Herb teas, properly prepared, are warming and soothing to the soul. They provide essential medicinal qualities and healing energy. Preparing and drinking herb teas involves us in the personal process of healing and teaches us to be conscious of the role we each play in our well-being. —Rosemary Gladstar Drinking herbal teas can be an important part of boosting and maintaining health. If you’re new to herbalism, they are a…
The end of the year is the perfect opportunity to pause and look back. As a blogger, one thing I love reflecting on is which posts resonated most with readers throughout the year. I always find it so interesting to see what people gravitate toward. And often, it’s a fun surprise because the recipes and remedies that get pinned and revisited the most are not the ones I would have…
Making pine needle soda is a fun wintertime project. Rich in probiotics, this homemade wild-fermented drink is a delicious alternative to sugary store-bought beverages. Whipping up some pine soda is also a great activity to do with little ones. Crafting this bubbly beverage is a simple way to introduce children to the wonders of foraging and fermentation. And kids will love drinking something they helped make! This post contains affiliate links. As…
Spitzbubens are one of the most beloved Christmas cookies in Switzerland, where my husband was born, and were his favorite festive treat as a kid. Making them has become a holiday tradition for our family, and they’ve become one of my kids’ favorite Christmas cookies too. Spitzbuben: A Classic Swiss Christmas Cookie Spitzbuben is a sweet shortcrust pastry made by sandwiching jam between two cookies. The top cookie typically has…
The holiday season is such a wonderful time, and when you’re a parent, there’s something so special about creating memories that your kids will cherish for years to come. Enjoying Christmas tales together is a sweet and simple way to connect, and it can become a beloved tradition that both you and your children look forward to each year. To help make your holiday season more magical, I’ve rounded up…
Menthol balm is a staple in the winter medicine cabinet, perfect for soothing coughs, congestion, sinus headaches, and achy joints & muscles during the cold months. This homemade version combines pine and eucalyptus with menthol crystals and nourishing butters to create an all-natural salve that’s a great alternative to conventional vapor rubs. This menthol balm also makes a thoughtful and practical stocking stuffer or gift, helping prepare friends and family…
Evergreens have been an important part of winter celebrations since ancient times. From wreaths, garlands, and the classic Christmas tree, decorating with pine, fir, and spruce has long been a quintessential part of festive traditions. Evergreens are also a lovely ingredient in the holiday kitchen. Pine, spruce, and fir are all edible and can be a delicious addition to beverages, baked goods, condiments, and more! I work with pine the…
Wrapping holiday gifts has become a well-established seasonal ritual. However, the costs associated with this tradition can hit especially hard during a time of the year when there are already so many other expenses. The cost of wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbons and bows really adds up! According to a 2019 study, on average, Americans spend $5 billion on gift wrap each year. Fortunately, there are alternatives to store-bought wrapping…
As fall fades into winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the rainy season is beginning in the Ecuadorian Andes. Indoor heating isn’t common here because the temperatures are generally fairly mild, but this time of year especially, evenings in the mountains can grow quite chilly. On nights like these, you’ll want a warm sweater and a nice thick blanket. And wrapping your hands around a hot mug of canelazo is the…
With 20 beginner-friendly herbal projects, including a variety of edible and self care gifts, plus two fun gifts for kids, Homemade Herbal Gifts is your go-to guide for holiday gift giving this season. Whether you’re creating stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or just want to give something personalized to friends & family this year, these homemade herbal gifts are meaningful, budget-friendly, and simple to make. Why Give Homemade Gifts This Holiday Season? There’s something…