Quick bits on the 2009 Herb of the Year - Bay Laurel
* Bay leaves can be used as insect repellents. Just place them into flour or sugar bowls to keep little buggies away.
* In ancient times, Bay Leaves were used to keep witches and evil fairies away.
* Putting a Bay Leaf under your pillow is said to give you psychic dreams.
* Laurus nobilis is believed to come from the Celtic word laur, meaning green, and the Latin nobilis, signifying noble. |
Get a Treat for a Dad, a Grad, a Bride or Yourself!
As a special thank you and in celebration of the return of summer, we're sending out sample treats! Just send us and email and we'll send you a sample size of one of our body and skin care products. Think of it as a special surprise - because you never know what your going to get! Just put the word DAD, GRAD, BRIDE or ME! in the subject line, and your sample size gift will be on it's way. Only one per household, please. Remember to include your name and address in the body of email.
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The Comforts of Comfrey Comfrey has always amazed me. It's many wonderful properties have given it a place in my apothecary from the beginning. I purchased a big bag of this powerful dried herb from Mountain Rose Herbs. Although I thought it would last a while, I found myself going through it rather quickly. Then, on one of my many trips to Well Sweep Herb Farm, I found a few little comfrey plants. I decided it was time to give this age old herb a try in my garden. As you can  see from the picture above, it's very happy. And the bees just love it!
Comfrey has been used for thousands of years. Testing has shown that comfrey shouldn't be taken internally, as it might cause liver damage. But test and history have shown us that, topically, it is a marvelous healer. Researchers also believe that it can be helpful for arthritis patients.
Once, I was out in the garden and managed to give myself a rather nasty cut on my arm. I washed out the cut, took a few comfrey leaves and mashed them up, then put them on the cut. I took a Lambs Ear leaf and used that as a bandage to hold the poultice on. The cut was already starting to heal several hours later when I got into the house.
Poultices and salves made with comfrey take advantage of this lush herbs ability to rapidly heal wounds and sprains as well as help mend bones. The leaves and root are both used in many topical preparations.
For all these reasons, we at Celtic Chairde use it in our Gardeners Salve, Face Toner, Do Greéne (Sunburn) Spray and in our Muscle Rubs. Plus, it's such a pretty, lush plant that just makes me smile. Amazing. |
Jubilations for June
June is a busy month for celebrating. Because it's not usually too hot or too cold, and there are flowers in abundance, many brides choose June as the month in which they get married. Those long, hard, fun filled days of high school end with June graduations. We dare not forget that our Dad's are so special and important on Fathers Day. And, of course, the longest day of the year falls in June as we welcome in Summer!
As if that weren't enough, here are some other very special days in June. Celebrate!
Ad opt a Shelter Cat Month: So many cats in shelters have purrs, snuggles and love to give to a new family. When looking for a new pet - think adoption first. Check out the ASPCA or the Animal Rescue Force and find a bundle of furry love just waiting for you.
Great Out Doors Month: The sun starts shining more and the temperatures are rising. Get out side and see all the wonders that are there.
Perennial Gardening Month: While celebrating the great outdoors - do some garden planting! Perennials will charms your garden for this year - and years to come!
 National Rose Month: Roses are evocative gems of the garden, filling our beings with scents and sounds and memories. Learn more about our National Flower at Rose Gardening 101 or the American Rose Society.
National Iced Tea Month: While your in the garden, to refresh yourself, have some iced tea! Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. Whether you like it straight up, with lemon, honey, sugar or fruit, tea is a thirst quenching treat. The Tea Council of the USA can give you lots of information. The teas from our buds at Ducky Life Tea are terrific hot or iced!
National Accordion Awareness Month: So many people giggle when they hear accordion - but it is an instrument used in a vast array of cultural and ethnic music - from Celtic to Cajun, Polkas to Scandinavia. So check our some accordion links and realize this instrument and the musicians that play it are nothing to giggle at.... unless its Weird Al, but that's a different story.
Want to know more? Stop by our blog - we love to share the scoop!
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Where We'll Be - Come and See
Celtic Chairde Creations
You can always find us at the Beachwood Boutique, 451 Atlantic City Blvd., Beachwood, NJ 12th Annual Barnegat Bay FestivalSunday, June 7, 2009 - 10 am to 4 pm Wanamaker Park, Island Heights NJ Free Admission Enjoy a great view of the bay while visiting crafters, exhibits, displays and more. Get your Passport to a Greener Community! Point Pleasant Beach 2009 Jazz & Blues FestSaturday, June 20, 2009 - Noon - 9 pm Route 35 South & Arnold Ave. in the Municipal Lot, Pt. Pleasant This is the first year of this event, but expect it to grow into an annual occurrence! Admission is free, but there is a nominal charge for the wine tasting area. Expect Great Music, Great Food, Great Wine and Great Crafts for a - you got it - Great Day! Annual Summer Crafter's' MarketSaturday July 11 (Rain Date July 18)
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. · Admission Free (There is a $5 parking charge from Allaire State park) The Historic Village of Allaire, Atlantic Ave. Wall Township A summer day under the trees of Allaire, browsing an amazing assortment of handmade gifts, crafts and Artistry. What could be better?
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