- "Red Velvet Chocolate Heartache" by Harry Eastwood (that I had to order from England)
- "Roast Figs Sugar Snow ~ Winter food to warm the soul" by Diana Henry
- "Winter Harvest Cookbook" by Lane Morgan
- "Grain-Free Baked Goods & Desserts" by Kelly V. Brozyna (The Spunky Coconut)
- "Tagines & Couscous" by Ghillie Basan
Thursday, November 03, 2011
My Favorite Cookbooks
Like many people who are interested in health, gut healing and proper nutrition, I have several cookbooks (including SCD, GAPS and Paleo ones). But there are only a few I use regularly or simply like to open for some inspiration, here are my favorites:
Friday, August 12, 2011
Latest News and A Story
I have recently participated in a French literary contest. The theme was "le jour où j'ai perdu la tête" which means either "the day I lost my mind" or "the day I lost my head" depending on the context. I chose the head and came up with a tale of a ghost haunting the Tower of London (where I have never been) with a historical context and 3 stories weaving in one.
I don't know if I will be chosen amongst the winners but I have good hope to be noticed...I am satisfied with the story I wrote.
You can my tale online (in French) HERE .
If you don't speak French, Google Translate might do a fairly decent job translating my text.
I am still working on my book (alas this tale won't be part of it) and I hope to have it printed within the next 2 months ;).
I don't know if I will be chosen amongst the winners but I have good hope to be noticed...I am satisfied with the story I wrote.
You can my tale online (in French) HERE .
If you don't speak French, Google Translate might do a fairly decent job translating my text.
I am still working on my book (alas this tale won't be part of it) and I hope to have it printed within the next 2 months ;).
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Remembering lino...
I moved to my new nest a couple weeks ago yet most of my stuff is still packed in boxes. I often try to remember where I have seen this or that so that it almost becomes a game (better be playful than frustrated about the whole situation).
I can't wait to start doing creative things again. I will have my own little "workshop" room where most of my books already are...I just need a BIG table. I also can't wait to get back to my writing.
I've been wanting for months to do some kind of illustrations for the book but I haven't been able to find a suitable technique/medium for that...That is until a couple days ago when I had one of those "Ahhhha!" moments that happened after seeing a book on printing.
There are many printing techniques ranging from ultra-simple to complex ones (usually involving specific & often costly tools). That is when I remembered lino cuts.
I discovered lino when I started studying Applied Arts in high school. I didn't find it too fun at first since I kept on pocking and cutting my fingers with the tools (so did my class mates) but then I got more comfortable with it. It is a versatile technique that is old school yet can be very modern visually speaking. I think that is what I will go with for my book...
I can't wait to start doing creative things again. I will have my own little "workshop" room where most of my books already are...I just need a BIG table. I also can't wait to get back to my writing.
I've been wanting for months to do some kind of illustrations for the book but I haven't been able to find a suitable technique/medium for that...That is until a couple days ago when I had one of those "Ahhhha!" moments that happened after seeing a book on printing.
There are many printing techniques ranging from ultra-simple to complex ones (usually involving specific & often costly tools). That is when I remembered lino cuts.
I discovered lino when I started studying Applied Arts in high school. I didn't find it too fun at first since I kept on pocking and cutting my fingers with the tools (so did my class mates) but then I got more comfortable with it. It is a versatile technique that is old school yet can be very modern visually speaking. I think that is what I will go with for my book...
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Ch-ch-changes
I like changes. I see them as an opportunity for growth: something new & good (I don't like routine).
I'm about to move to a new place, my book project (short stories) is starting to look like something (I already have 3/4 of the stories written in French and I think I figured out the illustration part) and I believe it will be ready by September (fingers crossed).
Then I will have to work at the English translation ;).
I also have a different book project, this one has to do with Alchemille's Garden and I'm sure that my fans will appreciate...I think it's time I reveal my tea blending & natural beauty secrets. What do you think? ;)
I'm about to move to a new place, my book project (short stories) is starting to look like something (I already have 3/4 of the stories written in French and I think I figured out the illustration part) and I believe it will be ready by September (fingers crossed).
Then I will have to work at the English translation ;).
I also have a different book project, this one has to do with Alchemille's Garden and I'm sure that my fans will appreciate...I think it's time I reveal my tea blending & natural beauty secrets. What do you think? ;)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
About Food Allergies
About 3 months ago, I felt like I was falling apart: serious digestive issues (bloating, leaky gut symptoms, a feeling of having butterflies in my stomach...) as well as nervous issues (constantly tense muscles, impossible to relax, tachycardia episodes lasting longer than usual...). Not to mention cracking joints & joint pains. At some point my elbows were swollen and sore with black & blues for a couple days...I was a total wreck, I knew I had to do something!
So the first thing I did was to remove all grains, all nuts and high oxalate foods because I suspected that the little calcium I had was flushed away by the oxalates (I had a few servings of spinach before it all started) and I knew I was probably low in magnesium as well (I hadn't been taking magnesium supplements for years even though I have spasmophilia, I just assumed that all the nuts I was eating - especially almonds - would cover my magnesium needs). Since I knew my gut was damaged, I started taking more fermented foods, some clay (to flush the toxins out of my body) and bone broths (which did some magic for my stomach where peppermint tea failed).
So at this point I was grain, nut, sugar, corn, soy, egg & nightshades free. I'd been having raw dairy daily (since a good 2-3 years) too which seemed to be fine for me (or so I thought) since I didn't experience the stomach aches I had as a child with pasteurized milk, not to mention that the extra beneficial bacteria was more than welcome. I was doing better but it was not perfect. I started reacting to simple foods I had no problem with until now (carrots, beets...). So I figured that there was still something bothering me & my intestines.
I thought it was time for me to get tested for food allergies once and for all and stop the guessing game. So I ordered an allergy test kit that required just a few drops of blood (something I could do at home), send via the mail and wait for the results. Meanwhile I had heard that allergy tests were not 100% accurate and an acquaintance of mine suggested the Coca Pulse Test, in which your pulse can give you an indication if a type of food isn't to your body's liking. It can be a bit time consuming (especially if you have several foods to test) but it is fairly accurate...I mean how can your own pulse/body trick you?
A couple days ago (about 2 weeks after I sent my allergy testing card), I got my results in the mail. Here's what they found out:
-I'm allergic to cane sugar (class VI, the highest), asparagus (class IV), almonds (class V), cottage cheese (class IV), cow's milk (class IV), whey (class IV) & yogurt (class IV)
These are foods I need to take out of my diet. I'm a bit surprised by the dairy since I only used raw cow's milk and thought I was doing fine but dairy was the only food I hadn't removed from my elimination diet and might be the culprit as to why my intestines are not healing as well as I was hoping. Almonds doesn't surprise me, as I have eaten a lot of them (like many grain free folks out there) and one often craves the food he/she is allergic too though last time I reintroduced a bit of almond butter I noticed that it didn't taste nearly as good as it used too. Asparagus is something I suspected. Now the cane sugar is something that blew me away: I've had hypoglycemia since my childhood and naturally I've eaten tons of sugary things for my low blood sugar...Which means I have poisoned myself for more than 20 years! (And I now know how toxic sugar is...Even more for me!). I removed sugar from my diet a few years ago after reading that sugar feeds the whole hypoglycemia cycle and it helped.
-I'm moderately sensitive to chicken eggs (yolks & whites, class III), baker's yeast (class III), casein (class III), cheddar (class III), mozzarella (class III)
These are foods I can have on a rotation diet (about once or twice a week). I removed the eggs years ago as I suspected a sensitivity (digestive disorders, slight red patches on the skin coming & going). Recently I did the pulse test with chicken eggs and my pulse didn't react. I will try eating one and add 1-2 to baked goods but I'd like to get duck eggs instead since I've read that they are a good option for people allergic to chicken eggs (and more nutritious too).
What surprised me is no reaction to grain (gluten or not), pulses, nightshades, nuts or seeds. My pulse seems to react to tree nuts such as walnuts & hazelnuts (at least for now, could be a temporary sensitivity, as usual I'll retest again in a few weeks). I know I reacted to chickpea flour and then lentils (which I never had trouble with) but lately the lentils were ok with the pulse test. As for grains, I know they feed my hypoglycemia. Each time I reintroduce them, the old ghost is back within 3 days (I suspect more of a starch issue than a true gluten issue. And since starch is sugar...). My only hope is sprouted grains/flours, they don't seem to trigger and hypoglycemia and my stomach handles them fine but my intestines are still fragile and get irritated so I'll have to try again in 1-2 months. As for nightshades, I pulse tested a tomato, which was fine but even though I only chewed on a tiny tomato, I had a horrible headache afterward that lasted a while, so I'm most likely sensitive to the toxins inside the nightshades (I recommend the book "Nightshade free, Pain free"). Once I remove the cow's dairy (according to the test goat milk isn't a problem, except that finding raw goat milk is nearly impossible because it's very perishable. But raw goat milk cheeses can be found easily), I expect my gut to heal a bit faster, especially since I'm on my own customized paleo-scd-gaps diet ;).
Also I was surprised that onions & garlic didn't show (they seem to trigger post-nasal drip), neither did carrots, beets or mushrooms (which I got a pulse reaction from) so it could be a temporary sensitivity.
I don't regret doing the test, I think if I combine the results with my pulse tests and my body's reactions (such as headache, post-nasal drip and such), it will make things much more manageable for me. I am hopeful that I will be able to reintroduce more and more foods over the next few months. I just want to be healthy, happy, enjoy life and enjoy my food!
So the first thing I did was to remove all grains, all nuts and high oxalate foods because I suspected that the little calcium I had was flushed away by the oxalates (I had a few servings of spinach before it all started) and I knew I was probably low in magnesium as well (I hadn't been taking magnesium supplements for years even though I have spasmophilia, I just assumed that all the nuts I was eating - especially almonds - would cover my magnesium needs). Since I knew my gut was damaged, I started taking more fermented foods, some clay (to flush the toxins out of my body) and bone broths (which did some magic for my stomach where peppermint tea failed).
So at this point I was grain, nut, sugar, corn, soy, egg & nightshades free. I'd been having raw dairy daily (since a good 2-3 years) too which seemed to be fine for me (or so I thought) since I didn't experience the stomach aches I had as a child with pasteurized milk, not to mention that the extra beneficial bacteria was more than welcome. I was doing better but it was not perfect. I started reacting to simple foods I had no problem with until now (carrots, beets...). So I figured that there was still something bothering me & my intestines.
I thought it was time for me to get tested for food allergies once and for all and stop the guessing game. So I ordered an allergy test kit that required just a few drops of blood (something I could do at home), send via the mail and wait for the results. Meanwhile I had heard that allergy tests were not 100% accurate and an acquaintance of mine suggested the Coca Pulse Test, in which your pulse can give you an indication if a type of food isn't to your body's liking. It can be a bit time consuming (especially if you have several foods to test) but it is fairly accurate...I mean how can your own pulse/body trick you?
A couple days ago (about 2 weeks after I sent my allergy testing card), I got my results in the mail. Here's what they found out:
-I'm allergic to cane sugar (class VI, the highest), asparagus (class IV), almonds (class V), cottage cheese (class IV), cow's milk (class IV), whey (class IV) & yogurt (class IV)
These are foods I need to take out of my diet. I'm a bit surprised by the dairy since I only used raw cow's milk and thought I was doing fine but dairy was the only food I hadn't removed from my elimination diet and might be the culprit as to why my intestines are not healing as well as I was hoping. Almonds doesn't surprise me, as I have eaten a lot of them (like many grain free folks out there) and one often craves the food he/she is allergic too though last time I reintroduced a bit of almond butter I noticed that it didn't taste nearly as good as it used too. Asparagus is something I suspected. Now the cane sugar is something that blew me away: I've had hypoglycemia since my childhood and naturally I've eaten tons of sugary things for my low blood sugar...Which means I have poisoned myself for more than 20 years! (And I now know how toxic sugar is...Even more for me!). I removed sugar from my diet a few years ago after reading that sugar feeds the whole hypoglycemia cycle and it helped.
-I'm moderately sensitive to chicken eggs (yolks & whites, class III), baker's yeast (class III), casein (class III), cheddar (class III), mozzarella (class III)
These are foods I can have on a rotation diet (about once or twice a week). I removed the eggs years ago as I suspected a sensitivity (digestive disorders, slight red patches on the skin coming & going). Recently I did the pulse test with chicken eggs and my pulse didn't react. I will try eating one and add 1-2 to baked goods but I'd like to get duck eggs instead since I've read that they are a good option for people allergic to chicken eggs (and more nutritious too).
What surprised me is no reaction to grain (gluten or not), pulses, nightshades, nuts or seeds. My pulse seems to react to tree nuts such as walnuts & hazelnuts (at least for now, could be a temporary sensitivity, as usual I'll retest again in a few weeks). I know I reacted to chickpea flour and then lentils (which I never had trouble with) but lately the lentils were ok with the pulse test. As for grains, I know they feed my hypoglycemia. Each time I reintroduce them, the old ghost is back within 3 days (I suspect more of a starch issue than a true gluten issue. And since starch is sugar...). My only hope is sprouted grains/flours, they don't seem to trigger and hypoglycemia and my stomach handles them fine but my intestines are still fragile and get irritated so I'll have to try again in 1-2 months. As for nightshades, I pulse tested a tomato, which was fine but even though I only chewed on a tiny tomato, I had a horrible headache afterward that lasted a while, so I'm most likely sensitive to the toxins inside the nightshades (I recommend the book "Nightshade free, Pain free"). Once I remove the cow's dairy (according to the test goat milk isn't a problem, except that finding raw goat milk is nearly impossible because it's very perishable. But raw goat milk cheeses can be found easily), I expect my gut to heal a bit faster, especially since I'm on my own customized paleo-scd-gaps diet ;).
Also I was surprised that onions & garlic didn't show (they seem to trigger post-nasal drip), neither did carrots, beets or mushrooms (which I got a pulse reaction from) so it could be a temporary sensitivity.
I don't regret doing the test, I think if I combine the results with my pulse tests and my body's reactions (such as headache, post-nasal drip and such), it will make things much more manageable for me. I am hopeful that I will be able to reintroduce more and more foods over the next few months. I just want to be healthy, happy, enjoy life and enjoy my food!
Monday, March 07, 2011
Pour mes amis en France: les ESSENTIELS pour vivre en semi-autarcie et en bonne santé...
Voici une liste de livres sur les thèmes du jardinage, de l'herboristerie, des cosmétiques naturelles, des préparations culinaires maison et autres que j'ai dans ma bibliotheque magique.
Oubliez tout ce que vous pensiez savoir et ce que vous tenez pour vrai de la bouche de medecins, diététiciens et autres charlatans des temps modernes...Ceux qui detenaient le vrai savoir, la vraie bouffe et les vrais remèdes n'étaient autres que nos aieux il n'y a pas si longtemps que cela!
Je n'ai pas voulu m'étaler de trop sur la diététique et la nutrition (même si je suis devenue un peu malgré moi une "experte" dans le domaine de par mes lectures et mes expériences personnelles), chacun ayant des besoins et des tolérances différentes, il reste cependant important de bien connaître son corps...
~Herboristerie - Tisanes - Soins Naturels - Santé ~
Après vous saurez tout faire!
Maintenant y'a plus qu'à se remettre à la couture et au tricot...;).
Oubliez tout ce que vous pensiez savoir et ce que vous tenez pour vrai de la bouche de medecins, diététiciens et autres charlatans des temps modernes...Ceux qui detenaient le vrai savoir, la vraie bouffe et les vrais remèdes n'étaient autres que nos aieux il n'y a pas si longtemps que cela!
Je n'ai pas voulu m'étaler de trop sur la diététique et la nutrition (même si je suis devenue un peu malgré moi une "experte" dans le domaine de par mes lectures et mes expériences personnelles), chacun ayant des besoins et des tolérances différentes, il reste cependant important de bien connaître son corps...
~Herboristerie - Tisanes - Soins Naturels - Santé ~
- "Les vertus des Tisanes" de Anne Levédrine
- "Cataplasmes, compresses, bains de pieds et de mains" de Germaine Cousin
- "Mes tisanes bien-être" de Pierrette Nardo
- "Mes bonne plantes & mes bonne herbes (jardin, bien-être, cuisine) de Pierrette Nardo
- "C'est la Nature qui a raison (secrets de santé et de beauté) de Maurice Mességué (mon premier livre d'herboristerie ;) )
- "Les infusions du jardin" de Peter Bauwens
- "22 épices pour préserver la santé" de Guy Avril (basé sur l'Ayurvéda)
- "Nos grand-mères savaient - la vérité sur les plantes et la vie naturelle" de Jean Palaiseul (j'ai la version anglaise)
- "Nos grands-mères savaient : Petit dictionnaire des plantes qui guérissent" de Jean Palaiseul
- "Créez vos cosmétiques bio" de Sylvie Hampikian
- "Beauté et bien-être à l'Orientale" de Vanessa Sitbon (La Sultane de Saba)
- "Recettes de beauté des femmes du Maroc" de Abdelhai Sijelmassi
- "Vinaigres: cuisine, santé, bien-être" de Nathalie Nagy-Kochmann
- "La santé commence par les intestins" de Scarlett Weinstein-Loison
- "L'atelier bio (ingrédients, recettes et savoir-faire) de Collectif
- "Créez vos boissons santé" de Sylvie Hampikian
- "Vieux légumes, le grand retour" de Keda Black
- "Légumes oubliés d'hier et d'aujourd'hui" de Kathleen & Yves Paccalet
- "Légumes bio - mode d'emploi" d'Emmanuel et Valérie Cupillard
- "Sauces végétariennes" de Valérie Cupillard
- "Mes pâtes à tartiner sucrées et salées" de Cléa
- "Spaghettis de légumes (tagliatelles & cie)" d'Orathay & Vania
- "Bouillons maison" de Marie Leteuré
- "Cuisine bio pour fruits de saison (130 recettes salées et sucrées) de Serge de Thaey
- "Secrets d'endurance - barres, boissons et recettes maison" de Kecily & Kristof Berg
- "Protéines vertes (tofu, lentilles, pois chiches, azukis) de Christophe Berg
- "La cuisine des petits chemins" d'Annie Pavlowitch (pour ceux qui s'y connaissent en plantes sauvages comestibles)
- "Je cuisine les fanes" d'Amandine Geers
- "Purées" de Sylvie Girard-Lagorce et Delphine Brunet
- "A la découverte des aliments fermentés (pour dynamiser votre assiette) de Chantal et Lionel Clergeaud
- "Les ferments: yaourt, faisselle, kéfir, soja, boissons fermentées..." de Dounia Silem
- "Kéfir de fruits et de lait" de Peter Bauwens
- "Glaces et sorbets du jardin" de Peter Bauwens
- "Laits et yaourts végétaux faits maison" d'Anne Brunner
- "Fromages végétaux" de Virginie Péan
- "Tout fait maison" de Nathalie Cahet et Isabelle Brouant
- "Friandises bio - petites douceurs authentiques" de Karen Chevallier
- "Crèmes glacées et sorbets bio" de Karen Chevallier
- " Les incroyables vertus des jus de légumes santé" d'Evelyne Baubeau
- "Les incroyables vertus des smoothies verts" de Collette Herve-Pairin & Nadege Pairin
- "Des aliments aux mille vertus: Cuisiner les aliments fermentés" de Claude Aubert & Jean-James Garreau
- "Smoothies - A votre santé!" de Cécile & Christophe Berg
- "Sauces salades" de Christophe Berg
- "Sarrasin" de Cécile & Christophe Berg
- "Chanvre" d'Anne Brunner
- "Jeunes pousses" de Fionna Hill (j'ai la version anglaise...Plus facile, pratique et tout aussi nutritif que les graines germées. Permet en plus d'avoir un petit jardin d'hiver vitaminé même dans le plus petit des appartements)
- "Epices, aromates et condiments"
- "Tisanes et sirop délices"
- "Vins apéritifs maison"
- "Liqueurs du placard"
- "Plaisirs sans alcool"
- "Desserts et gourmandises aux fruits"
- "Confitures, compotes et fruits au sirop"
- "L'armoire aux conserves"
- "Cuisine des fleurs, feuilles et petites salades"
- "Légumes des 4 saisons"
Après vous saurez tout faire!
Maintenant y'a plus qu'à se remettre à la couture et au tricot...;).
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Something exciting...
A few days ago I have been contacted by a fairly well known author of French gluten free cookbooks to possibly translate her next cookbook into English.
Though no contract has been signed yet, but I think we are heading to the right direction...
This could be fun ;).
Though no contract has been signed yet, but I think we are heading to the right direction...
This could be fun ;).
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
This blog isn't dead yet...
Hello dear readers,
I know it's been a while since the last time I posted something on this blog.
A lot of things have happened this year: some good, some bad, some painful & sad...But life continues.
I'm still working on my book and am very inspired to finish it (soon hopefully). I still would like to add illustrations but haven't decided yet which medium to use: paper cutting, watercolor, collages or pictures of papier mache sculptures...Maybe a little bit of each ;).
I also already have another book project, very artsy, that should include my tea & bodycare recipes...This could be a fun & useful book. But let's finish the current one first!
I just participated in a short story contest organized by a french magazine. I like the story I wrote (original concept, surprise elements, semi-open end and room for imagination) in which, according to a good friend of mine, one can recognize my style of writing (though the jury doesn't know me). It would be nice to win and see my tale published nation-wide in that magazine...But even if I don't, there might be some doors opening with new connections and possibilities. Who knows, right?
That's enough babbling for today, I wish you all happy holidays!
I know it's been a while since the last time I posted something on this blog.
A lot of things have happened this year: some good, some bad, some painful & sad...But life continues.
I'm still working on my book and am very inspired to finish it (soon hopefully). I still would like to add illustrations but haven't decided yet which medium to use: paper cutting, watercolor, collages or pictures of papier mache sculptures...Maybe a little bit of each ;).
I also already have another book project, very artsy, that should include my tea & bodycare recipes...This could be a fun & useful book. But let's finish the current one first!
I just participated in a short story contest organized by a french magazine. I like the story I wrote (original concept, surprise elements, semi-open end and room for imagination) in which, according to a good friend of mine, one can recognize my style of writing (though the jury doesn't know me). It would be nice to win and see my tale published nation-wide in that magazine...But even if I don't, there might be some doors opening with new connections and possibilities. Who knows, right?
That's enough babbling for today, I wish you all happy holidays!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Alchemille's September Newsletter
Dear Friends,
I know it's been a long time since you last received a newsletter from me.
A lot has happened these past few months (including a broken ankle) and I needed time for myself to think & heal ;).
I'm still working on my book of tales and I have decided to write a bilingual book (french-english). I also would like to add some illustrations to complement my writings...I think it's gonna take a few more months to finish but I hope to be done by December.
*Now regarding Alchemille's Garden, I have updated my shop with my autumnal selection of teas, you'll find such blends as:
The d'Automne, Journey to Middle-Earth and Amber Spice Tea just to name a few.
*You'll also find more healing/medicinal/spiritual tea blends like the WeMoon Herbal Tonic (a personal favorite and deeply nourishing blend) or Good Vibrations (great for healing work).
*For the Tea Afficionado, I offer my "ONE SEASON OF TEA - FALL TEA SUBSCRIPTION" which allows you to enjoy each month a different tea, a different taste and a different experience.(These tea subscriptions also make a nice gift.)
I will mail 1 jar each month, according to the following selection (see listing for details):
>October “Thé du Matin”/ Morning tea (green tea, rosemary, orange peel, rosehips, cinnamon and cloves)
>November L'Orangerie (black tea, rooibos, orange peel, cacao nibs and cinnamon)
>December "Thé à l'églantine" / Rosehip tea (black tea, rosehips, rose petals and cloves)
>October “Thé du Matin”/ Morning tea (green tea, rosemary, orange peel, rosehips, cinnamon and cloves)
>November L'Orangerie (black tea, rooibos, orange peel, cacao nibs and cinnamon)
>December "Thé à l'églantine" / Rosehip tea (black tea, rosehips, rose petals and cloves)
Please note that I never add any aromas, natural flavors, extracts nor essential oils to my teas.
*Always in the spirit of seasonality, I have reintroduced my Fairy Facial Elixirs (for the Fall: Woodland Fairy and Autumn Fairy) which come in a 1/2 oz dropper bottle as well as my Four Season Skin Elixir which can be used both on face and body and comes in a 2oz dropper bottle.
*I'm also adding new rope incenses...I know these are not the traditional incenses people are used to but they are worth giving a try. For these I use the same quality ingredients as I use for my teas. And as far as I know, I'm the only one making these. The scent comes only from herbs, spices and resins...Nothing else is added: no artificial fragrances, scents nor essential oils.
I create my rope incenses by braiding organic cotton twine (the braiding process induces a somewhat meditational state). The ropes are then soaked for a few weeks in homemade scented tinctures (using herbs, spices and/or resin) and left to dry. My scented tinctures may take at least 1 month to prepare and sometimes require multiple infusions. This type of incense is slow burning, allowing you to control how long and how much incense you wish to burn. You can also choose to cut the rope into pieces. You can use rope incense for meditation, rituals, personal enjoyment or for cleansing/purifying the air or a heavy atmosphere.
I'm currently working on an autumnal incense blend (something woodsy and spicy) that would complement my teas & fairy elixirs nicely ;).
*I still have a few Spice Road EcoBeads (handmade botanical beads with herbs, spices and resins), they smell divine!
*Looking for a gift for someone special? Check my Gift Certificates! He/she will be able to pick the perfect gift for him/herself!
~Be Well~
Alchemille
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
ANCIENT GRAIN TEAS
Common beverages in the macrobiotic diet, grain teas can be prepared with gluten free grains such as rice, millet, oats and buckwheat.
http://www.vitalitymagazine.com/node/255
http://www.vitalitymagazine.com/node/255
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Alchemille's June & July Newsletter
Dear Friends,
Summer is now here (hope you had a wonderful Solstice) and the sun is shining over our heads (make sure to stay well hydrated - think ice tea and lemonade - and to protect your skin).
I know I've been quiet for some time but good things come out of silence ;). For the past few weeks, I have been working on the writing of my first book which will be a collection of short stories. My goal is to publish it by September, in French first (which is my language after all) then I plan on translating the book into English. That's what is keeping me busy lately...I enjoy writing very much, it's like a rebirth for me. I've always loved books and the power of imagination. The perspective of becoming a writer/storyteller is very exciting!
What can be better than a good book & a cup of tea?
Now as far as teas go, I have currently have most of my Summer selection listed (I will add a few more very soon) : French Riviera, Marrakesh Express, Tisane de Provence, Love Potion, Tisane Indienne (great hot or cold)...Just to name a few ;).
I also have my "One Season of Tea" - Summer Tea Subscription available (July to September) which includes:
Marrakesh Express (green tea, spearmint, peppermint and rose petals), Nights in Provence (lemon balm and lavender) and Caravan Chai (rooibos, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves)...Note that these will also be listed individually.
>>The Spring subscription is still available until the end of June (the teas are also listed individually)<<
I also plan to develop new tea blends inspired by literature: either writers, stories, poems or fictional characters (maybe some from my book-in-writing too)...This can be fun and I'm sure you'll enjoy these blends too.
Herbally Yours (as always),
Alchemille
On the Selfishness & Heartlessness of People
I don't know why people are living in a bubble with blinders. They refuse to see the pain, the suffering, the hunger, the disease and the distress of people and animals around them.
What are they so afraid of: germs or emotional binding?
What scares me the most is to see that children are getting cold and disconnected from the world, immune to everything that makes them children: curiosity, hunger for knowledge, joy of living, compassion, empathy...etc
I'd like to hope that hard times would bring something else than the darkest out of people...
What are they so afraid of: germs or emotional binding?
What scares me the most is to see that children are getting cold and disconnected from the world, immune to everything that makes them children: curiosity, hunger for knowledge, joy of living, compassion, empathy...etc
I'd like to hope that hard times would bring something else than the darkest out of people...
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Crafty Wednesdays: Knitting Project
This is my first knitting project using looms. I'm not following any specific instructions or patterns, just what I have in hand: old yarns! These are made of acrylic (I usually only use natural fibers but since this is my first try with loom knitting, if it doesn't come out right it won't be such a big deal): a light beige one with a mohair-like feel and a dark chocolate one (a blend of wool & acrylic).Since I didn't know if I'd have enough yarn for a big project, I decided to keep it simple and reasonable so I'm making a short sleeve beige sweater with dark brown stripes.
Loom knitting seems pretty easy, straight forward and fast. The instructions about how to start, knit and finish are pretty clear...Except that I chose the double knit and that the finishing instructions for this type of knit weren't very obvious. But I came up with a solution of my own ;).
Of course a double knit requires more time and more yarn but I think that for this type of yarn it was the right choice, so far it looks very pretty. I'm still working on the sleeves (in beige only) with the small straight loom, which are basically 2 scarves. Then I'll use the big straight loom and will knit 2 rectangles (front and back) with both the beige and brown yarns to create large stripes. Even though loom knitting is relatively fast, it still takes time to make something. I expect another 2-3 weeks to finish my project. Naturally this is a simple design. Once I get more comfortable with the basics, I can try augmenting and decreasing the stitches and learn about more complex stitches as well.
I recycled some suede & crochet flowers in various shades of brown from an old sweater and I'd like to turn them into brooches (reinforced with black felt on the back). I think these would look great with my sweater ;).
Monday, May 03, 2010
Mondays in the Kitchen: Tapenade de Haricots Verts / String Bean Tapenade
I'm always looking for good savory snack recipes that are also nutritious (this way I don't have to stuff myself with too many nuts and fruits). I'd love to have a fridge filled with spreads, chutneys and condiments of all sorts...But I'd need a fridge the size of the kitchen wall ;).Today I opened "Légumes Bio ~ Mode d'Emploi" by Valérie Cupillard (which is basically "organic veggies 101": how to choose them, how to prepare them, what flavor combinations work well and of course...recipes). So I decided to try her "tapenade de haricots verts" which uses string beans, bulbous fennel, a white onion and umeboshi plum juice. I had no fennel and no ume juice...So I went with plan B which worked very well.
I steamed string beans with 2 small spring onions. Once cooled, I pureed the veggies with just enough water (usually I reuse the leftover water in the steamer) then I added some black olive paste/tapenade (which brings a certain depth to the puree), dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper and a splash of EVOO (everything to taste). I stirred everything well and spooned the tapenade into a glass jar. It is very good! It probably keeps for a few days in the fridge but I'm not sure it's gonna last that long...;).
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Quick Cookies for Me...and The Fairies
I had a little sweet tooth but I know that I have to be reasonable with my treats. So I whipped up a quick gluten, egg & dairy free cookie dough (no leavening either) that worked just fine. I love the taste of wild rice flour which is somewhat reminiscent of chocolate to me.
Ingredients:
Variations:
-Replace the cranberries with raisins.
-Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder and/or chocolate chips.
-Skip the date syrup and use apple juice instead of water.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond meal/flour
- 1/4 cup wild rice flour
- 1 tbsp sweet potato flour (you can substitute arrowroot, tapioca or buckwheat flour)
- 2 tbsp date syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- A splash of oil
- Dried cranberries (optional ~ mine are apple juice sweetened)
- Water
Variations:
-Replace the cranberries with raisins.
-Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder and/or chocolate chips.
-Skip the date syrup and use apple juice instead of water.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Book in Progress...
So far I already have 4 stories that I need to put down on paper. Walking amongst the elder trees and the wild flowers yesterday has had a rejuvenating & an inspiring effect on me. I know that my project is approved by the Faeries & other benevolent Spirits ;).
After further thinking, I have decided that it would probably make more sense to have 2 editions of the book (with the same illustrations): one in French and the other one in English (with my own translations).
My friend Marie also suggested that I make an audio CD...I will keep this idea in mind.
After further thinking, I have decided that it would probably make more sense to have 2 editions of the book (with the same illustrations): one in French and the other one in English (with my own translations).
My friend Marie also suggested that I make an audio CD...I will keep this idea in mind.
Friday, April 23, 2010
First Short Story...
I just finished writing my first short story (in french) today. I read it to my friend Marie who told me that she was very impressed...That made my day ;).
I have the project to self-publish a collection of short stories both in French and English, with a few illustrations as well. Ideally before the end of the year (October or November would be great).
The tricky part will be to be as close to the french text as possible. I can sometimes get frustrated by the English language because I can't always find the right nuance and therefore I feel like I can't express myself fully & properly...
For obvious reasons I can't tell you, dear reader, what this first story is about but here are a few hints: a loving & dedicated mother, an ungrateful son, haunting remorse and vengeance from beyond the grave...
I have the project to self-publish a collection of short stories both in French and English, with a few illustrations as well. Ideally before the end of the year (October or November would be great).
The tricky part will be to be as close to the french text as possible. I can sometimes get frustrated by the English language because I can't always find the right nuance and therefore I feel like I can't express myself fully & properly...
For obvious reasons I can't tell you, dear reader, what this first story is about but here are a few hints: a loving & dedicated mother, an ungrateful son, haunting remorse and vengeance from beyond the grave...
Monday, April 19, 2010
Super Natural Beet & Lavender Sorbet - SOS Kitchen Challenge
When superfoods are mentioned, most people think of goji berries and other exotic edibles that come from faraway lands. Well I have some news for you folks: beets are a superfood too! And a versatile one since you can have beets raw or cooked, sweet or savory and warm or cold...
"Beets contain vitamins A, B and C as well as iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, zinc, asparagine, betaine (a substance that regulates gastric pH and facilitates digestion), bioflavonoids & natural sugars. Beets are also known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifying, immuno-stimulant (by improving cell respiration and tissue oxygenation) & rejuvenating properties. Beets also help stabilize the body's pH (acid-alkaline balance), can help treat chronic infections, skin problems, cancer (particularly leukemia), inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease. Beets may help prevent and treat heart diseases and rheumatoid arthritis."
From "The Complete Guide to Nutritional Health" by Pierre Jean Cousin & Kirsten Hartvig
Here's my humble contribution to the SOS Kitchen Challenge:
SUPER NATURAL BEET & LAVENDER SORBET
(grain free, dairy free, nut free, egg free and sugar free)
Makes 4-6 popsicles (depending on the size of your molds)
Ingredients:
(grain free, dairy free, nut free, egg free and sugar free)
Makes 4-6 popsicles (depending on the size of your molds)
Ingredients:- 1 decent size organic red beet (or 2 smaller ones)
- 1 cup boiled water
- 1 or 2 tsp pesticide free/organic dried lavender (food grade)
- 1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract
- 1 or 2 tbsp raw honey
- Wash, peel and cut the beet(s) into pieces. Steam for about 15-20 min or until tender, then let it cool a few minutes.
- Prepare a tea with the lavender by infusing 1 or 2 tsp of lavender with 1 cup of boiled water for 5-10 minutes (depending on how strong you like it). Then strain the tea.
- Put the beet pieces and the lavender tea in a large bowl and puree thoroughly with a hand blender.
- Add the vanilla and 1 or 2 tbsp of honey and puree some more until everything is well blended (give it a little taste to adjust the sweetness if necessary).
- Pour into popsicle molds and freeze the sorbet for a few hours.
- Enjoy ;)!
Tips & Tricks:
- Make sure that you're using fresh beets. Older beets will have a more earthy and even slightly bitter taste.
- I used 2 tbsp of honey and found the sorbet very sweet.
- The sorbet tastes a little different once frozen: the sweetness is noticeable, the lavender (and its slight bitterness as a strong tea) is toned down as well as the earthiness of the beet.
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