Walk for Hunger 2008

Thanks to all who donated time and energy this year to the Walk for Hunger. Almost a month has passed since that rainy event and my blisters are almost healed but it seems like just yesterday. I can't wait to do it again next year.

However, here's a few things I'll do differently:
1-do not wear old shoes
2-get a massage within 2 days
3-walk regularly BEFORE the 20 mile walk

Here's a few interesting pics from the day~

come prepared

positive talk

motivation

enjoy your surroundings

stretch~ a lot!

Plant Shopping

While researching garden centers nearby I stumbled across this news article.
The Silent Seed sounded familiar to me and then I remembered buying an anise hyssop plant at a fair at Hamond castle. Not only was it pretty but it tasted great in tea too.

I can't wait to go and check it out. I'm already writing my list.

I'll also be going to Goose Cove Gardens, an organic nursery in Gloucester, MA. I've gotten many plants there over the years and know from experience to only bring a certain of money with me otherwise I'll go overboard!

Happy shopping!

Indoor Gardens

Summer time is upon us. Sunshine and cool breezes are welcomed back eagerly everywhere and New England is no different. This weather always makes me think of plants alive and vibrant. Tomatoes and Basil spring to mind and make me instantly hungry!
So for those who have the land, knowledge and desire to grow- enjoy all the fruits & vegetables of your labor. For others go to your local produce stand or farmer's market and get fresh in season food.

If you are like me and live without garden space and would love to grow something anything try out indoor gardening. Many have potted jade tree, spider plants (that's what my mom used to call them) and other easy growing, die resistant plants in their home. There are other ways to grow indoors (one ex. hydroponics) and different types of plants (i.e. rosemary).

Check out your local nurseries and of course search online for the types of plants you want to grow. If you have a window or you have a spot to grow hydroponics then don't let this summer be like the past, grow today!

(Didn't that sound like an infomercial!!)

Plants I hope to grow indoors:

Rosemary, mint (separately), calendula (I'm not sure about this yet), aloe, chives & lettuce.
It's not etched in stone but I'll put pictures up of the finished products.

Enjoy the rest a beautiful day!

Walk for Hunger 2008 & Other News

Evening to everyone.

Quick updates:

Walk for Hunger is less than 2 weeks away. There's still time to sponsor someone or register yourself. See you there.

I've been with Elements for almost three months now and love it. I'm working at the studio in Beverly, MA on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays.

Have a great night!

2008~ Changes & Updates

Hello again!

It's been some time since my last post here and with many changes. I'm back in New England, have two new jobs and just registered for the Walk for Hunger. More about my exciting new work later, today I just wanted to mention the Walk for Hunger. Here in Boston it's May 4th, a 20 mile walk that is to raise money for underpriveled families here in Massachusetts. I was cotemplating volunteering this year (Chair Massage is what I was thinking!) but I decided to push myself and walk the 20 miles. I did it once before so hopefully I can do it again.
Every one have a happy Monday and if you live in the Boston area think warm thoughts.

Planning an Echinacea Party!

The first thing you need to do when planning an echinacea party is to decide what you want to do.


Are you planning on making teas, dry fresh flowers, make tinctures or even oils? Let's take making a tincture of this immune boosting herb as an example.


Buy your supplies.

• echinacea~ You can get dried or fresh root however, I prefer fresh roots.
  
• grain alcohol~ Try any grain alcohol with that is at least 80% proof. I prefer Vodka.
  
• empty jars! You can find large jars in many different places, Walmart, Target, Christmas Tree Shop, yard sales and online. Just make sure to clean and dry the jars thoroughly before use. I like using large pickle jars myself.

Invite friends.

Depending on how much space you have and herbs you get will determine how many guests to have. Also, how much echinacea does each person want to take home? You can suggest that each person bring a small to medium jar with them.

Clean and chop!

Make everyone get involved in cleaning the roots carefully to get as much dirt off as possible and then chopping up the roots. Not only is it wholistic by being part of the whole process, it's fun to get a little dirty. Okay, you CAN wear gloves! Put the roots on paper towels to dry a little if you prefer. This is a great time to take a snack break.

Fill the jars.

Now it's time for everyone to fill their jars. There are many different methods of making tinctures, some more precise than others. This is a Simpler's method. For a more scientific formulation of Echinacea tincture please browse the links below. Fill the jars about 1/3 full. Top off with 2/3 Vodka or other type of grain alcohol. For those who choose to abstain from alcohol you can also make tinctures out of a glycerin base. That can be found at many online stores like Mountain Rose Herbals. You can always boil the strained tincture before taking to reduce 1/2 of the alcohol content.

*The next steps are done 3-4 weeks later*

Close the lid tightly and shake up the tincture. Make sure that the herb is completely covered.

This is the end of the process, for now anyways. Each person should take their tincture home and shake it often for at least 3-4 weeks.

Strain and store.
I use coffee filters and strain it twice but everyone finds their method. You can keep the tincture in a dark place and it will keep for a few years at the least. That is if it lasts that long!

*Back to the party*

Just like any party make sure your guests are happy, engaged and most importantly enjoy yourself.

Herbal Thoughts

While researching some herbs for a client I stumbled across many remarkable websites. Since I am still in Greensboro, I have been separated by my ever-growing library. (No pun intended!) Without my class notes and resource books I was at a loss to research Hawthorn, a herb I rarely use. That did not stop me for long however as I quickly turned to the Internet. I found many sites that discussed the positive points of hawthorn as well as interactions with medications.
I also got to listen to my first podcast! I know that they've been around for awhile now but it was exciting for me! Christopher Hobbs podcast can be found here http://www.christopherhobbs.com/. In the meantime, I've decided to start hunting down copies of the books I have at home or similar ones, most likely at my favorite store here Edward McKay's. Don't even let me start on that subject. And if I have to I can always ship my books from home.
So in conclusion, don't be afraid to research herbs online, however, make sure that you are checking more than one source (at least three is a good idea) and make sure it's from a reputable source. I'll drop some of those links off here that I enjoyed perusing today.
Until then, take care and have a great day!