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

Brighter Planet's 350 Challenge - Help Fight Climate Change!

http://350.brighterplanet.com/

Mystery Tomato...

Lately I'm into a compulsive gardening mood ;).
I've bought a whole bunch of seeds (heirloom and organic mostly)...Enough for a micro farm though I only have a container garden on a porch.
Most of the seeds I ordered are from Bountiful Gardens, Wild Garden Seed and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds from which I received a free packet of trial tomato seeds of a variety named Pink Israel.
I searched all over the web for some info about this tomato but couldn't find anything, not even a picture. The funny thing is that Baker Creek doesn't sell this variety yet.
So I basically have no other choice than growing this mystery tomato to find out what it looks and tastes like...At least I know that it's a pink heirloom and I suppose from Israel, so potentially a variety that can handle warm weather (or so I hope).
So if I start it now, I should be able to taste it by the end of the Summer/beginning of the Fall (here the Fall can get even warmer than the Summer).

The Self-Healing Cookbook

"The Self-Healing Cookbook - A Macrobiotic Primer for Healing Body, Mind and Moods with Whole, Natural Foods" by Kristina Turner, is one of those books that everybody should own, read and use.

This book has a wholistic approach to food: you'll find nourishing, grounding, cleansing and healing recipes. The focus is on well-being, balance and being in tune with your body & the seasons in a fun, creative and nourishing way.

The book also explains the effects of certain foods on the body. There's also an interesting & useful "Healing Foods Glossary" at the end of the book with recipes for homemade herbal remedies.

Spelt, quinoa and corn bread

June's Blog Party...

...Will be hosted by me ;)

The theme is "Cooling Herbs for the Summer" (I think we are all looking forward to good tips and great recipes).

The deadline is June 15th.

Submit your posts on the Herbwifery Forum or send me an email (with your name please).

CHOCOLATE GODDESS LIP BALM

All natural, this Chocolate Goddess Lip Balm is handmade with real organic chocolate, cocoa butter and honey (plus a few other natural ingredients).Hhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmm ;).

A Small Harvest of Green Oats

Dear Arugula...

This month's blog party is hosted by Darcey and has "Spring Greens" for theme. I'm very much into arugula lately so it seemed an obvious and natural choice.

Arugula is also known as rucola, rocket or roquette (in french).

When people think of arugula, they often have the typical Italian Summer salad in mind with tomato, basil...etc. But arugula belongs to the Spring. It's a green that is now widely available since it has become popular and most people are now familiar with it.

But what most people don't know is that arugula was and still is a wild green. Wild arugula (Rucola Selvatica) is commonly found on the side of trails or waste lands...Places you wouldn't think of going foraging.

Wild Arugula doesn't look like the cultivated one (Eruca Sativa) : it's smaller and has more dented leaves. It also takes longer to grow (there are many places that sell the seeds which are fairly easy to grow, even in a container). I find its taste sharper, more spicy and peppery ;).

We often forget that beyond the natural vitamin and mineral content of what we eat, food is also our medicine...And arugula is no exception: it's very rich in vitamin C, sulfur and minerals. Arugula is a tonic and stimulates appetite. It's a diuretic and cleanses the kidneys. It has expectorant properties and helps to break mucus down. Arugula juice cleanses wounds and ulcers. For a long time, it was believed that arugula was an aphrodisiac...This was the reason why Hildegard von Bingen forbade its consumption to her fellow nuns.

Whatever your reason is to use arugula (from the ones mentioned above) and besides its edible use, a decoction of the leaves can be made using 1 tbsp of dried leaves per cup of water, steeped for 2 minutes. The recommended dosage is 2 to 3 cups of this decoction per day.

Did I mention that the flowers are edible too?

Translations from "Sauvages et comestibles - Herbes, fleurs et petites salades" by Marie-Claude Paume and "Secrets des Plantes" by Michel Pierre & Michel Lis.

Tisane Gourmande...

I was craving a sweet gourmet tea with some of my favorite flavors...And here it is!

Tisane Gourmande is a 100% organic blend of vanilla rooibos, cacao nibs and cinnamon chips. I especially enjoy it with a touch of sweet honey ;).

It's great if you wish to start the day with a touch of sweetness or as an afternoon tea. It's a soothing and relaxing blend...I find it quite inspiring too, great for creative projects...

I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do ;).

Back to My Roots...

I have decided that it was time for me to get back to restudy/relearn from the French & European traditions of herbalism which are strongly rooted in Folk Medicine and Grandmother Remedies. The Materia Medica can be easily found in one's garden, nearby woods or at the farmers market and is a blend of edibles with aromatic, wild and not so wild medicinal plants.
It's the people's medicine: onion syrup, cabbage poultice, hand & foot baths, thyme tea, herb infused wines and blackberry liqueur, just to name a few remedies...

I like the approach of Maurice Mességué (who likes to work with "the Simples") and Germaine Cousin-Zermatten (a charming grandmother who makes healing concoctions with the wild medicinal plants of the Alps). I also like Jean Palaiseul's "Grandmother's Secrets: Her Green Guide to Health from Plants"; and have rediscovered the works of Maria Treben, Sebastian Kneipp...and even Hildegard von Bingen!

There are herbalists out there, whose greed has taken over the joy & pleasure of teaching, learning and sharing this ancient healing art. This same greed clouding their judgement, raising their ego and darkening their heart...How can such people claim to be teachers, healers or even guides?

I have never followed one way of thinking, learning or doing things. It is important to learn from difference sources and compare them to have the best knowledge and understanding of one herb. I especially enjoy ancient herbals with tidbits of information that have often been overlooked, forgotten or lost.

For example, I enjoy drinking nettle tea/infusion at night. I've noticed that I sleep well this way. Since nettle is a nutritious herb with a tonic effect on the body, one might not think of having a cup of nettle tea before bed time. Yet I have found one source mentioning that in the British Isles, nettle has been used as a treatment for insomnia.

People from the past still have a lot to teach us...

Celebrate the Goddess through Compassion

"From the moment we first come to know Her, the Goddess draws us in through the power of Her compassionate love. We turn to Her for comfort, for solace, for tender acceptance, as a trusting child turns to her mother.
As a daughter of the Mother of Compassion, take what She has taught you and offer it to others.
Offer your healing to the suffering of the world, and add your light to the sum of light.
Look gently into the eyes of your fellow humans, show them you truly care, as the Goddess cares for us all."

SageWoman 2008 Calendar

POEST and Earth Day

Some other members of POEST (Pagans of Etsy) are also having a Sale on Earth Day.

Check our Blog for more details:
http://pagansofetsy.blogspot.com/2008/04/earth-day-sale.html

APRIL 22ND: EARTH DAY SALE!

I'm having a sale on Earth Day.

On April 22nd, I will offer -20% off my shop's current offerings with the exception of items that are already on sale.

The amount of the discount will be refunded (the discount is calculated on the total amount before shipping).

My friend Hedgewitch will be donating all proceeds on the 22nd to 'Friends of the Earth', an environmental charity.

Feel free to check her shop: http://hedgewitchUK.etsy.com

Introducing Black Annis Cosmetics

Over the past few months, I've been thinking about having a small lines of natural & botanical cosmetics. I know that mineral powder have become very popular but they are also quite pricey.

I chose the name Black Annis Cosmetics because I wanted a Faery inspiration for my line. Since my products are natural and made with herbs, it seemed very appropriate (hopefully the Fairies will appreciate and bless my products as well).

In the Celtic Faery lore, Black Annis is a hag. Hags are often described as ugly & nasty old crones; I believe they are very misunderstood spirits of power and wisdom. One of my favorite tree to work with (both on a spiritual and medicinal level) is the Elder tree. The Elder is a Faery tree and portal to the Underworld. The spirit of the Elder is an old and wise crone who will gladly help and even bestow gifts if treated with all due respect. Elder is a tree of transformation as well.

My Fair Lady Face Powder is the first item of this new cosmetic line. It is a veil powder more than a foundation powder because it will prevent the skin to become shiny but won't cover blemishes (or very lightly). It's a powder that I recommend for light and fair skin complexions.
My Fair Lady is made of arrowroot powder and pesticide-free rose powder that imparts a natural pinkish hue to the powder as well as a nice rose scent. I really enjoy it ;).

I'm hoping to be able to come up with a matching blush but it seems that it'll be harder than I thought. Other than that, I will be offering herbally infused tinted lip balm in shades of pink and red (if I'm lucky maybe even a violet) similar to my Wise Woman Lip Balm in texture and goodness...

The Ten Most Indispensable Herbs according to Matthew Wood

http://www.woodherbs.com/Indispensable.html

Feminine Mystique & The Goddess

This is an online article from Nourished Magazine, feel free to leave a comment:

“How has the Goddess filled your life and how do you express Feminine energy?”

http://editor.nourishedmagazine.com.au/articles/feminine-mystique

Amber Forest Soap

This soap is handmade with saponified oils, coconut milk, ethically wildcrafted siskiyou cedar leaf infusion (with spring water), eucalyptus honey, ethically wildcrafted fresh pine needle infused oil (in organic extra virgin olive oil), unrefined beeswax, crystallized amber essence, amber tincture, ground siskiyou cedar leaves and juniper twigs.

It has a distinct sweet vanilla-amber like scent.

Result of the Nettle Kefir Experiment

Well, I'm pleased ;).
After 24 hours, I strained my infusion. The smell has changed.
The kefir grains turned brown. I rinsed them and put them back in their little jar.

The taste of the nettle kefir is very interesting: it's similar to an herbal wine. It's a little fizzy due to the fermentation, which produces a little bit of alcohol (the alcohol content of Kefir will vary from 0.06 % (Marshall 1984), up to a maximum of 3% alcohol. The average alcohol content in home brewing is around 0.5% with a loose lid and 1% in an airtight jar. Shaking the fermentation container during the fermentation time also results in higher alcohol content).

I have never tried kombucha tea but I believe it must be somewhat similar. I will experiment with some other herbs and maybe even juices.

The Nettle Kefir Experiment

I recently bought some live kefir grains to make my own kefir with organic milk. I tried twice and didn't like neither the taste nor the smell of it. I read that you can also you these kefir grains with herbal infusions or fruit juices...So I figured that maybe I'd like my kefir better in an herbal base.

I prepared 2 cups of nourishing nettle infusion that had steeped for 4 hours. Once strained, I warmed the infusion lightly and added 1 tbsp of honey (I used raw mountain honey). I rinsed the kefir grains thoroughly with spring water, since I only used them twice they haven't had the time to get used to a dairy environment, therefore they shouldn't take long to adapt to the herbal infusion. Once clean and strained, I placed the kefir grains into a 1 quart mason jar then poured the sweetened nettle infusion over it. I closed the lid and gently shook the jar.

It should take 24 to 48 hours but it can take longer since I don't know how the kefir grains are going to react to this new environment. I will keep a close eye on the infusion, gently shaking the jar from time to time. I will have to smell and taste the infusion to know if and when it's ready to be strained and enjoyed.

I hope it'll taste better this way ;)!

Celebrate the Goddess through Gratefulness

"There is no more profound prayer to the Great Goddess than a simple "Thank You."
And there is no end to the things you have to be grateful for.
From the first object your eyes behold upon awakening to the last thought before slipping into dreams, each day holds infinite opportunity for you to express your gratitude.
Each heartfelt whisper of thanks increases your blessings.
Each sincere expression of gratefulness opens you to bliss.
Each moment, no matter where you are, give thanks for the beauty and bounty that is yours."

From SageWoman 2008 Calendar

Yogurt Update

I forgot to mention in my previous post that the dried starters are from Yogourmet.

Apparently King Arthur Flour also offers 2 types or yogurt starters: a Regular Yogurt Starter and a Bifidus Yogurt Starter.

And last but not least, I found another supplier of fresh yogurt cultures: Nick's Natural Nook. They offer the followings: FilMjolk, Viili, Piima, Matsoni and Buttermilk cultures.

• FilMjolk yogurt starter powder makes a mild and creamy, soft-custard Swedish yogurt that has a very pleasant buttermilk taste (I tried it during a trip in Sweden and loved it).
• Viili is a fermented milk product (yogurt) that comes from Finland for which we supply the yogurt starter culture; it has a thick and viscous consistency, almost jelly-like. It is mildly sweet and pleasant tasting.
• Piima (pronounced pee'ma) is light and creamy Scandinavian yogurt with a slight buttermilk tang and a mild cheese flavor perfectly blended.
• Matsoni (pronounced madzoon) is a fermented milk product (yogurt) from the Republic of Georgia, a country in the Caucasus on the Black Sea for which we supply the yogurt starter culture; It is a smooth and creamy pourable yogurt with a mild slightly sweet savor.
• Cultured buttermilk is fermented sour milk that is commonly used in cooking.

Driven by Jealousy?

I'm not materialistic nor jealous in nature...It's just not me!
And I would never envy another woman for her looks, her wealth or whatever else she can have that I don't...But I would envy another Wild & Wise Woman, somebody who holds greater knowledge and wisdom than I do (especially if she lives close to Nature).

At age 17, I wanted to become a living encyclopedia...I believe that the Spirits heard me loud & clear thus I "cursed" myself to the point that I am convinced to be condemned to keep on learning for the rest of my life.

Gathering knowledge is great, but what is the point if you don't share it? Here's the side effect of my self inflicted curse: I have to teach what I know, somehow...

I've made a few attempts to teach about herbs before, but most people don't want to get involved with herbalism (even under its most simple form: folk medicine/grandmother remedies) because it requires time, reading, research, experimentation, patience, passion, and more... They expect a quick learning experience and fast results like popping a magic pill! We all know it doesn't work like that...

I don't know if it's the renewed & emerging Spring energy, a good timing or a token from the Spirits but I am now really driven and focused on teaching new classes that will blend herbs with nutrition, spirituality, energy healing and women's mysteries/the feminine divine.

I have a 3 part course already scheduled for May-June about The Path of the Wise Woman (I shall post the details of the classes next month). And I think I will have a first class on Shamanic Herbalism in the Fall, working with the introspective energy of the season (which happens to be my favorite).

Health Benefits of Yogurt, Kefir and other Probiotics

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=124

http://www.leaflady.org/yoghurt.htm

http://www.seedsofhealth.co.uk/fermenting/kefir.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir

http://www.wildfermentation.com/

Not your Grandma's Yogurt...

With the increasing awareness towards the health hazard of the (processed) food industry, people are starting to cook again and enjoying the pleasure of making (and eating) delicious & nutritious homemade goodies which can be proudly shared (as well as the recipes) with family and friends.

One of these trendy homemade goodies is yogurt...but I'm not talking about your grandma's yogurt anymore. Many of us are still enjoy the traditional whole milk yogurt plain or with fresh fruits (stewed or not)...But now you can choose to prepare sweet, savory or even gourmet yogurts!

What about a yogurt with smoked salmon and french sorrel as an appetizer? Or an orange blossom yogurt as a sweet and soothing snack in the afternoon? If you are fortunate enough to speak french, I recommend the 2 following books: Yaourts : Cent recettes de saison by Murielle Khamouguinoff & Juliette Ranck (which translates to Yogurts: one hundred seasonal recipes) as well as Yaourts exquis by Brigitte Namour, Garlone Bardel & Claire Curt (which translates to Exquisite Yogurts).

If you're interested in making your own yogurts, I recommend Yogurt for Life. They carry everything you need to make yogurts: from yogurt makers to thermometers and even starters. I have used (and still use) their freeze-dried kefir starter (no appliance needed for this one) as well as their freeze-dried yogurt starter. They also have a freeze-dried probiotic yogurt starter and a freeze-dried cheese starter.

If you are looking for live cultures instead, check the Happy Herbalist. You can choose from Caspian Sea Yogurt (which I have always known as Bulgarian Yogurt), Finnish Viili or Kefir Grains Cultures.

Fuzzy Heirloom Tomato

I'm always interesting in collecting seeds of heirloom, hard to find, unusual and nearly forgotten edible & medicinal plants.

Amishland Heirloom Seeds always carry interesting tomatoes, some of them you can't find anywhere else. I just ordered some seeds of an interesting variety named ANGORA SUPER SWEET TOMATO also known as VELVET RED.

"This might be the most beautiful ornamental vegetable you will ever grow! Guaranteed to turn heads! The unbelievable foliage of this rare tomato is a fuzzy silvery gray color. They truly look just like the plant dusty miller. No matter how many photos I took, I wasn't able to really show you how very silvery and fuzzy they actually looked. The one inch ( 1" ) red cherry fruit are also covered in a slightly fuzzy silver "fur" as well. While these tiny fruit are not nearly as fuzzy as the peach type tomatos like PECHE JAUNE, they do have a noticeably grey coloration over the red due to this fuzziness."

Can't wait to grow them ;)...

The Anti-Fatigue Cure

This is a recipe from renowned french herbalist Germaine Cousin-Zermatten.

What you need:

• Dried apricots: go for organic and even sundried (so you get a little bit of sun energy as well) but no oil or preservatives
• Spring water

This is a 3 week cure.

Every night, before sleep, fill up a glass with spring water and 2 or 3 apricots cut in half. Let them soak overnight. In the morning, before breakfast, eat the soaked apricots and drink the apricot water.

I haven't tried it myself but my husband is willing to give it a try ;)...

Spring Time Goodies...

I've been busy whipping up new nourishing & beneficial herbal creations for the Spring (Ostara is coming up this week ;)):

I have slighlty modified my trusty Wise Woman Cream recipe by adding some organic aloe vera gel, which happens to make the cream lighter and smoother. Plus I wanted the cream to be more beneficial by following the natural rhythm of the Seasons, so I listed my brand new Wise Woman Spring Cream ;).

1. I have created a must have lip balm: the Wise Woman Lip Balm. Moisturizing and nourishing with the perfect texture. It's made with calendula infused oil and orange blossom honey...Lightly floral and sweet.


2. Journey to Middle-Earth is a sweet-earthy tea with a touch of spice that will help you relax and stay grounded...One of my personal favorites.


3. Two seasonal blends to help you celebrate the return of the Spring and tune in to the renewed energy of this season: Spring Tonic and Spring Awakening.

Thank you for browsing ;).

Orange Blossom & Honey Soap(s)

Handmade with saponified oils, coconut milk, orange blossom water, homemade fresh calendula infused oil, orange blossom honey and organic calendula petals.

Who's Behind Your Favorite Organic Brands?

http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/features/009/009buyingorganic.html

Honey-Almond Cookies

I adapted the original recipe from The New Laurel's Kitchen (you can find it under my a-store). My husband and I really enjoyed these cookies, especially with a cup of my Journey to Middle-Earth tea ;).

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 cup of natural almond butter (raw, roasted, smooth or crunchy depending on your preferences)
2. 1/2 cup honey, preferably raw (I used a dark and flavorful mountain honey)
3. 1 egg, beaten
4. 3/4 tsp vanilla or almond extract
5. 1/4 tsp salt (I use Himalayan sea salt)
6. 1/4 tsp baking soda
7. 1 cup whole wheat flour, preferably pastry flour (1 used 1/2 cup organic whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup organic pastry flour)

>Preheat oven to 350F. Cream the almond butter and the honey together. Stir in the egg and the vanilla/almond extract. Sift together the salt, the soda and the flour, and stir into the butter mixture.

>Drop by teaspoonfuls into oiled cookie sheets (if you wish, you can also press a blanched almond down in the center of each cookie). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until they just begin to turn golden brown on the rims. You'll need to keep a close eye on them because cookies made from honey can turn from golden brown to black quickly.

>This recipe makes 1 or 2 dozen cookies. It's said that they're good keepers ;).

You should preferably use organic, pesticide-free and/or raw ingredients for optimum taste and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different nut and seed butters...

Celebrate the Goddess through Growth

"The Earth's awakening in springtime stirs an awakening of spirit as well. Like the Mother Goddess, we give birth to new ideas, new insights, and new undertakings.
It can be unsettling to feel the stirrings of change - call it spring fever, perhaps. But we are not meant to be settled or stagnant.
Like the waking Earth, we are meant to grow, blossom, ripen, and give back again in the natural cycle of life. Trust in the Mother to hold you safely in her arms through every change."

SageWoman 2008 Calendar

Whole Wheat n' Nettle Bread

A Wild Harvest...

Spring is here! And with the generous amount of rain water we got this year, the local trails, hills and other open spaces are getting covered with carpets of wildflowers: wood sorrel, lupine, california poppies, wild mustards and more...

I decided the time was right to go for a "hike n' harvest" on my favorite trail (which I find truely magical: it has a natural artesian stream and 150 millions year old stones covered with mosses and ferns...And it smells wonderfully fresh and earthy).

I ethically harvested some herbs that grow in abundance around here: black sage (salvia mellifera), purple sage (salvia leucophylla), california mugwort (artemisa californica) and what I believe to be silver sagebrush (artemisia cana).

All these herbs besides being very fragrant, have some spiritual and also medicinal uses. After all: sages and artemisias are wise woman herbs ;). I hung them to dry for later use...I believe they'll make wonderful incense blends. I made a small smudging bundle with some of the mugwort leaves and prepared a fresh mugwort infused oil that I will strain in 6 weeks or so...The uses of california mugwort are the similiar to those of regular mugwort (artemisia vulgaris). This plant has been considered sacred and magic by many native tribes.

I'm plan on coming back there in 2 or 3 weeks in the hope that miner's lettuce and chickweed will still be there. Maybe I'll be able to harvest some wild blackberry leaves (the himalayan blackberry really thrives around here and its berries are such a delight in the Summer/Fall) though one herbalist recommends to harvest the leaves in the Fall when they turn reddish (I will give it a try next Fall to see if there is a noticeable difference in the taste and its effect on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels...And to connect with Mother Earth's introspective energy), I also noticed that the elders have been growing new branches so maybe they'll start blooming soon ;).

Morning Surprise: First Daffodil in the Garden

In my "wild patch" with a black nasturtium and bronze fennel...

My Latest Creations...

I have 3 new products that I'm really proud of:

1/La Campagne Face Mask, inspired by the farms and fields of the French Countryside. It's a gentle, soothing and nourishing mask suitable for sensitive skins...It's also a personal favorite ;).

La Campagne is a blend of whole milk powder, chestnut flour, oat flour, almond meal and organic ground calendula flowers.

2/Mama Earth Nourishing Night Cream is a wonderful, non-greasy face cream handmade with baobab oil, melon seed oil, unrefined cocoa butter or mango butter, unrefined beeswax and vitamin E. It has a similar texture than my other wise woman creams, except that this one is not herbally infused. Kalahari melon seed oil imparts a sweet fruity scent to the cream which I think would make a nice day time cream as well, depending on your skin type (I recommend this cream for normal to dry complexions).

3/Yoni tea is another nourishing and tonic tea that can be enjoyed by women of all ages, but is especially beneficial to young women when they start having their moon time.

It's a 100% organic blend of blackberry leaves, lemon balm, sweet marjoram, lavender, alfalfa and nettle. Blackberry leaves, alfalfa and nettle are nourishing and naturally loaded with vitamins and minerals. Marjoram, lemon balm and lavender are calming and soothing.

Thank you for browsing ;).

HOMEMADE SOAP Part Two

A separation occured in the soap so it has 2 distinct layers. It looks more like a fancy dessert than a soap but other than that it has a very nice lather and a wonderful smell.

I believe that I used too much liquid and that's the reason why the separation occured.

I will give it another try with my new shredded soap base (this one has coconut milk instead of goat milk), measuring the liquid very carefully. Hopefully the next batch will be better...

Petits Pains au Sarrazin / Buckwheat Bread Rolls

I have a brand new bread machine that I can't use because the supposedly stainless steel baking pan in it has a non-stick coating...I refuse to use non-stick/teflon cookware and bakeware, because no matter how convenient and widely available it is, it's another of these popular things that are dangerous to your health.

Anyway, I'm getting better at making bread by hand (though I ordered an antique bread maker on ebay to help me kneed to dough) and simply baking it in the oven. The rolls are convenient because they seem to bake more homogeneously than a loaf but I will give it another try soon.

For my buckwheat rolls, I used:

• 1 1/2 cup of organic all purpose flour (which happens to be made of wheat and barley)
• 1 cup of buckwheat flour
• 1 cup of lukewarm spring water (tap water is too dangerous to use around here)
• 1/8 cup maple syrup (but 1/4 cup would have been a little bit more noticeable)
• 1 teaspoon of Himalayan sea salt
• 1 little pack of active dry yeast

You knead the dough 3 times. You let if proof 2 times for 30 to 45 minutes. The 3 time is shorter because it takes place while the oven is pre-heating at 450F. Cut the dough in 6 pieces and roll them. Place them on a greased baking sheet or on a piece of parchment paper and once in the oven, lower the temperature to 375F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes...Et voila!

Buckwheat is gluten free, rich in protein, helps keep glucose levels in check and is good for circulation...Plus it has a pleasant nutty taste. It's a power grain ;)!

Being in Tune with Your Body

I've always been petite and thin and I've always enjoyed eating healthy, natural and nutritious foods...Even as a child.

About 1 year ago, I noticed I started gaining weight. I haven't made drastic changes in my diet so I didn't understand why. Of course there's the stress factor and I could use more exercise, at least to get the chi flowing and the circulation going, plus I enjoy walking in Nature.

So a couple days ago, I really wanted to get to the bottom of the problem and find the root cause of it...And that's when I got a clue. I am intuitive/sensitive in nature and I'm also in tune with my body. I used to buy multigrain bread every week at the farmers market until 1 year ago, when the lady who selled my bread didn't come back again. So I had to buy bread from another man who pretty much only sells white and rye breads...Which was frustrating since I like whole grain breads so much better.

Since these breads are made of refined flours, I figured this had something to due with the gluten which is a starch that later transforms into sugar and fat. I also observed on a few occasions some digestive disorders and bloating.

So in an effort to figure this all out and confirm my suspicions, I grabbed my trusty pendulum and started what I'd call a self dignosis...It was like having a conversation with my body through the pendulum.

As it turned out, I have to stay away from refined grains and flours such as wheat, rye (which is an acidic grain anyway) and triticale (a hybrid between wheat and rye)...I also checked all other grain, nut and legume flours that I know of, and soy flour as well as chickpea flour were added to my black list.

But I can eat whole grains (including whole and ancient wheats) and gluten free grains which are more nutritious, wholesome and rich in protein, plus they keep the glycemia in check. So I'm back to square one with what has always worked fine for me and what I enjoy eating anyway...

Conclusion: your body knows what's right for you, so follow your dietary intuitions ;).

Awakening From Our Dreams...

This shamanic exercise has been kindly shared by Julie Charette Nunn, a fellow Wise Woman and Shamanic Herbalist who runs Crow's Daughter. Her creams and other herbal products are just exquisite, I highly recommend them.

Here blog: Crow's Daughter's Herbal Wisdom is also worth checking.

***A shamanic exercise to initiate awakening from our dreams:***

• Go outside where you live where there is a natural setting, trees, plants and some open space.
  
• Close your eyes and notice your breath. Breathe in and out 3 times.
  
• Now imagine you are just awakening from sleep, eyes closed and you have just dreamed a dream of all that you desire.
  
• Open your eyes and what do you see.
  
• Do this several times. Each time taking note of what you see when you open your eyes.
  
• Give thanks for what you witnessed.
  
• Now speak outloud an intention for all that you desire.
  
• Take time in the next weeks until Spring Equinox to speak this intention to others.

Thanks Julie ;)...

The Dirty Secrets of the Food Processing Industry

An enlightening article written by the Weston Price Foundation.
Everything the Food Industry doesn't want you to know... A must read!

http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/dirty-secrets.html

HOMEMADE SOAP Part One

I just made a new batch of soap using a different method that the one I used before. Well...Less ingedients involved and the result already seems better but the real test will be once the soap is completely dry ;)...Can't wait to try it: orange blossom & goat milk. I will turn to a real bath tub goddess ;).

I have offered a few natural soaps on Etsy but for some reason they are just not popular. I'm sure it's because I don't use artifical bubblegummy scents and colorings. Sorry! My soap are ALL natural. No artifical smell and no artificial anything for that matter...

I admit that I don't make soap the old-fashioned way with lye...I don't have the will nor the space to do that, and quite frankly I'm trying to minimalize exposure to chemicals. We are already exposed to so many dangerous substances (most of them unknowingly) on a daily basis.

But I used quality shredded soap for rebatching. I like Chelsea's Soap Garden, they have a good choice, whether you want plain soap, with added milk or shea butter, I'm sure you can find something to your likings. I just finished the goat milk soap (that I recommend) and I'm waiting to get the coconut milk one delivered, I read that it gives a good lather.

Anyway, I basically only make soap for my own use. But I will still mention it in my next newsletter, just in case somebody is interested in giving it a try. The shredded soap I used is made of saponified oils with goat milk to which I added food grade orange blossom water, homemade fresh calendula oil, orange blossom honey and a touch of benzoin tincture (besides its healing properties, it has a nice vanilla-like scent).

I just have to wait a few weeks for it to dry. Hopefully the weather will become dryer soon (this is really helpful when you make soap or incense).

Celebrate the Goddess through Creativity

"The spark of creativity dwells within your spirit, awaiting only your encouraging breath to ripen it into flame. Each of us is blessed with the gift of creative inspiration, and the Goddess always wants you to use your gifts!

As the Wheel of the Year turns toward the light, stretch your imagination toward all the ways in which you can express yourself. Writing, artwork, cooking, music-making, home decoration, crafte work of all kinds - each is an expression of divine creativity if you do it with that intention."

From SageWoman 2008 Calendar

Homestyle Tincture

I'm fairly new into the art of tincturing but I find tinctures quite fun to prepare. My main & favorite herbal remedies are and will remain teas though, but tinctures are a useful and practical way to have some medicine handy especially when you need it fast.

I make tinctures "folk medicine style" following a basic ratio. I don't like complex things so this method suits me just fine. The tincture may not come out as potent this way but it's enough to get some help and relief, especially if I combine the use of tinctures along with teas/infusions and/or herbal capsules (that are also fun to make).

Since I don't need a big quantity of tincture, I just calculated the right amount of herbs for 2 oz (approximately 60 ml) of liquid. I made an elder tincture: I chose to combine both the berries and the blossoms because I have observed that different parts of a same plant seem to have similar yet complementary properties (my future experiments with include dandelion leaves & roots as well as hawthorn blossoms & berries).

So to my little 2 oz glass jar, I added 1/4 tbsp organic dried elder blossoms and 1/4 tbsp organic dried elderberries (sambucus nigra or canadensis) that I covered with 100 proof vodka (I tried 80 proof vodka before but I wasn't really impressed with the result). I will let everything infuse in a semi-dark place for 4 to 6 weeks...After just a few minutes, my tincture already turned to a purplish-rosy color.

When it comes to extracting nourishment from herbs (vitamins and minerals), then I use organic apple cider vinegar. I recently made a dandelion leaf ACV tincture with fresh dandy leaves from the farmers market...OK, it's not the wild stuff but even farmed dandelion is pretty bitter. It came out quite nice. I like its "bouquet" (scent) and its flavor is more than tolerable. This method works well with "weeds" such as nettle, plantain, chickweed...etc. I recomment reading Susun Weed's article about herbal vinegars (their benefits, how to prepare them & how to use them): http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Apr-02.htm#article

Note that it's usually better to use fresh (homegrown or ethically wildcrafted herbs) following the rythm of the season...But right now it's too late for harvesting berries (which are more blue than black around here) and too early for the blossoms.

I shall talk soon more in depth about the wonderful natural gifts provided by our herbal allies...

Alchemille's Garden Review by Valorie of Battlemaiden Studio

http://etsyreviews.blogspot.com/2008/02/alchemilles-garden.html

Celebrate the Goddess through Wonder

"Who has not gazed up into the vastness of the heavens and filled with wonder? The moonlight illuminates your soul, and you are connected to all ages past, all your foremothers who gazed in similar wonder.

The Goddess is present in the silver moon, the sparkling planets, the cold night air against your cheek. She is the unfathomable mystery of eternity.

The Goddess is in every stone, every star, and in every cell of your being."

From SageWoman 2008 Calendar

Knit Rosette Belt

I just made this belt for myself with a "mossy" yarn that I bought about 10 years ago in France...And I'm so pleased with the result!

So I should soon be offering some knit jewelry (earrings & necklaces) and belts.

If I'm feeling a little bit more ambitious: some scarves, shawls, capelets and shoulder wraps.

And if I'm feeling super ambitious: maybe ponchos and sweaters.

We'll see...;)

For now, you can find my Moss Fairy Belt in my Etsy Shoppe...Thanks for browsing.

GREEN WOMAN BODY SCRUB

I've recently been visited by a Spirit who wanted to be noticed. It moved things around and even hummed a child-like song with a voice similar to mine (according to my husband who witnessed it).

I had to find out who that Spirit was but I knew from its behavior that it was a Nature Spirit or a Fae. So I grabbed my Fairy Oracle deck and one card popped out of it: the Green Woman. I was really delighted ;).

She is the wild woman, the caretaker of the Earth and the Natural Realm. She is the inner child who wants to play, she is all about creativity and spontaneity...and she doesn't care what people think about her! She does what she wants. I thought of her popping into my life as a blessing because I can relay to that playful wilderness ;).

So I decided to create a Green Woman Body Scrub in honor of my new friend, with fine sea salt and herbally infused oil...I think she appreciates.

Fairy Elixirs for Your Face...

The New Year Muse has been whispering new ideas in my ears...And here they are now, crystallized into 3 new products: 3 new facial elixirs ;).

First there's the Woodland Fairy Elixir with camellia oil, organic rosehip seed oil, cranberry seed oil and raspberry seed oil...Sounds good?! It works like (fairy) magic ;D.

Then comes the Cottage Fairy Elixir with sunflower oil, organic rosehip seed oil, melon seed oil and raspberry seed oil...This one has a sweet fruity smell and is also wonderful ;).

At last, there's the more exotic Sand Dune Fairy Elixir with sunflower oil, melon seed oil, virgin argan oil or shea oil and baobab oil...This one is nourishing, moisturizing and smells fruity too ;).

January = Novelty

First of all, I'd like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year! It's been 2 years since I started Alchemille's Garden and thanks to my wonderful customers, what was once a dream has been allowed to grow so....the adventure continues ;).

I constantly have new ideas of products (I even have a pile of them) but unfortunately I can't make them all and surely can't share them all at once but I think I chose a few good ones for January ;).

What should we first start with?

I recently made a batch of Hibiscus & Rose Soap with some hibiscus and rosehip infusion, a little bit of organic rose hydrosol, some camellia oil, a touch of rhassoul...I could keep on going but I'll just say that it's a nice natural soap with a slight rose scent.

Then I blended a new incense that I called Evening Star...It's what I would call a therapeutic incense since it's made with herbs that have soothing, relaxing and even sleep inducing properties. It contains sweet marjoram, lavender, rose and chamomile with a touch of orange blossom water. Just perfect for any overly stressed people, insomniacs and workaholics.

For energy and shamanic healings, I still have some Good Vibrations Incense which matches my Good Vibrations tea ;). White sage, rose and lavender...A healing blend with a wonderful scent!

And last but not least, my incredible Woodland Fairy Facial Elixir : pure natural goodness for your skin! I'm really enchanted with this product. It's a blend of 4 oils: organic rosehip seed oil, camellia oil, raspberry seed oil and cranberry seed oil. The result is a nourishing and moisturing oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, yet not greasy.

Simply Natural Homemade Granola

All natural, quick & easy to prepare...And good for you!

All you need is:
-1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats
-1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil or almond oil
-2 tbsp maple syrup, raw honey or agave syrup (whatever your preferences are, you might also want to consider and herb infused honey)

Remember that for optimum nutrition & health benefits, it's important to choose ingredients that are either organic, ethically wildcrafted, grown without pesticide or fair trade (they're usually natural).

Preheat your oven at 375F.
In a bowl, mix the oats with the oil and the natural sweetener.
Pour the mixture in a greased baking pan (I usually choose the same oil than the one I use in the recipe) and press it down with a fork.
Place the pan in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Once ready, let it cool down before breaking the granola into chunks (with a fork).
Enjoy!

Most commercial brands use canola oil in the making of their granolas.
I recommend you stay away from canola oil:
A/Canola oil is made with GMOs
B/Canola oil goes rancid quickly
C/Canola is a refined oil that has a tendency to clog arteries

I really like La Tourangelle Artisan Oils. They're a little more pricey than other brands but the quality & variety of their oils make them worth having.

Homemade Muesli with Berries

Muesli is a natural and nutritious alternative to the overly popular granola, which is packed with lots of sugar and oil (not the best quality ones either).
You can enjoy muesli any time of the day: breakfast, afternoon or even late night snack. And it's very easy to blend. Some purist like it plain with just a few nuts, other people enjoy it with exotic fruits...I like mine with berries.
Dried fruits and berries are convenient and easy to find all year long but if you can use fresh and seasonal fruits in your muesli, it's even better.
I got the following ingredients from Bob's Red Mill, Whole Foods and/or Sprouts.
Remember that it's better to use organic and/or pesticide free ingredients.

You'll need:
-1 cup of rolled oats
-1 cup of rolled barley flakes (but you can also use wheat, spelt or rye flakes)
-1/4 cup dried diced apples
-1/4 cup sliced almonds
-1/8 cup shelled raw sunflower seeds (you can slightly toast seeds and nuts if you prefer)
-1/8 cup raisins
-1/8 cup dried currants
-1/8 cup dried cranberries
-1/8 cup dried blueberries

Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a jar, sealable container or a ziploc bag.
You can enjoy your muesli with milk, yogurt (plain or with fruits) or fruit juice (my favorites being apple and pear juices...mango works too. I suppose peach and apricot might also work).
If you don't use juice, you may need to sweeten your muesli a little. Besides sugar, try a drizzle of honey, agave syrup, maple syrup...Or any natural/fruity syrup.

Enjoy and Be Well ;)!

P-S: If you do no wish to make your own muesli but still would like to try some, I can recommend the following ones...Most of them are organic:
http://www.germandeli.com/kocege.html

A Pagan Roman Prayer to the Earth Goddess

"Hear, I beseech thee, and be favourable to my prayer.
Whatsoever herb thy power dost produce, give, I pray, with goodwill to all nations to save them and grant me this my medicine. Come to me with thy powers, and howsoever I may use them may they have good success and to whomsoever I may give them.
Whatever thou dost grant it may prosper. To thee all things return.
Those who rightly receive these herbs from me, do thou make whole.
Goddess, I beseech thee; I pray thee as a suppliant that by thy majesty thou grant this to me.
Now I make intercession to you all ye powers and herbs and to your majesty, ye whom Earth parent of all hath produced and given as a medicine of health to all nations and hath put majesty upon you, be, I pray you, the greatest help to the human race."

From a 12th century herbal.

Paper Incense

As you all know, I love herbs...And I love using them in new and various ways. My latest interest is natural incense making so besides botanical cones, I now also make paper incense!

If you're familiar with armenian paper, this is pretty similar.

Basically I soak parchment-like paper in a strongly scented tincture (homemade) which imparts some scent to the paper so when you burn it, you get some of that subtile scent.

I currently have some White Sage Paper Incense available and I'm preparing a tincture of frankincense & myrrh which should be ready in about 2 weeks or so.

Thanks for browsing ;): http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=36753&section_id=5180295

Smells like Tree Spirit...

I am proud to share with you the beginning of a new line of herbal products: "Scented Trails Botanical Incense".

These are hand crafted incense cones made with:

-Organic, wildrafted and/or pesticide free herbs (including flowers, leaves, seeds, roots & barks), spices and/or resins

-Benzoin gum, guar gum or makko powder

-Spring water, tea/herbal infusions or floral waters/hydrosols

-May contain some herbal tincture(s).

Homemade Lavender Cologne

It's very easy to prepare, all you need is:
1 glass jar that can hold 1 cup of liquid (I use a recycled honey jar)
1/2 cup 80 proof vodka
1/4 cup rosewater (food grade, nothing fancy)
1/4 cup orange blossom water (food grade)
3 tbsp organic dried lavender
1 tbsp pesticide-free dried rose petals
1 tsp organic cinnamon chips
1/2 tsp organic cloves

Make sure your jar is clean and dry. Add all the herbs & spices. Cover with the vodka and the floral waters. Close the jar and give it a good shake (make sure it doesn't leak).
Then leave it to macerate for 10 to 15 days in a dark place (closet, bookshelf...) while shaking from time to time. When you feel it's ready, just strain and bottle.
You can even pour some in a spray bottle. Just use as perfume, hair & body spray. I wouldn't recommend using this one as skin toner because of the warming spices.
This cologne has a warm, sweet fragrance (and a nice amber color) yet the scent is stronger in the bottle than on the skin.

Got Grains?

A great way to improve your health is by adding more grains to your diet: they're nutritious (rich in proteins, vitamins & minerals), very low in fat (good for your heart) and you won't be tempted to eat cookies, sweets or junk foods because grains are filling (unlike most snacks & fast foods out there).

There are many ways to add them to your diet: through cereals of course (there is a vast choice of grains available nowadays and even gluten free ones), by substituting your usual rice or pasta with whole grains, or by baking your own bread, cookies or cakes (whole grain bread or pancake mixes are also available). Most grocery stores are now offering more than just your regular wheat flour, look for the natural/organic aisle.

I personally like the following brands for the quality of their products:
-HODGSON MILL
http://www.hodgsonmill.com/

-BOB'S RED MILL (they offer a 5% discount for online orders)
http://www.bobsredmill.com/

-KING ARTHUR FLOUR
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/

-ARROWHEAD MILLS
http://www.arrowheadmills.com/index.php

The Causes of Disease

This is taken from "Herbs Partners in Life" by Adele G. Dawson:

"The causes of disease are often multiple, sometimes indirect; they may lurk behind little-noticed dangers of short-sighted or profit-motivated technology. Here is a check-list of some common background causes of poor health:

1/Excessive (constant) use of "junk foods"
a. Foods with artificial coloring and/or artificial flavoring
b. Foods with preservatives (for longer "shelf-life" but probably shorter human life)
c. Package foods that substitute synthetic for natural food

2/Fast foods, eaten in a hurry or in an athmosphere lacking in serenity and visual pleasure

3/Continued tension

4/Over-exposure to artificial light

5/Lack of exposure to natural light, not necessarly sunlight

6/Continued fatigue

7/Excessive exposure (daily) to pollutants:
a. Chemical
b. Mineral
c. Radioactive
d. Noise
e. Air-borne

8/Dissatisfaction with:
a. Job
b. Social life and social situation
c. Family situation

9/Lack of opportunity for:
a. Exercise
b. Continuing education
c. Creative leisure-time interests
d. Service to others (community service, sharing of abilities)

10/Excessive use of:
a. Cigarettes
b. Stimulants and depressants
c. Pills

Scanning this list, you may find an unobtrusive cause of stress in your body which is producing symptoms whose cause you may not have traced. Exposure to virus and bacterial infection is not included in the list because the "healthy and well-balanced person", as Chi Po suggested to the Emperor, is seldom affected by disease."

http://www.amazon.com/Herbs-Partners-Cooking-Gardening-Cultivated/dp/0892814292/ref=ed_oe_p/103-1763048-0899848

Flavors of Atlantis...

I just created a new limited edition tea that I named Atlantis...Why? Because this tea reminds me of the Mediterranean with its aroma & taste but I just couldn't pinpoint the where and the when.

It's a caffeine-free blend of organic green rooibos, organic sage, organic rosemary, coriander seeds, organic orange peel & organic raisins.

Have a sip and let your mind wander...;)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7573488

Irrational Behavior...

Have you ever found yourself behaving strangely with no apparent reason? Saying things that never crossed your mind before if not being nonsensical? Or being overly emotional/angry?

Then maybe you are one of those people who are super sensitive to planetary and/or lunar influences. There's a website that I find amazingly accurate and very informative about what's happening in the cosmos and how it affects us (yet I'm not into astrology):

http://www.moodalert.com/

Crème de Cocoa Body Balm

I wanted a product specifically for using on those parts of the body that tend to be dry: knees, heels, feet, elbows & hands.

So here's a natural body balm just for that! Of course if you wish to use it on the rest of your body it's ok...Except on the face.

Crème de Cocoa Body Balm is handmade with with unrefined cocoa butter, extra virgin sweet almond oil, unrefined beeswax or apricot kernel wax (vegan), natural perfume oil & benzoin tincture (a natural preservative).

It's available unscented or scented with the following perfume oils:
-Amber (amber resin in sweet almond oil)
-Amber Rose (amber resin & rose essential oil in sweet almond oil) OR
-Amber Myrrh (amber resin & myrrh essential oil in sweet almond oil)

A wonderful combination of the chocolatey smell of cocoa butter and a hint of warm amber (my favorite scent)...far from overpowering. In the future, I will probably offer more complex perfume oils to scent the balm, they will remain amber based anyway. Simple is also nice ;).

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7342305

Meditate in the Fog...

Samhain / All Hallows Tea

A tea blend in the Spirit of the Season...Fragrant, warm & spicy ;)!

It's a 100% organic blend of black tea, rooibos, orange peel, cinnamon, ginger, cloves & rosehips.

Since it's a seasonal blend, it will only be available for a short period of time...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7281434

Note that this tea is part of the "AutumnEast Challenge" organized by EarthPath Artisans (EAST).

New Teas for Women...

...But a little bit of Nourishment wouldn't hurt Men either ;).

My tea blends are based on and inspired by Folk Medicine and a branch of herbalism called the Wise Woman Tradition which focuses on Nourishment and Prevention to remain healthy and to heal thyself. Interconnectedness with Nature and the Spiritual Realms is also very important. This branch of herbalism has its roots in the knowledge and wisdom of our Foremothers and Ancestors as well as being in harmony with Nature and its Seasons (changes don't only occur in the Wild, but in our bodies as well).

- WEMOON HERBAL TONIC is a nutritious herbal tea blend naturally loaded with vitamins & minerals. Forget about the synthetic vitamin tablets that your body can't assimilate...It's time to start drinking nourishing teas along with a healthy balance diet. Your body will thank you ;).
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7221204

-WISE WOMAN POWER TEA is a gentle blend that aims at strenghtening your body and balancing your cycle naturally.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7222668

Both these teas have been tasted, tested and approved by me...They taste great and make me feel good (healthy & energized) ;).

Words of Wisdom...

"For years, copying other people, I tried to know myself.
From within, I couldn't decide what to do.
Unable to see, I heard my name being called.
Then I walked outside.

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don't go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don't go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don't go back to sleep. "

RUMI

EARTH GODDESS CLAY BROOCH

Hopefully this is the first of a long serie of Clay Goddesses ;)!

I only use natural clay: white, red or black (a very dark grey in fact).

I intend to add more engravings, stones and even incorporate some pigments or herbs...Whatever my Muse will suggest. I will most likely make more brooches, pendants...Maybe some figurines too ;).

I like this design, it's both primitive and modern with a discreet charm. I think she'll look great on a jacket or a shawl.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7151894

The Alchemy of the Autumn Equinox

This is taken from Glennie Kindred's book "The Alchemist's Journey". As you already know, she is one of my favorite authors. I have a lot of books, and this one is one of my best acquisitions.

"...The Autumn Equinox is a point of Union and balance between the Light and the Dark, between Fire and Water, between the Yang and the Yin. We all have been encouraged to become disconnected from our Yin, the intuitive, "feeling" parts of ourselves, when in reality both our Yin and Yang aspects create the whole self and, if they are not blocked, flow in a continuous holistic motion of Unity and equilibrium.

...The Autumn Equinox reminds me to balance all parts of myself, the active and the passive, the known and the unknown, the outer journey and the inner journey, the seen and the unseen, the logical and the intuitive, the conscious and the unconscious. From this place of Unity new doors open, and new directions and new possibilities are revealed.

...At this time of the Earth's harvest, I look at my own personal harvest - what has come to fruition in my personal life, what I have learned from my experiences. I am aware that the Earth's energy is about to change and I follow Nature's lead, gradually closing down the outer world and opening up to the inner world, preparing for rest, regeneration and reconnection to my roots.

The Sun has ripened the fruit on the outside, and inside lie the seeds from which next year's harvest will grow. As I look at my personal harvest, I also look for the seeds that lie hidden within it, the seeds that I will nurture in the dark of the winter. It is time to gather my seeds, my resources, to look within, to seek wisdom in the dark of the year, to find renewal in rest and to explore hidden parts of myself.

I am learning to listen to my inner voice, to value and develop my inner senses, to trust my intuition, to follow my heart, to find balance and wholeness in myself, in my life and in the world..."

Alchemille's Garden featured in September's Little Black Box

What is the Little Black Box?
The Little Black Box is the perfect place for consumers to try sample sizes of their favorite bath/body and candle products before they purchase from wonderful online retailers.

The next sample box goes on sale September 21, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. PST!

I prepared 3 different teas for the occasion: Amber Spice tea, Timeless tea and Love Potion...Which one will you get in your Little Black Box? It's a surprise!

http://thelittleblackboxes.com/index.html

Organic Calendula

If you're looking for high quality dried calendula flowers, I suggest you check Mountain Rose Herbs.

I've been very pleased with their calendula flowers. They have a very bright golden-orange color with a strong scent that doesn't dissipate when you use them.

I just made a calendula infused oil today with their flowers. The oil came out with a beautiful deep golden color and a strong calendula scent...I'm really delighted ;).

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ (or see my links)

The Wild & Wise Collective celebrates the Fall

We've had a creative challenge going on and I must say that we have been very creative and inspired. Lots of colors and warm scents. We are all ready for the change of season.

Here's a little flavor of our offerings:
-Griselda from Awesomeart has made 5 one of a kind Spirit Art Dolls which make great altar decorations and conversational pieces.

-Madame Night from ShaktiStudios made a pair of "Druid Bling" Autumn Oak and Acorn earrings with beautiful earthy colors : shades of copper and green to symbolize the changing trees. Bronze Pearls that look like the burnished brown harvest of nutbearing trees, copper beads that kinda reminiscent of pine cones, green Bloodstones, copper glass beads as well as a beautiful copper Oak Leaf charm and an Acorn charm. Don't miss out on her ultraviolet handsculpted altar Goddess ;).

-Madame Piper from WhimsyHollow prepared a batch of Apple Jack & Peel handmade soaps. These soaps are symbolic of the abundance of the autumn harvest, the crisp and comforting scents of autumn... juicy ripe apples, warm grounding cinnamon and clove.

-Melissa from manicmagnolia makes us dive deeper into the Fall with her Pumpkin Harvest Soaps. Moisturizing and loaded with natural goodness: Pumpkin puree, goat's milk, organic honey and many spicy, woody oils.

-Sarah from lilithsapothecary wants to adorn and pamper us for the Fall. She made an Autumn Equinox necklace with glass seed beads, citrine nuggets, orange jade trade beads, swarkovski crystals, glass nuggets, bali silver, and silver ivy leaf pendants. As well as herbalicious facial steams and body polish ;).

-Juli from OzarkGypsyArt made a Folk Art Rag Doll with recycled materials. A wonderful creature ready to bless any space with his delightful presence.

-Madame Xiane from the House of the Three Ravens blended a Lunarsa anointing oil. A base of Safflower oil - safflower being one of humanity's oldest crops - Red sandalwood powder has been steeped to add a woody base scent as well as a vivid orange shade to the oil. Macerated with the red sandalwood is crushed Coriander seed, which adds a lemony-spicy note to the oil, and finally pure Red Mandarin essential oil.

-Michelle from violetroseherbals prepared an Autumn’s Salt and Earth Scrub. Blended with dead sea salt and sassafras, this scrub is a great exfoliator and detoxifies the skin. Sassafras root is a blood purifier and has been used for skin troubles. Apricot oil is a light, non-greasy oil appropriate for any skin type. The essential oils include bottom notes, such as patchouli and cedarwood, and are sure to calm the spirit.

-I have prepared some natural Spicy Harvest Soaps with organic apple juice, real cinnamon and cloves, a touch of rhassoul clay and a wee bit of amber perfume oil. The scent is gentle yet gets stronger under the shower ;). I also blended a Mabon/Fall Equinox tea with organic rooibos, apple and spices...Sweet, earthy, fragrant and aromatic. It's a Fall Symphony in your cup ;).

To find out more about our creations, please go to: http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=twwc%20mabon&search_type=tag_title&order=&page=1

Thank you for browsing.

A Celebration of Fall

There is a creative challenge going on with my fellow wise women from the Wild & Wise Collective. We are celebrating the arrival of Fall through our creations. There are still a few days to go before the deadline but we already have some very nice items: soaps, jewelry and tea.

I love the Fall, it has always been my favorite season so I've been very inspired ;). I currently have 2 items listed: a tea and some soap.

*MABON / FALL EQUINOX TEA*:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6988619

*SPICY HARVEST SOAP(S)*:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6988996

TRIPLE GODDESS LOTIONS

I have a new line of natural lotions for women following the 3 different stages of Womanhood: Maiden, Mother & Crone. Your skin's needs are very different whether you are 15 or 30, that is why I formulated 3 different lotions with 3 different blends of oils and herbs.

You can choose from:
-THE MAIDEN LOTION with a blend of organic extra virgin olive oil and camellia oil infused with organic elder blossoms, organic chamomile, organic thyme and pesticide-free rose petals as well as organic lavender hydrosol. Recommended for women age 15 to 25.

-THE MOTHER LOTION with a blend of organic extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil infused with organic lady's mantle, organic nettle, organic marshmallow roots and pesticide-free rose petals as well as organic rose hydrosol. Recommended for women age 20 to 45.
USE SPARINGLY DURING PREGNANCY.

-THE CRONE LOTION with a blend of organic extra virgin olive oil and shea oil infused with organic sage, organic nettle, organic elder blossoms and pesticide-free rose petals as well as organic rose geranium hydrosol. Recommended for women age 40 and more.

To find out more about these products go to:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6976318

Vegan Friendly...

I will be offering a vegan version of some of my products. I discovered today a natural and vegan substitute to beeswax: apricot kernel wax. It's not a widely known product but it can be used wherever and whenever beeswax is needed.
I have already listed a vegan version of my Wise Woman Creams on Etsy, with apricot wax instead of honey and beeswax in the formulation.
I guess it can be interesting to use it in soaps too...I will have to try ;).