Word Verification...

Dear Friends,
I apologize in advance to all who stop by my page and wish to leave a nice comment. I have had to turn on the word verification, much to my dismay, because of incredible amounts of spam that I have been receiving. Just this morning alone, out of 11 comments, 2 were not spam. I find it rude and more than annoying and it is my hope that with the word verification on, it will be a little more controlled and I can soon turn it off. I know (because I have read on other's blogs) that some do not like to leave comments on blogs with the verification turned on. I am hoping that you will take that extra step while I try to regain control of these offensive spam mails that I have been receiving on a daily basis. Not only am I blasted with them, they are more often that not, vulgar in theme. Is anyone else having problems such as I? I say, JUST SAY NO to spam!! Join me!

A day of wonder and kindness to you all,

Garden Fairies...

It is time for me to start thinking about my spring gardening and the flowers I will be planting. I am always taking in to consideration what my garden fairies would like me to include. After all, what is a garden without garden fairies?

The Irish believe that the fairies are a previously conquered society, the Tuatha De Danaan (People of the Goddess Dana), who were driven into hiding when the Celts invaded Ireland. The Pagan gods of the Tuatha, skilled in building and magic, went underground to live in the tombs and mounds they had built. Hidden from sight, they grew smaller in the popular imagination until they turned into fairies.

Fairies move swiftly and can become invisible blending into the woods. They wear green clothes and tend to live on hills, in woody dells, underwater or the Otherworld where they frequently war with insects and reptiles. Fairies eat fruit and are capable of producing things like shoes and bows. They enjoy music and dancing and love to play tricks and brawl with each other. Capable of taking human lovers, fairies have been known to enchant humans and trap them in the fairy realm. More frequently, they just steal household items.

One of my favorite fairy types are the sprites, and I collect their likenesses and have them both inside and outside of my home. Sprites are beautiful, tiny, winged beings, who stand only a few inches tall. Their wings are shaped much like butterfly wings, usually transparent, but reflecting many colors, though they can change their wing's colors or appearance at will. They seldom wear clothes, but do so on occasion so as not to offend those of a more prudish nature. They are very playful, but also very ancient and filled with spiritual wisdom.

Fairies are vegetarians and their typical foods at a feast or at daily meals include many different vegetables, beans, mushrooms, cheeses, nuts, seaweed, roots, herbs, fruits, breads, noodles, cakes, pies, honeyed snacks, flavored waters, tea, grain beverages, wines, beers, ales, and meads. They have also added some human dishes to their menus such as pizza and ice cream. Though they are strict vegetarians, they do like to display their food artistically, often in the shapes of animals or birds or trees or flowers or scenes of nature, or their legends. They are also very adept at creating beautiful ice sculptures.

Take a nap among poppies to bring fairies into your dreams or wear a sprig of thyme to increase your ability to see the wee ones. Thyme may also be planted by the doors and windows of your house to invite the fairies to come inside.

The sweet smell and soft petals of roses will also attract fairies to your garden. A popular love spell uses roses. Sprinkle rose petals under your feet and dance on them softly while asking the Fairy for a blessing on your magic.

Think of the fairies while you plan your spring garden this year. If you would like to lure them to you, you will have to get used to allowing and even encouraging insects and other "pests" into your garden, as this will put you in good stead with the fey. So think damp, dark places and rotting logs, ok...you really don't need a rotting log, but always leave a little untended area ina corner for them. They will love that and it is something I always do! The more birds, butterflies and bees you have, the better!

Don't forget, this also includes everything from spiders and ants to pigeons and magpies, so if there are certain creepy crawlies that you really can't stand, or need to keep away from your vegetables, then make sure you deal with them organically and humanely. The fairies will thank you for trying!

Scent Your Cottage With Vanilla...

If you love the smell of vanilla, dab a few drops of the extract on your cool light bulbs and then turn them on. When the bulb heats up, your cottage will be filled with wonderful aroma. You can use other extracts as well, or mix a few and make your own custom scents.

This is a great tip if you are attempting to sell your home as it gives off the aroma of freshed baked goods.

Making Your Own Old Fashioned Vinegar...

I came across this vintage recipe for making your own vinegar and thought I'd share it. With the amounts that I use for cleaning, I should consider this, but the ingredients would total more than the large containers that I purchase from the market. I also don't have any large crocks that would hold such a quantity.

Ingredients:
5 pounds sugar
3 gallons water
Large slice of toast
2 cakes of yeast

In a very large pot, boil the water and sugar for about 15 minutes. Place this sugar/water mixture into a large crock or container that can hold at least 4 gallons and let stand until lukewarm. Now, put the toast on top of the water. Tie a cheese cloth over the top of the jar and place in a warm area. The toast will sink to the bottom when the vinegar is done, probably in about 4-6 weeks.

When done, you can bottle it and use it for cleaning or flavor it as you wish. This is a very old recipe and will make quite a bit! So, you may want to reduce the recipe to 1/4 of the ingredients.

Do Your Cookies Stick?

Do your cookies stick to your baking sheets and refuse the nudges of your spatula? If you don't have parchment to use on cookie sheets that have sticking problems try this tip. Hold a length of dental floss taut and slip it underneath the cookie! You will be able to get the cookie off the sheet without ruining it and having it all crumbles.

Shopping Tip...

Start now with the Valentine's Day sales and stock up on red pillows, candles, and other decorative items that can double as Christmas items!

Also, stock up on the solid chocolate heart packs and freeze them for your baking all summer long, or to nibble when you are having one of those days when you just have to have chocolate. Melt chocolate in a pot, add in a small amount of milk, and dip in your favorite fruit! Is there a better way to eat strawberries?

Make Your Own Astringent...

There's no need to purchase an astringent when they are so easy to make. When you make your own products you know exactly what is in them and you can keep them chemical free. Astringents are commonly referred to as toners and are basically used to remove oils and tighten the skin. If you have very dry skin this would not benefit you as the citrus would more than likely make your skin drier. Use a cotton ball or soft tissue to apply the astringent to your face with gentle strokes, first on your t-zone and then lightly on your cheeks. Let the astringent dry on the surface of your skin and then apply moisturizer.

You will need the following ingredients:
1/2 thinly sliced orange
1/2 thinly sliced lemon
3/4 cups alcohol (ethanol from the pharmacy)

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until well pulverized. Strain through a piece of cheesecloth and store in a well sealed jar. If stored in the refrigerator your astringent will last approximately 6 months!

Happy Valentine's Day...

Like a peaceful, gliding river
May your life forever be.
And may the Giver of all good
Ever gently deal with thee.

A wonderful Valentine's Day to you all!

The Magical Bay Leaf...

Bay leaves can be used for much more than just cooking. Did you know the bay leaf has a reputation for soothing the stomach and relieving flatulence? Try a tea made from bay leaves for minor stomach upsets. Place a few leaves in a pot of water and bring to a boil. That's all there is to it!

Bay is also well known for its ability to relieve the aches and pains associated with rheumatism, sprains, bruises, and skin rashes. Distill an oil from the leaves and rub on the affected areas, or make an ointment to rub into affected areas.

Studies have shown that Bay has mild narcotic and sedative effects in mice, and therefore can be tried in a tea before bed for better sleep, or after a stressful day.

The classical legend of bay's origin was Daphne's transformation into the laurel tree during her pursuit by Apollo. Though versions vary, one infers that the nymph Daphne was a fiercely independent, rather wild creature and rather than give herself to Apollo, she pleaded with her father, the river god Ladonas, to transform her. Another account indicates that Apollo was wounded by an arrow of Eros (cupid) and fell madly in love with Daphne, who fled from his advances and was changed into the slender bay laurel moments before her capture. All agree that Apollo was so astounded by the tree's beauty that he claimed the laurel as his own and dedicated it to reward the highest achievements of Greek civilization. Bay was first an herb of poets, but also of oracles, warriors, statesmen, and doctors. The leaves were made into wreaths for illustrious poets and the ancients used them to crown heroes.

Bay is bound to Jupiter and fire. It is used in magic for wisdom, protection, clairvoyance, and purification purposes.

Burn fresh bay leaves to increase psychic powers and for divination. Alternatively, make a weak tea to increase wisdom and clairvoyance.

It is said that you can hang bay leaves at the highest point in the house for protection, or burn and let the smoke hit all four corners of the house for purification and to banish evil. This is appropriate in new house or apartment situations.

Legend has it that a girl could dream of her future husband on St. Valentine's Eve by sleeping with four bay or laurel leaves pinned to the corners of her pillow. Some believed that lovers stayed faithful as long as each carried half of the same laurel twig. Today, the laurel leaf still represents thoughts of loved ones.

Place bay leaves in a pillowcase for safe sleep and prophetic dreams.

Grilled Peppers with Bay Leaves
3 large red peppers
3 large yellow peppers
3-5 branches of fresh bay leaves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Place the peppers over a hot grill. Cook until they begin to blacken on all sides (this will happen quickly). Place the peppers in a container and cover tightly with plastic wrap until they are cool enough to handle. When cooled, peel the blackened skin from the peppers with a knife.

Rub each pepper with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place the peppers in a bowl so that they fit snugly, and insert bay leaves between them so that they are touching each pepper. Allow to sit for about one hour, then reheat on a cool part of the grill for about 30 seconds and serve. Makes 6 servings.

Sage Cheese Wafers

In keeping with the sage theme, here are some wonderful wafers that pair well with your afternoon tea. The recipe yields approx. 40 Wafers if you make them in the 1 inch balls.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut up and softened
2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (10 ounces)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 fresh sage, finely chopped or 2 teaspoons dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Additional sage leaves for garnish

1). Line baking sheets with foil. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2). In food processor, combine butter and 1/3 of the cheese. Process until blended. Add remaining cheese, half at a time, processing until blended after each addition.
3). Add flour, sage, dry mustard, salt, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce. Pulse with on/off turns until mixture pulls away from sides of bowl and forms a ball.
4). Roll small pieces of dough between hands to form 1-inch balls. Arrange 1 inch apart on baking sheet. Press with fork to flatten slightly.
5). Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from pan. Cool on rack. Store in airtight container.

Serve on decorative plate and use sage leaves as a garnish.

The Lovely Tea Cup...

Originally, all porcelain teacups were made in China and these small cups had no handles. In order for one not to spill the hot liquid onto oneself, the proper way to hold the vessel was to place one's thumb at the six o'clock position and one's index and middle fingers at the twelve o'clock position, while gently raising one's pinkie up for balance.

In 1710, when Europe introduced the handle to the teacup, the tradition continued. It is not an affectation, but a graceful way to avoid spills. Never loop your fingers through the handle, nor grasp the vessel bowl with the palm of your hand.

When having tea, do not stir your tea with your teaspoon in sweeping circular motions. Place your teaspoon at the six o'clock position and softly fold the liquid towards the twelve o'clock position two or three times. Also, do not leave your teaspoon in your tea cup. When not in use, place your spoon on the right side of the tea saucer.

Natural Victorian Cure For Dry Hands

Here is an 1890 cure for dry hands. You may be worried about it not being an effective antibacterial but it is. The antibacterial property of honey was first recognized in 1892 by Van Ketel. It has been assumed that this is due entirely to the osmotic effect of it's high sugar content. Honey was also used as an ancient remedy for the treatment of infected wounds. It can even be effective on antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Honey is produced from many different floral sources and it's antibacterial activity varies with origin and processing.

To Soften Hands:

1) Wash them with honey instead of soap. Rub honey onto the hands when the skin is dry; moisten a little, rub harder, and use a little more water. Finally, wash the hands thoroughly with the honey water. They will be clean, and this will not cause cracks or roughness.

OR:

2) After washing the hands with soap, rub them well with oatmeal while still wet.

What's Scenting The Cottage Today? Dried Cranberry Shortbread Cookies...

Every Sunday my daughter and family come for a weekly visit. I prepare lunch and we talk about the week past and what we have planned for the next week. My granddaughter inherited her granny's love for cookies so I am making a special dessert for tomorrow. I will be making my "Pinkberry" version of frozen yogurt (I have my recipe in my archives but if you cannot locate it, email me and I will post it again) and I will place one of these cranberry shortbread cookies on the side of the bowl with it.

If you love shortbread and tea or shortbread with ice cream or frozen yogurt, here is my recipe. I replace the butter with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter but there is sugar in this recipe. I also ALWAYS double my recipes as they freeze very well and I can pull them out of the freezer at a moment's notice if guests drop by or we would like them for tea.

Dried Cranberry Shortbread
1cup unsalted butter (I use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter)
3/4 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp coarse salt
1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put butter, sugar, vanilla, flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined but not to creamy. Stir in chopped dried cranberries.

Press dough evenly into an 8 inch baking pan if you are baking one batch. If you double the batch as I do, you can use a large cookie sheet. I line mine with parchment so it's easy to lift out and slice. Bake until pale golden or about 20-30 minutes. Let cool on a rack for about 20 minutes and remove shortbread from pan. (if you have used parchment as I do, just lift it out!) You can then cut in any shape you'd like, squares, rounds or use cookie cutters. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days (if they last that long) or freeze.

Catch Those Pesky Flies...

Do you have a problem with flies? I know here they can be especially annoying in barns, so if you find yourself in need of ridding yourself of annoying flying insects, grab your roll of duct tape and roll off a few foot-long strips. Hang them from the rafters as flypaper. Soon you'll be rid of the bugs and you can roll up the tape to toss it in the trash. Much less expensive than the fly strips you purchase and a roll of tape lasts awhile.

If you don't have any duct tape around you can still make your own fly strips. Try this:
In a saucepan combine:
2 cups corn syrup
2 cups water
Brown paper bags cut in to strips, make as narrow or as wide as you wish

Bring ingredients to a boil. Poke holes in the tops of the paper strips. Dip strips of paper in solution to about an inch from the hole. (paper bags from the market cut into strips work best as they are nice and thick) Lay on a cookie sheet to dry overnight and then hang them on a nail or hook to catch flies and other small flying insects.

Did You Know...

That there is a belief that Robin's can forecast weather? The Robin is also affectionately known as “Robin Redbreast” and is undoubtedly one of the best loved garden birds. Its position when singing was believed to forecast the weather. If it sang on top of a bush the weather would be warm, while if it sang from within the branches then rain was on the way. It was also thought to be extremely unlucky to kill the bird. According to one superstition, if you killed a robin your hands would not stop shaking, while anyone who broke its eggs would have something valuable of their own broken.

Because of his red breast and this color being associated with fire, like the Raven in mythology, the Robin is said to have brought fire from heaven. In folklore Robins are considered holy birds. A similar myth has it that the Robin was a storm cloud bird held sacred by Thor, the god of Thunder in Norse mythology.

In the old folklore traditions of Great Britain, if a Robin pecks at your window or enters your house, it is likely a death will soon occur there. Likewise, if a Robin flies into a house through an open window, it was taken as a sign of death being present. This idea is thought to have come from an old 16th century folk tale called “Babes in the Wood”, which implies that if a Robin finds a human corpse, it would cover the corpse with moss, leaves and flowers, effectively burying it.

Clean Your Old Roof This Spring...

This tip comes to you from The Farm and Household Cyclopaedia - circa 1888. If you live in an area where moss is a problem you may find this to be helpful.

Those wishing to know the best means of removing moss and earth accumulations from an old shingle roof, are advised to sprinkle lime freely along the comb of the roof, and let the rains dissolve and carry it over the shingles. Every particle of dirt and moss will be removed by it. If kept clean, shingles will last much longer. This method is as good and cheaper than any direct application to the shingles.

Make Your Own Lemon Furniture Oil...

Make your own lemon furniture oil by using baby oil and lemon balm, lemon verbena, or lemon eucalyptus. Your homemade polish will be less expensive than retail polishes and won't contain the chemical additives. Although baby oil is a petroleum product, it is gentle on your wood. One of the advantages it has over an organic oil is that it will not go rancid, so your wood will always smell fresh and clean. If you aren't fond of lemon, try mint or rosemary.

Lemon Furniture Polish Recipe
You will need:
1 Spray Bottle
1 Jar with a tight fitting lid (two cup capacity)
A Pan
1 Heat resistant bowl
Cheesecloth or mesh strainer
1-1/2 to 2 Cups lemon balm leaves
1-1/2 Cups Baby Oil

Heat baby oil in a pan until it starts to bubble. While the baby oil is heating, add lemon balm to the bowl.

After the oil is heated, pour baby oil over the lemon balm and stir gently. Set aside.

Allow mixture to come to room temperature. Pour oil, leaves and all, into a jar.

Seal and place the jar in a warm spot to cure for two weeks to a month. Shake daily.

Strain mixture and pour into a spray bottle.

Spritz or pour a little oil on a soft cloth monthly and apply to your wood cabinets and furniture to keep them looking and smelling fresh and clean.

European Chocolate Truffle Cake..Flourless!

This is a wonderfully rich flourless cake that is so easy to prepare!


Ingredients:
8 ounces good quality semisweet chocolate
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
4 large eggs, well beaten

Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
10 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line with foil or parchment paper an 8-inch springform pan.

Melt butter in a medium-size glass bowl in the microwave (about 1 to 2 minutes). Add the chocolate and microwave for 30 more seconds. Let sit for about 3 or 4 minutes, then add the sugar and stir until blended. When cool, stir in the beaten eggs. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a crust forms on top. Cool to room temperature then refrigerate overnight in pan.

Remove cake from pan, and place cake on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

Make ganache by placing the whipping cream in a large saucepan. Heat to almost boiling. Remove from burner and add chocolate chips. Let sit for about 4 to 5 minutes, then stir to blend. Pour ganache over the cake and spread over the sides. It will be glossy. Carefully remove iced cake to a serving plate.

Serve each slice with whipped cream, if desired.

Did You Know...

An ordinary paper plate, glued to the bottom of the paint can, is much more convenient than spreading newspapers which must be moved every time the paint can is shifted from one place to another? The next time you have a painting project give this tip a try. It saves on cleanup!

Potato Juice For Your Plants...

From The Farm and Household Cyclopedia - circa 1888, comes this helpful tip for gardeners and plant lovers. If you don't like using chemicals, give it a try!

As an insect destroyer the juice of the potato plant is said to be of great value; the leaves and stems are well boiled in water, and when the liquid is cold it is sprinkled over plants attacked with insects, when it at once destroys caterpillars, black and green flies, gnats, and other enemies to vegetables, and in no way impairs the growth of the plants. A peculiar odor remains, and prevents insects from coming again for a long time.

Go Red For Women...Healthy Heart Month Is Here...

As most of you know who have been reading my blog for some time, I had a heart attack last February. The end of this month will mark a year, and I am both elated and nervous. Elated, I am a survivor when the outlook at first was not a good one. Nervous, because even though in the back of my mind I know I'm doing wonderfully, well, the anniversary just makes me nervous! It is not a scenario I like to replay in my mind, yet the day is approaching where I will do just that.

I am posting this information from the Go Red For Women site in hopes that no one ever has to use it. If the occasion does arise where it is needed, it is my hope that you can spring in to action and save your life or the life of another. Visit the Go Red For Women site for more information here.

If you or someone you know shows signs of heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team can begin treatment when it arrives. That means treatment can begin sooner than it would if the patient arrived at the hospital by car. What's more, the EMS team is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped, which saves hundreds of lives each year.

If you have symptoms and you can't access EMS, ask someone to drive you to the hospital immediately. Don't drive yourself, unless there's just no other option.

What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Most heart and blood vessel problems develop over time and occur when your arteries develop atherosclerosis, a process that begins in childhood and involves a gradual buildup of plaque inside your arteries.

Plaque contains fat, cholesterol and other substances, and can grow large enough to significantly reduce blood flow through an artery. Most of the damage occurs when a plaque becomes fragile and ruptures.

Plaques that rupture can cause blood clots to form. These clots can block blood flow at the site of the rupture or can break off and travel through the artery to another part of the body. If either happens and blocks an artery that feeds the heart or brain, it causes a heart attack or stroke.

What Is Stroke?
Stroke, the #3 killer of women, is a type of vascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when an artery that carries blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain either bursts or is blocked by a clot. When that happens, part of the brain can't get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.

When part of the brain dies from lack of blood flow, the part of the body it controls is affected. Strokes can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and cause other problems. Seeking early treatment can minimize the potentially devastating effects of stroke, but to receive them, a person must recognize the warning signs and act quickly.

For more information about stroke and its effects, visit www.americanheart.org

Warning Signs of Heart Attack & Stroke
I would like to stress again, if you or someone you know shows signs of heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team can begin treatment when it arrives. That means treatment can begin sooner than it would if the patient arrived at the hospital by car. What's more, the EMS team is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped, which saves hundreds of lives each year.

Heart Attack
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, causing someone to gasp dramatically, clutch her heart and drop to the ground. No one has any doubts about what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often the people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. This was the case in my situation and I had symptoms for 4 days before seeking treatment, and not a moment to soon, as I had a major event while on the Dr's table in the office.

Here are some signs a heart attack may be happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs of discomfort. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than five minutes before calling 9-1-1 for help.

Stroke Warning Signs
Stroke is a medical emergency. Learn to recognize a stroke, because any delay in treatment can lead to brain damage.

Warning signs may include:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Not all these warning signs occur in every stroke. If you or someone with you has one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay.
Immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent to you.

Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.