the times we live in

Despite living a simple, frugal lifestyle and budgeting carefully, I've really felt the effects of a more limited budget the past couple of months. (I'll be posting more on this subject soon.)
In an effort to attract some added income I've become an affiliate for Mountain Rose Herbs. I chose this company because of their strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture and overall commitment to the environment, the reason Mountain Rose Herbs has been my supplier for organic herbs and supplies for the past several years. Their prices are some of the best as well. So you see, I have a lot of reasons for choosing to become an affiliate. The bottom line is, I love Mountain Rose and hope you will consider them for your herbs, spices, teas and other quality items. Please use one of the enclosed links or the sidebar link on my blog site to visit Mountain Rose Herbs and while there be sure to read their guiding principles. We need more caring companies like this! I hope you'll support them for your needs. In the process you'll be helping me out as well and for that a seriously huge thank you from my homestead heart.

As well as the aforementioned items, MRH carries natural health and body care products, carrier oils and bulk supplies as well as essential oils, aromatherapy products and gifts for the home and garden. Their list of herbs and spices is extensive and their customer service fabulous. I know!

My Monday

The beets we pulled last night are cooked, sliced and pickling. I’ll be adding eggs to the jar soon. A variety of veggies are coming on, but not a lot of any one thing just yet. So I cleaned a few snow peas, a few beans, some green onions and zucchini. They will be put together for a veggie stir fry this evening.

I strained and bottled the calendula oil that has been infusing on my windowsill for the past two and a half weeks. Calendula is very good for soothing and healing the skin. I have skin problems so I’ve been meaning to try it for some time. Most calendula preparations are pricey, so that was a deterrent. Naturally I decided to make my own.

Here’s how.

I filled a sterile pint jar with dried calendula flowers. Next, fill jar with high quality oil. I used apricot kernel oil, because it’s less greasy than some. Almond oil is good, too. I set it on my windowsill for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar at least once or twice per day. Some say to set the jar in a sunny window, others say not to, some say infuse it for a longer time, also. Some say heat the oil slightly before adding it to the jar. My thoughts are that heat and sunlight destroy essential oils so I opted for my kitchen window which is on the north side, so it gets light but no direct sun. After said duration, strain oil through a couple layers of cheesecloth and bottle in dark colored bottle(s). I recommend storing excess in the fridge. Tah dah! I may add some pure essential oil to it such as lavender for its therapeutic value and the added antibacterial/preservative properties of essential oil.

On a sad note, my twin sister’s beautiful color point kitty “Sky” died unexpectedly the other day. He had eaten a ribbon off a balloon and required emergency surgery to remove it. He came through the operation perfectly the vet said, but upon checking him the next morning, the vet was shocked to find him expired. He thinks a blood clot may have formed and caused his death. My sister is just heartbroken over the loss of her best friend and kitty boy. When I learned of this, all I could do besides cry for my sister was to gather my kitty boy Arther up in my arms and be thankful for his presence. Please dear readers, take good care and cherish your pets. You never know when something tragic may happen to them and they can be gone from your life in a heartbeat.

peacocks & herbs (repost with photos)

This past weekend Kingwood Center held their spring herb sale, so Coop, my niece Jenni, (who lives nearby and is like a daughter to me) and I took a trip over this morning. If you live in Ohio in proximity to Richland County, Kingwood is a place you’ll want to visit often. It’s a gorgeous 47 acre former estate garden brimming with flora and fauna amidst the bustle of Mansfield, Ohio. It’s free and open to the public year round. I have been there many times and will return many more. In fact, June is a highlight for me when the myriad of roses come into bloom. There are about 500 roses in bloom between June and September that result in thousands of blooms in every imaginable color and scent.

I was smart enough to take my camera along this morning and capture a few photos of Mr. India Blue Peacock. Along with photos (which should be showing up here but seem not to be) I came home from the sale with a few herbs; lemon verbena, woodruff, chocolate mint, hot and spicy oregano and bronze fennel. I thought the hot and spicy oregano would be a nice addition to some of my sauces and salsas this year! Can’t wait! I use a lot of oregano in my cooking anyhow, so this will be fun to try. The bronze fennel I was thrilled to find. I do like fennel seeds, especially mixed into sausages and spaghetti sauce, but the beauty of bronze fennel is exquisite. At least I think so, with its feathery fronds of bronze. I would plant it whether it was culinary or not, due to its eye appeal. The chocolate mint is deliciously chocolate and minty, of course! I have grown it before and it is a deep green mint that is very eye appealing, too. The lemon verbena…mmmmm, the scent alone is worth its presence in the garden. I like to add it to my herb tea blends, hot or cold. And the sweet woodruff will be a nice addition as a garnish or to add to teas, also. All in all, a nice little start to my herbal garden.

Towards the end of the month Jenni and I will be going to Quail Crest Farm in nearby Wayne County, Ohio to browse more herbs. I am really looking forward to that and spending the day with her.