There are some meals that feel like they know exactly what your body needs. This chickpea curry is one of them. It is fragrant, deeply satisfying, and comes together with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It is the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and somehow tastes even better the next day.

Creating a nighttime routine isn't just for those who have trouble with sleep. Calming evening rituals are excellent ways to prepare the body for restful sleep filled with exciting and inspiring dreams! There are even traditions in which herbs are used during sleep, not only to bring about a peaceful slumber, but also to evoke vivid, lucid dreaming landscapes sure to bring happiness, rather than grogginess, to your waking state.

After months of bundled-up hibernation under gloomy grey skies, the arrival of spring feels like a long-awaited exhale. Although the springtime seasonal shift tends to stir us awake with a returned sense of energy, it often arrives with its own unique kind of overwhelm. Calendars start to fill up, all your friends want to make plans, and suddenly the gentle transition into spring turns into a never-ending to-do list. In the midst of all this regrowth, it’s no wonder many of us find ourselves a bit scatter-brained. That’s where our herbal allies come in!

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.

I relish my morning cup of tea; sometimes, the thought of it is the only way I can get myself to leave the cozy warmth of my bed. That first sip is always just the thing I need to start feeling like an actual person that can function in the world. Would it be too dramatic to say that your first sip of tea is the most important sip of the day? Not only is it the thing that gets me out of bed, but it also sets the tone for the day and gives me a little opportunity to treat myself. Because of this, I like to switch up what I am drinking to keep it fresh and exciting.

Creating your own natural paper is a wonderful way to recycle paper scraps while making practical, botanical-themed art. Homemade petal paper is a delightful way to share a homemade personal touch to things like gift cards, tags, or table place cards. In an afternoon, you can create a whole bunch of different papers or experiment with different flowers, leaves, and herbs year-round. You can even craft “plantable” paper embedded with seeds!

Unless you’re one of the lucky few who have succeeded in dodging this modern age of social media, you’ve probably seen Dubai chocolate swirling around the web. You know, those giant chocolate bars filled with a crunchy, yet creamy pistachio filling that have taken over our screens and just about every other gas station checkout counter? Yep, that’d be the one. After succumbing to peer pressure, I finally tried this very chocolate bar in question, and—after setting me back a whopping $18—I had to admit that it was pretty darn delicious.

I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that feel a little extra without actually being complicated. Just like any good relationship, there’s something comforting about knowing you can create something special without overthinking every step or ingredient. This very sentiment is what inspired Every Rose Has Its Hawthorn—a Valentine’s Day mocktail crafted to encapsulate love in all its layered, often messy, yet simplistic nature at heart.

Scent is all around us. Sometimes it takes center stage in obvious ways, like when coffee is brewing or fresh bread is baking. In other instances, it’s in the background, subtly setting the tone for the environment. Whether we are actively paying attention or not, scent is a constant companion, with the ability to influence mood and our perception of life experiences. Throughout human history, aromatic plants have been used intentionally to shape the atmosphere of the places we inhabit and impact the nervous systems of the people within.

Just as we witness the turning of the seasons in the world around us, I have come to realize that we experience changing seasons within us as well. In nature, winter is a time of retreat and rest. In this part of the world, everything becomes darker, colder, and less colorful. Though life is still bustling all around me, it becomes quieter and more subdued (just as I do). While I welcome the rest and reflection that winter invites, there are times when I feel like the cold darkness weighs on me, and feelings of hopelessness can ensnare me.* And though I understand that it is important to give yourself space to feel your feelings and not run away from discomfort, it is also important to give yourself some extra self-care during these times.

These days more and more folks are participating in Dry January. Whether it be a New Years resolution, a health reset after holiday indulgence, or a lifestyle shift, a month without alcohol can feel like a sacrifice of sorts. But does it have to? With the holidays now over and months to go before the return of the sun, it’s important to find ways of bringing celebration into our lives. Which is why we like to think of Dry January as a celebration. And what better way to celebrate then by making copious amounts of delicious mocktails to replace the boozy beverages we might be missing?