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Do You Strew?
I bet you do and don't even know it! Strewing herbs to help freshen and protect the home dates back throughout medieval history. Since most home then had earth floors, straw or threshes were placed around to absorb a variety of fluids. That could get pretty stinky, so they added herbs to create a fresh aroma. The herbs also helped repel insects and rodents. Those who strewed provided some protection to the plague, since it was spread by rats and lice. If you've used one of those carpet powders that you sprinkle on and then vacuumed, you're a modern day strewer. You can make your own strewing powder, or add herbs to your home to release aromatheraputic scent as we close the windows and doors to the coming chill. To make your own strewing powder, take one small box of baking powder and pour into a dry, glass jar. Grind any of the following herbs, or you can use their essential oil. Add two teaspoons of the ground dried herbs or 6 to 12 drops of essential oil to the powder. Shake well. Sprinkle over the carpet. Allow to sit for 10 minutes to a few hours, then vacuum it up (always test a corner of carpet or flooring first for possible staining). Your carpet and home will smell fabulous!  Great herb choices include: Lavender, rosemary, mint, sage, roses, sweet fennel, lemon balm, chamomile, or bay leaf. For more great strewing tips and ideas to add scent to every step, check out this article about this Ancient Aromatherapy Technique. |
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The Magic that is Lavender
Neither Cindy or I have ever really been fans of lavender. We're more Lilac girls. However, we like to keep our customers happy - and lavender is a very popular fragrance. I have to admit, after working with it for a while now, it's beginning to grow on me. Lavender has been a staple in apothecary's and herbal homes since the first human took one whiff of it's light, fresh fragrance. It's almost hard to believe that the little purple flowers are packed with so many soothing and helpful elements. But Mother Nature knows what she's doing, and packs her plants with a plethora of positive energy.Most of us are familiar with lavenders ability to help induce a restful sleep. Simply tuck a small sachet of the dried purple flowers into the corner of your pillow and you'll have wonderful dreams - or so they say. Lavender also aids with digestion. Yes, it's edible, and makes a light, fragrant addition to teas, cookies, cakes, ice cream and salads. It also relaxes muscle spasms, soothes sunburns and skin complaints, and acts as an antiseptic.
There are a wide variety of lavenders - giant, french, fringed, creeping. Lavender Officinalis has the most beneficial medicinal, herbal and culinary properties. It's magic comes from the compounds linalool and linalyl acetate. These are rapidly absorbed through the skin, reducing pain and calming the nerves. Other varieties of lavender contain the excellent aromatic properties.
We've added the power of lavender to several of our products, including our Honey L avender Lotion Bar, Jazzy Lavender Body Butter, and Champagne and Lavender Bath Vinegar.
The magic of lavender is ages old, dating back to Roman times. Cindy and I are beginning to appreciate it's power. I even have it growing in my garden. Who am I to go against tradition. After all, it has long been believed that you should always grow lavender in your garden for it's beauty, it's scent - and for luck.
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There's Still Time to
Celebrate September
It seems the days of September are just flashing by. However, there's plenty yet to celebrate before the month runs by.
Afterall, this is National Organic Harvest Month. We are all begin to recognize the importance of eating more wholesome, natural foods, and we might as well turn it into a celebration. As a matter of fact, you can have a late summer/early autumn picnic and accomplish a whole September celebration. Use your coupons as part of National Coupon Month and pick up some chicken for National Chicken Month or prime beef for National Prime Beef Month. Add some honey to the barbecue glaze and you've covered  National Honey Month. Don't forget the rice for a nice side dish, and throw in some mushrooms for National Rice Month and National Mushroom Month. Include the kids and explain to them the importance of kindness and consideration to others - there you'll have covered Children's Good Manners Month. One feast - 8 celebrations!
Of course, it's not all about eating. September is the time we start to move indoors. Many of us have suffered through a rather rainy summer. It's important that we do our fall preparations and eliminate the harmful mold that can lurk in our home. Mold Awareness Month reminds us to get the facts and get rid of mold.
The changing season also wreaks havoc on our skin. Sun exposure, in and out of air conditioning, dampness, drying - our skin needs some TLC. As part of National Skin Care Awareness Month, take a little extra time to learn about making your skin great - from the inside out. Celtic Chairde Creations can help you do that. Our face toners, body butters, lotion bars, and sugar scrubs are all part of a skin care routine that helps you have the best skin yet.
And that, was on behalf of Shameless Promotion Month.
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Where We'll Be - Come and See
Celtic Chairde Creations
Wow! I think I'm tired just looking at this schedule. But it's going to be a great month at some of the states truly wonderful fairs and festivals with plenty of chances to stop by and say hi! 28th Annual Lakewood Lions Renaissance FairSponsored by The Lakewood Lions Club and the Society for Creative Anachronism  September 19 & 20 10:00 am to 5 pm Admission Pine Park in Lakewood Annual Fall Crafter's' Market Saturday Sept. 26 (Rain Date Oct. 3)
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $2/Adult Under 12/Free At the Historic Village of Allaire in Allaire State Park Grand Harvest Festival
October 3 & 4,
2009 Noon to 5 p.m. $20 admission (see the Garden State Wine Growers website for pre-event sale discounts) Alba Vineyards/Milford,
NJ Sample from over 20 of the states award winning vineyards, listen to some great music, shop a little, and kick back and enjoy! Cape May Wine Festival October 10 & 11, 2009 (rain date Oct. 12) Admission $20 (see the Garden State Wine Growers website for pre-event sale discounts)
Cape May Ferry
Terminal/Cape May, NJ What a spectacular location! What the ferry come in and out, eat drink and be merry! SPECIAL NOTE: NEW LOCATION!
Beachwood Boutique has moved. You can always find us at the We've Got
Your Gift, 45 East Route 37, Toms River, NJ
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