Suddenly Spring

What a difference a week can make. Last weekend, the east coast (and here in New Jersey) was battered bitterly by wind and rain. Very "March like a lion" type of weather. But the last few days, and into this weekend, Mother Nature gave us the wonderful gift of sunny, warm, bright, soul lifting weather. Thoughts suddenly turn to spring, which officially arrives tomorrow, Saturday, March 20.

This gift puts us in mind of frolicking in the garden, pulling out the tank tops and tees, forgoing jackets and reveling in the spring time. My advice - don't do it! Well, a little but not to the extent that our winter weary spirits are telling us to.

Now is the season of the cold and flu. Our eagerness to banish the winter can make us let our defenses down to soon. Trust me on this one. Even as I write this I'm battling a cold (so far, it's a tie but I think I'll win). So though I may go out in the warmth of the day and do a little yard cleaning, I'll resist the urge to pull out the seeds and full on garden equipment and have at it. I'll still wear long sleeves, though they may be lighter than my winter wool sweaters. And I'll keep my neck covered up, since so many cough and cold seem to emanate from this area. Instead, I'll sip my elderberry syrup and start to bring the spring inside.

This is the perfect type of weather to help air out the house and chase away the trapped in staleness. It may not be the full on spring cleaning attack. Consider it the first foray of the battle.

Just opening the windows and letting the air circulate helps freshen things up. I also like to simmer some mint - either a handful of dried mint on a very low simmer on the stove, or a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser - to brighten the air and chase away any germs that might be looking for a new home. I also spray our Mint Ceo Brionglóid (Dream Mist) on the linens to open up our breathing while we sleep.

The carpets will get a good vacuum too. This is my favorite recipe for a fresh smelling carpet deodorizer (which the carpet really needs after last weekends soppy mess).

• Sprinkle plain baking soda on rugs or upholstery. Let sit for 10 to 30 minutes, then vacuum. To add some extra punch, take a large jar and fill with baking soda. Add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil, then cover and shake. Let sit for at least 24 hours before using. If you don't have essential oil, you can add dried lemon rind or dried orange rind and let sit for at least a week or grind it up and add it. The baking soda will then be infused with the citrus scent and add an extra uplifting note when sprinkled and vacuumed.

Do take some time to revel in natures glorious weather, but don't get carried away. That will be coming soon enough!

Celebrate Your Irish Side

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

March is the month to celebrate the wee touch of Irish in all of us - and Saint Patrick's Day is the pinnacle date of that celebration. Many people celebrate with parades filled with Friendly Sons, bagpipe band and firetruck filled parades. Quite a few enjoy a good brew or spirits of a harder nature. I've been doing some of that, but I have a few other activities to help me remember my Irish roots.

My dear old grandmother was a lively Irish woman. Catherine Bridget Dalton was even born on March 17th. I still use her Irish Soda Bread recipe every year (and not only in March!). It's wonderful. Imagine my surprise when I found out her raisin and caraway seed filled treat wasn't traditional. It's her version of Irish Soda bread though, and that's good enough for me.

I'll also be taking some time to look for the signs of spring. Bulbs are starting to come up, the forsythia is getting buds on it, and the heather blooms look lovely. I'll be gathering some of them for tea and for Mela Tae Eye Bright sets.

Speaking of tea, I'll probably enjoy a nice cup of Rose Melange tea and add a dash of heather for a nice relaxing and refreshing look at the day.

For dinner we'll have some of that soda bread and probably some good home made Sheppard's Pie. Then it will be off to create some some new body butter or maybe a rose scented sugar scrub in honor of gram.

Whatever way you celebrate, take a moment to lift your glass and thank those daring Irish lads and lassies who came to America so very long ago. They've added wonderful traditions to American life, and enriched our history.

Slainte!

March Forth! on March Fourth

Even though it is National Procrastinators Week (more on that another time), today is March Forth - Do Something Day!

Today is the day to look at your goals,whatever they may be. Have you been putting something off? Are there too many steps to get you there? Well, today is the day to take a step and do something to get you there.

Let's say your goal is to clean up the garage. If your garage looks like mine, that can seem an insurmountable task. But if you just take 15 minutes and pick one spot to work on, you've started. And maybe you'll be inspired to continue more. Fly Lady is a pro an inspiring and breaking things down into simple steps.

Or maybe travel is your target, but funds are short right now. Make a bank (Cool old jar, soda bottle, whatever) to throw your change into and start saving. just do something to help you get there.

Trying to get in shape? Take 10 minutes to do some exercise. Or make a really healthy meal.

Want to start a business? Write out the steps you need to take, or sign up for a class.

Sometimes, all it takes is that first step to get you moving towards your goals and dreams. They aren't impossible to reach. Make today the day you just March Forth and Do Something!

Snow Moon Sunday

Full moons have many names, depending on the culture and location of those gazing up at it.

February's full moon is called The Snow Moon. It seems so apropos this year. Native American Indians called it this because this is the time for the heaviest snow storms, as we've seen. It is sometimes called the Hunger Moon, because food stores are running low.

Wolf Moon was the name for the English used for the February full moon, as the wolves would be on the prowl. But this year - I think Snow Moon suits it best.

What can you do on a Snowy Day - Bake for Family Fun!

Snowy days tend to keep us bundled up inside - except when we're out playing! There is something wonderful and hearth warming about coming in from the cold to some home baked goodies. After all - it is Bake for Family Fun Month!

And baking can be done by the entire family. Even the youngest children can help ice a cupcake or decorate a cookie. If you're afraid that you'll eat all of those yummy treats, then save some to share or take part in the Great American Bake Sale!

Just to get you started, here are a couple of my favorite recipes that are quick and easy and perfect for a snowy day:


Better Box Brownies
Whenever I make brownies using a packaged mix, I substitute applesauce (plain unsweetened) for the oil required. For a little something extra, I'll also add some dried cherries. Just bake as usual - yummy!

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Cookies
1 box chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup water
2 eggs
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup mashed ripe banana

• Heat the oven to 375°.
• Mix 1/2 package of the chocolate cake mix with the eggs, peanut butter, mashed banana and water until well blended.
• Add the other 1/2 package of cake mix and mix thoroughly.
• Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Dip a fork in some flour and press lightly onto the top of each dough ball to make a little criss cross pattern.
• Bake or 10 minutes until lightly browned.
• Remove from oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes.
• Remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Don't worry about the snow. Gather the family and bake up some fun!