Welcoming Changes...

I know that most people are comfortable in their daily routine and don't like changes. Why? Because it forces them to step out of their comfort zone and affect their life. Changes also represent challenges, something you have to figure out before going further on your Life's journey.

I like challenges and changes. I see them as an opportunity to learn, grow and become wiser. They also offer an array of new possibilities which can be quite stimulating.

I think changes should be embraced and not feared. So why not break free from routine and take a peek at what's on the other side of the rainbow?

Un Peu de Poésie...

"Esprit Libre et Sauvage - Force de la Nature exposée aux Quatre Vents,

Femme-Chamane érrant sur la Lande, dans La Forêt

Ainsi qu'entre les Mondes...Là où il n'y a plus ni Temps, ni Espace Défini,

Je ne me sens chez moi qu'en compagnie d'Arbres, d'Ancêtres et d'Esprits."

Seeds for Sprouting

I like sprouting seeds once in while and in small quantity (I don't need several ounces worth of sprouts) that I usually add to salads, soups and sandwiches. Yet I noticed that they are usually sold in bulk (by the lb) and if there aren't, the choice is usually limited.

I found a website named Italian Seed and Tool where they have a nice selection of organic sprouting seeds (not in bulk) including red cabbage, fennel, carrot and garlic chives (just to name a few). I like the fact that they provide info about the health benefits of each variety, including vitamin and mineral content.

Blog Party: Staying Cool in the Summer

I am hosting this month's Blog Party but...my contribution will be delayed (I know, shame on me!).

Nonetheless, feel free to read, enjoy & use the tips provided by my fellow Wise Women ;):
-Sarah tells us everything about her wonderful Elder Blossom concoctions (Elder is a long time herbal ally of mine)
-Darcey shares her Summer Survival Tips with us
-Michelle mentions her cooling & zen Oatstraw Infusion
-Kiva is savoring the Summer in the Mountains of NM...We could all use a River in a Bottle ;)
-Tammy tells us about her fragrant & refreshing Rose Spritzer
-Ananda enchantes us with the Magic of Mint

Thank you Ladies ;).

Back to Sewing!

It's been an eternity since I last used my sewing machine.

It felt really good starting to sew (and knit) again ;).

I made a "Jupe Culotte" (which apparently translates to "Culottes" in english) out of piece of batik cotton. The motives remind me both of Celtic triskeles and young fiddle-head ferns.

Summer Goodies...

I love the idea of seasonality. Whether we like it or not, we are connected and depend on the seasons. The Wheel of the Year turns and each season brings us a rainbow of colors, smells, sensations (physical, emotional and spiritual), herbs and edibles.

So following the Wheel and the coming of the Summer, I created and blended seasonal goodies such as my Wise Woman Summer Cream and my Summer Fairy Facial Elixir.

The Wise Woman Summer Cream is herbally infused with organic calendula, pesticide-free jasmine rose petals, organic elder blossoms, organic nettle, organic lavender and organic fennel seeds. I use plum kernel oil which has a natural wonderful sweet, floral scent that reminds me a little bit of almonds.

The Summer Fairy Facial Elixir is a great facial oil and is hand blended with organic sunflower oil, melon seed oil, plum kernel oil, raspberry seed oil and a touch of vitamin E. It has a natural and pleasant fruity smell.

Thank you for browsing ;).

WILD CALIFORNIA INCENSE

There are lots of wonderfully scented wild sages growing in the area. I have used them myself for some time now for making various incenses and herbal concoctions.

I thought it was time to share these wild treasures with the world and blended a Wild California Incense that contains black sage (salvia mellifera), purple sage (salvia leucophylla) and silver sagebrush (which is in fact an artemisia).

All sages have cleansing, clearing and purifying properties ;).

Gluten Free Corn Sablés (Cookies)

Sablé(s) translates to Sand Cookies because of their crumbly texture.
This is an adaptation of a french recipe.

You'll need:

• 1 cup / 250g of corn flour
• 4 tbsp / 60ml of oil or softened butter
• 2 tbsp / 30ml of cane sugar, honey, agave or maple syrup
• Some water
• 1/8 tsp baking powder (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 F / 180 C.

In a bowl, mix flour and sugar. Add the oil/butter & some water. Once you get a lumpy but somewhat sticky texture, work the dough to form a ball. Let it rest a few minutes.

Take small amounts of dough, roll them between your hands and flatten them. Place the cookies on an oiled baking sheet (parchment paper works well too).

Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the edges start turning brown.

Et voila! You have tasty, gluten free, egg free and dairy free cookies ;).

When I was shaping the cookies, the smell of the dough reminded me somewhat of orange blossom. So I may try adding a little orange blossom water next time. I'm sure that cocoa powder, cinnamon and other spices will also work fine.

"Corn is rich in vitamins A, B (B3 and B5), E, iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, complex carbohydrates, fiber, polyinsturated fat, omega-6 fatty acids and protein.

Corn is suitable for people with gluten intolerance. It is said to be a gentle moderator of the thyroid gland. Corn aids wound healing, strengthens the immune system by boosting antibody production, and keeps the skin and mucous membranes in good condition. It helps the body cope with stress, stabilizes bloog sugar, aids digestion and maintains a healthy level of blood fats."

From "The Complete Guide to Nutritional Health by Pierre Jean Cousin & Kirsten Hartvig

Celebrate the Goddess through Self-Respect

"In the not-too-distant past, women were held in low esteem by our society in terms of their power and skills. Now, as strong Goddess-women, we affirm our empowerment and stand tall in our self-respect.
Staying true to yourself means honoring your gifts, speaking your truth, walking your talk.
The tales of the Goddess, such as Ix Chel, can inspire and lend courage to face life's challenges, while always holding true to your own center.
Never doubt that you are exactly as the Goddess intended."

SageWoman 2008 Calendar

I'm Featured on the POEST Blog ;)

http://pagansofetsy.blogspot.com/2008/06/june-featured-member-alchemille.html