tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68539021352707100132024-11-05T21:47:07.273-05:00Body care products with just a touch of magic. Thoughtfully handmade skin care products using fresh herbs and high quality natural ingredients. Fragrances are carefully created to refresh, invigorate and remind you of all the wonderful scents nature has to offer.Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-54027442847666914352016-11-02T08:30:00.000-04:002016-11-10T23:21:39.732-05:00

(This is an edited version of an article that appeared in our newsletter a few years ago. It seemed appropriate to run for Fire Cider Day) Autumn is rolling through, and the chill of the changing season is creeping in more and more.  With the fluctuating weather, flu's, colds, and a general feeling of ennui become more prevalent . There's an age old remedy you may have heard about.

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-65312579603010500972016-06-17T21:32:00.000-04:002016-06-17T21:32:12.681-04:00

The onset of summer brings on many magical delights. Longer days, delightful nights, gardens and beaches and mountains, and adventure. And bugs. There are some bugs that truly bug us, but there are others that absolutely delight - like fireflies! Fireflies are amazing little creatures. These beetles are a welcome pleasure since seeing them is a sign that summer is truly upon us. Unfortunately

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-5211808890943200242016-06-08T22:37:00.001-04:002016-06-08T23:11:45.125-04:00

Hot peppers are all the rage. You can't watch a cooking show without seeing them “kick up the heat” with some type of fiery fruit. Jalapenos and Cayenne are the most popular additions. You can find this spicy fruit in everything from stews to sauces, rubs to rices, even in chocolate and ice cream. Here's the kicker... I can't stand eating them. Actually find them painful – and not in the

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-2514382346755475162016-05-05T23:46:00.002-04:002016-05-05T23:46:28.233-04:00

Herbs are so much a part of daily life. They are used in food, flavoring, medicine, cleaning, and decor. They can bring such simple joy - there's nothing like a whiff of Pineapple Sage or Rosemary to brighten your spirits. Saturday, May 7th, is Herb Day. The annual celebration takes time to honor these seemingly innocuous little plants that are all around us. And I mean ALL around us! It's a

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-69613895650106538212016-04-28T23:18:00.001-04:002016-04-28T23:18:11.948-04:00

Spring is well in. We can tell by the greening of the grass, the cheerful flowers that appear, and, perhaps, the most heartening sight of all - the greening of the trees. How appropriate that as the spring comes full sway, we celebrate Arbor Day! Angel Oak of South Carolina - she's a beauty, isn't she? "It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-23647001028662580362016-03-28T22:52:00.001-04:002016-03-28T22:52:33.611-04:00

March 28 is a very special day. It's Weed Appreciation Day! So many people spend a fortune and endless hours trying to develop and maintain a perfectly manicured, pristine lawn. I am not one of those people. To me there is nothing more delightful that seeing all the amazing little plants popping up like old friends. Some call them weeds. For me, they're herbs, spring gifts to be eaten and used

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-81589961515003978212016-02-10T10:30:00.000-05:002016-02-10T10:30:00.863-05:00

There are those places that just always bring a smile to our face. Well Sweep Herb Farm is one of those places for me. Years ago I came across this gem through a friend. It's nestled in the hills of Warren County. And it's a beautiful drive past farms and mountains and charming old homes. Whenever I go there, I always come home with a selection of plants and herbs  - many of which find

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-88366839820154761232016-01-28T23:23:00.001-05:002016-01-28T23:23:19.680-05:00

Delightfully, and appropriately, January is Hot Tea Month.  The weather is chilly, and it's time to get cozy, and nothing soothes a chilled spirit and body than a cup of hot tea.  I love tea all year round, but it's especially inviting in the winter. An absolute favorite of mine is chai, a spicy blend with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, clove and all spice, traditionally made with warm

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-46806231237975625282016-01-14T22:26:00.000-05:002016-01-14T22:26:20.320-05:00

I have finally finished roasting the last of my pumpkins. Luckily, they keep a good long while if kept cool and dry. And I got to the last one before we finally got freezing weather here in lovely central New Jersey. My favorite type of pumpkin to prep for later jamming and pieing and such are cheese pumpkins. These are delightfully rich with a touch of natural sweetness. They almost smell like

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-78600780478899498552016-01-06T23:00:00.000-05:002016-01-06T23:00:22.937-05:00

Winter is finally upon us here in New Jersey. After celebrating Yule and Christmas in short sleeves and sandals with temps in the mid 60's, the iciness of the season has hit home. With all of the temperature shifts and craziness of shopping, parties, dinners, and families, it's not surprising that many people find themselves fighting off colds. There are certainly many things that can be done to

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-67396772434903713742015-09-01T00:20:00.002-04:002015-09-01T00:20:40.585-04:00

I do adore pumpkins. Soon enough it will be the Season of Everything Pumpkin. But for me, September is the season of the apple. Apples are the glorious gifts of late summer and early fall. There are so many varieties to choose from, and in New Jersey we have a plethora of pick your own farms. Some apples, like Cortlands, are on the sweeter side. Empires are great for eating raw and have a bit

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-35850791047358839632015-07-22T05:00:00.000-04:002015-07-24T22:44:34.031-04:00

I'm lucky enough to have a number of wonderful local farms not to far from where I live. One of my favorites, Giamarese Farm, has a CSA and we're happy to be members. The last couple of shares have had a wonderful selection of rich, sweet, beets. I LOVE beets. With this abundance, I decided to boil our last couple of batches. Then I freeze some, mash some, finish it up by roasting them, or

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-52464238883877896232015-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:002015-03-24T13:33:16.351-04:00

Welcome to As Young As You Feel Day! Let's face it, there are days when that statement means you're about 112. But there are other days... oh, those wonderful other days. Those are the days when you're tempted to do a cartwheel. It's the day when you want to pull out that favorite peasant top, or dig out that jean jacket and wear it in public. The days that you want to disco or dance your

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-5440458856743697042015-03-16T06:30:00.000-04:002015-03-16T06:30:00.735-04:00

Lips so lovely they have their own day! For National Lip Appreciation Day we thought we'd pass along some lip licking tidbits about  - lips! Human lips are unique. According to LiveScience, humans are the only creatures that have such a distinct border between the pinkish, reddish parts and the surrounding skin, called the "vermilion border." You pucker up by tightening the orbicularis

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-59321787100856516032015-03-10T23:48:00.000-04:002015-03-10T23:48:50.179-04:00

Each month this year, we are donating a portion of our proceeds to different charities. In January, we Rivers Edge Horse Sanctuary. It's a wonderful place that has been under a lot of stress due to flooding and storms. In February, we were sharing with Lakota Wolf Preserve. What an amazing place this is. Jim and Becky care for all the wolves and animals with respect, love, and appreciation.

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-63061340440883919662015-02-26T09:00:00.000-05:002015-02-26T09:00:07.554-05:00

and suddenly you are whisked away to a magical, mystical place and time. Myths, legends, and fables not only teach us, they enchant us in a way that makes us remember them throughout our years. They are to be celebrated and shared. Why not do it now, because today is Tell a Fairy Tale Day.  I have always loved fairy tales. My father would read stories to me from Grimm, Aesop, and Hans

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-62902968164146776322015-02-25T10:00:00.000-05:002015-02-25T10:00:00.058-05:00

We're getting an early start this year! We're delighted to be a part of the first ever Valenzano Craft Faire and Wine Tasting. Held in the beautiful Grand Ballroom at the vineyards property in Shamong, it's bound to be a day to warm your heart. Come by and visit and get some of those wonderful skin care goodies your skin is craving this time of year. Mention this post and you'll get a free

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-38250751278504233902015-01-28T22:23:00.001-05:002015-01-28T22:23:45.642-05:00

My son has always been a connoisseur when it comes to shaving. He liked straight edge razors when he was in his teens. He had soap mugs and shave brushes in all shapes and sizes. So when he asked me if I could make him a shaving cream, I had to jump at the chance. It took some experimenting, and with that were some disasters. Some were way too oily. Way, way to oily. And there were others that

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-22631224498866529492015-01-03T16:11:00.005-05:002015-01-03T16:11:41.196-05:00

Happiest of New Years Welcome 2015 This New Year is still young - may it be filled with love, laughter, friendship, and merriment!  Your story for this year is just beginning - make it a good one.  

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-18762943548754746732014-11-19T21:57:00.001-05:002014-11-19T21:57:29.905-05:00

When we started our business, we came up with many wonderful creations. One of our earliest and most popular is our salve for gardeners. Steeped with the treasured little calendula plant in every step, it is the perfect balm for chapped and cracked, hardworking hands. But this salve for gardeners has a little secret. It is based an the wisdom of herbs and healing shared by Airmid, a goddess

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-20751590231174239782014-11-12T08:15:00.000-05:002014-11-12T08:15:50.265-05:00

Although Halloween has past, the Season of Everything Pumpkin continues. After all, a staple of the Thanksgiving meal is the luscious rich finish with Pumpkin Pie.    Everywhere you turn you find Pumpkin Spice everything: Pumpkin Chai, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin spice muffins and breads and cookies, puddings, marshmallows, ice cream, yogurt, gum.... you name it and there's a

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-26326004059060219952014-07-22T22:52:00.000-04:002014-07-22T22:52:21.339-04:00

If you've never been to the hidden gem that is  Rutgers Gardens, this weekend is the time to do it! We'll be there with goods that will make you feel good on the inside and on the outside. Come by and visit.

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-2603870534406901072014-07-19T11:46:00.000-04:002014-07-19T11:46:43.102-04:00

It's been a long time since I was a little girl catching fireflies in the summer. Yet seeing them sparkling on a warm summer night still holds all of that magic and wonder for me.. I always know when summer has truly arrived when the first twinkles appear at twilight. They're dancing like little fairies Despite my love of summer and fireflies, there are a number of things I never knew about

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-48797695861050455182014-07-05T09:00:00.000-04:002014-07-05T09:00:02.165-04:00

I might have said this before, but I'm a soda drinker. I know, it's bad for me. When they take blood it makes that pop top "pptt shshshsh" sound. I'm trying to be better. Especially in the steamy, humid, New Jersey summer. In weather like this, hydration is so important. And as much as I love my diet beverage, it doesn't cut it. My favorite way to get refreshed in the summer is a cool as a

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6853902135270710013.post-77787927287585345792014-07-01T23:34:00.001-04:002014-07-01T23:34:52.591-04:00

One of my favorite things about traveling to all of the fairs and festivals is getting to discover (or rediscover) some of the lovely locales around New Jersey. A few weeks ago we were at the Chester Wine & Food Festival in Chester, NJ. When I was telling my mother how delightful I thought the town was, she reminded me that we used to go there fairly frequently. There were some restaurants&

Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239939501572380092noreply@blogger.com0