With the exception of my stuffed mushroom recipe, this is my most requested potluck dish. I created this side dish 12 years ago when trying to figure out what to bring to a gathering. I was working with a pretty tight budget at the time, so I looked to my cupboard to see what I could make with what I had on hand. Rye berries—lots and lots of rye berries!I happened to be experimenting with growing oyster mushrooms and was using rye berries as a substrate.Since they are completely edible and I had an abundance, I decided that would be the main ingredient to build on. What I later learned was that rye berries weren’t just a cost-effective way to feed a lot of people. They are actually a great source of fiber and chock full of vitamins A, K, B2, and B6. Rye berries also contain manganese, potassium, copper, and phosphorus. So what I was staring at in my bulk goods pantry was a gold mine of nutritious possibilities.

For over a decade, I have been practicing and teaching natural skin care.I have formulated dozens of homemade skincare products, but I also purchase some that I know are made with the same integrity, quality, and thought I put into my formulations. One of the newest additions to this “can purchase elsewhere” category is Mountain Rose Herbs’ new line of housemade skincare. Now, I may be a little biased, but I would not put something on my face that I didn’t trust, and I can tell you honestly that I love the new line.

A few weeks back, I wound up catching a “bug” that really took me out. While I’m usually pretty prepared for most things that may come up in my household, I didn’t have what I needed when I needed it. I was in no condition to be making medicine or trying to source it. With a high fever and intense fatigue, it was hard to even think straight, let alone try to guide someone else to find what I needed or make me something.

As we reflect on the last year, we want to share our most notable accomplishments and extend our gratitude to you. We could not have accomplished these things without your incredible support. Here are some of our favorite initiatives from 2025 and a peek at what’s coming up in 2026.

Lately, I’ve been really inspired by the trending “Pinterest perfect” aesthetic of dried orange slices used for home décor. It speaks to both my personal style and my low-waste way of living. Since I have been drying citrus slices for cocktails/mocktails, it was only a matter of time before I got crafty with them in other ways. With the holidays coming up, I began dreaming of a way to make some orange slice garland and sun catchers with an herbal twist.

Each year, I formulate a lip balm recipe to make as small gifts and stocking stuffers. From Cookies and Cream to Coffee Cardamom blends, each year features a new theme, and provides a fun challenge for me to outdo the previous year. This year, after much deliberation, I decided to theme it after one of my favorite sweet treats—macaroons!

With winter just around the corner, I am eager to craft one of my favorite seasonal house staples—foaming hand soap! Crafting custom scented soaps to match the seasons is one of my most beloved pastimes, as it's an easy and fast way to bring seasonal cheer to my home.

Each year, when I make my holiday gift list, I aim to meet a set of criteria. Offerings that are thoughtful, personal, and useful are amongst the most important to me. I have generally found that homemade gifts are more appreciated than things I can find in mass quantities at any big box store. Small-batch DIY gifts also allow customization, making them personalized for your beloved recipient. It can also help to keep waste out of landfills.

When throwing a party, the bulk of my planning revolves around three main things: the tasty foods and craft cocktails/mocktails I will be serving; the parts of my home that need deep cleaning before the big day; and how to make the space smell and feel fresh and inviting. Of this list, my favorite part is choosing my home fragrance! People often underestimate the power of scent or just don’t know where to start. With that in mind, I'm sharing some of my favorite tricks and recipes for freshening up a space.

Powdered herbs are incredibly versatile; from adding flavor in culinary dishes, to making homemade capsules, and even powdering resins for incense making, there are a lot of ways where powdered herbs really shine. But not all herbal powders are created equally. Freshness and even adulteration in the market are big concerns. This is why many choose to powder their own herbs at home. 

Herbalism encompasses a wide range of traditions, each with similarities and differences from each other. However, one core principle that applies to traditions found all around the world is herbal energetics. To some, the word energetics conjures thoughts of the esoteric or "woo-woo", but energetics are very real and can be felt in the body. You can experience this simply by sipping on a cup of ginger tea and then following that up with a cup of marshmallow tea. Upon sipping the ginger tea, your body will begin to feel warmth, followed by a drying sensation. After you have had time to sit with that sensation, sip on the marshmallow tea and feel the difference. The cooling and moistening effects will counteract the ginger and your body will feel very different after that next sip. That is energetics in action!