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Celebration Days for January and February
It's not just New Years and Valentine's Day. Check out all of the fun filled days to celebrate in January and February.January 24 - Belly Laugh DayLaughter is great exercise, a wonderful spirit healer and just plain fun. Stop whatever you're doing at 1:24 pm and join the BElly Laugh Bounce Around the World. Find out more at the Belly Laugh Website.January 26 - Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. Come on - who can resist the pleasurable pop of snapping bubble wrap? Want to learn the history of the worlds favorite poppable plastic? Check our Sealed Air from right here in New Jersey!February is National Cherry Month. In pies, tarts, jams or dipped in chocolate, heart shaped cherries are In in February. It is also Spunky Old Broads Month. Laughter is still the rage in February.January 8 starts Jell-O Week.It is also Laugh and Get Rich Day as well . And don't forget Love May Make the World Go 'Round but Laughter Keeps us from Getting Dizzy Week. It's all part of the power of laughter! February 9 is Read in the Bathtub Day. Grab a good book, a nice Bath Salt, and enjoy some quiet time. |
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'Tis the Scent of the Season -
The Magical Pine
Hard to believe that the holidays were only a few weeks ago. This weekend, the tree came down. I
always have a live Christmas Tree. I know there are those who don't
like having to clean up all the needles or the trouble of remembering
to water it - but to me it is the very essence of the Yule season.
Bringing in the evergreen is
an ancient tradition which celebrates the returning of the sun. A
fir tree fills the house with the scent of the season that refreshes
and revitalizes the spirit.
Pines, firs and spruces are all
conifers, lovely bright spots of green among the grey and white winter
background. There are distinctions between them all, described
wonderfully at the Stupid Questions archive (personally, I didn't think it was that stupid a question.)
My
favorites are the pines, with the wonderful, heart lightening aroma.
But they aren't just the holder of lovely ornaments and lights, pines
pack some powerful benefits for health and home.
Pine
cones are the home to pine nuts (called pignoli in Italy). These, along with
some basil and garlic and olive oil, make a fabulous pesto. Pine wood is
strong and is used for building of all sorts. But did you know you can
make tea from pine needles?
Pine is said to help ease breathing
and stimulate the respiratory tract, as well as aid sooth intestinal
disturbances. You can take the younger, tender needles (make sure it's
from a tree that hasn't been treated with any chemicals) and steep them
in hot water for about 3 to 5 minutes. Strain and add honey if you'd
like. The aroma will open your sinuses and the tea will help soothe your breathing and tummy.
Share some piney goodness with your pets. Put pine needles in their bedding. It's said to repel fleas - and it will help it smell good too!
This is one of my favorites, for when I need a little Christmas spirit. I
collect pine needles from my outside tree and from my Christmas tree,
let them dry slightly, and put them through my herb grinder. I mix that
with some baking powder and use it as a natural carpet deodorizer. Just sprinkle over the carpet, and then vaccuum!
The benefits of pine include the many uses of its essential oil. It is analgesic, antiviral, deodorizing, and so much more. At Celtic Chairde Creations, we use it in our Muscle Rubs for it's ability to soothe sore muscles. It's scent adds that uplifting boost to our Lughnasa Lotion Bar.
Check out our blog for more ideas on what to do with an old Yule Tree or any conifer you love.
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Don't Let Your Heart Wait....
Specials for Valentines Day
In the depths of winter comes Valentine's Day. It is a day to bring some summer light to those we love by expressing our feelings to them. We've put together a few baskets of goodies to help you show the love. Each gift set is packed in an attractive basket or box, labeled with directions for use. Sets can be customized as well!
THAT FABULOUS FACE
One 4 oz Honey Pumpkin Face Mask
One 2 oz Face Toner
One Eye Bright Mela Tae
One Sweetest Kisses Lip Balm Price: $15.00
SWEET AND SOFT
One 4 oz Autumn Apple Sugar Scrub
One Lughnasa Lotion Bar
One 1/2 oz. Visions of Vanilla Body Butter Price: $12.00
BATH SAMPLER
One 4 oz Champagne and Lavender Bath Vinegar
One 4 oz Honey and Roses Bath Vinegar
One 4 oz Sensational Strawberry Mint Muscle Soak
One 4 oz Smooth Skin Soak
One 4 oz Orange Ginger Cóir Price: $33.00
GARDENERS GIFT SET
One 1 oz Gardeners Salve
One Tingles Lip Balm
One
Dó Gréine Spray for Sunburn
One Green Tea Muscle Rub Price: $17.00
Just email us or call the number below and we'll help you place your order for your sweetie - or yourself!
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A Crown of Laurel for the Herb of the Year.... Bay Laurel
Each year, the International Herb Association selects an herb that is a culinary, garden, historical and medicinal legend. This years champion is one of the oldest herbs known to man - Laurus nobilis or Sweet Bay.
Bays have beautiful, waxy leaves which impart a unique and subtle taste to such a wide variety of soups, stews, sauces, etc. But the history of this plant is filled with mythology and magic. So revered was the bay laurel shrub that the most exemplary Greek poets were given wreaths of bay - thus becoming poet laureates.
Although not a breeze to grow in all climates, bays can be adapted to pots and do very well. My father has had a bay growing for about 9 years in a lovely large pot that we drag in during the cold months and out during the warm. But I shouldn't complain, since I get to take home all the leaves I want.
Medicinally, Bay has wonderful properties that only enhance it's position in history. It can be used for aches and pains, as in our Muscle Rubs. In a tea, it helps digestion and relieve flatulence. It also helps repel insects. So many abilities in such simple looking leaves.
To find out more about Sweet Bay and it's place in the herb hall of fame, check out the Herb Companion. You'll also find some wonderful recipes to keep hunger at bay. |
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