Mint

I am working with mint this week.

I am making mint syrup.

I harvested 36 stems and stripped the lower leaves off.





The stems with blooms went into vases.

The rest of the stems will be little stir sticks for my tea and coffee.

I cut up 1 cup of mint leaves

and added to them 1 cup of unbleached sugar and 1 cup of water.



On low heat I stirred until the sugar was dissolved.



I cooked the mint sugar for five minutes never allowing the mixture to boil.

I removed the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool

to room temperature.





While the syrup cooled I gathered my container and my cork.

I decided to make a top for the cork from a shank button
that was in my Grandmother's button box.
I cut out a tiny hole in the cork and filled it with household glue.
I wiggled the shank into the glued hole and let it dry.

I strained the syrup, saving my sugared mint.





I use this recipe for all my syrups. I substitute different herbs.

Lavender and rose make lovely syrups.

I patted the sugared mint out on a piece of wax paper.

After it hardens I will break it into little pieces.

It will be mint candy, a pretty garnish.







I use the syrup for many sweeting needs.

It is delicious in tea and my iced coffees.



It is wonderful as the sweetener for lime aides or lemon aides.

Also delicious in yogurt and over pancakes!

























I store the syrups in the refrigerator.
They are so pretty I use them at the table too!




My next mint project is to make mint infused oils!

It is mint time at my house.

Lip Pots

I needed more rose water
and my nightime oil bottle was almost empty.

Both would be easy to make in the kitchen.

My nighttime oil is Vitamin E and vitamin C mixed together.
The lemon oil is the vitamin C part of my recipe. It is easy to do up a bottle.
It will last me three months as long as I keep it out of the light.
It is my nighttime face treatment since
Vitamin E and Vitamin C are affected by light.
I wear a cream with sunscreen for daytime.
For less than $10.oo I have a lovely nightime treatment.
I sometimes will add lavender oil if I am having trouble sleeping.

My lip pot was almost empty.
I have been planning on making my lip gloss.
I want to make all my cosmetics when I have a studio.
Today I decided I was not waiting for a studio or a still room.
I wanted to make my lip treatment today!

I rounded up the supplies, I put on my apron.

I stirred some Rosemary oil into the Shea Butter.

I filled the little pots.

This is nice for cuticles too.

I have the poppy pot on my desk.

As soon as I need creams I shall make them.

I just need to find pretty jars!

That was very fun.

Wellness

My dear friend sent her healing way.
Her love is guiding me to trust my inner wisdom.
I have asked the Oak Tree that grows in my yard for healing.

My Doctor has suggested I return to my yoga practice.
When I found this darling book at the bookstore I decided

I could get back into my routine at home.

I feel comfortable in my kitchen.

I am learning to savor.

I am using my sand timer to help me

spend at least 20 minutes enjoying my meals.

My doctor has prescribed two more books.

This one is to help me with my anxiety.
I have begun a study, complete with a high lighter and note taking.




From the library I have a few
food and health books.

While shopping for my great niece's first birthday gift

I found a book for me.

Something for my little inner "French child."

I am writing and reading and working on wellness.

Thank you for you kind support.

I am having fun while learning to be the best I can be.

Being Fit!

I am learning how to be slim and trim.

I am learning how to relax and release stress.

I am learning how to let go of anxiety.

I am developing my own program.

I am honoring my green, natural ways.

I am celebrating who I am.

I still fix my morning tray.

I still follow my Ayurveda Way.

I am adding in some Western Ways.

I am under Doctor's care.
I am in a partnership.

I have a goal.

I am putting together my team of healers.

I am building my support.

I fixed an afternoon tray.

I am keeping a detailed food journal,
recording not only what I eat but when and where and how I feel.

My digestion is improving.

I refilled my tea chest.

My friend sent me a card. She addressed it to "Butterfly Woman."


I feel as I have been in a cocoon.
I feel as if I am emerging.


I am shopping for a yoga class. I am shopping for a cooking class.

I may need to get my beret out!
Adding a lovely French twist to my eastern way is fun!

Products

I added a few drops of lavender oil

to my unscented lamp oil.

The smell is relaxing.

I have been trying out a new product line.

The company seems to be responsible; aware of the enviroment and fair with their labor practices.

Their products are all organic.

I am very plesed with each of the products I am using.

I am looking forward to when my stone crop is in season.

I want to make a serum for my face.

Stone crop is the same as sediums.

I grow lots of sediums!

Listening

I have been listening to my body.
Sleeping when I need rest.
Walking and getting exercise as I am able.
I started desiring the taste of peppermint and licorice.

I was so pleased when I found licorice pastilles

and liquid stevia with peppermint!

I am smitten with peppermint coffee!
I add a few drops of the stevia to my non-fat dry milk and stir into my coffee.
Delicious!

In the evening I have a pot of tea!
I add my lavender and rosemary to the tea pot for a delightful blend.

I am feeling better.

I am listening to my body.

Blue-Green Algae

Lake Klamath in Oregon, is the source of a fantastic super food
I have begun to take.

My doctor suggested I read this book

and try Blue-Green Algae.



The one I am taking is from Klamath Lake in Oregon.

I am impressed with this super food.

I am impressed with this beautiful lake!