From the Garden...

I've succeeded in growing a plentiful herb garden this year.  This is second year I've planted herbs.  I must say that having an herb garden is now an essential part of my life.  I love herbal teas and having a garden of them has really expanded my pallet.  If you love teas and you like to spice your meals, growing an herb garden is the way to go.  There's nothing that compares to using fresh herbs that have grown right alongside you.

In my garden this year:  Basil, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Angelica, Lovage, Dill, Cilantro, Echinacia, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Stevia, Fuzzy Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Chocolate Mint and Pineapple Mint.  I also have a few blueberry plants in my herb garden, as well as swiss chard and romaine lettuce.

I recently discovered Anne McIntyre's book called 'The Top 100 Herbal Remedies.'  It is one of my favorite books regarding herbal remedies.  Very easy read, and a very quick reference when needing a cure on the spot.

Her report on Basil, "If you are feeling stressed...(headaches, indigestion, muscle tension, nerve pain...)...concentration or memory need a boost...is both antiseptic and cleansing, helping the body to overcome all manor of infection.  Hot basil tea reduces fevers and clears phlem...eases symptoms of colds, coughs, flu, catarrh, & sore throats.  It's relaxant properties extend to both the digestive and respiratory tracts and can relieve colic, constipation, nausea, and ease conditions such as asthma and tight coughs."   Wow, Basil, you are amazing!!

I was feeling a bit out of sorts yesterday and went for a pick-me-up in the garden and came up with this fabulous tea...

Soothing Basil-Mint Tea

2 TBSP. Chocolate Mint Leaves
1 TBSP. Peppermint Leaves
1 1/2 - 3 TBSP. Stevia Leaves (to taste)
3 TBSP. Basil Leaves
1/2 TBSP. Lemonbalm
2 Chamomile Tea Bags
2 TBSP. Rice Milk

Boil Water.  Pour over all washed leaves and tea bags.  Add milk.  Let cool.

This makes a very smoothe, cooling, soothing tea.  Enjoy!

Homemade Mayonnaise

Living on a farm, I'm inspired to make as much as possible from scratch. I've recently discovered how easy and delicious homemade mayonnaise can be. The fact that we have egg laying chickens makes this all the more fun. I can use eggs that have just been laid, adding to the freshness of this homemade spread.

Amy's Homemade Mayonnaise

1 egg
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. cane sugar
1-2 TBsp Lime Juice *Lemon will do.
1 cup Safflower oil *Canola or other lite oil will do.

Combine ingredients, all except oil, in food processor. Turn it on. S-L-O-W-L-Y drizzle in the oil. Slower the better. Let it run for about 2-3 mins. It should be the consistency of regular mayo. And.. enjoy!

Back to Work..

Shep will be turning the big ONE in about a month. Amazing how the first year of this baby's life just flew by. Now that my house is nearly back in order, I can start my shop running once again. My dearest friend Carrie says "Blogging is the way to promote your shop!" I believe in her because she is the Craftiest woman I know and I highly value her advice. So, here we are. =)

Also, I've been so inspired by the March/April 2009 issue of Mothering magazine's article titled 'Crafty Mamas.' It features the likes of Amanda Blake Soule of SouleMama, Amy Karol of Angry Chicken, Eren San Pedro of This Vintage Chica, Sally Shim of Shim and Sons, and Stephanie Congdon Barnes. It has helped me through this first year of being a Mother, knowing that there's a light at the end of the craftless, disorganized tunnel.. of which I have thankfully arived safely near it's end.. for now. These ladies are the shining examples of what I hope to become. Thank you for inspiring me to be the Craftiest Mama I can be! Much Love ya'll.