If you've followed my blog for very long, you already know I dabble with herbs for traditional healing.
Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts
Friday, December 3, 2021
Monday, October 11, 2021
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Herbs: A Place to Begin - Lemon Balm Tea
Being part of our county's Master Gardener Speakers Guild has been a lot of fun. My program is titled "Herbs: A Place to Begin". It is for anyone who might be curious about growing herbs or is just beginning to use them. I give simple advice for ways to incorporate tasty herbs into your every day life. After such a sweet reception to my presentation, I've been adding regular posts about herbs.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Herbs: A Place to Begin - Rosemary and Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Being part of our county's Master Gardener Speakers Guild is a lot of fun. My program is titled "Herbs: A Place to Begin". It is for anyone who might be curious about growing herbs or is just beginning to use them. I give simple advice for ways to incorporate tasty herbs into your every day life. After such a sweet reception to my presentation, I will be adding regular posts about herbs to my blog.

Friday, July 7, 2017
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Book Review: A Gift Book of Herbs and Herbal Flowers
A Collection chosen by
Rosemary Hemphill
A partial Synopsis from Good Reads: This beautifully illustrated, slipcase-covered book is an evocative array of herb and flower prose, poems, recipes, crafts, and folklore.
My Thoughts: What a sweet little charmer! The illustrations are gorgeous and range from lovely vintage drawings to stunning photographs. On cold winter nights, this book will warm your heart have have you dreaming of Spring!
What have you been reading?
;-) -Marci
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Heirloom Tomato Soup Recipe
This beautiful heirloom tomato is called Lemon Oxheart. Can you see the heart shape? Each plant will produce several of these huge, golden orbs. I have been successful starting this variety from seed. They are delicious and perfect in any tomato recipe. If you're not already growing heirloom vegetables, give them a try! The subtle differences in flavor, form and color are definitely worth the space they take in your garden!
Heirloom Tomato Soup Recipe
8 Cups Heirloom Tomatoes
3 Cloves Garlic
8 - 10 Large Fresh Basil Leaves
4- 6 Sprigs Fresh Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste
Place tomatoes in slow cooker. Cook on high for four hours.
Pure' in food processor with herbs until smooth. My processor isn't very big, so I do this in batches. Return to slow cooker to re-heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parmesan and basil.
Depending on which tomatoes you use, the soup may or may not be red. 'Not to worry, though, it's still tasty!
Our favorite side with tomato soup is grilled cheese sandwiches. How do you like it?
;-) -Marci
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Gardening News, February Harvest
One of my 20 Wishes for 2015, Number 15 to be exact, is
Harvest something edible from either the green house or garden 10 months of the year
Some months, this will be easy, other months, not so much!
A few of my herbs spend winter in a south facing window. This is not ideal growing conditions, as they grow very slowly in the limited sunlight. It does get them through the winter though and you might get a small harvest here and there.
This basil hangs out in a west facing window behind an antique bed.
It was snipped and added to some comforting Vegetable Beef Soup on a snowy February day! What a treat! Fresh basil in winter, straight from my garden window!
Snow peas, lettuce and spinach are doing well in my greenhouse. Hopefully, they will continue to grow even though we have snow and very cold temperatures! I need to get some seeds started soon. Spring Planting Time in Arkansas is around mid-April which is only 8 weeks away! Thank goodness!
Are you ready for gardening season?
;-) -Marci
Thursday, November 20, 2014
20 Wishes {November Update}
Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014!
Another year is flying past me! ;-) 'Not a lot of updates this month, but GEE, I better get busy if the last few are going to be accomplished! December Updates are in RED.
2. Vacation in Colorado. Yep! It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip! Check out my Colorado T-Shirt Makeover! There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills! Do you like birds? At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.
3. Attend concerts. We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock! It was a GREAT concert! For some reason, I forget to post about local bands. We recently saw Jed Clampit. He is still wonderful!
Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym. Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week. Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6!
So, in the month of July, I went shopping for a new gym. Looking for the one that is right for right now. I contacted 6 gyms via email. Everyone was super nice. Two didn't have a class time that worked for me and one is still being built. So, I actually tried 3 different gyms and was very happy at all of them. One gave me a 2 week pass and the others gave me a 1 week pass. It was a fun little journey and I chose another CrossFit gym. I am loving it! 'Still loving my new gym. I am usually there each morning, Monday thru Friday.

4. I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of
5.
7. Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications. Slow Progress is better than no progress, right? ;-) I am so close to doing REAL pullups! I can get my nose above the bar, but not quite my chin. It's exciting! Guess who can do a pull up without a band now! I am so excited! So far, three is about my max at a time, but WOW what an improvement from where I began! Done! Just yesterday, October 28!! S W E E T ! !
8. Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications. I keep trying and am getting really close! The rhythm is getting much better, and some can be strung together now instead of just one at a time. This is going to happen soon. A new movement was recently introduced that is really helping my grip strength. I love the diversity of Cross Fit skill proficiencies. We had Toes to Bar in our workout yesterday, I couldn't quite get all of them done. On some of my reps, my toes were just a couple inches from the bar, but I didn't have the strength to close that last little gap. 'So close though. I still have a month to get this one! ;-)
9. Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides. (You might be asking "Why?" on this one. I have absolutely no idea. 'Just want to.) It's going to happen!
I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity. Those are going to be tough to achieve! If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!
I am consistently getting Double Unders, but only one at a time.
Sewing Goals
10. Complete a quilt for each of my children. One down! You can see it HERE!
11. Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash" This has been a GREAT goal for me! I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department! I've made a Maxi Skirt! Raglan Sleeve Top! 3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls! This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear. Here is a Vintage Baseball T created in July! August was a little Lacy Number! 'Didn't get anything posted for September. Bummer! I have really fizzled on this goal. 'Just haven't felt like sewing clothing for myself. Hmm...
12. Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking, follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions. Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else. Well, DUH! ;-) This wish ROCKS! Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.
These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!
13. Take a photography class.
14. Learn photo shop.
15. Make my own herbal salad dressing. I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet. So, I made some, but really didn't like it. If at first you don't succeed...
16. Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese. Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.
17. Re-Vamp my "Herbs: A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program. Done, twice actually!
18. Learn more bloggy techy things. Hmmm... Surely I've learned something? I am working on adding a new page to the blog!
19. Monetize and grow my blog. I've been working on a Pinterest Board. My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!
20. Read and blog about 26 books. Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties! If you like to read, please join the fun! Jan Karon is currently my favorite author. I continue to plow through her series of books and have loved them all. Fall Women's Bible Study just began again two weeks ago. Our group has lots in common and we are having a ball. I {heart} books! The card I use most in my wallet is my Library Card! ;-) This goal has easily been reached.
Whew! So, what have you been doing?
;-) -Marci
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
20 Wishes {August Update}
Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014!
'Not many updates for August, but they are in ORANGE!
1. Celebrate 28 years of marriage! We had a great time and I've written about it five times! LOL! My first post about it is Right Here! And here is my Second Post! There were actually two posts in April. HERE and THERE. The last of the photos are right HERE.'Not many updates for August, but they are in ORANGE!
2. Vacation in Colorado. Yep! It was wonderful and I've only just begun to publish the pictures PLUS there was a cool sewing project related to the trip! Check out my Colorado T-Shirt Makeover! There's a fun post about Murphy and Windmills! Do you like birds? At Garden of the Gods, we photographed this Mexican Jay and some Magpies.
3. Attend concerts. We saw Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Dan + Shay AND Neil McCoy in Little Rock! It was a GREAT concert!
Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym. Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week. Since beginning Cross Fit, I've gone from a size 12 to a size 6, almost to my goal size!! For the most part, I've worked with two trainers, Chip and Gil. They deserve a HUGE amount of credit, teaching me the movements as well as motivating me daily and encouraging me to stick with it. There had to have been some days where they beat their heads against a wall after I left! ;-) Thanks, guys! I couldn't have come this far without you!
So, in the month of July, I went shopping for a new gym. Looking for the one that is right for right now. I contacted 6 gyms via email. Everyone was super nice. Two didn't have a class time that worked for me and one is still being built. So, I actually tried 3 different gyms and was very happy at all of them. One gave me a 2 week pass and the others gave me a 1 week pass. It was a fun little journey and I chose another CrossFit gym. I am loving it!
4. I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of
5.
7. Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications. Slow Progress is better than no progress, right? ;-) I am so close to doing REAL pullups! I can get my nose above the bar, but not quite my chin. It's exciting!
8. Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications. I keep trying and am getting really close! The rhythm is getting much better, and some can be strung together now instead of just one at a time. This is going to happen soon.
9. Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides. (You might be asking "Why?" on this one. I have absolutely no idea. 'Just want to.) It's going to happen!
If those get accomplished: Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips. Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals? ;-) I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity. Those are going to be tough to achieve! If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!
I am consistently getting Double Unders, but only one at a time.
Sewing Goals
10. Complete a quilt for each of my children. One down! You can see it HERE!
11. Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash" This has been a GREAT goal for me! I am gaining so much confidence in the sewing department! I've made a Maxi Skirt! Raglan Sleeve Top! 3 of The Ojai Wrap! and a couple of Commuter Cowls! This Easy Pink T is getting lots of wear. Here is a Vintage Baseball T created in July!
12. Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking, follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions. Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else. Well, DUH! ;-) This wish ROCKS! Here's a fun little post about Why I Sew.
These goals are being brought forward from my 2013 list!
13. Take a photography class.
14. Learn photo shop.
15. Make my own herbal salad dressing. I've been goofing around with this one, but not ready to post anything yet.
16. Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese. Cheese and yogurt making seems to be something I like to do in the fall.
17. Re-Vamp my "Herbs: A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program. Done, twice actually!
18. Learn more bloggy techy things. Hmmm... Surely I've learned something?
19. Monetize and grow my blog. I've been working on a Pinterest Board. My humble little blog continues to pick up new followers here and there, and I *LOVE* meeting new people from around the world!
20. Read and blog about 26 books. Definitely on track and I love the monthly Literary Junkies parties! If you like to read, please join the fun!
Whew! So, what have you been doing?
;-) -Marci
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
The Great Blog Train Blog Hop {March}


Click on any menu item to see the complete recipe!
Appetizer: Bacon Ranch Stuffed Eggs


Can you tell I am dreaming about Summer? ;-) Ssshhh... Don't wake me! We still have snow on the ground. You can click on each menu item to see the entire recipe. Grab your meal, take a seat and enjoy the train ride!
________________________
All Aboard!!!
The Great Blog Train
A monthly blog hop departing from your online train station on the first Wednesday of every month!
The Great Blog Train has 5 Engineers!!
If you link up that means your blog will be seen on 5 different blogs!!!
Remember to visit the DINING CAR on one of the Engineer's blogs!
___________________________________________________________________________
Remember to visit the DINING CAR on one of the Engineer's blogs!
___________________________________________________________________________
The Great Blog Train's eighth Great Giveaway!!!
1 Lucky winner will win the following:
-$15 Gift Card to Subway from Lynn
-Monthly Ad Space worth $15 on Angie's blog
Penny Zeller Congratulations!
Penny describes her blog as this: "A day in the life of a Wife, Mom & Author. Impacting lives for Christ through the written word...." Please visit Penny's wonderful blog - you will be encouraged I guarantee it!
-$15 Gift Card to Subway from Lynn
-Monthly Ad Space worth $15 on Angie's blog
There are many ways to enter & then don't forget to link up to the train below!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
___________________________________________________________________________
Remember to join the fun even if you are running a little late. The last entry will receive the Caboose Feature!
February's Caboose and featured blog happens to be:
February's Caboose and featured blog happens to be:
Penny Zeller Congratulations!
Penny describes her blog as this: "A day in the life of a Wife, Mom & Author. Impacting lives for Christ through the written word...." Please visit Penny's wonderful blog - you will be encouraged I guarantee it!
_________________________________________________________________________



Saturday, December 7, 2013
Herbs: A Place to Begin... Soap Making Kit
Being part of our county's Master Gardener Speakers Guild is a lot of fun. My program is titled "Herbs: A Place to Begin". It is for anyone who might be curious about growing herbs or is just beginning to use them. I give simple advice for ways to incorporate tasty herbs into your every day life. After such a sweet reception to my presentation, I will be adding regular posts about herbs.
Watch for the ones titled "A Place to Begin". Here's a fun craft idea for kiddos. Soap!

Now, you know I make lye soap, but that's not what I'm talking about. Lye is very toxic and certainly not recommended around children. However soap making kits are quick, simple and fun! Like one of these!

Your favorite cutie pie can chop the herbs and add the color while you're melting the soap. There are so many combinations of herbs that work well together! Experiment and be creative!

After a quick stir, it gets poured into the mold.

We kept some of the molded soaps for bath time with frogs and turtles! The others were a gift for a very deserving Kindergarten teacher! He loved giving her something he had made!
Would you like some simple recipes using fresh herbs? Take a peek at my Recipes Page! If you are interested in growing herbs, there are quite a few tips on my Gardening Page! I'd love for you to visit my Stone Cottage each week as my little series continues. If you are new to herbs, I can give a place to begin!
;-) -Marci
Now, you know I make lye soap, but that's not what I'm talking about. Lye is very toxic and certainly not recommended around children. However soap making kits are quick, simple and fun! Like one of these!
Your favorite cutie pie can chop the herbs and add the color while you're melting the soap. There are so many combinations of herbs that work well together! Experiment and be creative!
After a quick stir, it gets poured into the mold.
We kept some of the molded soaps for bath time with frogs and turtles! The others were a gift for a very deserving Kindergarten teacher! He loved giving her something he had made!
Would you like some simple recipes using fresh herbs? Take a peek at my Recipes Page! If you are interested in growing herbs, there are quite a few tips on my Gardening Page! I'd love for you to visit my Stone Cottage each week as my little series continues. If you are new to herbs, I can give a place to begin!
;-) -Marci
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Herbs: A Place to Begin... Peace of Mind
Being part of our county's Master Gardener Speakers Guild is a lot of fun. My program is titled "Herbs: A Place to Begin". It is for anyone who might be curious about growing herbs or is just beginning to use them. I give simple advice for ways to incorporate tasty herbs into your every day life. After such a sweet reception to my presentation, I will be adding regular posts about herbs.
Watch for the ones titled "A Place to Begin".
Sometimes I am asked why I grow herbs. There are many reasons, but today, I would like to talk about peace of mind.
While I prefer to not be some "Prophet of Gloom", I do have many concerns about mass production of food items. This article caught my attention and I thought it might be a nice addition to my little series about herbs.
Source: Morning News Beat on October 31 if you would like to read the entire article.
The New York Times reports this morning that "about 12 percent of spices brought to the United States are contaminated with insect parts, whole insects, rodent hairs and other things, according to an analysis of spice imports by federal food authorities.
"The finding by the Food and Drug Administration is part of a comprehensive look at the safety of spice imports that has been years in the making. The federal authorities also found that nearly 7 percent of spice imports examined by federal inspectors were contaminated with salmonella, a toxic bacteria that can cause severe illness in humans.
"The shares of imported spices contaminated with insect parts and salmonella were twice those found in other types of imported food, federal food officials said … Spice imports from Mexico and India have been found to have the highest rate of contamination. Nearly one-quarter of the spices, oils and food colorings used in the United States comes from India, according to the F.D.A."
If you are curious and would like to read another article from MSN, click HERE.
I guess the point I am hoping to make is this: When you grow your own herbs, especially from organic seed, you know exactly what your family is eating. Grow them. harvest them, clean them, and enjoy them with complete peace of mind!
Would you like some simple recipes using fresh herbs? Take a peek at my Recipes Page! If you are interested in growing herbs, there are quite a few tips on my Gardening Page! I'd love for you to visit my Stone Cottage each week as my little series continues. If you are new to herbs, I can give a place to begin!
;-) -Marci
;-) -Marci
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Herbs: A Place to Begin... Snip & Enjoy
The last Friday of each month, I am so very honored to be a contributor for Inspiration Cafe'.
It's such a fun site! I hope you can join me there tomorrow for something cool! Really! You've got to see it tomorrow!
Here's my contribution from waaaaay back in August!
It is so much fun to be a monthly contributor for Inspiration Café! Another month has flown past me! Where did August go? Quick introduction! My name is Marci and I blog at Stone Cottage Adventures.

I'd like to tell you about a little series of posts I've been writing!
Being part of our county's Master Gardener Speakers Guild is a lot of fun. My program is titled "Herbs: A Place to Begin". It is for anyone who might be curious about growing herbs or is just beginning to use them. I give simple advice for ways to incorporate tasty herbs into your every day life. After such a sweet reception to my presentation, I will be adding regular posts about herbs.

It's such a fun site! I hope you can join me there tomorrow for something cool! Really! You've got to see it tomorrow!
Here's my contribution from waaaaay back in August!
It is so much fun to be a monthly contributor for Inspiration Café! Another month has flown past me! Where did August go? Quick introduction! My name is Marci and I blog at Stone Cottage Adventures.

Being part of our county's Master Gardener Speakers Guild is a lot of fun. My program is titled "Herbs: A Place to Begin". It is for anyone who might be curious about growing herbs or is just beginning to use them. I give simple advice for ways to incorporate tasty herbs into your every day life. After such a sweet reception to my presentation, I will be adding regular posts about herbs.
Watch for the ones titled "A Place to Begin".
Herbs are amazing in so many different ways. You can just snip and enjoy them! Do you know they are delicious in salads? Think about the herbs you add to recipes that are cooked. Those same flavor profiles are delicious raw in a salad. Just snip and enjoy! I hear this question all the time: What herbs taste nice with what ingredients?
Keep in mind that some herbs have a mild flavor, while others pack a punch! The milder ones can be added as whole leaves. The power hitters may need to be finely chopped and just sprinkled here and there.

Keep in mind that some herbs have a mild flavor, while others pack a punch! The milder ones can be added as whole leaves. The power hitters may need to be finely chopped and just sprinkled here and there.

This simple winter salad has a little dill in it. I used regular ol' Ranch dressing on top.
If you attempt The Mother of All Summer Salads (It's really very easy!) you might consider adding something citrus-y like marjoram or lemon balm. Would you prefer a savory herb? Basil is amazing with berries. Do you know that rosemary is yummy with oranges? There is another option for this amazing salad from Danni at Silo Hill Farm!

Source
Do you like taco salad? Cilantro could be added. Cilantro has a bold flavor. Depending on your palate, it might need to be finely chopped.
Let me say it again. Think about the herbs you add to recipes that are cooked. Those same flavor profiles are scrumptious raw in a salad! Just snip and enjoy!
Are you curious about other simple recipes using herbs? Take a peek at my Recipes Page! If you are interested in growing herbs, there are quite a few tips on my Gardening Page! I'd love for you to visit my Stone Cottage each week as my little series continues. If you are new to herbs, I can give a place to begin!
;-) -Marci
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Herbs: A Place to Begin... Holiday Decor
Being part of our county's Master Gardener Speakers Guild is a lot of fun. My program is titled "Herbs: A Place to Begin". It is for anyone who might be curious about growing herbs or is just beginning to use them. I give simple advice for ways to incorporate beautiful and tasty herbs into your every day life. After such a sweet reception to my presentation, I will be adding regular posts about herbs.
There are already several posts on my Gardening Page and my Recipes Page!
Watch for the ones titled "A Place to Begin"!
Isn't it funny how we anticipate the holidays each year and then suddenly, they just seem to sneak up on us! All those office parties and family gatherings are just around the corner! Would you like a few ideas for décor?
Sadie Cole Gordon created these amazing looks for last week's Herb Society meeting. Her program was titled Integrating Herbs with Florals to Make Wreaths and Floral Arrangements
This candle ring is a mixture of rosemary, St. John's Wort and Sweet Annie with purchased flora.
Rose hips and rosemary make this cake topper unique as well as spectacular.
Can you find the horseradish, tanzy, and Echinacea? This is my kind of arrangement! It's perfect for an Autumn gathering of friends! Hydrangeas commune with magnolia, nandina and orchids.
While Sadie does purchase a few items, most of these arrangements are snipped from her garden, using whatever is lovely at the moment.
I hope this post inspires you to see herbs as something of beauty! Check out my Recipes Page and Gardening Page for more information and ideas. Please come back for other simple uses and ways to add herbs into your everyday life!
;-) -Marci

Sadie Cole Gordon created these amazing looks for last week's Herb Society meeting. Her program was titled Integrating Herbs with Florals to Make Wreaths and Floral Arrangements

This candle ring is a mixture of rosemary, St. John's Wort and Sweet Annie with purchased flora.

Rose hips and rosemary make this cake topper unique as well as spectacular.

Can you find the horseradish, tanzy, and Echinacea? This is my kind of arrangement! It's perfect for an Autumn gathering of friends! Hydrangeas commune with magnolia, nandina and orchids.

While Sadie does purchase a few items, most of these arrangements are snipped from her garden, using whatever is lovely at the moment.
I hope this post inspires you to see herbs as something of beauty! Check out my Recipes Page and Gardening Page for more information and ideas. Please come back for other simple uses and ways to add herbs into your everyday life!
;-) -Marci
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