For some people, striving for the perfectly manicured lawn is a life long project. They want each little blade the same color and height, densely packed, looking like little soldiers standing straight. Well, I'm not most people.

One of my favorite things about spring and summer is all the little surprises my lawn shows me. Oh there are little problems; wild mustard, can tend to get to be a problem. But within the problem spots, there are the multitudes of treasures for which I find so many uses.

In the early spring, wild violets grow in profusion under my apple trees and along the fences. Their foliage is lush, but the best part will appear as the pretty little purple flowers show their faces. Violets make wonderful tea, a spectacular jelly, and add a lovely hint of fragrance when dried and ground and added to powders. They don't flower for very long, so it's a mad race to pick as many as I can.

My next favorite is dandelions. While others cringe and practically go into convulsions when they see these yellow beauties, I delight in knowing we'll have some terrific spring salads with dandelion greens. Plus I use the leaves in a skin tonic that helps reduce freckles and skin discoloration. The flower can be used to make wine, added to salads, or made into a jelly. One quick way to make dandelion wine is to collect a quart jar's worth of the yellow flower petals only. Make sure to cut off the green part, it doesn't taste very good. Wash the petals and pat dry. Put them into the jar and then fill the jar with a pleasant white wine (a dry wine works better than sweet). Make sure the wine covers the petals. Cover and put in a cool, dark place for 3 to 4 weeks, giving it a light shake every couple of days. After a few weeks have past, strain out the petals and you have a mild dandelion wine!

Chickweed is another nightmare for other homeowners, but a treasure for me. It can be added to salads, adding vitamins and minerals. I  use it  in some of the  body butters and infusions because it helps relieve itching.

Plantain is one of the first weeds I learned was more than just a weed. If you get stung by a bee, grab a plantain leaf or two, chew on it a bit and apply to the sting. It takes the pain away! And there's usually plantain everywhere. You can make a tea from the leaves that helps with colds and coughs.

I also have a lot of moss, and it  is just so soft, I love to pet it.

Due to a mishap with a strawberry patch years ago (my dog thought it was a great digging spot) I now have wild strawberry everywhere. I have to tame it down each year, as it can get invasive. But I always save some so I can add the leaves and fruits to  teas.

The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence - but mine is so much more interesting!

Exfoliating is an important part of every skin care routine. It not only removes dried, flaky skin, and invigorates your circulation to improve your skin's health. It's a treat that makes you feel great all over.

Now you can make your shower extra sweet - polish your skin with our new line of  Sugar Scrubs. Brown, white and raw sugar are gentle exfoliators. Natural butters like shea and mango, oils like carrot seed and refreshing essential oils provide moisturizing, soothing  protection. Honey, a marvelous treatment for all skin types, makes it even sweeter and locks in the  moisture.

Two scents are available:

Ginger Orange gets your day going right. The citrus scent of natural tangerine, orange and lemon brighten your mood and refresh your senses. The crisp scent of freshly grated ginger wakes you up and warms your skin.

Autumn Apple crackles with the lively smell of freshly cut apples.

Simply wet your skin and message the scrub all over. How sweet it is!

8 oz jar: $10.00
 

 

June is the month of Dads and Grads, of the old Mid-Summer celebrations (although we now think of June as the start of summer), the end of the school year and the beginning of vacation. The sun really gets cooking and the warm days are coming. But there are so many other cool days in June to celebrate! June is:

• Perennial Gardening Month - As a gardener, perennials add color and vibrancy and spice to a garden - so why not celebrate them by learning more about them and planting lots!

• National Rose Month - The rose is the national flower and a pleasure to any garden. Personally, I'm fond of rugosa roses, but all roses provide beauty and fragrance to gardens. We use roses in a number of our products, including Honey Rose Bath Vinegar. Buying a bottle actually helps you celebrate 2 things this month! (see below). If you have trouble with your roses, you can check out the American Rose Society for tips, or the National Home Gardening Club.
  

• Turkey Lovers Month - Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving! Turkey is wonderful any time of year. It's great on the grill and WONDERFUL deep fried. For recipes and tips, check out the National Turkey Federation.

• National Candy Month - Look for events in your area. But if you can't find any - celebrate on your own! Candy is a wonderful treat - whether your fancy is licorice or chocolates, hard candy or gooey taffy. As with anything - it's great in moderation.

• Adopt a Shelter Cat Month - A subject near and dear to our hearts here at Celtic Chairde. If you're looking for a pet, always check your local shelter, like the Animal Rescue Force . So many cats and kitties need loving homes, and trust me, they'll love you back! 
  

• National Accordian Month - Sometimes the thought of accordians can make you giggle - especially if you've ever seen Weird Al Yankovic play one. But this instrument is a part of so much cultural music - why not take a listen and enjoy!
  

Special June Days:
June 6th - The first drive-in movie opened in Camden, NJ. Now more of a cultural memory, this was a huge part of American life in the late 50's and early 60's.

June 7th starts National Clothesline week. Save money by saving energy and hang out your clothes on a nice day. Why add chemicals that make your clothes smell out doors fresh when you can just hang them outside!

June 15 - Fathers Day - Don't forget Dad!

June 21 is Vinegar Day. (Please note, the proximity of June 21 to June 15th is purely circumstantial.) Look for more news on this day in our next newsletter or at our blog!

June 28 - 29 Celtic Fling at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire grounds in Manheim Pennsylvania. They are celebrating their 10th Year. It's a great weekend of music, fun and food.