beeswax in a bowl over simmering water, then gradually stir in the fragrant oil.
Remove from the heat and add the water, drop by drop, until the cream has the consistency you like.
Pour the cream into a clean jar; cover and label.
Makes 1/2 cup

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Lavender Cleansing Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

If you have dry skin, cleansing with a cream instead of soap is almost a must. Soap can be quite drying. This cleansing cream will make your skin glow like a new born baby's and the lavender scent will relax you. It's especially good at night and will send you off to dreamland in no time. Most supplies can be found at a health food store or online.

6 teaspoons almond oil
10 teaspoons grated white wax
3 teaspoons lavender water
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 drop oil of lavender (opt.)

Melt the oil and wax in the top of a double boiler.
Remove from heat, cool slightly; then beat in the lavender water, cider vinegar, and oil of lavender if you use it.
Pour the cream into a clean, lidded jar. DO NOT REFRIGERATE.

When ready to use, smooth the fragrant milk over your face and neck, avoiding around the eyes.
Remove with cotton balls.

Makes about 1 cup.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Gardening on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:10:00 +0000

Gardening on a Budget

Guest Post: This post was written by guest writer James Lander. Lander is a regular contributor over at couponing site, Couponing. The site provides information on couponing etiquette and frugal living advice.

Gardening is a pastime that has drawn enthusiasts for centuries from all different backgrounds that garden for all different reasons. Many people who garden find it to be a highly positive force within their lives, either financially or simply for the pleasure that it brings. Gardening has experienced a rise in popularity recently as more people not only try to avoid high produce costs by planting their own crops, but as consumers grow increasingly wary of the mass-produced food found in many grocery stores. Then again, there are the gardeners who do it just because growing their own garden is so rewarding.

· Reuse equipment (from the garden and otherwise!) - One of the easiest ways to rack up a big gardening bill is by purchasing expensive gardening tools. Most gardeners only need the basics – some shears, a hoe, a shovel – and these don't need to be brand new every season. Likewise, when you find that you do need to add something to your toolbox, look around your house first to see if you can repurpose something you already own.

· Go organic – Again, not investing in outside materials is a great way to keep costs down, and this applies to the chemicals many gardeners feel are essential as well. By not using pesticides or fertilizers, you eliminate a significant cost for small gardeners. Instead, look into natural pest control options and consider composting in place of using store-bought fertilizers.

· Limit your water consumption – Buy seeds and plants that don't need a ton of water to thrive. Watering your plants throughout the day uses more water than most gardeners realize, and can be a huge financial drain. Consider making your own soaker hose, which allows your garden to be slowly watered all day, versus sprinklers or traditional hoses that waste water and don't get better plant coverage.

· Barter for your seeds – Although many gardeners prefer to start with seedlings, it is much less expensive to buy seeds and plant them instead, so opt for this option when you can. Many gardening communities also encourage a system of bartering and trading for goods and services, which is an excellent opportunity for you to save on allover costs by offering something else of value in place of money.

· Buy in bulk – This strategy works best for experienced gardeners who know what they and their families like to eat. Getting the bulk discount rate on a flat of tomato plants is still a waste of money if no one is going to eat them; if you've got a favorite vegetable to plant, you can often get a huge discount by buying larger quantities at a plant sale or from another independent resource. Nurseries are among the most expensive outlets for plant and seed purchases; look for deals from co-ops, plant sales, and online from individual gardeners.

· Garden together – Not only is gardening with friends or a gardening community more cost-effective, it's more fun! By sharing a plot of land with friends or neighbors, you reduce the amount of materials you have to provide. In addition, being part of a community garden allows you to reap the benefits of your neighbors' success and enjoy a greater diversity of produce in your harvest.

With spring just around the corner, avid gardeners are gearing up for the new planting season, and many are looking to do it on a budget. Frugal gardeners are on the rise; while the work they do may be hard, finding ways to save are easy.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Herb Honey Soap

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I've had grand ideas before of making soap and either selling it or giving it as gifts. It was going to be my "specialty", what I was known for, until I found out how messy and dangerous it can be. This recipe is a shortcut and works, smells, and looks just as good. Plan ahead because this formula can take a few weeks to harden.

10 T. grated castile soap (olive oil based soap)
1/2 t. olive oil
2 t. clear honey
2-3 drops of essential oil, such as rosemary or lavender
cupcake papers

Put the grated soap in the top of a double boiler, or a bowl in the microwave set on low power. Melt the soap.
Stir in the olive oil, a drop or two at a time.
Stir in the honey and essential oil.
Remove from heat.
Continue to stir until mixture is well-blended.
Pout into molds such as waxpaper cupcakes papers, and leave undisturbed to harden. ( may take up to two weeks)
Unmold and wrap in waxpaper to store.

Makes 1 bar of soap.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Foaming Bath Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Who doesn't love a nice warm bath with Foaming Bath Oil. Obviously, Marilyn Monroe does!
With this simple recipe, you can make your own with your favorite scent, and it's surprisingly easy!

2 eggs
1 c. olive oil
1/2 c. corn oil
1/2 c. almond oil
2 T. clear honey
1 c. milk
1/2 c. vodka
1 T. mild soap flakes
3 drops of essential oil, of your choice

Beat together eggs, vegetable oils, and honey. Add the milk, vodka, soapflakes, and essential oils, still beating. Pout into bottle, cover, label, and store in the refrigerator.
Add one tablespoon under the faucet when the running the water for a warm, foamy bath.
Makes about 41/2 cups.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Blackberry Soft Soap

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

You might think the next few posts are either a cooking class or a craft class. Actually, I plan on passing on recipes for all things to do with your beauty products so you can make your own at home. Some will use herbs you are able to grow your self and others will be herbs form outside of your geographic area. For those you might need to take a trip to your local health food store or order online. Have fun!

1 handful of blackberry or eucalyptus leaves
2 pints of water, rainwater if possible
5 T. grated castile soap

Put the leaves in a pan, pour in the water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to infuse for 2 hours.
Strain the infusion, discard the leaves, and return the liquid to the pan.
Bring to a boil and beat in the grated soap, beating until it has dissolved; then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Pour into bottles, cover and label; store in the refrigerator. Use as a soft soap in your bath or as a gentle hand cleaner.
Makes about 2 pints.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Happy New Year !!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:34:00 +0000

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

The First Big Snow Fall of the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The first fall of snow is not only an event but it is a magical event. You got to bed in one kind of world and wake up to find yourself in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment, then where is it to be found? J.B.Priestley

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and your Beauty Products

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Each winter as it gets more difficult to write about gardening, I turn to my favorite backup -- herbs. In the past I have done different series about herbal folklore and medicinal uses; two years ago I wrote about all the different Christmas uses for herbs and spices and their meanings.( see my cloud in the sidebar for any of theses informative articles).
This year, or should I say next, since I will begin this series in 2012, I have decided to focus on beauty and the many natural homemade recipes I have collected. The biggest concerns for most of us at this time of year is dry skin. We're looking for anything from face creams to body lotions to help us through the dry air days, especially in areas like mine when the furnace is running full force!. Hair loss in women is another fear, especially with the trend towards fuller and thicker hair, so all natural shampoos and cream rinses can help a lot in that area. And then there is the problem of soaps, antibacterial or not? Fragrance or not?
If you are like me, you are more and more aware of the chemicals used in products. Here is an article I found about the Ten Most Dangerous Chemicals in our Beauty Products. Number one listed is Isopropyl Alcohol. I'm not a chemist or close to it, I'm just a gardener, and it has not been easy trying to convert to all-natural products. I have to admit to a slip now and then. But as I go through the winter offering you some ways to make your own products, maybe together we can change the way we've been doing things and the products we have been buying. You'll feel safer not only for yourself but also for your family. And you'll be saving money, too! So please come back after the New Year has begun and follow along. It should be interesting, and I'm sure your face, hair, and body will thank you. See you next year in 2012 -- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Orange Star and Indoor Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:08:00 +0000

On Mother's Day 2011, my daughter gave me an Orange Star (Guzmania Lingulata) similar to the one pictured above. Why am I talking about Mother's Day in December? Because I am indoor gardening, or forcing, with this plant in the middle of the Christmas rush!
A week ago I noticed, sitting on the bottom on my dark closet floor, was a pot that I had placed there after the Star Flower started to die off. I had clipped back all of the dead leaves and blooms, and sent it off to hibernate; then I completely forgot about it. While digging around for a pair of boots (no snow yet but it's bound to come any day), I noticed a tiny bit of green popping through the soil of my Orange Star pot. I knew it was struggling for light, so I promptly brought it out and gave it a good watering; then I set it in a bright window but away from direct sunlight. Sun through glass can burn your plant's tender leaves.

This is where it's at as of today's date. Now if I can remember to water it regularly, throughout the holidays, I should have Orange Star blossoms soon. I'll keep you updated as to when this momentous occasion occurs.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Silk Flower Arrangements

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:39:00 +0000

Today I'd like to introduce you to a guest writer. Robert would like to tell us all about silk flowers and how they differ from having real flowers in the home. I hope you find this article informative and thought provoking.

Silk Flowers Arrangements

High quality silk flowers make an impressive centerpiece or accessory in any room. Crystal-clear acrylic water and charming containers provide lasting beauty for years to come. Flowers are so lifelike they can almost only be determined to be fake flowers by touch. While live flowers add scent and appeal to a room or table, fake flowers require no maintenance other than occasional dusting. For seasonal displays, flowers appropriate for fall, winter and spring can be stored and used repeatedly.

Add warmth and color to even the smallest space in the house with small to medium sized silk flower arrangements with a maximum height and width of 18 inches. They're perfect for placing on end-tables, bookcases and other nooks and crannies. Many stores will offer pre-arranged displays or if a person is feeling artistic, several small flowers can be bought along with an appropriate container to create a customized arrangement.

Larger silk flowers such as sunflowers add style and sophistication to every room they may be displayed in. Generally large displays are a height and/or width over 18 inches. Dining room tables, kitchen counters or living room coffee tables could always use a bit of color and flair. Silk orchids are great for your home, the office and even as unique gifts to friends and family

Customizing your display according to season is a great idea and adds further realism to the bouquets and centerpieces. Usually daisies are recommended for spring, roses for summer or various festive arrangements can be used for specific holidays such as red, white and blue roses for the Fourth of July or red Poinsettias for Christmas.

For a couple that just bought a new home or a flower enthusiast, silk flowers make an excellent gift. They are more easily transported and there is no danger of wilting, drying or any damage like there is with real flowers. For about the same amount of money you would spend on fresh flowers, a gift of silk flowers will be admired and appreciated for many years. Most stores offer silk floral arrangements fully assembled and expertly packaged. Unlike live flowers, a picture on a website may be very different from what the recipient actually receives. Real flowers are subject to availability and due to Mother Nature, colors, size and shape cannot be guaranteed. With silk flowers, what you see will be exactly what you get. This is particularly important if purchasing flowers for a set theme or that must match precisely with certain décor.

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Trees - I Beat Old Man Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:26:00 +0000

I beat Old Man Winter. I had some last minute tree planting to get in and I didn't think I would make it before the snow started to arrive. We have had some flakes, but nothing has lasted and the ground is still green.
My 10 Colorado blue spruce and two lilac bushes arrived from the Arbor Day Foundation a week or so ago and we were lucky enough to get a break in the weather. Planting day for those was a balmy 60 degrees. But where were the two maples I had ordered?
I soon realized I had put them in on a separate order about two weeks apart, so of course they would be delivered accordingly.
My 3 foot trees arrived on Monday, November 14th and of course our schedule did not permit us to plant that day or the next. Finally on Thursday my husband and I were able to get some outdoor time just when the sun burst forth. It was still windy and cold but there were no snowflakes to be seen.
After carefully placing my red maple and yellow sugar maple in the backyard, we staked them so there is no chance of hitting them in the spring with a mower. and we'll be sure to rememeber where they are. I'm very pleased with what we have accomplished this year since moving in in April to a bare yard with no landscaping. I will be especially anxious for spring to arrive. But first we have to struggle with Old Man Winter! Brrrr!

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow.