Treats for Fall... Brussels Sprouts

It’s a special culinary treat in the fall garden when the Brussels sprouts are ready for harvest; the nights get cooler and the bottom sprouts start to flower, you’re ready to trim and eat them while fresh n nutty.

On a nice crisp morning cut the whole stalks off just above the ground, and below where the sprouting has developed. Next you should be able to snap off the leaves with a quick downward tug, leaving just the top few for moisture until you get to trimming the individual sprouts from the vine.

The harvested stalks are fine on the porch, or outdoor area covered from the elements for a few days until you have time to clean the Brussels sprouts from the stalks.

Removing the Brussels sprouts from the stalks for further storage in the refrigerator and eating requires a sharp paring knife and a little patience as each sprout is sliced off individually; but don’t let this deter you, these fall treasures are totally worth the effort!

Use your paring knife to trim each Brussels sprout from the stalk starting at the base of the stalk and moving up to the tiny top treats, placing them in a bowl as you go.

When the sprouts are all removed you can compost your stalks and give your bowl of Brussels sprout treasures a rinse with nice cold water; check the bottoms trimming away any unwanted leaves and debris.

Here are two of our favorite KISS (Keep it Simple Silly) cooking methods.

Garlic Roasted Fresh Brussels Sprouts
You will need fresh Brussels sprouts; cleaned, trimmed, and sliced in half if they are larger.
Garlic cloves peeled and sliced.
Olive oil, sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
We like to cook with parchment paper for easier clean up so if you have some line a cookie sheet and spread your prepared Brussels sprouts out on it evenly.
Add the garlic slices; and sprinkle with Sea salt and black pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil and place in a preheated 400 degree oven 10-20 minutes; rotate the pan once shaking the sprouts loose to cook evenly, until lightly browned.

Steamed n Creamed Fresh Brussels Sprouts
You will need fresh Brussels sprouts; cleaned, trimmed, and sliced in half if they are larger.
Butter; a dash of heavy cream or ½ n ½, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, sea salt & freshly ground black pepper.
Toss your cleaned Brussels sprouts in a steamer over boiling water, cover and steam a few minutes until sprouts are blanched and bright green. Remove full steamer to sink, and douse Brussels sprouts with cooking water.
Place some butter; a dash of heavy cream or half n half in the warm steaming pan to melt. Add the hot sprouts and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat.
Heat over low flame slightly until simmering to blend, season with sea salt & freshly ground black pepper.

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Herbal Tips - Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are associated with the element fire and the planet Mars. They are an ancient type of a bulb-forming perennial culinary herb directly related to garlic, onion, scallions, and leeks; although among all of those spices, chives are the only species of Allium native to both the New and Old World. Chives are members of the lily family, they’re grown for their leaves and flowers which are equally popular in the garden, and the kitchen.

Mystically chives are known for their protection against evil and diseases. This herb quickly gained the reputation of chasing away evil spirits and disease: so it is commonly planted outside a home’s windows and brought indoors to the kitchen.

The medicinal benefits of chives are similar to those of garlic, but not as strong. Chives are a mild antiseptic; and are anti-hypertensive, in large quantities can lower blood pressure. A historical (never medically tested) use of Allium schoenoprasum was to expel intestinal parasites. Chinese medicine suggests chives can be used for colds, flu, and lung congestion.

Culinary
Because their flavor is so mild and their color so vivid, chives are an ideal addition to spreads, herb butters, and dips, tossed in salads; and even used as a flavoring for vinegars. Using the blossoms in the vinegar colors soft pink, and makes a nice gift when bottled in decorative glass. Add to dishes just before serving, because their mild flavor is destroyed by heat. The purple flowers of onion chives float beautifully in soup.

One of the most popular uses of chives today is as one of the components in the traditional herb mixture fines herbs. Combined in equal portions with tarragon, chervil, and parsley this blend adds aromatic flavors to chicken and fish dishes, and is especially tasty with eggs. Omelets made with fines herbs, asparagus, goat cheese, and garnished with chive blossoms makes a delicious spring entree.

Gardening
Chives are cultivated both for their culinary uses and their ornamental value; the violet flowers are often used in fine herb blends, and ornamental dry bouquets. 

Chives thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and it’s best to plant them in full sun. In late summer, dig up a couple of plants; pot them, and move them to your windowsill for a nice winter source of fresh flavorful snips.

Harvest & Storing
You can begin harvesting chive leaves as soon as they are tall enough to clip. Cut them from the outside of the clump about 1/2 inch above soil level, always leaving plenty to restore energy to
the plant. 

You can store extra’s for winter use by chopping and freezing the leaves, or you can preserve them in herb butters, oils, and vinegars; they blend well with parsley and tarragon.

#aromatic #chives #chiveflowers #culinary #enchantments #flavoredvinegar #gardening #healthyeating #herbs #herbharvest #herbstoring #livinggreen #naturalfoods #noordinarychick #ornamentaldrybouquets

Witch Hazel - Wonder Plant - Household Uses

Witch hazel is truly one of the worlds wonder plants, its skin healing properties have been known for centuries, and it is still used today in many lotions, ointments, and other skin treatments. A natural astringent its tannins are in it’s leaves and bark, and have medicinal properties that aid skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis, as well as minor cuts and scrapes.

You can make your own witch hazel extract using leaves, twigs and stems; cook with water for

8 hours, then strain and store your extract in the fridge… or it is easily available as a clear liquid distillate in drug and health food stores.

Here are some household remedies that will help you discover why witch hazel will become your favorite go-to remedy for first aid and minor skin ailments.

Witch Hazel Skin Treatments:
The sensitive skin around our eyes is prone to inflammation, discoloration, and swelling from lack of restful sleep, smoking, stress, and many other factors. For treating puffy eyes and dark circles just moisten cotton balls and lay them on your eyes, relax 10 to 15 minutes and repeat as needed.

Witch hazels astringent properties make it a perfect natural remedy for acne; just apply to blemishes with a soaked cotton pad, and dirt and oil will also be removed without drying skin.

In some European countries witch hazel is a common topical treatment for psoriasis, and research has proved its effects. Witch hazel creams can be applied to relieve this bothersome skin condition, as well as eczema and dermatitis.

Witch hazel contains natural tannins that help it tone the skin and tighten pores; leaving your skin feeling cooled and refreshed, as well as killing break out forming bacteria. To make a toner combine equal parts distilled water and unscented witch hazel distillate along with a few drops of naturally antibacterial and antiviral eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil.

Witch Hazel First Aid:
Witch hazel is known as natures Neosporin as it is a natural antibacterial that will help treat minor wounds. To disinfect and help with healing abrasions cuts, and scrapes apply witch hazel extract directly to the affected area with a cotton pad or cloth.

To relieve the pain from a burn apply a gauze pad soaked in witch hazel extract, and then cover the area with an adhesive bandage.

Which hazel relieves the itching and swelling from insect bites by applying to the affective area with a soaked cotton pad.

#astringentproperties #firstaid #healingproperties #householdremedies #livinggreen
#naturalantibacterial #naturalremedy #noordinarychick #skintreatment #witchhazel

Glyphic Activation Wand

While walking with a close friend one day in Kingston Point Park this beautiful Hudson River Wormwood Wand found me; sent me messages, and asked me color its markings so others would understand and share its vibration… and the Glyphic Activation Wand it became is truly amazing.

An activation wand connects all the energy channels with intention in order to activate and energetically connect the crystals within the grid.

When you create a crystal grid you need to activate it and send your intentions out into the universe.

Quartz Crystals - Gift of Mother Earth
In the metaphysical world, clear quartz crystals are the supreme gift 

of Mother Earth.

A quartz crystal opens the mind and heart to higher guidance, allowing the realm of spirit to be transmitted and translated into the world of physical form.

Quartz is excellent for amplifying the energies of other stones or to enhance groups of stones, and is ideal for gridding.

It is perfect material for wands, staffs, as it produces a force field of healing negative ions while clearing the surroundings of positive ions, protecting the aura.

Citrine - The Abundance Stone Citrine - The Abundance Stone
Citrine is a primer stone of abundance and manifestation, attracting wealth and prosperity. Warm and energizing it raises self-esteem and stimulates imagination, mental focus, and personal will.

Natural Citrine does not hold or accumulate negative energy, but rather transmutes, dissipates, and grounds it, making it extremely protective for the environment.

Iolite - Stone of the Muses 

Iolite assists with activating the visionary, creative side of the mind, and accessing thoughts and ideas beyond the ordinary.

Iolite resonates with the energy of twilight, a beautiful violet-blue that stimulates psychic awareness, and helps in recovering balance.

Labradorite - Stone of Magic 

Labradorite allows one's innate magical powers to surface so it’s often used to bring about change. It enhances mental and intuitive abilities, assists in communication, and attracts strength and perseverance.

Labradorite is the most powerful protector of the mineral kingdom, creating a shielding force throughout the aura and strengthening natural energies from within. 

It is, in every sense, a Stone of Magic, a crystal for scrying, healers, shamans and all who travel and embrace the universe seeking knowledge.

Silver - The Moon’s Metal
Throughout the world silver is identified with the lunar manifestations of Mother Earth.
Because it is found in its pure form it is one of the first metals to be used by humans.

Silver is psychic influencing, and when worn it stimulates psychic awareness while calming the conscious mind. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, so does this metal reflect negativity away from its wearer.

#activationwand #affirmation #blessing #citrine #crystalgrids #enchantments #healers #hudsonriver #iolite #kingstonpointpark #labradorite #livinggreen #magic #mantra #motherearth #muses #noordinarychick #personalintention #prayer #quartzcrystals #scrying #shamans #silver #spiritual #stones #universe #wormwood

Multi Purpose in the Garden

Discover some useful plants that can support healthy garden crops; and then provide food and health for your home. Companion planting is often done planting flowers among vegetables in a garden; they add beauty and benefits such as repelling insects and pests.

Companion planting is important for understanding how plants work, which insects and pests are repelled, and which beneficial predators are attracted. In the plant world what we see is only a portion of what is going on beneath the soil, once we understand this there is another aspect of companion planting we can harness.

Beneath the soil plants trade nutrients and phytochemicals (plant chemicals we use for medicinals). This relationship harnessed in permaculture is a garden design technique that makes use of the many complex and symbolic relationships among plants, insects, and animals.

Making use of all aspects of companion planting give us the most vibrant and productive plants and soils. Why not try planting mutually beneficial crops together and give them equal attention in our gardens, kitchens, and medicine cabinet. Below are examples of good companion choices.

Borage Borago officinalis 

In the garden borage is a favorite companion for strawberries, squash, and tomatoes. An annual that self seeds and is said to strengthen nearby plants, as they tend to concentrate trace minerals in the soil.

In the kitchen the leaves of borage taste a bit like cucumber and are wonderful in salad, although some people don’t like their slightly prickly texture. You can also make a spread for veggies or bread by chopping the leaves finely and combining them with a soft cheese.

In the medicine cabinet borage is the highest known plant source of gamma linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that is believed to be anti-inflammatory. The leaves are said to lift the spirits and support the health of our endocrine systems.

Red Clover Trifolium pratense 

In the garden this member of the bean family fixes nodules of nitrogen around its roots, increasing the soil fertility. Red clover is especially helpful at making the soil less compacted, and less acidic.

In the kitchen red clover can be enjoyed raw as an addition to vegetables and salads; this may bring back memories of sitting in a field sipping wild clovers sweet nectar, and you are really doing your body a favor red clover is a source of many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin c. For an adult treat through a handful of the red flowerets plucked from the flower head into warm rice with a pat of butter, and you’ll be delighted!

In the medicine cabinet the red clover flower is rich in minerals and vitamins, and is a well known blood thinner which can help prevent blood clots. It’s often used as a tea to improve the condition of our kidneys and liver.

Elderberry Sambucus nigra

In the garden the soil underneath your elderberry will become much more aerated, and it also tends to work as a compost activator assisting in breaking down kitchen and yard refuge. The leaves can be made into a tea and sprayed to control aphids.

In the kitchen elderberries are the current foodie hot crop; the main stream has finally caught on to how delicious the berries are in jams, jellies, syrups, wines, and more. They are a bit of work to harvest, making prices climb, but they are incomparably delicious!

In the medicine cabinet the elder plant is one of the most sought after plants for cold and flu season, as it is known to combat 8 various strains of the influenza virus. The berries are used for this purpose; often tinctured, and is so delicious it’s better in teas and syrups.

Garlic Allium sativum 

In the garden garlic is your superstar if you have fruit trees or roses, as it is repellant to aphids, borers, codling moths, root maggots, snails, and even deer. A mix of garlic oil diluted with water is an effective spray to repel aphids, fungus gnats, and whiteflies; and can also be helpful to deter brown rot in stone fruits, and late blight in potatoes and tomatoes.

In the kitchen garlic makes a flavorful, healthy and savory addition to every meal, and there are unlimited ways to use it, fresh, roasted, oil infused. Try oven roasting whole heads of garlic; remove the excess outer skin, and trim off the head just to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil and place in a 300 degree oven until soft and brown, then squeeze out the garlic paste to make any dish more flavorful.

In the medicine cabinet fresh garlic is one of the worlds superfoods, its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic, and antiviral properties. Garlic stimulates the immune system; and is used to fight high blood pressure, colds, earaches, flus, and intestinal bugs, soar throats, and even helps ward off cancer. Eating garlic raw is the best way to use it for stimulating your immune system.

Yarrow Achillea millefolium 

In the garden leaves of yarrow are used in biodynamic agriculture as a compost activator. It also helps draw beneficial insects to your garden. And when planted close to your favorite plants it increases their aromatics.

In the kitchen yarrow is similar to tarragon and can be used where tarragon is called for. You might also mix it with other delicately flavored herbs such as tarragon, chervil, and parsley.

In the medicine cabinet yarrow is an anti-inflammatory and a styptic (stops bleeding). It’s commonly used for first aid of minor cuts and scrapes to reduce bleeding and for its antibacterial properties.

#antibacterial #anti-inflammatory #biodynamicagriculture #borage #companionplanting 

#compostactivator #elderberry #garden #garlic #healthyeating #herbs #kitchen #medicinecabinet #mulitpurposeinthegarden #naturalgardening #livinggreen #noordinarychick #redclover #yarrow

Ways to Keep Your Home Safe & Cancer Free

Your home should be a safe and peaceful space that promotes well being and health. However, if you’re constantly cleaning up the house with harsh chemicals, washing it down with anti-bacterial soaps, and steeping yourself in off-gassing bedding, carpet and décor, your home may not be such a safe place after all.

Take off your shoes.
Keep toxins out of the house? Don’t bring them in in the first place. Remove your shoes at the door and track less dirt, chemicals, lead, oil, and pesticide residues into the house. It’s also a nice way to leave the world behind, and then symbolically welcome yourself back to the haven of home.

Filter your water.
Most of us drink, shower, and bathe with water that’s full of highly toxic chemicals such as arsenic, fluoride and, chlorine. To get rid of them filter your drinking water and install a filter in the shower, or a whole house filtration system to remove up to 99% of the chemicals.

Make your own cleaning products.
Commercial household cleaning products are a significant source of toxins, polluting your indoor air, and contaminating your body, as they’re absorbed through the skin while you scrub. Cut your exposure by making your own inexpensive, non-toxic cleaning products, using baking soda, Castile soap, lemon juice, tea tree oil, vinegar, and other natural products.

Stay away from toxic toothpaste.
Most toothpastes and mouthwashes are loaded with fluoride, triclosan, artificial flavors and colors, all of which are terrible for your body. Switch to natural versions from the health food store or better yet, make your own.

Don’t buy body care products containing parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate or oxybenzone.
They’re just a few of the toxins lurking in common body care products with the power to throw your hormones off cycle and trigger health problems.

Get rid of synthetics.
Synthetic bedding and wall-to-wall carpeting are made from petrochemicals and are often treated with chemical flame-retardants, and nobody should spend 8 hours a night steeping in all that! Switch to unbleached, organic cotton, linen, wool or down alternatives for your bedding, and trade synthetic wall-to-wall carpet for eco-friendly, sustainable materials like bamboo floor coverings, and organic sisal.

#cancerfreehome #essentialoils #filterwater #healthyhome #livinggreen #naturalcleaning #noordinarychick #nosynthetics #notoxins #safehome

Herbal Tips - Lavender

Lavender (Lavendula officinale, spica, and vera)

Lavender is one of thirty-nine known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae.
Lavender is associated with the element air and the planet Mercury. It is symbolic of healing, love, magic, protection, and vision. The aromatic sweet smell is unmistakable, and its long-lasting fragrance makes it popular in the perfume industry. Lavender also displays powerful sedative and calming properties; and is used for the treatment of anxiety, digestive problems, insomnia, migraines, and tension headaches.

Culinary
The flower buds are usually dried just before they bloom, and then ground and used as a flavoring. Herbs de Provence; a fragrant dried herb mixture from southern France known for its lavender inclusion, and ingredients vary according to what is available. Mix basil, fennel, lavender, oregano, rosemary, sage, and summer savory. Sprinkle on meats to grill, chicken, and roasts, before cooking. Fresh lavender flowers can be candied for decorations. Try flavoring preserves and sorbets, adding to cake and cookie mixes, or adding a few stems to vinegar to make a sweetly scented dressing.

Gardening
Lavender was an essential part of the early monastic and medicinal herb garden. This beautiful, potent, and lovely-smelling flower not only repels mosquitoes but also keeps moths and flies away. Lavenders flourish best in dry, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun. All types need little or no fertilizer and good air circulation.

Harvest & Storing
Harvest lavender stems at any time by cutting them from the plant, but avoid clipping more than every third stem to keep the plant looking full. Dry the flowering stems by lying on open trays, or hanging them in small bunches.

#aromatic #culinarylavender #flowers #healthyeating #herbs #herbsdeprovance #lamiaceae #lavender #livinggreen #medicinalherbgarden #naturalgardening #noordinarychick #perfume