I've got good news, and...

We're coming up on our first event of the season, which is very exciting and I'll share more news on that within the next few days. But in the mean time, I wanted to let everyone know that we've got some good news ... and some bad news.

The bad news is that we have to adjust some of our prices, particularly on our body butters. Supply costs have risen tremendously over the past few years. We've maintained our prices as best we can, but it just isn't feasible any more.

The good news is that we've added a 4 ounce size to our body butters! This special size is only available on our website. It's perfect for those who love to indulge their whole body in these moisturizing and wonderfully decadent butters.

We're going to continue to add some new items over the next month or so. And we will continue to give you exciting, skin loving, magically inspired and wonderful products with reasonable prices.

Which Witch in the season of the Witch?

Soon we will be coming upon the season of the Witch. I don’t mean Halloween and “cast a spell” type of Witch (although that is coming and that’s a separate story). I mean season of the Witch … Hazel. Specifically Hamamelis virgniana, the plant that blossoms in late autumn and winter and has such fantastic healing properties.

Witch Hazel is native to the eastern part of the United States and Canada. It has several common names, including popping hazel, long boughs, spotted alder and winterbloom. It was widely used by Native American’s for a number of purposes. They used it for medicine. And because the branches were flexible yet strong, they used it to make their bows. Plants were brought over to Europe in the early 1700’s. In Middle English “wyche” meant pliable or flexible. Hazel – because the tree was similar to hazelnut. Over time it became Witch Hazel. Nothing spooky about that.

The shrub or tree can grow to be 12 to 15 feet tall. The leaves are a lovely red before they fall off for the winter. Here’s where Witch Hazel’s magic begins. After the leaves fall off, beautiful, bright yellow blossom appear in the early to late fall. At the same time, the fruit from last year’s blossoms ripens and makes an audible pop. No wonder the tree is considered to have mystical properties.

Native American Indians utilized Witch Hazel for a variety of medicines, applying decoctions and poultices on cuts, burns, bug bites, bruises, and sore and stiff joints, muscles and backs. Teas were used to help staunch internal bleeding and treat colds, sore throats and other ailments.

Another part of Witch Hazels magic is found in its strength as an astringent and anti inflammatory, as well as anti-itch properties. These enable Witch Hazel to help stop internal and external bleeding. It's a wonderful asset to skin care where it helps ease and prevent acne, tighten and tone up the skin, and help damaged blood vessels under the skin.

Witch Hazel hydrosol is also very effective in treating hemorrhoid’s and varicose veins. It’s a main ingredient in products like Preparation H Pads, Tucks, and others. The tannins and astringency help tighten the distended veins and add a protective structure to help the veins return to a more pliable, normal structure.

Witch Hazel just does so darn much. And you probably have a bottle of it in a bathroom cabinet. The Witch Hazel you find in your cabinet is most likely made from the leaves and young twigs, which are then distilled. The bark is used to make different tinctures and ointments.

I’ve always been a fan of Witch Hazel. I’ve used it straight as skin toner and in hair rinses. I’ve mixed it with different herbs for liniments and bruise treatments.

We use it in a number of our products, including our Face Toner; Dó Gréine Spray for sunburns, rashes and bug bites; Méla Tae Night Moon and Lemon Bright Hair rinses; and in one of our new skin care products (news on that one soon).

As the season of the Witch approaches, I’ll be keeping my eyes open for ghosts, goblins, flying brooms and magical winter blossoms of bright yellow, because Hazel is one of my favorite witches.

How do you like to use witch hazel?

Skeeters and Sunburn and Gnats - Oh Ick!

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~ Russel Baker

I'm probably like many of you. I anxiously await the arrival of summer. It's an outdoor season to enjoy the sunlight, dig in the garden, play at the beach, barbeque and all those lovely outdoor fairs, festivals, and outdoor activities. In winter, summer is such a lovely vision on our mind. In reality - well, it's still lovely but it's sweatier and buggier and so much more fickle. Our visions forget things like 90+ degrees with humidity and attack mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are one of the worst annoyances of summer. They carry disease and the bites itch like all get out.

There are a few things you can do to help alleviate the mosquito mayhem:

• Make sure you've clear out all the standing water in your yard. Puddles, birdbaths, pots, watering cans, garden decor, rain barrels, around the sprinkler or faucet area - go on a treasure hunt to find those wet spots. If the water stands idle for more than a day or two, it can become home to a whole herd of mosquitoes. And it doesn't take much either. Just a few tablespoons worth of water sitting for more than 3 or 4 days makes a perfect nursery for mosquito larvae.
• Pick the best time to go outside. Mosquitoes seem to love the twilight (as do many people).
• Insect repellents with DEET work the best when your going to be exposed for an extended period of time. Our Dó Gréine Spray also works well for mosquitoes. It contains some Neem which really chases those little buggers away.
• Citronella candles are tricky. Mosquitoes stay away from the scent of citronella, but they are attracted to heat, movement and carbon dioxide. But essential oils like citronella, lemon eucalyptus and geranium work well, too.

The worst is when you get a mosquito bite on top of a sunburn. Super OW! Our Dó Gréine Spray is designed to help alleviate the pain of sunburn and to start the healing. It will also help stop the itchiness of the bite thanks to a base of skin loving apple cider vinegar. Although it does work fairly well for keeping mosquitoes away, it's not quite as good at keeping away gnats.

Gnats, No-see-ums, vinegar flies, midgies - these are just some of those pesky little flying things that are sooo annoying and frustrating in the summer. Some bite, some don't, almost all swarm and make you crazy. Although I love our Dó Gréine Spray for so many things, it's not always a good repellent for certain gnats because they are attracted to vinegar.

These minute mayhem monsters are attracted to rotting places - compost, old rotting fruits and vegetables, over watered pots, etc. So while you're hunting around for wet spots for mosquitoes, check the rotty places for gnat type bug breeding grounds. Let these areas dry out well. I'm not a big proponent of pesticides. Instead, try sprinkling a little Neem oil in the area.

With a little common sense and some search and destroy missions, you should be able to like your summer more, and suffer a little less.

Let's Celebrate the Bay at the 14th Annual Barnegat Bay Festival

Memorial Day is wonderful preparation for the summer, and this year we certainly had spectacular weather. But for me - the real pre-summer kick off is the Annual Barnegat Bay Festival.

14th Annual Barnegat Bay Festival
Sunday, June 5 - 10 am to 4 pm
Free Admission
Wanamaker Complex, Island Heights NJ

Celtic Chairde Creations has been a part of this festival for many years now. It's always a terrific day filled with laughter, fun, learning ... and shopping!

The Barnegat Bay is not just the place to water ski and fish in the summer, it is an important part of the ecosystem of the shore area - and it's been in trouble for a while now. The folks at the Barnegat Bay Partnership have put together a terrific selection of speakers and displays to help everyone learn about the bay and how we are all responsible for keeping it healthy.

There are workshops and lectures on Saturday, and full on festival fun on Sunday. Please see the website of the 14th Annual Barnegat Bay Festival for more details.

Stop by our booth and mention this blog post - and we'll give you a free gift!

A New Spring Cometh

I am well versed in the ways of procrastination, avoidance and denial. But when reality comes and slaps you in the face, I can practice those arts no longer.

Spring is coming.

I do love spring, but my inert laziness has kept me thinking - almost hoping - that it would stay away a little bit longer. This morning, the little yellow crocuses blooming in my yard reminder me that spring is on its way and there's no stopping it. So get ready. And so I shall.


Spring brings forth all the sleeping plants from Mother Nature. Chickweed is already starting to grow in the walkway. Trees and forsythia are pushing out little buds, nurturing them to grow and prepare to flower.It really is a magically renewing time.

So I'm looking around the yard and finalizing the plans that have been ruminating around my mind since the first seed catalog arrived. There's lots to do - cleaning up overgrown plants and shrubs, trimming trees, cleaning out the beds and prepping them for their soon to arrive guests, and collecting the items that have blown across the yard.

I'm looking forward to it.

Get into the holiday spirit by rummaging through Granny's Attic

It's time to get your jolly on at the

30th Anniversary Granny's Attic
Saturday, November 20 9 am to 4 pm
Always the Saturday before Thanksgiving
Thompson Middle School
1001 Middletown-Lincroft Road
Middletown, NJ

This is probably one of the best craft fairs we have ever been to - let alone worked at! We're very excited to be a part of this enormously successful and popular holiday tradition. We'll be in the same space as last year - 135D, which is in a classroom off of the court yard.

It will be like a treasure hunt - come and find us!

Vendors come from all over the tri-state area and only the best are selected for a spot at Granny's Attic. People come from hours away to get that one-of-a-kind item that can't be found at any retail shop. This year, they are bringing back the tradition that started it all by having a few antique vendors selling their original and treasured items.

It you can't come and shop at Granny's Attic, we still have two other events coming up this season. Check here or on our website. And you can always order online! Look for special gift baskets coming soon!

The Holly Jolly Holiday Season kicks off Saturday with the Jolly Mouse Craft Fair

I'm sure you're thinking the same thing - how did the holiday's get here so quickly!? Yet here it is, that time of year when the air continues to get crisper and cooler, the days get shorter, and plans begin for holiday get togethers and gift giving.

To get you in the spirit, stop by
The 26th Annual Jolly Mouse Craft Show
Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, 10 am to 4 pm
Lloyd Road School, Aberdeen
All proceeds benefit the H.A.M. (Hazlet, Aberdeen, Matawan, Therapeutic Recreation Program)


This is a great fair with a very friendly atmosphere. The coordinating group works hard to assure that all of the products presented are handmade. So you know you'll be getting some unique gifts for your friends, family - and of course yourself.

Our booth is located in the gym. We'll have our full line of skin care products and more - and maybe even a few surprises! If you can't make this holiday craft fair for some reason, just check out our upcoming schedule to the right - or you can stop by our WEBSITE to place your order.

More on that later!

This Saturday Join Us At the Allaire Annual Fall Crafters Market

Annual Fall Crafter's' Market
Saturday Sept. 25 (Rain Date Oct.2)
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$2/Adult Under 12/Free
Historic Village of Allaire
Farmingdale, New Jersey

There is nothing as lovely as Autumn in Allaire Village. We'll be returning there for the Annual Fall Crafters Market. This is the largest of the craft fairs in this wonderful location.

Over 100 crafters will gather to bring in the fall season with unique crafts like hand thrown pottery, beautifully designed jewelry, home decor and more. We'll be on the main path across from the General Store, with all our goodies and maybe a few surprises.

Stop by and say hello! Mention this blog post and receive a thank you gift.

Welcome Autumn with us at Allaire!

Huzzah! Time for the Lakewood Lions Renaissance Faire!

Lakewood Lions Charity Renaissance Faire

The shire of Pine Park recreating Renaissance since 1981
Saturday and Sunday, September 18 & 19, 2010
Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Adults - $10, Children under 5 are free
Pine Brook Park, Lakewood, NJ

Stroll the shires Village and browse the many merchants with wares from the corners of the world. Partake of the numerous food purveyors that will please anyone’s taste and thirst. Keep the young ones amused with games and activities, ponies and knighthood. Test thy skill with bow, axe, or knife.

Throughout the day, poets, minstrels, and jugglers will wander the grounds, amazing you with their skills.

Partake in raffles, contests and all manor of outstanding entertainment. See the rousing joust and cheer on your champion!

Return on Sunday to witness the crowning of the Faire’s King and Queen chosen from amongst those aged 10 or younger that have dressed in appropriate Renaissance attire.

It is always a wonderful weekend at the faire! We hope you'll come and visit us there and celebrate the waning summer days with all those wonderful knights!

Join Us at the Sharrott Winery Harvest Festival!

The best way to wind down these last days of summer is with music and wine! Join us at the

Sharrott Winery Harvest Festival
August 28 & 29
12:00 to 5:00 pm
This Fall Festival in the Vineyard celebrates the coming harvest at the Outer Coastal Plain's newest grower and producer of fine wines.

•Bring the family, a blanket and lawn chairs
•Live music both days
•Face painters and activities for the kids
•Local food and Crafts

The Sharrott Winery is a relatively new vineyard in New Jersey - but it certainly making a name for itself! This year they won 5 gold medals, 1 Best of Class, 3 silvers and 2 bronze medals in international wine competitions.

Not only are their wines wonderful, but they throw a great party!

Both days of the Harvest Festival will feature wine, food, craft - like Celtic Chairde Creations! - and music. Saturday the Matt Noffsinger Band will keep the place rocking. And Sunday is none other than the wonderful Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns.

So stop by for a great end of summer day.

And if you mention this post - you'll receive a free gift!

Free gift is only for in person purchases at the Sharrott Winery Harvest Festival on

August 28 and 29, 2010.

National Rose Month Round Up

One month doesn't seem enough to celebrate our national flower, the rose. It provides beauty, fragrance and grace to the garden through out the summer season (depending on the type of rose you have, of course).

But it is not just the harbinger of love, beauty and friendship. It is also a valuable assistant to good health and wellbeing.

Rose petals are uses in Ayurvedic treatments as a laxative, blood purifier and tonic for the digestive and reproductive organs. In fact, the Romans used rose gallica to treat over 30 conditions.

The petals are mildly astringent, providing a cooling and soothing effect. They are wonderful in summer teas.

One of my favorites is a sun tea. Put tea (green preferred), ripe raspberries and rose petals in a big glass jug of water with a top. If you don't have the top, the sweetness and lovely fragrance will attracted unwanted to proteins to the party (aka - bugs). Then put the jug in a bright sunny spot for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours. Sweeten with some rose honey, or a dash of agave syrup. This is fragrant and so nicely cooling.

If I don't have time for that, I make up a batch of Ducky Life Rosie's Rose Melange Tea and chill. A nice hint of mint adds some extra digestive tonic power. You can also use the petals as a quick burn poultice. Just take a handful of fresh petals, mash them up well and apply to the burned area. Their cooling and antiseptic abilities will help ease the pain and redness.

Of course you can also use rose petals to make rose petal jelly, rose vinegar, infuse them in wine, dried for potpourri, or make them into beads for jewelry

That's just using rose petals! Rose hips, essential oils, waters and floral essences can also provide health and spirit lifting benefits

But do you want to know the best thing you can do to calm your nerves, raise your spirits and enjoy this month long celebration? Just stop and smell the roses.

June is the time of the Rose

It's easy to believe that June is National Rose Month. I don't know about you, but my roses have been prolific since the end of May. And the garden smells fabulous for it.

Roses come in all shapes and sizes, colors and strength of scent. My favorites are Rosa Rugosa, a carefree rugged grower that doesn't need much fussing to produce beautiful fragrant blossoms and huge, juicy rose hips. I have 4 in my yard, and every year or so have to give them a hearty pruning to tame them.

I was never a rose fan until I saw these growing along the sand dunes of Normandy

Beach and Island Beach State Park here in New Jersey. They captured my heart. 2 of my rose bushes are from rose hips I picked at the shore and just stuck in a few pots to see what would happen. They are VERY happy here.

Not only are these beauties spirit lifting treasures in the garden, they have bountiful uses in the kitchen and medicine cabinet. One of my favorite things to make is Rose Honey.

Twice Kissed Rose Honey

• Large clean dry Mason type jar with lid (pint or 8 oz)
• Rose petals - untreated by any pesticides. The more fragrant the better. Enough to loosely fill the jar the first time. You'll need fresh petals in a week or so for the second fill.
• Local light colored honey

Fill the jar with the rose petals. Make sure they are dry. I like to let them sit for an hour or so to wilt slightly, removing some of the water.

Now fill the jar with the honey to just below the lid threads. Give a stir to make sure all of the petals are coated. Cover tightly and let sit for at least one week. Every few days turn the jar over (that's why the lid needs to be tight fitting).

After a week or so you could use the honey as is, even with the petals. I like to strain through a regular wire strainer. Then I add another batch of petals to the jar and recover with the honey. Cap and let sit for another couple of weeks, repeating the turning process.

Again, once the few weeks have passed you can either strain out the petals or use the honey with the petals in it. The uses? You can add the honey to tea for some extra relaxing properties, pour on pancakes, pour on ice cream over toasted pound cake, add to salad dressing or use straight over fresh fruit, or you can add it to your favorite spritzer recipe - the possibilities are endless. You could also add some to your bath, or use a little to soothe bug bites, scrapes and burns.

The scent is luscious, relaxing and evocative. Check back in a few days and I'll give you some other ideas for your roses, as well as what you can do with the strained rose petals!

You can also check out our newsletter for additional rose stories this month. To subscribe, just fill out the subscribe box to the right or drop me an email.

May your month be rosy and bright!

Join Us this weekend at Blues & Wine Weekend

The festival season kicks off in royal style. Join us at

The Garden State Wine Growers Associations

ANNUAL BLUES & WINE WEEKEND
TO IDYLLIC NATIRAR PARK IN SCENIC SOMERSET
Saturday and Sunday, May 29 & 30, 2010 (rain date May 31
Noon to 5:00 pm
at Natirar Park, Somerset County, New Jersey

This is a great way to kick off the unofficial start of summer. Some good wine, good shopping at the many vendors (including yours truly, Celtic Chairde Creations), good food and good music. There will be 23 of New Jerseys world class vineyards represented at the festival. And it is a setting that is just magnificent.

Natirar (Raritan spelled backwards)was an elegant convalescent facility, and a one time home to the King of Morocco. It's over 1,000 acres are now a beautiful public park. The elegant tudor mansion now hold Natirar Resort & Spa - a celebration of elegance.

We hope you'll stop by the Wine & Blues Festival. It will be a treat for your body, mind and spirit - and one heck of a party!

Mention this post when making your purchase at our booth and receive a free gift!

September Weekends Continue to Sizzle with Shore Fun

Autumn may be fast approaching, and you can feel that nip of coolness in the air. But there's still plenty to do at the Jersey Shore - and Celtic Chairde Creations will be there!

First up this weekend is the Lavallette Heritage Festival. From 9 am to 5:30 pm, at Philadelphia Avenue and Bay Boulevard, you'll find crafters, artists, food to satisfy any palate, as well as music and games for all ages. Heritage Day celebrate the history of Lavallette with a festive day for all. The rain date is Sunday, September 13th. But...


On Sunday, we'll be at one of our favorite festivals of the year. The Friends of Island Beach State Park have prepared a great day with the 12th Annual Beach Plum Festival. Held in the park at Ocean Beach Bathing Area #1, this always turns out to be a wonderful, beautiful day. You can go on walking tours, pick beach plums, see a wide array of crafters, listen to great music, and learn about this natural wonder and the importance of keeping our estuary in the best possible shape it can be.

Plus, it's right on the beach. Who could ask for more.

We hope you'll join us at one - or both - of this sizzling end of summer celebrations. Mention this post and receive a free lip balm!

Rain, Rain Go Away! We have Festivals this weekend and Want to Play!

Keep your fingers crossed that the rain stays away this weekend - at least during the day. Celtic Chairde Creations has a busy weekend and we want to get out and meet everyone.

Saturday, July 25 is the Christmas in July Craft Show at the Emlen Physick Estate. From 10 to 4 we'll be on these lovely grounds with dozens of other crafters, getting in the holiday spirit!

On Sunday, July 26, we're in Lavallette at the Heritage Committee's Arts and Crafts Show. This is a great festival with over 100 craft vendors. We'll be there from 9:30 to 4:30, and it's always a great time. Get there early! See, for the past few years it's rained on this festival at about 2 - 2:30. We're looking to buck the trend this year, but the forecast isn't being cooperative.

So keep your fingers crossed for good weather and come and visit us at these great Jersey Shore spots.

Tis the Scent of the Season - The Magical Pine

I always have a live Christmas Tree. I know there are those who don't like having to clean up all the needles or the trouble of remembering to water it - but to me it is the very essence of the Yule season. Bringing in the evergreen,whether it be branches or the tree itself, is an ancient tradition which celebrates the returning of the sunshine. A fir tree fills the house with the scent of the season that refreshes and revitalizes the spirit.

Pines, firs and spruces are all conifers, lovely bright spots of green among the grey and white winter background. There are distinctions between them all, described wonderfully at the Stupid Questions archive (personally, I didn't think it was that stupid a question.)

My favorites are the pines, with the wonderful, heart lightening aroma. But they aren't just the holder of lovely ornaments and lights, pines pack some powerful benefits for health and home.

Pine cones are the home to pine nuts (called pignoli in Italy). These with some basil and garlic and olive oil make fabulous pesto. Pine wood is strong and is used for building of all sorts. But did you know you can make tea from pine needles?

Pine is said to help ease breathing and stimulate the respiratory tract as well as aid sooth intestinal disturbances. You can take the younger, tender needles (make sure it's from a tree that hasn't been treated with any chemicals) and steep them in hot water for about 3 to 5 minutes. Strain and add honey if you'd like. The aroma will open your sinuses and the tea will help soothe you.

Put pine needles in the bedding of your pets. It's said to repel fleas - and it will help it smell good too!

I collect pine needles from my tree outside and from my Christmas tree, let them dry slightly, and put them through my herb grinder. I mix that with some baking powder and use it as a natural carpet deodorizer.

The benefits of pine include the many uses of its essential oil. It is analgesic, antiviral, deodorizing, and so much more. At Celtic Chairde Creations, we use it in our Muscle Rubs for it's ability to soothe sore muscles. It's scent adds that uplifting boost to our Lughnasa Lotion Bar.

I'll be including more information about the wonderful evergreen of the season, whose magic lifts spirits and refreshes the mind. After all, mine is still standing sentinel in the corner, reminding us of all the joy this season can bring.

Find the Perfect Gift for the Holidays at The Crafts Extravaganza at Birchwood Manor

Holiday Shopping has almost qualified for an Olympic event. But you can stop the craziness and rediscover the joy of the season by stopping by the Arts & Crafts Extravaganza at Birchwood Manor in Whippany. This spectacular craft fair takes place on Wednesday December 3rd, 2008 from 10 am to 8 pm. The Birchwood Manor is at 111 N. Jefferson Blvd, Whippany NJ. You'll be able to find room upon room of unique handmade treasures from artists and crafters from all over the state.

Whether you're looking for clothes, wood work, candles, and - naturally,

the beauty products from us at Celtic Chairde Creations, you'll find it here. We'll have our lip balms, body butters, bath products and lotion bars, as well as gift baskets and a few surprises. Mention this blog post - and we'll give you a free lip balm!

See you at the Birchwood!

It's Pumpkin Time!!!!! Getting the seed of an idea.

I LOVE this time of year. I love the crispness in the air, the bright color of the turning leaves, and the suspense that seems to build around the coming of Halloween. Don't love the fact that it starts getting darker earlier, but I'll accept it knowing that it leads to glowing orange globes delighting passersby and trick-or-treaters. You know - pumpkins!

Every since I was a small child, many years ago, I've adored carving pumpkins. There's something so viscerally cool and yet creepy about slicing off the top of these fruits of Autumn and pulling out all those slimy, icky insides. Cleaning and carving transform the simple pumpkin into a frightful - or playful - vision that dances in the long night.

Over the next few days I'll give carving tips, recipes and preserving ideas for keeping the pumpkin going. Today, however, lets get to the guts of the matter.

Pumpkin seeds are little gems inside even bigger gems. They are packed with zinc, manganese, copper, iron and protein. Their sweet nuttiness makes them a great addition to salads or any dish. And they are a terrific snack.

You can easily buy shelled pumpkin seeds, called Pepita's, but making your own is so easy. This is the recipe I typically use, but you can change around the spices to suit your own taste. Sugar pumpkins have slightly smaller, softer shelled seeds. We leave the hulls on for some extra crunchiness.

Garlic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds - about 3 cups
Paprika: Sweet, Smoked and Hot
Garlic Salt
Kosher Salt
6 tbs. salted butter
Garlic Powder

Take the pumpkin seeds from your carved pumpkin and rinse them off, removing all the strings and any visible pumpkin pieces. Put 1/4 cup of kosher salt in a bowl and add pumpkin seeds. Fill with water to cover seeds. Stir, then cover with a dish towel or saran wrap and let sit for at least 2 hours, overnight if possible.

Drain the seeds and rinse off. Spread on a clean, dry dish towel and pat dry.

Set the oven at 375 degrees. In a roasting pan or cookie sheets with sides, place the butter and put in the oven. In about 5 minutes, remove from the oven. The butter should be mostly melted. Add the pumpkin seeds, 1 tsp of smoked paprika, 1 tsp of sweet paprika, and 1/4 tsp of hot paprika. Sprinkle on garlic powder and garlic salt (about 2 tsp of each). Stir into the seeds and spread them out to a thin layer. Return the pan to the oven.

Let the seeds roast undisturbed for about 15 minutes. After that time, stir up the seeds and check for browning - you want them brown and crunchy, not burned. If needed, put in to another 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and stir. You can add more garlic salt or kosher salt if you'd like. Let cool completely and put in an air tight container.

Munch away any time you want a snack. These are also great in Nuts & Bolts (similar to Chex Mix). And they're the perfect munch while watching Halloween horror movies!

Have a Little Honey, Honey, it's National Honey Month!

As you may have gathered from our previous post about honey - which you can find here
- we're a little sweet on honey. What's not to love!? Honey is a natural sweet treat that's nourishing for your outside as well as your inside.

In celebration of National Honey Month, here are two honey based recipes to get you venturing into the wonderful world of honey.

For your outside:

Honey Hair Shine
Honey's softening power will keep your hair soft and shiny.

5 cups of warm water
2 teaspoons of light honey
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice, strawberry, or a few teaspoons of chamomile tea

Stir the honey into the warm water. Add option of your choice. After shampooing, pour the mixture through your hair. Don't rinse, just dry and style as usual. Not only will your hair be soft and shiny, it will smell wonderful, too!

For your inside:

JP's Glazed Carrots
This is a family favorite - particularly my son's. He started making them with his grandmother when he was about 5 (he's now 25).

Carrots:
2 pounds baby carrots
water to cover

Glaze:
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup pineapple juice
4 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
Optional: just a pinch of hot pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Directions

Carrots:
Cook to carrots in the water until just fork tender but still firm. Don't over cook them or they'll be mushy. Drain carrots and return to put.

Glaze:
Set heat to low and add the butter to the carrots, . Add honey, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Stir until well combined. Turn up the heat to medium when sugar has dissolved. Let simmer in the glaze until the liquid cooks down and thickens (usually about 5 to 7 minutes).

Place into a bowl, toss the option of your choice, if you'd like. The glaze with thicken slightly as it cools. Yum!

For the best in local honey, check out Herbertsville Honey or E&M Gold. They have wonderful information, terrific products, and are great people.

Have a little honey every day and celebrate the sweetness of National Honey Month.

There's still time to Stop the Globilization Act of 2008

Congress may still be on it's summer sabbatical it won't be long before work begins again in full swing. In a Presidential election year, all politicians are out to prove something, and this year is no exception. So if you want to be heard about something - now is the time to do it.

The FDA Globalization Act of 2008 is draft legislation which, if put into action, would impose such enormous fees on small cosmetic businesses - like Celtic Chairde Creations - that many of them would go out of business. This would mean fewer choices for you, the consumer, and higher prices from those choices you do have. But there are things you can do to keep this draft from going any further.

1) Sign the petition. If you go to the Indie Business Blog, you can sign the petition and joins hundreds of others in opposing the Globalization Act of 2008.

2) Write your Congressmen and Senators. Below is a sample letter that you can use, also from the Indie Business Blog:
Dear Representative [or Senator] Name:

I own a small cosmetics business in [state] and I am writing to you because I am familiar with your commitment to small businesses in our state. The draft discussion of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 is now being marked up in the House Energy & Commerce Committee and I am strongly opposed to it.

The stated purposes of the draft law are to provide FDA with funding and to protect consumers. But cosmetics have a stellar safety record and there is no need to pass laws that would hurt small businesses while offering no safety benefits consumers.

If passed, the new law would impose fees on my business of from $2,000 to $12,000 per year and require me to comply with burdensome paperwork and manufacturing requirements that no small business can afford.

I write to ask you to vote against the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 when the time comes. At a time when small and family businesses like mine are dealing with increased shipping and materials costs, as well as increases in consumer prices, it is unfair and unnecessary to enact new laws that would put small businesses out of business. Please refer to a Petition that a trade group I belong to [am familiar with] has prepared to help spread the word. At the link, you can watch a short video, read the Petition and then read the comments of literally thousands of people across the nation, many in our state, who oppose this new law.

I would like to request a short telephone conference call meeting with a staffer in your office who handles important issues affecting small businesses. Please call or email to let me know who to contact about this urgent issue.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[signed]


Most businesses have started out small, with a dream for something bigger and a desire to provide something unique for customers. This legislation, if passed, would kill more than small business owners dreams, it would kill a part of the American Dream.