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…
Spitzbuben is a delightful little cookie filled with jam and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They are one of the more popular Christmas cookies in Switzerland, where my partner was born, and were his favorite Christmas cookie as a kid. His mother filled her spitzbuben with raspberry jam, but red current jam is also popular. I had neither of these on hand, so I used blueberry jam, which…
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…
This menthol balm makes a lovely holiday gift, as it’s helpful to have on hand during the winter months. It helps to soothe coughs and congestion, and can be massaged into aching muscles and joints. Pine and eucalyptus boost the benefits of this cooling salve. Pine has antiviral properties and is used for respiratory infections (Yarnell 35-43). It also has anti-inflammatory effects and may be helpful for easing muscle pain…
While many plants die back in the wintertime, pine (Pinus spp.) and other types of evergreen trees continue to boast fresh foliage that is perfect for foraging. Because pines are found worldwide and are pretty common in most places, it’s more than likely you have one or more varieties growing near your home. Each pine species will have a slightly different flavor profile, so if you have several options, you…
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. Buying gift wrap and bags can really add up. Fortunately, there are alternatives to flashy, store-bought wrapping papers and glittery gift bags that are kinder to our wallets. Making your own gift wrap is an affordable…
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…
For me, the emphasis on excessive consumerism leeches a lot of the magic from the holiday season. And I must admit that for many years this over commodification of Christmas nearly completely turned me off to celebrating this time of year. But, a few years ago, I realized I wanted to do something special to infuse my daughter’s childhood with wonder and magic during the holiday season. So, I decided to create…
When life gets busy, taking time for self care often falls to the bottom of the list. But tending to your body doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive. Crafting your own body and hair care products is a way to slow down and enjoy the process. It lends a creative outlet and an opportunity to connect with the plants you’re working with. Using simple, non-toxic ingredients makes these creations…