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.