It's time to get moving! Not only am I spending more time outside, but my body systems can also use a little inspiration, as well. I tend to naturally reach for lighter foods as the days get longer and I find it makes me feel better to start with a day or two of rooty infusions as the seasons change. I think of it as tonic for my tummy and beyond!

We're still working on the leftovers from Thursday's big feast and we've already jumped into the hustle and bustle of the upcoming season with great abandon. After all, we're staring headlong into the frosty eyes of December! My belly could use a reprieve from all the tasty treats and maybe more of a boost than can be had from an ordinary cup of tea. This is the perfect time for a stronger infusion or a decoction. While tea is a type of infusion, sometimes it is helpful to steep herbs for longer than the usual 3-5 minutes--especially some of the woodier roots and nutrient-packed plants.

We've all witnessed the deodorant revolution over the past few years. From chemical-infused sticks to ruin-your-blouse white stuff, finding a healthy and practical alternative can be a challenge. I've tried them all and even gone without for many years. 

Summer is here and with it the irresistible urge to bask in outdoor glory. We want to feel the warm earth on our feet and sunshine on our shoulders. We go on camping trips, forest hikes, long bike rides, and enjoy berry picking, barbecues, picnics, and live music.

Let's Color Some Eggs!

Nature is waking up with the colors of spring, and our spice cabinets possess more artful opportunities than we realized! This year, some of our staff took a break at the picnic tables on our campus to explore what sort of colors we might be able to create using readily available dried herbs and spices. It was an experimental adventure. Some colors were subtle, others were a surprise, and there were a few that just didn't quite turn out.