Apple Hibiscus Tea

During our trip around Turkey two years ago, with every feast we enjoyed sipping on apple tea. Since then I have wanted to make some of our own. It is delightfully sweet and sour, slightly tangy, yet smooth. Add a dab of honey for a savory cup of tea.

Ingredients (to make approximately 1 quart):
2 C. dried apples (I chopped fresh apples and threw them in the dehydrator)
1 C. Tbsp dried hibiscus flowers

Hibiscus tea is popular as a natural diuretic; it contains vitamin C and minerals, and is used traditionally as a mild medicine.

People with kidney ailments often take it for its beneficial properties and as a natural diuretic.

Studies have shown that consuming hibiscus tea may lower blood pressure.

In the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, hibiscus is considered to have medicinal properties. The roots are used to make various concoctions believed to cure ailments such as cough, hair loss or hair greying. As a hair treatment, the flowers are boiled in oil along with other spices to make a medicated hair oil. The leaves and flowers are ground into a fine paste with a little water, and the resulting lathery paste is used as a shampoo plus conditioner.

Heart Warming Chicken Noodle Soup

Last night's chicken noodle soup was very timely. For the past couple of days, Cymone has been sick with a fever and sore throat. She tested positive for strep. We picked up soup made by Keri that was packaged with a sweet, heart-warming note for Cymone.

Ingredients:

One whole chicken (2-3 Lbs)

5-6 mushrooms, sliced

1 Tsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, pressed
3 fresh basil leaves, chopped
½ tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp finely ground mustard
1 tsp butter

3 C. noodles

Directions:

- Place chicken in a large pot, cover with water, boil, then simmer until meat falls away from the bones. (1.5-2 hours).
- Strain out meat and bones and separate. Place meat back in broth.
- Separately, sauté mushrooms in olive oil. Cook on very low heat until browned. Add to soup.
- Add garlic, basil, thyme, oregano, pepper, mustard and butter.

- Simmer for 15 minutes.

- Cook noodles separately in salted water, add to soup 10-15 minutes before serving.

Pom Pom Hand Warmers

After about 6 years of knitting, I finally feel confident enough to branch out and create my own little patterns to share. These hand warmers were fun to make and add a playful edge to an outfit. The pattern is simple.

Materials Needed:
100 grams (109 Yards) Verde Collection Sprout (shown in natural)
12 felt balls
4 size US10 (6mm) double pointed needles
Sewing needle

Directions:
Using all 4 needles, CO 25 sts (8 on first needle, 8 on second needle, 9 on third needle). Join to knit in the round.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit 1, Purl 1 to end.
Row 4 (and all even rows through Row 22): Purl 1, Knit 1 to end.
Row 3 (and all odd rows through Row 23): Knit 1, Purl 1 to end.
Row 24: Purl
Row 25: Knit. Turn.

Thumb Hole
Row 26-41: Knit back and forth. End on RS row. Join again to work in the round.

Row 42: Purl
Row 43 (and all odd rows through Row 47): Knit
Row 44  (and all even rows through Row 48): Purl
BO. Weave in ends.

Use sewing needle and extra length (12") of yarn to attach felted balls to CO edge of hand warmers. Space them evenly apart, wrapping yarn around CO edge in between balls. Fasten with a knot, weave in ends.

White Chocolate Blackberry Smoothie

I am celebrating today. Today marks day 30 of my smoothie cleanse. Tomorrow will be one month without any wine, one month consuming smoothies in lieu of 2 meals per day. I have tried a different recipe every day, all of which have been delicious. This morning's landed on the top of my list.

Ingredients:
2 C. blackberries
2 C. vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1 C. pomegranate juice
1/4 C. raw cashews
1/8 C. white chocolate chips
2 Tbsp. coconut oil

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more juice if mixture is too thick

Roasted Tomato Chili

The roasted tomatoes in this chili give it a deep, rich flavor. Combined with a thick slice of fresh wheat bread, this is a perfect après-ski meal.

Ingredients:

2 C. dried black beans

4 C. water

6 large tomatoes

4 Tbsp. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

2-3 C. chicken stock or vegetable broth

2 carrots, chopped

1 onion, chopped

Sour cream

Cheese, grated

Red pepper flakes

Red hot sauce

Directions (2 days):

Day 1

- Place beans in a large bowl covered with water. Let stand (covered) overnight.

Day 2

- Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F).

- Cut tomatoes in half. Stuff slices of garlic into each half. Sprinkle with oregano, salt pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Place face down in a baking pan.

- Roast tomatoes until skin browns and separates from each tomato.

- Remove from oven. Let cool.

- Transfer beans to a Dutch oven. Add stock/broth. Cook on medium high until tender, stirring occasionally, approx. 45 mins.

- Add carrots and onion. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally, approx. 20 mins.

- Pull peels off tomatoes. Add tomatoes (with juice) to soup. Stir thoroughly.

- Serve while hot. Garnish with sour cream, cheese, red pepper flakes and hot sauce.

Felted Bead Earrings

So, what do you do with felted balls? A garland. Add them to knitted work. Incorporate them into gift wrapping. Beads...

Materials Needed:
Felted beads
Head Pins (or thin beading wire)
Colorful beads (that fit onto the wire but are not too large)
Ear wires
Tools to work with wire

Directions:

1. Place one bead onto head pin.
2. Poke head pin straight through felted bead. Twist gently until head pin pokes through opposite end.
3. Place another bead onto head pin.
4. Wrap wire to secure bead.
5. Place onto ear wire.

That's it! They're so fun!

Chamomile Bath Salts

This morning I made a batch of soothing chamomile bath salts. Chamomile Benefits defines the top three benefits of the sweet flowering herb:

There is a wide range of benefits from regular use of chamomile. Three of the top benefits include this herb's anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-bacterial properties. Chamomile comes from the plant commonly known as passionflower. There are different varieties however. Most of the world uses the German variety for medicinal purposes. Britain commonly uses the Roman variety. Both provide the same benefits. They contain the active ingredient, chrysin. This activates the chamomile benefits described in medical texts from Ancient Egypt through modern times. Long known in traditional medicine, modern medicine is finally waking up to the fact that chamomile is a valuable medical option.

Chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties help with alleviating inflammatory bowel disease, heartburn, and diverticular disorders. It also helps alleviate external inflammation when applied as a poultice or part of a cream. Inflammation is part of the body's defense mechanisms to protect against pathogens and other foreign invaders. Most inflammation goes away quickly. However, chronic inflammation can cause many medical conditions, inside and out. One of the significant chamomile benefits is its ability to help bring down inflammation for both acute and chronic problems. Many find that taking chamomile pills helps keep chronic inflammation under control.

This herb's anti-spasmodic properties help to treat muscle and nerve disorders as well as anxiety and insomnia. Antispasmodics are any drug or herb that helps relax muscles and prevent muscle spasms. Because chamomile helps to relax muscle tension, it provides a relaxing effect on the mind as well. That is what helps anxiety and insomnia soothe away. Many people with chronic insomnia or anxiety report they become tense as part of the condition. Relaxing is almost impossible. Using chamomile benefits helps them to relax and let the tension slide away. This is one of its oldest uses in the world of traditional medicine.

Chamomile's anti-bacterial properties fight certain bacterial infections. Many active ingredients in chamomile offer effective ways to fight off certain bacterial varieties. Current scientific studies show it is an effective option for curing mouth ulcers as a mouthwash due to these properties. Many use it in topical cream preparations on wounds. Others report drinking chamomile tea helps cure a variety of internal infections. It is important to use chamomile wisely and to find a reliable supplier. You want only the purest extracts, powders, and capsules. That will ensure that you get only the best chamomile benefits possible. Add chamomile to your list of herbal remedies today.

To make the chamomile bath salts...

Ingredients:
2 C. epsom salt
1 C. course sea salt
1/2 C. baking soda (aluminum free, if possible)
20 drops chamomile essential oil

1/2 C. dried chamomile flowers

Directions:
- Combine the epsom salt, sea salt, and baking soda in a glass bowl. Mix well.
- Add essential oil. Mix well.

- Add dried flowers. Mix well.
- Store in glass jars until ready to use.

How To Felt Balls

I've been wanting to make colorful felt balls for beading and to make festive garlands. The process was a lot easier than I anticipated. Here's the scoop:

Materials Needed:
Wool for felting
One pair of pantyhose

Rubber bands (optional)
Washing machine

Woolite or other soft detergent
Scissors

Directions:

1. Gather your felting wool. Tear off a small amount and roll it into a ball.

2. Made a knot at the toe of your pantyhose. Push the first ball down into the knot, and tie a tight knot just above it (or use a rubber band to secure the ball in place). Continue forming balls and securing them in place.

5. Place the pantyhose in the washing machine to begin the felting process.

Click to enlarge instructions

6. Use your scissors to cut the knots and release each of the felt balls.

7. Roll each ball around between your palms for about 30 seconds to reinforce their circular shape.

How To Make Bath Fizzies

I just made my first bath fizzies. I didn't have any molds, so used my candle molds. My blocks didn't dry as quickly as I'd hoped, so next time I'll try using ice cube trays. No matter, they smell delightful and definitely add a spa-like element to my bath.

Materials and Ingredients Needed:

1/2 cup citric acid
1 cup baking soda

3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup organic cane sugar
8 drops food coloring (more or less to adjust the color)
15 drops essential oil (more or less to adjust the scent)
2-ounce travel-size spray bottle

Mold (ice cube tray)

Glass storage jars

Directions:

1. Mix together the citric acid, baking soda, and cornstarch in a glass measuring cup.
2. Pass this mixture through a flour sifter into a mixing bowl. Add sugar and stir.
3. Fill the spray bottle with water and add food coloring & essential oil. Spritz mixture lightly (it should become damp but not fizzy), repeatedly turning while spritzing, until the mixture can be packed with your hands.
4. Continue to mix the ingredients until color is even throughout. If the mixture begins to dry, when spritz until packable again.
5. Spoon mixture into mold and press firmly to the mixture down.
6. Let dry at room temperature overnight. Pop out of tray gently (tap sides of mold and your fizzies should drop out easily.
7. Transfer to glass jars.

Peach-A-Nana Smoothie

Cleanse: Day 21. This is supposed to be my last day. I won't continue to post smoothies, but plan to keep making them every day. So, here's my last smoothie recipe for now. Isn't it pretty? Enjoy!

Ingredients:
3 C. peaches, chopped
1 banana
2 C. orange juice
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more juice if mixture is too thick.

Six Smoothie Recipes

I have continued making smoothies since my last post but have neglected to publish the recipes. So, here are all six of them! Although tomorrow is supposed to be my last day (Day 21), I plan to continue the Clean Program for at least one more week. I have loved the results. Omitting wine from my daily ritual has helped me remain more clear headed, and I am less fatigued at night when spending time with Cymone. It is easier for me to in the moment, appreciate the simple things in life, and focus on everything that's important to me.

1. Papaya Raspberry Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 whole papaya

2 C. raspberries

1 C. orange juice

2 C. pineapple juice

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more juice if mixture is too thick.

2. Aaçaí Super Antioxidant

Ingredients:

1 C. frozen açaí pulp or juice

1 C. blueberries

1 C. raspberries

1 C. strawberries

2 C. soy milk

2 Tbsp soy protein powder

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more juice or soy milk if mixture is too thick.

3. Protein Berry Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 C. strawberries

2 bananas

2 C. soy milk

2 Tbsp soy protein powder

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more soy milk if mixture is too thick.

4. Pomegranate Berry Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 C Pomegranate juice

2 C. strawberries

2 C. blueberries

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more juice if mixture is too thick.

5. Hearty Cherry

Ingredients:

2 C. cherries, pitted

2 C. yogurt

2 C. milk

1/4 C. honey

2 Tbsp. protein powder

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more milk if mixture is too thick.

6. Vanilla Almond Smoothie

 Ingredients:

2 bananas

2 C. yogurt

2 C. almond milk

1/4 C. slivered almonds

1/4 C. honey

2-4 Tsp. vanilla, depending on taste

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more almond milk if mixture is too thick.

How to Grow an Avocado Plant from a Pit

It's very simple to grow an avocado tree in just 10 simple steps. Here's how.


Materials Needed:
1 Avocado
3-4 Toothpicks
1 Glass jar
Water

Directions:

1. After you have eaten an avocado, save the pit.
2. Clean the pit and dry it off. Do NOT remove the brown outer layer of the pit.
3. Pierce the avocado with the toothpicks, evenly spaced around its sides.
4. Suspend the avocado side up on top of a glass using the toothpicks as supports.
5. Fill the glass with water until the avocado pit is halfway submerged.
6. Place the avocado in indirect sunlight.
7. Top off the water as needed, keeping the avocado pit halfway submerged.
8. After 2-6 weeks you should see the avocado pit sprout roots and a stem. Once the plant is 6 inches, cut it back to 3 inches. Cutting back allows the plant to put its energy into growing thicker roots and a stronger stem.
9. Pot your plant when it has returned to approximately 6 inches.
10. You will need to transfer your plants to larger pots as the roots continue to grow. It will take 5 or more years to see fruit from your plant and the fruit it does bear will be different than the one you first ate.

Agri-View

Braided Headband Pattern

Knitting a basic braid cable may look difficult, but it isn't. Practice by knitting a headband. The panel is 15 stitches; the braid cable itself is 9 stitches wide. I knitted with 2 skeins of yarn to add contrast to my headbands. I used size US10 needles, so these headbands can also be worn as neck warmers. Needle size depends on yarn weight, so be sure to read the label.

Cast on 15 sts.
Row 1(RS): Knit
Row 2: K3, P9, K3
Row 3: K3, sl next 3 sts to cn and hold in front, K3, K3 from cn, K6
Row 4: K3, P9, K3
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: K3, P9, K3
Row 7: K6, sl next 3 sts to cn and hold in back, K3, K3 from cn, K3
Row 8: K3, P9, K3
Rep Rows 1–8

When your piece measures 17", it should be able to stretch to approximately 22".
PU 15 sts on CO edge.
Bring edges together do a 3 needle bind off. Weave in ends.

You can make a petite version of this braid cable simply by reducing the number of cable stitches (the stitches between the set-up stitches on the edge) to 6. Cross 2 stitches over 2 for this variation.

Coconut Almond Smoothie

Cleanse: Day 14. Seven days left to go.

Today's smoothie was sweet, light and refreshing. If there wasn't snow outside, it may have taken me right to the tropics.

Ingredients:
2 bananas
3 C. almond milk
1/4 C. shredded coconut
1/4 C. slivered almonds
2 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp brown sugar (optional)

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more almond milk if mixture is too thick.

Papaya Coconut Smoothie

Cleanse: Day 13.

So far, results of this cleanse seem to include:

• More alert
• Increased energy
• Sounder sleep
• Higher metabolism
• Weight loss

I wanted a bright smoothie this chilly morning, so went for primarily orange ingredients.

Ingredients:
2 bananas
1 C. papaya
1 C. cantaloupe
2 C. orange juice
2 Tbsp coconut oil

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more orange juice if mixture is too thick.

St. Patrick's Day Green Smoothie

Cleanse: Day 12.

Cymone said that this morning's green smoothie looked frightening. I was a little weary about tasting it, but ended up drinking an entire quart. I had to drink it slowly because, with each gulp, I experienced a sudden energy rush.

Ingredients:
2 C. fresh kale, chopped
1 banana
1 avocado
3 C. almond milk
4 Tbsp honey

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more milk if mixture is too thick.

Blueberry Almond Smoothie

Cleanse: Day 11. I have 10 days left to go until I finish this Clean Program, although I'm not sure I will want to stop at that point. It feels superb!

This morning's nutty blueberry banana smoothie was smooth, sweet, and savory. With each gulp of fruit shake you nibble on bits of nuts and seeds. It's delicious.

Ingredients:
2 bananas
2 C. blueberries
2 C. almond milk
1 C. yogurt
1/4 C. raw almonds
1/4 C. sunflower seeds
2 Tbsp honey

Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more milk if mixture is too thick.

I recently discovered Raw Energy, a book that includes 124 raw food recipes for energy bars, smoothies and other nutritious snacks. I have tried several of their recipes to-date, and each one helps charge your body. Highly recommended.

Top Ten Recycled Lighting Ideas

When we constructed our house, we split up our roles by having Derek responsible for systems and I responsible for design. I loved pouring through websites, library books, and magazines in search of eco-friendly and artistic ideas to incorporate into our home. Lighting may have been my favorite since they set the stage for character in a room. We wanted lighting that added to the warmth and rustic feel of our home, but did not draw attention from the structural design or surrounding views.

In searching for unique lighting, I stumbled upon some fabulous creations. At the top of my list was Schoolhouse Electric, which designs top quality lights with hand blown glass to fit into turn-of-the-century remodeled homes. I also found some the following Top Ten:

1.
Fuse takes old cans and turns them into simple, conversation stimulating pendant lights.

2.
Red, yellow and green recycled stop lights are incorporated into classy pendants by Green Light Concepts.

3.

Garbage (aka Gilles Eichenbaum) uses vintage kitchen appliances and tools to make one-of-a-kind table and pendant lights.

4.

Enpieza Studio designs lights made with Bic pens. Although I love the idea and how they look, their products would be more sustainable if they incorporated recycled (used) pens.

5.

Tanya Clarke lives on the beach in California where she collects things and assembles them together. Liquid Light is an expression of her life and current surroundings.

6.

Light, simple, and almost unidentifiable. Studio Verissimo has drilled holes in plastic utensils and wired them together to make an elegant chandelier.

7.

I have found quite a few vintage mattress springs on the sides of the Methow River, once tossed there alongside automobile skeletons to hold up the river banks. Shades of Light creatively ties them into rustic pendant lights.

8.
Studio Mesila specializes in sustainable design. They combine functionality with durability, energy, resources and low-waste materials. This clothespin light is an example of their work.

9.
I'm not so sure how to respond to this Barbie chandelier spotlighted by Apartmenttherapy. Not only would it give me the creeps to sleep with it overhead, I cannot imagine having to dust it. No matter, it's a new way to look at incorporating recycled materials.

10.

Mauricio Affonso designed this fabulous, intricate sphere made from hundreds of discarded aluminum pull tabs. Curbly offers a great tutorial on how to make similarly-styled lamp shades using hemp.