A Little Perspective If You Please

I relish this time of year. Although the nights are growing longer, the days will soon begin to lengthen again. There is an exhilarating rush as we gather with family and friends, warming ourselves in love, and good cheer.

There's also a lot of cranky buzz kills out there.


I cannot for the life of me understand why people get so offended when someone wishes them a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Festivus or Joyous Yule. So what if that is not their religious belief. Isn't the statement just a wish from one person to another to have happiness and hope. Isn't that a good thing?

I think this flowchart on Imgur says it best.

The Bestest Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie

For me, it's not the Holiday Season without lots and lots of Christmas cookies. I don't really eat that many ... well, maybe this time of year.... but I do love sharing them and finding new and interesting recipes. In fact, Cindy and I have a bakeathon the weekend after Thanksgiving when we get the first round of baking done.

Recipes come from all over. A real family favorite is your basic peanut butter cookie. And the best recipe I have is in an ancient tome - the 1957 Betty Crocker NEW Boys and Girls Cookbook. 




It's a well worn cookbook. I don't remember if it was mine or my husbands or where we got it, but it has lots of easy kid friendly recipes. It's also a bit of a time machine, showing how certain things have changed through the years. The kids comments crack me up.


 















I found this Peanut Butter Cookie recipe ages ago. It was always something the kids and I made together when they were young. It is so easy.

QUICK PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
1 package yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup water
1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter

Mix together 1/2 package of the cake mix, eggs, water and peanut butter. Beat until smooth.
Add the other 1/2 of the cake mix and beat until blended.

Heat over to 375°. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls unto an ungreased cookie sheet. Press a fork dipped into flour, flatten rounds by pressing in a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes, then continue to cool on cookie rack.

Perfectly yummy peanut butter cookies.

When I made these last night, I started thinking. What if I used chocolate cake mix instead of yellow? Or maybe Spice Cake Mix? Hmmmm. I think I see an experiment in my future.
 

Last Fairs of the Season this Weekend

It's hard to believe the Season of Merriment is upon us. It's even harder to believe we're at the last weekend of our fair and festival season.

We've got two great events this weekend. Stop by and find out all about the wonderful ways to take care of your skin - sugar scrubs, lotion bars, body butters, toners, face masks and so much more.

Make sure to sign up for our newsletter or like us on Facebook. Because if you can't get to these shows, you'll still be able to order through our website. We'll even have some specials and new items coming next week!

It's That Cinnamonny Time of Year

Autumn is a time of shorter days and a sharp chill in the air. The leaves turn color with a flash, then fall to create great mounds of crunchy, kickable fluff. It's not my favorite season, but it does have it's magic.


This time of year I crave cinnamon. I always like it, but now I crave it. Marsala Chai tea, snickerdoodles, pumpkin pie, baked cinnamon apples and all other kinds of warming goodies. Not just food either. Nothing smells as wonderful as some cinnamon and orange rinds gently simmering on the stove. I have a cinnamon broom hanging on my door to great me with the warm and invigorating fragrance. It's used to Tingle my lips, sooth my sore muscles, and scintillate my skin in Pumpkin Chai Latte sugar scrub.  

Here are a few facts about cinnamon you may not know.

1. Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of the tree, which is a tropical evergreen laurel.
2. Cassia is strong, spicy and sweet. Ceylon or true cinnamon is more complex and citrusy.
3. It is an ancient spice, used in embalming, a costly process that filled the body cavities with spiced preservatives. 
4. Chinese myths tell that cinnamon grows in paradise and all that eat it will gain immortality.
5. To maintain their hold on the cinnamon monopoly, ancient Arabians created a myth of giant birds that used cinnamon sticks as nesting pieces.  Donkey meat would be used as bait for the birds. When the birds brought the meat to their nests,  it would collapse from the weight and those below would collect the twigs.
6. It has shown promise in the treatment of diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, memory function, and even leukemia and lymphoma.
7. Because cinnamon contains eugenol, you can dust some of it on cuts and scrapes to help relieve pain.
8. The fragrance of cinnamon is said to alleviate exhaustion.
9.  In the book of Exodus, God instructs Moses to make a holy anointing oil out of cinnamon, cassia, olive oil, myrrh, and hemp. (Exodus 30: 22-33).
10. A 2004 study found that the smell of cinnamon helped boost brain function.
11. The smell of hot cinnamon buns produces an aphrodisiatic effect. 

I still crave the sunlight of longer days, but until those days return, I'll cinnamon it up.

The Month of the Wolf

October brings in a season of mystery. A wayward chill breeze that stirs the leaves. Nights seem darker, even when there are stars. And there's the call of the wolf from a distant hill.

Of course, you could be by The Lakota Wolf Preserve. This is an amazing facility in Warren county, where you can get a close look at these beautiful animals as they run and play in their packs. Jim and Becky, run the preserve with a love, passion and dedication that's inspiring.

There are two tours each day (except on Monday, when they are closed). Reservations for weekdays are recommended. The wolf watches take about 1 1/2 hours. Tucked up in the mountain, it's a bit of a hike, but they do have a shuttle that can make the trip easier. It's a beautiful area, and you learn so much about these lovely animals. You're close to the wolves, and get a great view. Maybe they'll even give you a good howl.

For the month of October, we will be donating a portion of all proceeds to this wonderful education preserve. We'll also donate for every new like on our Facebook page, and each share of a post and share of our newsletter. There's no mystery - we're just helping a truly great place.

It's Beach Plum Time!

I do love summer. The heat and sunshine, beaches and gardens, the feeling of freedom. And, as much as I love Halloween, I hate to see the summer go. But there remains one more marker of summer, one last great and fabulous blast. It's the ....

Sunday, September 8th, join us and dozens of other outstanding vendors for the Beach Plum

Festival. Island Beach State Park, just past Seaside Heights, is bursting with these natural shore loving fruits. Besides shopping at such fine crafter's as Celtic Chairde Creations, Carolyn's Crystal Creations, Blind Bob's Pottery, Herbertsville Honey and others, you'll be able to go on Kayak tours, Beach Plum picking adventures, learn about the bay and history of the park, and maybe see some of the osprey or foxes that call the park home.

The festival runs from 9 am to 4 pm. Enjoy some activities, listen to the music, have a sit on the

beach, and explore one of the most beautiful areas of the Jersey Shore.

We'll give you 10% off your purchase of $20.00 or more at our booth that day.

 Just mention this post.

Come on by and let's give summer a proper, fun, and beach plumy send off!

Sharing the Love ... of Catnip

In our newsletter I talked about some of the many benefits of Catnip – that perennial herbal favorite of cats. But they aren't the only ones that love this perennial herb. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family. It's sometimes called catmint.

This pretty and prolific herb is filled with vitamins and minerals: Chromium, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Selenium, with Calcium, Magnesium,Phosphorus, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin A and some Folate (B9), Niacin (B3), Silicon, Sodium, Sulfur,Thiamine (B1), Vitamins B5, B6, B12, C, and Zinc.

One of the wonderful things about catnip (among the many others) is that it is safe to use for all ages – children and adults. It can be used as infusions, teas, compresses, tinctures and just about anything!

If you are using this for people, I would recommend that you use fresh catnip or dried herbs from a reliable herbal source. Do not make a tea for yourself or your children with the catnip you buy for your kitties. That may be old or cut with something that won't hurt the fluff balls, but might not be great for you.

Here are a few of my favorite uses for catnip.

Cozy ZZZ's
This tea is lovely to sip before bedtime. Calming and soothing for digestion, your sleep will be cozy as a kitty curled up on a pillow.
1 teaspoon catnip
½ teaspoon chamomile
½ teaspoon lemon balm
pinch of peppermint
a little licorice root or honey
Pour 2 cups of water over the herbs. Let steep for 5 to 10 minutes than strain. Sip while warm.

Tummy Tamer Tea
½ to 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. Very soothing.
1 teaspoon catnip
A little grated ginger
Steep in 2 cups boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes then strain. I like adding a spoon of honey as well.

Fussy Baby Tea
½ to 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. Very soothing.
1 teaspoon catnip
Steep for 5 minutes in 3 to 4 cups of boiling water. Let cool absolutely completely. I would give this to my children when they were very little and had fussy tummies.

• Chew on a few fresh catnip leaves if you have a mild toothache. It'll help!
  

• Make a poultice or compress with catnip flowers and leaves. Works wonderfully for hot rashes.
  

• If mosquitoes are irking you this year, catnip essential oil has been shown to be more effective than DEET. That's why we add it to our new Bugger Off Spray. (Right now it's only available at fairs, but look for it on our websitehttp://www.chairde.com/ soon.)

I will freely admit that, if you live in a household with a cat that likes catnip (there are cats that don't like it the much), it can be challenging making a tea or poultice for people use. Releasing the fragrance of the herb is what attracts our feline friends. I usually put a little sprinkle on the floor for them. Makes things go a little easier.


This is presented as educational and information only. As with anything, be extremely cautious if you have allergies. Check with a doctor if you have medical conditions. Do your own research before trying any herbal remedies.

Beach and the Gardens - Two Great Events Coming Up

Those Dog Days may be bringing on the heat, but we're having a cool time at all the fairs and festivals. Next up - the beach:

 The following weekend - the garden:

Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer

It's that time of year. Lazy, hazy, hot, and humid. The roar of the ocean calls offering a chance at a breeze and a cool splash. The woods call (wear bug repellent!), offering shade and an energetic peace. Cats, people, and most assuredly dogs, lounge to conserve energy. Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer.

Today we recognize these hot days at the heart of summer as being about 40 days, starting on July 3rd. We think of the dog days as hot and lazy, but still holding the potential of fun, picnics, pools and summer festivities. That wasn't always the case. 

And they aren't called the Dog Days because of those listless hounds. Dog Days refers to the Dog Star, Sirius. It was at this time that Sirius rose with the sun. The belief was that Sirius added to the heat of the sun, making it the hottest time of the year. It was a time "when the sea boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing man to burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies." (from Brady's Clavis Calendarium. 1813). 

Maybe ll that is still a little true today. After a few hours out in the heat and humidity who doesn't get just a little grumpy?  But we have air conditioning and iced tea! With a little smarts we can not only survive the Dog Days of Summer, but have a good time doing it.

Here are a few tips to remind you of how to beat the sultry heat.

• Hydrate! You've heard it before and you'll hear it throughout this summer. Staying hydrated is essential. Drink plenty of water, enjoy some ice tea, or try this cucumber-lemon drink to keep you in balance.
• Eat light and fresh. It's the perfect time to get fresh produce and fruit from your favorite farm or farmers market. It's healthier in general, but it also keeps you from getting bloated and lethargic. 
• Any outdoor work that needs to get done, do in the morning or late afternoon or early evening. These are the cooler times of day and won't be as taxing on your muscles and metabolism.
• Take a break when you need it. If you start feeling overheated, find some shade or go inside. put a cool wash cloth on your head or your feet and drink something.

Of course you should treat yourself well. Give your tired and aching dogs (feet that is) a treat with our July Summer Soft Feet Special. 

The Dog Days are here, might as well kick back and enjoy the longer light and warmth. Soon enough will be time for the wolves of winter. Me, I like dogs better.



 

Make Your Feet Happy This Summer!

Summer is the time of flip flops, sandals, and being barefoot in the grass or on the beach. It's a time of long walks and outdoor adventures. It's fun and wonderful - and hard on your tootsies. So we've put together a great set that will keep your feet soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.

The Summer Soft Feet Summer Special is perfect for pampering your feet.
You'll receive:   

One 4oz Mintingle Toes Salt Foot Scrub - This is an absolutely refreshing scrub that exfoliates dead skin while getting the blood circulating with invigorating mint. The oils soften while the Epsom salts sooth tired muscles. 


 
One .75 oz Twist Tube of Muscle Rub - Packed with the muscle relieving herb, Arnica,  mints, hot pepper and sage are natures muscle and bruise healers. Jojoba, mango and safflower oil deliver the healers through the skin. It comes in 4 scents: Cerridwen, Green Tea, Strawberry Mint, Magnificent Mango.
 

One .75 Twist Tube of our Lotion Bar - Softening at it's very best! 6 scents available: Peach of a Berry, Lughnasa, Irish Country, Kitchen Herb, Honey Lavender, and Citrus.
 

All for only $15.00!
When you check out, just specify which scents you would like in the comments section.

Crafts and Arts by The Sea in Ocean Grove

Oh you wacky New Jersey weather. You try to keep us from our weekend fun - but you will not succeed. Especially this Saturday! Join us at the Ocean Grove Giant Craft Fair! Artists and crafters from across the state will be there. You can shop for gifts, treasures, or a little something for yourself. And doing so you'll be helping small businesses run by people like your friends, relatives and neighbors.

Stop by and visit Celtic Chairde Creations along the central path on the ocean side. We'll have some new products you'll just love.
 

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Have You Gotten Caught - Reading that is!

A lovely spring day, a beautiful garden, a hammock and a good book - does that sound heavenly or what? Books can transport you to other times and places. They can educate and inspire. Books can make you laugh, cry, dream and sigh.

May is Get Caught Reading Month. Not reading Facebook - but a real book. (Kindles and Nooks are good too.) I grew up in a home filled with books. There were overstuffed book cases in every room. My home now is much the same. Mysteries, science fiction, science, romance, adventure, children's stories, poetry, biographies, how to's - if it looks interesting, it winds up on our shelves. We've got hardcover and softcover. There's one whole book case for herb guides and books on aromatherapy, herbal studies and herbal home care.

This doesn't even count the magazines we have kept!

Get Caught Reading Month is the chance to recognize the amazing gift that reading can be. I always make sure to compliment children and young people that I see reading books and magazines. And it's a wonderful conversation starter with people (unless they are reading at that moment. Then leave them alone and let them read!)

These are some of my current favorite reads.

The Harry Potter books. That's the books - not the movies. I do like the movies, but the books are so much better and intricate. I've read them all at least 3 times.

China Bayles Series by Susan Wittig Albert. China Bayles, the lead character, lives in a small town in Texas and runs an herb shop. She has interesting friends and seems to find murder and mayhem about her. Susan writes with detail and clarity, but with a inviting, inclusive manner that makes you a part of the adventure. Herbs play an integral part of the story. And there's the herb shop. I have to admit, it's the shop of my dreams.

The Brother Cadfael mysteries. These historical murder mysteries feature Brother Cadfael, a Welsh Monk in Shrewsbury, England in the 12th century. He is the abbey herbalist and has a keen eye for clues.

Every now and then I find myself going back to James Herriot stories, a British country vet. These stories make me laugh and cry and love animals all the more.

Richard Scarry books and Animalia by Graeme Base. Not by myself, mind you. But these are my favorite books to read and give to children. No. Really.
Have you been caught? And what are you reading now?  Me? I'm going to grab my copy of The Essential Herbal Magazine and head out to the hammock. You can catch me there.

From Apples to Wine - It's All Divine! It's National Vinegar Month!

For something that was created by accident (about 3,000 years ago no less), vinegar is the most versatile ingredient to have in the kitchen. May is National Vinegar Month and is the perfect time to discover the innocuous, inexpensive, indispensable wonder that is vinegar.

There are many types of vinegar - apple cider, distilled white, wine (which can be made from any wine including champagne) and a variety of specialty vinegars like malt, balsamic, honey and fruits. Cooking, health, gardening and cleaning - vinegar can be used anywhere. It has long been used to boost health and medicinally.* Plus it's tasty!

Sour wine (which is what the word vinegar means) is the stuff of legend, poem, song, as well as dissertations and scientific research. Rather than just regurgitate (which a little vinegar in water can help you from doing), I'll share some of my favorite uses with you.

• Long before we started Celtic Chairde Creations, I used an infusion of herbs in apple cider vinegar as a face toner. It felt so refreshing and kept my skin from over drying as some toners and skin cleaners can. It was only natural to include it as one of our first products with our new company. Face Toner is one of my absolute favorite uses for vinegar.

• Baking soda and vinegar, besides making cool volcanoes, is a good way to clear mildly clogged or slow running drains. Pour as much baking soda as you can into the drain. Add vinegar a 1/2 cup or so at a time. Quickly cover (I use a wash cloth) the drain and hold it down tightly. When the fizzing stops, add a little more vinegar and cover again. Do this until you don't hear any fizzing when you pour the vinegar in. All natural, inexpensive and easy.

• Barbeque sauce, salad dressing, marinade, cole slaw, pickles ... what's not to love! Infusing your vinegars with herbs and fruits adds a lovely interesting twist to any recipe.

• I make a lot of my own vinegars. It's relatively easy to do. It just requires patience. I've made it with leftover wine (yes, we occasionally have left over wine in our house)and apples. I've also made it with pomegranate juice, with limited success. Here's a great resource for making your own apple cider vinegar.

• 
  Although I'm more of a shower girl, vinegar is great to use in your bath. It's so nice and balancing for your skin. We make two types of bath vinegars - with maybe more on the way!

• Vinegar is a wonderful treatment for bug bites and sunburn. We've got that covered too with our Do Greine Spray. But in a pinch, just wet a cloth with vinegar and put it on the burn. It helps take out the sting and reduce swelling.

• Blend a nice flavored vinegar with an infused honey and water and you have an oxymel. I like to add a splash of club soda for fizz. It's wonderfully refreshing and good for you, too.

• Take some lemon or orange peels, some thyme or rosemary and put it into a jar. Cover with white distilled vinegar. Seal the jar and let it set for 2 weeks or longer. Strain and put into a spray bottle. Best cleaner you'll ever have! use it on sinks, counters, tubs, windows and more. Smells great and disinfects and no chemicals.

Try vinegar in a new way during National Vinegar Month. Or share your favorite way to use vinegar with us. Viva le vinegar!


* Please keep in mind that any information is shared for educational purposes. If you have any questions, check with your doctor or health care professional. And do your own research, too.

From the Earth to Arbor - Help Us Give the Gift of Trees

Spring! Time for flowers and trees and grass and waking up from the chill and darkness of winter. It's the perfect time to celebrate home base.

Monday was Earth Day. Hopefully, we find time to celebrate and take care of this big spinning ball we ride everyday. But Earth Day helps us bring the focus to areas of concern and still needed care.There are events and festivals all week where you can find out about local programs that focus on keeping the environment healthy, healing and strong.


To round out the week - we celebrate National Arbor Day. I love trees. And they must love us. They filter water and the air, provide food and shelter, prevent erosion, and look beautiful. You can find out about the history of Arbor Day (over 100 years of tree planting!) at the National Arbor Day Foundation site. 


We want in on all this celebrating! So, until the end of April, we will donate a tree to the National Arbor Day Foundation for every new Like on Facebook, new email subscriber, and each order we receive. We know we may not be able to replant a whole forest, but hopefully we can help get a nice patch of planted to be there for future nature lovers.

March Merriment Continues with Free Shipping

What? You haven't heard?

March is the month to celebrate all things Irish and the arrival of spring. So all month we're offering Free Shipping on all orders. Just head over to our website and select the skin care and softening goodness that will work best for you! We'll have your package winging off to you in no time.

You've got Fruit on Your Face

Fresh fruit is fabulous. It's one of the reasons I can't wait for spring and summer. Strawberries, peaches, apples, cherries, watermelon, bananas - I'm starting to drool a little. Most of these fruits are available year round now, but local and fresh if at all possible, is the best.

Not only is fruit yummy and good for your insides, many fruits are good for your skin on the outside as well. Here of some of my favorite face fruits.

Whenever I'm cutting these up, I don't wash the juice off my hands - I just rub it on my face. Instant facial! Not only do they make your face feel fabulous, you smell fantastic too.

Pineapple - We don't grow pineapples here in NJ, but I still love them and will pick them up occasionally from the market. Pineapples contain bromelain and alpha-hydroxy acid. These help reduce wrinkles and remove dead skin cells, helping to give skin a smoother and gentle glow. They are also high in Vitamin C and A which are anti-oxidant free radical fighters. I like to just rub the juice on my face, let it dry a bit, and then rinse with cool water. Makes my skin feel all tingly and just a little tighter. And I love the way it smells!

Great face fruits.

Strawberry - Strawberries can help reduce acne and oily skin, reduce puffiness under your eyes, and remove dead skin cells. They also contain alpha-hydroxy acid and Vitamin C. They also contain ellagic acid, which help protect the skin from UV rays.  Use in the same way as pineapple, or just cut a berry in half and rub it on your face. Just divine. But do be cautious if you have allergies.

Banana - Banana's have lots of Vitamin C and soothing properties for worn skin. They reduce skin inflammation. Mash up a nicely ripe banana and put into your face. Let sit a bit and then wipe off gently and rinse. Sometimes I'll just rub the inside of the banana peel on spots on my arms or skin that are really dry. I'll also use it to rub on my teeth to help clean and whiten them. 

Watermelon - Have you ever gotten cool, refreshing watermelon all over your face when you're eating it on a hot summer day? Then you rinse it off and your face feels wonderful! That's because watermelon is another antioxidant moisturizer that is a fruity fabulous face treatment. It contains Vitamins C, A and B6. It will help tighten up your pores and refresh your skin.

Next time you're looking for a quick skin pick me up, just look to your fridge and get some fruit on your face.

Our First Event of the Season is Flowericious

Our first event of the season is coming up this Saturday at Dragonfly Farms in Hamilton, NJ. It's our first time there, and we're very excited to be participating. It looks like such a fun place!

 Stop by and visit! 30 craft vendors (Celtic Chairde Creations included!) and flowers and ideas to get you in a spring time mood.  We'll have you favorite skin care products, our interesting and unique jams and jellies, and maybe even some new goodies.

Love Scrubs? We Need Your Help!

Do you love sugar scrubs? I sure do. I love the invigorating exfoliation and the fabulous softness of my skin after a shower. Oh - and the fragrance. It just fills the shower and lifts your spirits.

We make a wide range of sugar scrubs and a few salt scrubs. There are even a few we carry seasonally. You can see our current line here. But in the quiet of a chilly February, I look for other things to create. And we've got four new options in the sugar pot now.

Green Tea Sugar Scrub - Honey infused with green tea blends with rich butters and oils and three types of sugars. Refreshing and motivating.
Kelly's Garden Sugar Scrub - Heady jasmine and gardenia, neroli and davana bring you to a beautiful summers garden at twilight
Cococoffee Sugar Scrub - Two test versions - wake up to that perfect morning scent of fresh coffee while enriching your skin with cocoa butter.
Pine Barrens Breeze Sugar and Salt Scrub - Pine infused honey and safflower oil, peppermint infused honey, a touch of Celtic sea salt and your on a walk through the pines.

Now - these scrubs are all in the first draft stage. What we need are a few volunteers to help us out. Would you like to help us test out new scrubs? Go over to our Facebook page. Like our page and leave a comment saying - I'm in!  We'll send you some samples and ask that you send us your feedback when you've had a chance to try them.

Revenge of the Sock Monster

We all have them. Those lonely singles that frustrate us no end. Where did the other one go? It was probably eaten by that most insidious of all beasts - the sock monster.

I have a bag of single socks, collected in hopes of a mate turning up eventually. Or they are there because I've forgotten I've recycled the mate because it had holes or was torn. But there is something that keeps me from throwing those single socks out. Which is good, because there are so many things we can do with them.

• Use that single sock for a rag is an obvious one. Make a nice little dusting or polishing mitt.
• Make a cat toy. Stuff the toe of a small sock with catnip. Tie a tight knot or two above the herbs. Cut the top part into strips and toss it to your cat. They'll love you for it.
• I remember making lots of sock puppets when I was little. Sometimes I didn't wait for a mismatched pair, much to my mothers chagrin. All you need are buttons, ribbon, felt, glue and some imagination.
• Cut socks into strips and use as garden plant ties. I like to leave long ends to be tossed about in the breeze to help deter critters and birds. That doesn't always work but it looks pretty.
• Use them to cover bottles and jars. Bottles of oil or syrup can leave sticky rings. Slip a sock over the bottom of the bottle to catch drips. Replace with another sock when it gets messy and just wash the old one!
• You can also use it as a glass or bottle cozy.
• Fill with rice or flax seed. Sew the end closed and you have a wrist wrest.
• And my absolute favorite. Make sachets. Fill old socks with your favorite scents. This time of year I have lots of pine needles so I fill one with crushed or cut pine needles. Tie off or so the end and put in drawers or linen closets. I like to tuck them in to sofa corners so it smells nice when you sit down. You can use lavender, lemon verbena or dried lemon peel, rosemary, rose petals or any combination that makes you happy. You can also toss these in to the dryer to add some extra scent.

Reef loves his Catnip Sock

So have a snack every now and then, old sock monster. I'm ready for you.

What do you use old socks for?

Honey of a Time... With Infused Honey

It's been a hectic past few months. Between Super Storm Sandy clean up and the Holiday season, life has seemed to pass by in a blur. Now that we've welcomed in 2013, I've had a little time to catch up on some of my herbal chores. Of course these aren't really chores at all. They are the favored tasks that you reward yourself with when all the rest has been done. What have I been doing? Oh, how sweet a task it is. I've been decanting and setting up my herbal infused honeys.

The sweetness and health benefits of honey are well documented. Whether you're using honey in your skin care, food or for your health, you can give it a boost with some herbal input. And it is so very, very easy.

Ginger swimming in honey.

What You'll Need:

• Clean mason jar/s
• Honey (my favorite is Herberstville Honey. Try to use local honey to aid with allergy immunity building)
• Your favorite fresh or dried herbs. Personally, I prefer using dried, except for roses. Less chance of moisture getting into the honey and causing problems such as mold or fermentation. Of course, fermentation could lead to an interesting mead, but that's another story for another day.

Make sure your mason jar is clean. Run it through the dishwasher or submerge in water and boil for a few minutes. Make sure the jar is thoroughly dried before using.

Loosely fill the jar to about two thirds full with your favorite herb, spice or combination.

Vanilla beans soaking in honey.

Pour the honey into the jar to cover the herbs. Stir with a knife or something long to remove all the air pockets. Top off with some more honey.

Cover tightly and put in a sunny windowsill or on a shelf you check fairly often.

Every few days turn the jar over to circulate the honey and herbs. Let the jar sit for at least two weeks or longer. The longer it sits, the stronger the infusion will be.

I just decanted a cinnamon infused honey that had been steeping for almost a year. I will admit that I only flip or check the jars every month or so when I'm letting it set up for that long a time.  It's divine! So extraordinarily yummy on waffles.

Here are some herb or spice combinations to try:

Honey dripping from vanilla sooo yummy!

• Rose petals. You can use fresh or dried petals (untreated, naturally). If you use fresh petals you don't even have to strain - just use eat the petals like a jam.
• Lavender
• Cinnamon - use just the sticks. Powder is OK, but it can make it gritty.
• Vanilla
• Chai - use cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, a few black peppercorns, a vanilla bean, cloves, allspice, star anise, or other chai flavoring that you like
• Peppermint
• Thyme
• Lemon Herbs - I like to combine lemon thyme, lemon balm, and lemon verbena
• Orange or lemon - use the peels cleaned of pith
• Rosemary
• Hot peppers - this is great in barbecue sauce or as a glaze for ribs or ham
• Ginger
• Calendula petals
• Elderberries - dried make a wonderful cough syrup

Use your imagination! These honeys are great to use in cooking or in teas, or straight off the spoon!

Of course, honey's not just great for your insides - it's fabulous for your outsides. I like using Calendula honey straight on cuts and scraps. We use ginger infused honey in our Orange Ginger Sugar Scrub.  Rose infused is used in our Rose n' Dew Sugar Scrub and the Rose 'n' Dew Face Spritz.

And if you want to ease away the stress of the past few months, try some Lavender honey in your tea - or in your bath!

Have fun making infused honeys. Let me know what herbal combinations you're trying, and I'll keep you posted of mine.