The Place To Go...

Yesterday I've discovered a fairly new knitting shop which is like no other: TWIST - Yarns of Intrigue.
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you steep inside, you get a warm and homey feeling. Cathy Karen -the owner of this beautiful shop- is friendly, genuine, knowledgeable and very helpful ;).
There are all sorts of little gems in this shop including natural fibers (silk, sea silk...etc), social/community conscious yarns (supporting co-ops of women), hand painted yarns, original/creative fibers from Japan (I found a very interesting yarn made of Silk and Stainless Steel, once knit you can give it the shape that you want and it will keep it) and...Cathy's own hand dyed and hand made yarns.
The prices are affordable and even a bargain for some of these yarns.
I let myself be tempted by 2 variegated Loro Barranquero yarns, in Fall colors. These are made of kettle dyed pure merino wool and come from a co-op in Uruguay named Malabrigo. I plan on using them for a nice crochet-like sweater.
I also found some very interesting buttons made out of recycled glass, I'd like to make some jewelry with them (a pair of earrings and a ring).
One thing is for sure...I'll be back ;).

Rustic Clay Buttons...

These are the first buttons I make and since I enjoyed making them so much, I will be making more soon (or so I hope). They are made of real clay (not polymer clay), embossed and I added a touch of acrylic paint for visual contrast (and because they look nicer this way).
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13078475

Organic, Biodynamic, Heirloom and Heritage Seed Sources

Missing a few good websites but most of them are mentioned:
http://www.forkandbottle.com/garden/seeds/seedsource.htm

Celebrate the Goddess through Sisterhood

"As you are created in the Goddess's image, it stands to reason that all other women are too!
One of the most powerful ways to honor the Mother is to enjoy the company of Her other daughters.
Place a high priority on friendship and on supporting relationships with women - celebrate the wonderful diversity of our many shapes, sizes, talents, temperaments, ages, and abilities.
As you move through each day, give your sister a smile and let her know you are there for her. Or better yet, take her hand and dance!"

From SageWoman 2008 Calendar

Welcoming Changes...

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

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

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

Un Peu de Poésie...

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

Femme-Chamane érrant sur la Lande, dans La Forêt

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

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

Seeds for Sprouting

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

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

Blog Party: Staying Cool in the Summer

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

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

Thank you Ladies ;).

Back to Sewing!

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

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

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

Summer Goodies...

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

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

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

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

Thank you for browsing ;).

WILD CALIFORNIA INCENSE

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

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

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

Gluten Free Corn Sablés (Cookies)

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

You'll need:

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

Preheat the oven to 375 F / 180 C.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrate the Goddess through Self-Respect

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

SageWoman 2008 Calendar

I'm Featured on the POEST Blog ;)

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

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 ;).