tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38598210078854419382024-03-08T15:04:50.089-08:00Little Franciscan FlowersFaith. Art. Soap. Francis. Herbs. Flowers.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-82806967988397012532015-10-31T04:14:00.003-07:002020-12-06T17:05:27.694-08:00"I wish this peace on everyone... on this lovely day"I recently watched <i>Brother Sun, Sister Moon</i>, a film about St. Francis of Assisi. Zeffirelli's film left me feeling completely enchanted and enraptured. The beautiful flowers dancing in the breeze, the rabbits watching him, the deer lingering, all as Francis felt God's presence in all living things, in all of His creations.<br />
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I find St. Francis of Assisi to be utterly fascinating. October 4th, the day of his feast, I had my parrot blessed; I've been working on a painting of him; I've been pouring over books about him. With joy I met the nuns of the order of Francis and Clare - one nun in particular just embraced me with such love that left my heart skipping beats over such kindness. This is the kindness of the spirit of St. Francis. He's such an inspiration: his love for animals, for nature, for people; his empathy for the poor.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZPKEiaIvpU/VjSiA6x6eaI/AAAAAAAAc54/Ain0GRQEeOg/s1600/st.francis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZPKEiaIvpU/VjSiA6x6eaI/AAAAAAAAc54/Ain0GRQEeOg/s320/st.francis.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<i>Painting in progress, still have a long way to go.</i></div>
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Current readings on St. Francis:<br />
<i>Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi</i> by Richard Rohr<br />
<i>The Little Flowers of St. Francis, The Mirror of Perfection, St. Bonaventure's Life of St. Francis</i> introduction by Fr. Hugh McKay, O.F.M., D.D.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-15012830528617976582015-09-15T18:12:00.000-07:002015-09-15T18:12:48.020-07:00Michaelmas grapes<i>"The Michaelmas daisies, among dead weeds, bloom for St. Michael's valorous deeds." </i><br />
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St. Michael the Archangel, my patron saint, is dear to my heart. September 29th is the Michaelmas, the holy feast dedicated to St. Michael and all the angels. Michael is the warrior angel-saint mentioned five times in the Bible and always in a warlike fashion, three times by Daniel, once by St. Jude, and by St. John in Revelation. Michaelmas is a harvest day of sorts, traditionally a day when harvest needed to be completed as an end to the productive season in preparation for the next. The canonical color of the Michaelmas is white.<br />
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Traditionally, there are many ways to celebrate the Michaelmas, some vegetarian options being the old Scottish tradition of "Carrot Day": digging carrots and giving them away as a good deed, harvesting blackberries (the Michaelmas regarded as the last day to pick them), and baking loaves of bread. Alas, I don't have carrots, and I don't particularly like picking blackberries as the thorns are sharp and the berries are usually wormy, nor do I have flour to bake bread at the moment. However, I do have <i>grapes</i>. So I chose to be different and celebrate Michaelmas by picking grapes from my garden and making grape jelly. Yay!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOGq97CUm6w/VfYWATrx9XI/AAAAAAAAcHM/c0TX9LulwyM/s1600/garden%2Bgrapes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOGq97CUm6w/VfYWATrx9XI/AAAAAAAAcHM/c0TX9LulwyM/s320/garden%2Bgrapes.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Garden grapes ready for harvest.</i></div>
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<i>Washing and about to de-stem for mashing and cooking.</i></div>
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Until the arrival of Michaelmas, I'll be picking the grapes and making lots of jelly to give as a gift in honor of St. Michael (before the raccoons get their paws on them like they have in the past, those bandit-faced beasts).<br />
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The recipe I used to make grape jelly is found <a href="http://www.pickyourown.org/grapejelly.htm#.VfX-IBFViko">here</a> - highly recommended and a lot of fun!<br />
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<i>Happy Michaelmas!</i><br />
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For more information, please see:<br />
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<i>Saints and Festivals of the Christian Church by H. Pomeroy Brewster</i><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-55225024373831498432015-08-25T22:15:00.001-07:002015-08-30T14:35:11.992-07:00Cloudy NightThinking of <i>Brideshead Revisited,</i> Evelyn Waugh's story of beauty and the ultimate beauty of finding God, I love how Anthony Blanche tells Charles that he is "that very rare thing... an <i>artist."</i> How Anthony complements Charles in this respect, makes it sound so beautiful and charming. But, as artists know, there's the eccentricities: the obsessive frustration while painting, the feeling of madness, even, when a painting isn't quite as it's needed to be. Yet, there's that deep feeling of contentment when a piece is finished. Even more beautiful, is the discovery that years <i>after</i> a painting is completed, and an artist revisits their work, they see something new. Revisiting my painting, "Cloudy Night," this is the case. It now makes me think of St. Paul's Romans 5:<br />
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<i>". . . We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."</i><br />
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I had the honor of sharing "Cloudy Night" at an art show and speaking about its symbolism. Doing so was revealing scars, yet very cathartic. That's the thing about sharing art: it's perfectly okay to be emotional. People don't judge you, they <i>want</i> to hear your story. This is what art is.<br />
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"Cloudy Night" is a winter piece. It's surrealism. It's also a landscape. But it also conveys a lot of emotion: confusion, sadness, heartbreak, depression, pain, scars. But deep within the clouds is the slight yellow, the hidden happiness coming through... and that is the silver lining. Winter doesn't last forever. Snow will melt, beauty will flower again... and our sufferings bring us closer to Christ.<br />
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<i>Cloudy Night, painted by me. Watercolor and Acrylic. </i></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-9209003797844019272014-10-18T18:12:00.000-07:002016-02-15T19:23:41.649-08:00Old School GamingI've been a gamer since... well, since I can remember.<br />
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If you were a product of the 80's (like me), you'd remember the glory days, too. I remember playing the Atari <i>Pitfall!</i> and then there were the <i>hours</i> I would spend on the Apple II, playing games such as <i>Oregon Trail</i> and <i>Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? </i>Oh, those were good times, indeed. But it got even better, with the release of the NES and Sega consoles. With the NES and SMS came some serious business: obsession and fandom of certain franchises.<br />
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With the NES's Zelda franschise, came the cartoon as well as the cereal (which tasted like lucky charms... it was oooooh sooooo gooood) so my childhood was certainly impacted by Nintendo. But the Sega Master System and it's successor, the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, truly enchanted my childhood. I would draw maps of Phantasy Star's dungeon mazes, take them to the very nice school librarians, who would laminate the maps for me.<br />
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My obsession for Zelda remains, though, and I get excited about every new game released. As much as I enjoy the new games, I'll always remember the good ol' days. With this in mind, I am sharing an artwork I made in celebration of The Adventures of Link. Retro Zelda tends to be under-appreciated while so many (er, too many) continue to lavish praise over the very mediocre <i>Twilight Princess.</i><br />
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So, here's to old school gaming, and old school Zelda.<br />
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<i>The Adventure of Link artwork, drawn by me. </i></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-28178274322511131782014-07-02T21:47:00.003-07:002015-08-25T01:09:37.002-07:00Beer SoapAh, the wonders of beer. (<i>"Mmmmmm. Beer."</i> -- Homer Simpson.)<br />
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Ahem, well, Captain Obvious and all, but my Irish kin <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_in_Ireland">are certainly reputed to enjoy the stuff,</a> exporting some of the most popular of beers, such as the widely known Guinness.<br />
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How <i>long</i> humans have been making beer is uncertain, but what is known is that beer has been fermented since ancient cultures, at least since the time of Sumer, and his people, the Sumerians. The Sumerians celebrated their fermented libations with documented hymns, such as the following, as translated by <a href="https://oi.uchicago.edu/sites/oi.uchicago.edu/files/uploads/shared/docs/nn132.pdf">Miguel Civil of The Oriental Institute of the University of Chigago</a>):<br />
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<i>In the reed buckets there is sweet beer,</i><br />
<i>I will make cupbearers, boys, and brewers stand by,</i><br />
<i>While I circle around the abundance of beer,</i><br />
<i>While I feel wonderful, I feel wonderful,</i><br />
<i>Drinking beer, in a blissful mood,</i><br />
<i>Drinking liquor, feeling exhilarated, </i><br />
<i>With joy in the heart and and a happy liver,</i><br />
<i>While my heart full of joy,</i><br />
<i>And my happy liver I cover with a garment fit for a queen!</i><br />
<i>The heart of Inanna is happy again,</i><br />
<i>The heart of the queen of heaven is happy again!</i><br />
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The ancient Sumerians sound like a bunch of dancing hobbits in the above song. But, mad props to the Sumerians here: the stuff is indeed great, not only because it's, uh, beer, but also because of its <i>beauty benefits! </i>Yes, indeed:<i> </i><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/mens-health/10846147/Beer-the-health-and-beauty-benefits.html">Cleopatra took beer baths, just as many in Eastern Europe today take beer baths.</a> It's said to be great for the hair as a rinse; others claim it's great for beautifying the skin. I have used it as a toner for the skin and I'm a fan, hands down. But what's <i>also</i> great about beer, is that it makes an <i>incredible</i> soap. No harsh, unneeded chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate -- put simply -- beer, used in making soap, means <i>bubbles.</i>.<br />
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When my Etsy site is launched (sooooooon) such wonderful beer soaps will be available for your bathing pleasure.<br />
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<i>My Dragon's Blood Beer soap. </i></div>
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<i>(No dragons were harmed in the making of this soap.)</i></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-59558720815380334382014-06-21T18:18:00.001-07:002014-08-05T20:44:00.587-07:00Rose Syrup<i>"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,"</i> wrote Shakespeare, but historically, a rose isn't just any rose when it comes to medicine. Roses such as R. damascena (Damask rose) and R. gallica officinalis (Apothecary rose) are, specifically, herbal roses.<br />
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Today, roses are commonly placed in gardens and lawns for their beauty, but in medieval times, the herbal roses were mostly grown for medicinal purposes. <a href="http://www.rosemagazine.com/articles04/medicinal/">The Apothecary Rose, in particular, was used historically</a> to treat a variety of ailments, such as sore throat and indigestion. <a href="http://www.rosemagazine.com/articles04/medicinal/">Classically, in ancient Rome, the rose was also used to treat hangovers</a>. On that note, Roman author and naturalist <a href="http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0137%3Abook%3D21%3Achapter%3D73">Pliny the Elder wrote of thirty-two remedies</a> made from the rose.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GycsWe_Bm3I/U4wYXQhSdZI/AAAAAAAAQ5o/hdtWEA48Rng/s1600/tituspullo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GycsWe_Bm3I/U4wYXQhSdZI/AAAAAAAAQ5o/hdtWEA48Rng/s1600/tituspullo.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Titus Pullo could probably use some of dat rose med.</i><br />
<i>From HBO's series, Rome.</i></div>
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A decoction of the Rose, wrote 16th herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, <a href="http://www.sacredearth.com/ethnobotany/plantprofiles/rose.php">is good for headaches, and pain in the eyes, ears, and throat.</a> I have seasonal allergies which gives me a sore throat, and I am an eccentric, so I wanted to be my own guinea pig and make a Rose syrup, using <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/features/drinks/homemade-rose-syrup-and-3-cocktails-to-make-with-it-b99221896z1-249283421.html"> a very basic recipe</a> with my own UNSPRAYED Apothecary Rose petals (R. gallica officinalis), freshly picked from my personal garden. If curious, you can probably buy rose syrup online, but please consult a doctor before consumption, to be safe. The following is the result of my own experimentation, and, like the rest of this post, is intended for educational purposes only.<br />
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In a saucepan, I slowly brought the sugar water to a boil. I then turned off the stove and removed the saucepan from the stove surface to allow the mixture to simmer. When the mixture cooled, I added my own Apothecary Rose petals to the mixture, stirring occasionally. I allowed the petals to simmer in the mixture for several hours, stirring occasionally. The mixture turned a gentle pink in color. I then strained the mixture through a sieve before bottling.<br />
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<i>Simmering Apothecary Rose petals.</i></div>
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<i>Apothecary Rose Syrup... what's left of it, anyway.</i></div>
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Needless to say, I am very pleased with my homemade Rose syrup. The subtle flavor of the rose in the syrup is lovely. Not only did I add the syrup to smoothies, drinks and dishes, I used it medicinally, taking a tablespoon of it before bed to help a sore throat from allergies, and soothing the mucus felt in the throat. For me, personally, I was pleased with it, overall. Rose Syrup FTW!<br />
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<i>This post was written strictly for educational purposes only, is not approved by the FDA, and is only to reflect my own personal experiences with herbs.The rose recipe linked and the rose notations is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and is to reflect my own experience. Do not use or treat yourself with any herb, especially while pregnant or nursing, before consulting a physician.</i><br />
<i>For more information, please see: </i><br />
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<a href="http://www.rosemagazine.com/articles04/medicinal/">The Apothecary's Rose, by Rosemagazine.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sacredearth.com/ethnobotany/plantprofiles/rose.php">Plant Profile: Rose by sacredearth.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=XG8FAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+English+Physician+Enlarged:+With+Three+Hundred+and+Sixty-nine+Medicine&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8iemU_LfDtbpoAS1ioLoCg&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=The%20English%20Physician%20Enlarged%3A%20With%20Three%20Hundred%20and%20Sixty-nine%20Medicine&f=false">The English Physician Enlarged by Nicolas Culpeper (see page 278, specifically)</a><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-84844436261045344552014-04-13T18:18:00.001-07:002016-02-28T22:34:51.212-08:00Milky Mint Soap'Wanna tell hand eczema to take off? Milky Mint Soap is the best way to do so!<br />
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Of recent months, this refreshing batch of soap has been a hit, as family members have been demanding it, which is pleasing, but also kind of annoying. (Me: "Family, stop mooching my soap and give me five bucks!")<br />
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'Can't say I blame 'em, though. Eczema runs in my family, as we all have sensitive Irish skin that doesn't take kindly to the harsh "soap" (i.e., <i>detergent,</i> not soap) from stores. That being said, I do have to admit, there's nothing quite like bathing in an all-natural, milky-mint soap. Made with nourishing organic milk, and using mostly Spearmint essential oil with a touch of Peppermint, the smell is so wonderfully invigorating in the shower! Spearmint essential oil has a sweeter scent than Peppermint, and is also less irritating to the skin, so a ratio of just a little Peppermint essential oil with more of the Spearmint essential oil makes a fine, minty soap.<br />
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<i>Freshly poured batch of my Milky Mint Soap</i></div>
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Other essential oils, such as Lavender and Cedarwood, are known to help eczema, but this soap, with the addition of Nettle Leaf powder <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/027290_stinging_nettles_tea_herb.html#">(known to aid in eczema)</a> as well as the soothing milk, left my hands soft, smelling sweetly, and eczema free. Some people swear by goat milk for soap intended to aid eczema, but in my experience, organic cow milk is just as effective.<br />
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<i>Fresh-cut milky mint soap, curing alongside my dragon's blood beer soaps. </i></div>
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My etsy and ebay sites are under construction, but if you wish to order a batch via paypal, please email me at floweredunicorn<i>@gmail.com.</i></div>
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<i>This post was written for educational purposes only and only to reflect my own personal experiences with herbs and essential oils (I am my own guinea pig; what works for me may not work for you, and please consult a physician before using essential oils). My soaps are not intended to diagnose or cure any disease. Do not use essential oils while pregnant or nursing before consulting a physician.</i><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-84343007397227919682013-09-08T16:55:00.001-07:002014-10-18T16:25:51.978-07:00Elderberry PieA couple of weeks ago (late August), I was driving towards Corbett from Troutdale (AKA: the boonies) and did a double take as I spotted something in the corner of my eye. I then yelled "WHAT! That's Elder!" and then did an epic u-turn back to confirm that the massive, deciduous bush was, indeed, blue Elder, which is native to the Pacific Northwest. Of COURSE I then picked the powdery-blue berries that resemble little Earths.<br />
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<i>Blue Elderberries (Sambucus cerulea).</i></div>
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The <i>Sambucus</i> species native to Oregon is <i>S. cerulea</i> (blue Elder) and <i>S. racemosa</i> (red Elder). You can eat a few blue Elderberries fresh off the bush, but consuming more than a handful can cause stomach upset in some people due to the small amount of hydrocynanic acid content. Cooking the berries thoroughly destroys the toxins. Red Elderberries <i>(S. racemosa), </i>however,<i> </i>have a higher amount of these toxins, and therefore should be regarded as <b>toxic. </b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_cerulea" style="font-style: italic;">Sambucus cerulea</a>, much like its well known herbal cousin <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra">Sambucus nigra</a> </i>(European black Elder), has powerful medicinal properties. Blue Elder was an important source of food and medicine for Northwest Native Americans; infusions were used to aid a variety of ailments, including but not limited to fever and gastrointestinal issues. </div>
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Blue Elderberry competes with the Huckleberry as my favorite berry. In other words, blue Elderberry cooked in baked goods is a total foodgasm. The flavor of blue Elderberries in a pie has a slight "bite" to it. The only downside in using Elderberries is removing the berries from the stems, which is a <i>real</i> pain in the ass. No, really: Plan to destem for at least a couple of hours. Also, you want to be really careful when destemming, as the stems and leaves are toxic.<br />
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I made a pie with the blue Elderberries, and it was <i>epic</i>. It was so epic that I refused to leave the house before eating a piece for breakfast/brunch/lunch (or if you're a pig like me, all three). Now as for a recipe to share, this is the thing... when I cook, I don't often use recipes -- it's usually something like, "Eh, that should be enough there, a dash of this here, throw in some of this stuff" -- but below is basically the recipe... as much as I can remember, anyway.<br />
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<b>Blue Elderberry Pie</b><br />
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About 3 1/2 cups blue Elderberries<br />
A tiny bit of water, about 1/4 cup (if berries are frozen, don't add water)<br />
Juice of 1 lemon<br />
1 cup of sugar, add more to taste<br />
3 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch<br />
Dash of cinnamon<br />
A little honey, about a tablespoon<br />
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<b>For the gluten-free crust:</b><br />
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2 cups of flour, Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Gluten-free flour OR 1 cup of Bob's Red Mill Sorghum flour, 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill White Rice Flour and 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Tapioca Flour<br />
Dash of salt<br />
About 1 teaspoon xanthan gum<br />
2/3 cup of vegetable oil<br />
1/3 cup of milk<br />
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<i>Mise en place ingredients. Mix flour with salt and xantham gum in a bowl, add the vegetable oil and milk and blend well. Divide the mixture in half and roll out the dough on a sheet of wax paper. Place the dough in a 8" pie pan.</i><br />
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<i>Cook the elderberries in a saucepan until soft. If fresh, add the water. Add the berries to a blender and blend for about ten seconds. Return the mixture to the saucepan, add the sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and then the cornstarch and bring to a boil. Remove from surface to allow the mixture to cool and thicken.</i><br />
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<i>Add the mixture to the pie crust, top with the other half of the dough (a lattice crust is recommended, but any sort of pie topping will do). Pinch sides, cut slices in center of pie, and brush the crust with milk to aid browning. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until pie crust is golden brown. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.</i><br />
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<i>This basically evaporated.</i></div>
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<i>This post was written for educational purposes only. When foraging for wild berries, please be 100 percent positive of identification. Remember that red Elderberry (S. racemosa) is <u>toxic</u> and should not be eaten. For more information, please see:</i><br />
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<i>Sambucus cerulea</i> at <a href="http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_sanic5.pdf">BLUE ELDERBERRY at USDA Plants Database</a><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/2-9780878424337-2">Wild Berries of the West</a></i> by Betty B. Derig and Mararet C. Fuller - has excellent Elderberry recipes!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-88388890938668794192013-07-27T14:29:00.001-07:002015-07-18T16:13:51.093-07:00Mica and Cold Process SoapI'm pretty strict when it comes to making soap. I only make soap the traditional, Tyler Durden way (cold process, although I'm open to hot process, as well). Since I first began making soap, I've only used natural ingredients: this means plant-based colorants and essential oils in scenting. I'm still all about the natural (um, hello, hippie blog and all), but I've relaxed a little and expanded my horizons to using mica colorants (micas are derived from natural Earth minerals, and I use mica cosmetics, so really, why the heck not). Now, the thing is, micas are known to work especially well in transparent "melt and pour" soap, but... "melt and pour" soapmaking kinda defeats the purpose of why I make soap. I have nothing against "melt and pour" soaps, which are lovely and kudos to those who enjoy it. But... Tyler Durden is basically my hero, and honestly, do ya think Tyler Durden would make foofy "melt and pour" soaps? Considering that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TfDVLsBXYcM#at=84">an enlightening moment</a> in the film <i>Fight Club</i> involves NaOH, I wouldn't think so.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mw5nHa15RCk/UfQ9SgNOovI/AAAAAAAAJ44/ZoCss-rG0Ow/s1600/thisisachemicalburn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mw5nHa15RCk/UfQ9SgNOovI/AAAAAAAAJ44/ZoCss-rG0Ow/s1600/thisisachemicalburn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"What is this?"</i></div>
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<i>"This... is a chemical burn."</i></div>
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Anyway, where was my point in this? Oh: Since Cold Process soap is <i>opaque, </i>not all micas will work, but some will. One idea: if you're interested in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouBpfgSZ42E">stamping your soap with an image</a>, you can dip a stamp in a little mica and press onto soft, freshly unmolded soap - I've tried this myself and the effects are pretty nice. Another idea is to<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWRSitz05Xc"> layer and sprinkle cold process soap</a> with a little mica. Also, as an alternative to Titanium Dioxide, I personally like to use pearlescent mica in lightening my soap. Now, you may be wondering where to get great micas to work with in your soapmaking. I order my mica colorants from <a href="http://www.oregontrailsoaps.com/">Oregon Trail Soapers Supply</a>. They carry awesome mica colorants, among other much-needed soap-making supplies.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.oregontrailsoaps.com/productDetail.php?id=278">Pearlizer mica</a> from Oregon Trail Soapers Supply. </i></div>
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<i>You can add this to cold process soap to lighten it. </i></div>
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<i>Even with opaque cold process soap,</i></div>
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<i>the sparkle will reflect in the light.</i></div>
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I recently made a batch of beer soap, made with Guinness and scented with an essential oil blend of Frankincense, Myrrh, Clove, with touches of Vetiver and Vanilla. I lightened some of the soap with the pearlizer mica, and swirled it up. It's a very smoky, spicy scent... perfect for guys and gals alike, and soon to be available via my shop.</div>
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<i>Soooooooap.</i></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-10076073040707247372013-07-10T14:20:00.002-07:002014-08-05T20:46:52.850-07:00Zelda-inspired cosmeticsWhen <a href="http://www.zeldadungeon.net/">Zelda Dungeon</a> shared a <a href="http://www.zeldadungeon.net/2013/05/hylian-inspired-eye-shadows/">post</a> about the <i><a href="http://www.shirocosmetics.com/pages/legendscollection.htm">Legend</a> </i>collection -- gorgeous eyeshadows inspired by <i>The Legend of Zelda</i> -- my reaction?<br />
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(Also, I smashed some pots and sliced some grass, all in complete, gleeful ecstasy.)</div>
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Shiro Cosmetics's <i>Legend </i>collection is a gorgeous array of sparkles and shimmery goodness, that'll make <i>you</i> feel like the Princess of Hyrule (okay, so that was corny. Excuuuuuse me, Princess). Wanting to order it ALL AND NAO but couldn't for the time being (i.e., Imma broke arse), I had to meanwhile settle for my top four picks, below.<br />
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<i>Swatches, left to right: Princess, Master Sword, Temple of Time, and Din's Fire </i></div>
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<i>(I think the names of Din's Fire and Princess were confused, but whatever.)</i></div>
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I love peachy shades, so I'm crazy about the warm sparkly hue of "Princess," which is also lip-safe (and available in lip gloss, but I add it to my lipstick, too). I am also crazy about "Master Sword," as it goes with <i>everything.</i> Shiro cosmetics also offers their <a href="http://www.shirocosmetics.com/pages/fullmetalcollection.htm">Fullmetal collection,</a> which is Fullmetal Alchemist-inspired (!!!) as well as <a href="http://www.shirocosmetics.com/pages/hobbitcollection.htm">There and Back Again: A Hobbit Collection</a>. Especially cool - all are vegan and cruelty-free!<br />
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'Definite thumps up from me -- I am officially hooked, and can't get enough!</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-54948314014551883592013-06-30T16:47:00.001-07:002016-02-16T06:14:27.323-08:00Saskatoon Raspberry JamI love nature. And I'm also that weirdo foraging berries in a park. People look at me and are like, <i>da heck? </i>Hey, stop staring, it saves me coin!<br />
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While I'm a native of Portland, Oregon, and while I (think I) know Portland like the back of my hand, I'm always discovering something new in the Portland Metro area. <a href="http://www.ci.troutdale.or.us/parks-facilities/documents/sunrisepark.htm">Sunrise Park</a>, located in Troutdale, Oregon (close to the Sandy River as well as the Columbia River Gorge), is a neat little gem that I discovered only a few years ago. The view of Wy'East -- Mt. Hood's original Native name -- is stunning, and I've seen diverse wildlife at the park, including a Great Horned Owl, as well as Cedar Waxwings.<br />
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In a recent visit to Sunrise Park, something caught my eye that I had not noticed before: Saskatoons! <i>(Amelanchier alnifolia)</i>. Saskatoons, based upon the <a href="http://www.prairieberries.com/berry.php">Cree word</a> for the plant, are known by other names such as Serviceberry and Juneberry, but it took me a while to identify them as I've never foraged for them before. As I tasted them for the first time, they reminded me of Salal with a slight almond taste, although they're much juicier. The juice stained my lips and left my fingers purple. (Unsurprisingly, the fruits are known to have been used as a dye historically by Native American Tribes, which I may try out sometime myself when dying some yarn... because that would be like, awesome, and stuff).<br />
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<img alt="File:Amelanchier alnifolia 2802.JPG" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Amelanchier_alnifolia_2802.JPG/400px-Amelanchier_alnifolia_2802.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"> </i>Saskatoons/Serviceberry <i style="text-align: start;">(Amelanchier alnifolia)</i>. Photo from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amelanchier_alnifolia_2802.JPG">Wikipedia.</a></div>
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Saskatoons are fruits that are not exactly berries, but pomes, and were an important food staple for Northwest Tribes. They were eaten in a variety of ways, and often enjoyed fresh, dried, and mixed with pemmican. During the Lewis and Clark expedition, Meriwether Lewis <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/record_species_142_16_36.html">documented the plant</a> in the Dalles, Oregon. The fruits have medicinal properties and were historically used as such, aiding a <a href="http://www.aihd.ku.edu/foods/serviceberry.html">variety of ailments.</a><br />
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As for my own adventures, I picked some of the fruits -- being sure to leave plenty out of each picking for Nature -- and went home, not sure of what to do with them. I didn't have enough for a pie, and I've been baking a ton of muffins lately, so something different was in order. After googling some ideas and finding <a href="http://www.bernardin.ca/pages/recipe_page/51.php?pid=366">this</a> recipe, I decided to make a mixed jam with Raspberries from my garden. And it was basically the best decision, ever. Saskatoons are delicious!<br />
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Oh, yes.</div>
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For more information, please see:<br />
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<a href="http://www.powells.com/s?kw=wild+berries+of+the+west&class=">Wild Berries of the West</a> written by Betty B. Derig and Margaret C. Fuller<br />
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<a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/9780878423590">Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West</a> by Gregory L. Tilford<br />
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<a href="http://www.aihd.ku.edu/foods/serviceberry.html">American Indian Health and Diet Project</a><br />
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<i style="background-color: #cafa94; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This post was written for educational purposes only. The information in this post is not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any disease. Please see disclaimer: Not all berries are edible, and many are poisonous, so do not consume any berry/plant without being 100 percent positive of identification.</i><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-21340469105380469522013-06-18T15:00:00.001-07:002014-10-18T16:29:12.727-07:00Gluten-Free Huckleberry muffins<i>Huckleberries, you say?</i><br />
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Okay, so it's a bit early to get excited for them as they ripen in late Summer, but Huckleberries, combined with baking, is a marriage made in Heaven. Few things smell better in life than Huckleberry <strike> pie</strike> <i>anything</i> baking in the oven. I swear, it's like the ultimate power, to bake with those delicious berries.<br />
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Anyway, I used the last of the frozen Huckleberries I had left and turned them into the best muffins I've ever had (surely a stoner would agree, tossing their bag of Doritos out the window and hang onto the muffin tray for dear life). I used <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/">this</a> recipe with a little modification, replacing regular flour with <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/gluten-free-all-purpose-baking-flour.html">Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour</a>, added a teaspoon of Xanthan Gum, and then a tablespoon of Maple Syrup (for no reason other than that I lurve Maple Syrup).<br />
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For the topping mixture, I used half white sugar, and half brown sugar. I think the recipe would be great with other berries, too, and since Salmonberries are currently ripe, I just might make Salmonberry muffins next!<br />
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(On the note of foraging for wild berries, there's a lovely nursery rhyme that children of the Warm Springs and Umatilla Tribes sing: "One for the bear, One for the Coyote, One for the Bird, One for Me." Take one berry out of a few, to leave for Nature.)<br />
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<i>Gluten-Free Huckleberry Muffins. </i></div>
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<i>Time to omnom.</i></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-31767134612927436122013-04-02T19:21:00.000-07:002013-09-02T14:30:24.754-07:00Phantasy Star Review/SwagI'm always on the lookout for video game swag, especially if it's Zelda or Phantasy Star-oriented. As with the Zelda series, and as mentioned in a <a href="http://herbalwaters.blogspot.com/2011/09/alis-landale-queen-of-rpg.html">previous post</a>, I'm pretty obsessed with the classic Phantasy Star RPG series (which basically ruled my childhood). The original series began in 1988 with Phantasy Star I -- my favorite video game of all time -- and concluding in 1995 with Phantasy Star IV. For an excellent review of the complete series you could check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKy-VHNbhms">Happy Console Gamer's synopsis</a>, but otherwise the DL is as follows:<br />
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<b>Phantasy Star (1988):</b> It all began with this one. Somewhere deep in the Andromeda galaxy, is the Algol star system (as some nerdy trivia, Algol -- the "Demon Star" -- really exists as seen in the constellation Perseus, but Algol is actually closer as it's about 90 Light Years away). In the game, the Algol Star System consists of three planets: Palma, a world of green, Motavia, a world of sand, and Dezoris, a world of ice (and there's Rykros, but we don't get there until PSIV). Anyway. Alis Landale resides in Camineet, on the planet Palma. The economy is in ruins, the people are under martial law, and the star system's ruler, Lassic, has proved to be a tyrant. Under Lassic's rule, towns and cities are falling apart, the people are suffering, and dangerous monsters roam the three worlds. Alis's brother Nero tries to do something and investigate, but he ends up being murdered by Lassic's robotcops, and dies in Alis's arms. Alis therefore vows to avenge her brother's death and overthrow the corrupt goverment. She enlists the aid of Myau, a Musk Cat; Odin, a reputed warrior of great strength, and Lutz/Noah, a wizard. This sci-fi game has 3D dungeons, nice battle backgrounds, and is an incredible experience to play. I worked on it for years, first starting the game when I was a child in the late 1980's. (Also, since it's worth mentioning: Alis Landale is a fantastic female protagonist; <a href="http://www.rpgfan.com/features/Best_Female_RPG_Characters/best.html">she's definitely one of the best</a>, if not <i>the</i> best!)<br />
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<b>Phantasy Star II (1990):</b> A continuation of Phantasy Star I, set 1,000 years later. Rolf, a government agent on the planet Mota (Motavia), and his companion Nei, set out to investigate the issues affecting the planet's system computer, "Mother Brain." This game was created by the same team at SEGA who also created the first Phantasy Star, and as with the first, it has great characters and a strong storyline. However, the game is different in regards to combat and dungeon design (a downer, in my opinion). This game didn't have that same magic for me, though, as the first did... it's actually my least favorite, and it's arguably the most difficult game in the series.<br />
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<b>Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom (1991):</b> Created by an entirely different team at SEGA -- which is evident as the game is a bit of a departure -- and it's considered to be the "black sheep" of the classic series! Indeed, this game is different from the others, and this is its main negative aspect (well, that, and Rhys's metal jock strap). Furthermore, in my opinion, it isn't as exciting as the others and some "phans" even consider it to be boring! That said, though, the character development is excellent and the game's overall plot is really interesting. I like the game for what it is: a space soap-opera with mustaches and harems. It's not <i>really</i> Phantasy Star, though.<br />
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<b>Phantasy Star IV (1995): </b>We're back to the Algol solar system 1,000 years later from PSII (specifically on the planet Motavia) with the adventures of Chaz Ashley and his mentor Alys Brangwin. Along the way, they encounter new and old friends alike in the ultimate quest in battling evil. This game is critically acclaimed, and it is, in one word, <i>incredible.</i> (No joke, read the game's reviews.) For the "phans" who were ticked about PSIII, alllllllllll was forgiven with this game! It compliments the original well -- and then some -- with its excellent dialogue, combo attacks, character design, and battle backgrounds. This game remains my second favorite game of all time, after the original.<br />
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Since the beginning of the Phantasy Star series, other games have been released, such as Phantasy Star Online and Phantasy Star Universe. As for myself, I've been slowly building a collection of classic Phantasy Star swag. Original Phantasy Star swag is hard to come by as they're rare (and unsuprisingly, also very expensive). My collection isn't nearly as awesome as<a href="http://www.ripplinger.us/camineet/mystuff.asp"> others</a>, but eh, I'm sharing it anyway:<br />
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<i>Mega Drive games. 'Still have yet to purchase the first.</i></div>
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<i>I have the Master System/Genesis </i><i>games, as well. These game covers have great </i></div>
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<i>artwork and came with cool maps.</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lF2JCmEgwrk/UVufnzhu-BI/AAAAAAAAG-c/1C7RkFMXVFI/s1600/compendium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lF2JCmEgwrk/UVufnzhu-BI/AAAAAAAAG-c/1C7RkFMXVFI/s1600/compendium.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
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<i>Phantasy Star Compedium. It is out of print and is therefore quite</i></div>
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<i>expensive, but worth every penny. If only Dark Horse Comics could release this for North America with the Japanese translated, as done with Hyrule Historia!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4Iq_69OfhA/UVuQKwMsxfI/AAAAAAAAG-M/Gx0izqAplxA/s1600/P3260418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4Iq_69OfhA/UVuQKwMsxfI/AAAAAAAAG-M/Gx0izqAplxA/s640/P3260418.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Other Phantasy Star books (and Japanese treats).</i><br />
<i>All are in Japanese. These books have beautiful illustrations and all are in excellent condition. I got an extra copy of the PSIII "Diet" character book.</i></div>
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I've been able to score most of these items though eBay (I befriended a sweet Japanese lady through eBay who worked with me in finding some of these rare items), and I just purchased the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Phantasy-Star-IV-Millennium-Offical/dp/1572800291/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366143761&sr=8-2&keywords=phantasy+star+iv">PSIV North American Official Players Guide</a> on Amazon. Amazon Japan is another site where you can find a lot of these rare books. I'm still building on this collection; I <i>really</i> want to get my hands on the <a href="http://retrogaming.blog128.fc2.com/blog-entry-50.html">S.P.E.C.</a> issues (Sega Players Enjoy Club). From what I know, it's very, very, very hard to find them. I'd like to get the other adventure and hint books, too.<br />
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If you love games like<i> Final Fantasy</i> and even <i>The Legend of Zelda,</i> give the classic Phantasy Star series a try. You won't be disappointed!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-43933006304408534772013-02-17T16:39:00.000-08:002014-10-18T16:41:23.351-07:00Quilting For BeginnersYou know you're a science nerd when you make a science blanket. YAAAAS dinosaurs!<br />
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Wanting to take on a new task, I made a science-themed quilt. This is a relatively simple quilt to make and isn't anything fancy; the pattern I used is known as a "Trip Around the World" quilt. This type of quilt is quite easy to create, so it's perfect for beginners.<br />
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To create this quilt, 6 different cotton fabrics are needed. Out of these six fabrics, two are used for the borders (specifically, 1 1/2 yards for one block color and border #1; 1 5/8 yard for one block color and border #2, and lastly, 4 different 5/8 yard pieces are needed). I used twin-sized cotton batting and quilter's flannel (3 and 3/4 yard) for the backing fabric (quilter's flannel is excellent as it washes well, shrinks very little; not to mention it's so soft and warm). For the thread I used a vintage poly-cotton blend and Dual Duty thread. Some old-school quilters only use 100 percent cotton thread, but a poly-cotton blend is strong, machine-friendly, and lasts well.<br />
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When it came to choosing fabrics, I wanted the five fabric choices to vary and represent different science fields. I found the astronomy and paleontology prints at a local fabric store, but the<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1063160"> brain</a>, <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/174407">molecule chain</a>, and <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1110399">moss cell</a> fabric was purchased from <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome">Spoonflower.com.</a> Spoonflower has unique, whimsical fabrics designed and sold by its users. The specialty fabric choices are immense; it's truly a fabric geek's dream come true. (<i>Pssst,</i> check out the awesome <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/spelunks?type=&q=zelda&x=12&y=17">Legend of Zelda</a> choices!)</div>
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I plan to take on pixel quilting, but I'm making a "Log Cabin" quilt next... although that one won't be as eccentric, alas.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5GmqFzJrmg/USF17Ns5YzI/AAAAAAAAGaU/2GgMYHbagOo/s1600/P2171700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5GmqFzJrmg/USF17Ns5YzI/AAAAAAAAGaU/2GgMYHbagOo/s1600/P2171700.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>My science-themed "Trip Around the World" quilt.</i></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-60283938814446107442013-02-07T20:05:00.002-08:002015-03-25T22:22:18.406-07:00Rose: Medicinal Beauty<i>The Decoction of Red Roses made with Wine and used, is very good for the
Headach, and pains in the Eyes, Ears, Throat, and Gums, as also for the
Fundament, the lower Bowels, and the Matrix, being bathed, or put into them. The
same Decoction with the Roses remaining in it is profitably applyed to the
Region of the Heart to eas the Inflamation therin; as also St. Anthonies fire,
and other Diseases of the Stomach. Being dried and beaten to Pouder, and taken
in steeled Wine or Water, it helpeth to stay Womens Courses. </i><br />
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<i>--Nicholas Culpeper, 1616-1654.</i><br />
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The ancients of many different cultures spent thousands of years discovering and harnessing the knowledge of herbs. As stated by naturalist and herbalist Gregory L. Tilford, author of <i>Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West,</i> "Roughly 40 percent of all drugs in modern use are derived by plants. . . more than 70 percent of botanically derived drugs were discovered from folkloric accounts." Herbs maintain, they heal, they treat, they cure... and they can be downright dangerous and deadly if mishandled. These plants demand great respect.<br />
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Besides its uses in medicine, herbs also lend its attributes in beauty products. The rose, the floral symbol of love and romance, is an herb whose medicinal properties have been documented throughout history. Greek poets praised the beautiful flower for its medicinal qualities, and Pliny listed over thirty ailments that were treated with roses. Today, it's common to see rosewater at heath food stores, and rosewater -- the delightfully fragrant byproduct from the distillation of roses -- makes a fantastic, gentle toner for the skin. While you can buy certainly buy rosewater, you also can make your own. If you ask me, it's a far better alternative to the preservative-laden toners sold at "luxury" department stores (not to mention waaaaaay cheaper). When making rosewater, also be sure that the roses haven't been sprayed with pesticides or are chemically treated. <i>Rosa damascena </i> is the traditional rose to use to make rosewater, but you can also use the lovely Apothecary's Rose <i>(Rosa gallica).</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dmJ7mB-laE/URR0-e4DURI/AAAAAAAAGTE/gAfkMPhC1xg/s1600/rose+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dmJ7mB-laE/URR0-e4DURI/AAAAAAAAGTE/gAfkMPhC1xg/s1600/rose+soap.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">All-natural, cold-processed rose soap made with goat milk, wine, and then handmilled with rosewater, and sprinkled with organic </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Rosa damascena petals. It is colored a soft pink from using Madder root. 'Will be a</span><span style="font-style: italic;">vailable soon for purchase in limited quantity in the future.</span></div>
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The recipes to make rosewater vary but an easy one is found in herbalist Rosemary Gladstar's book, <i>Herbs for Natural Beauty.</i> You can find her rosewater recipe online <a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/rose-water-how-to-make-your-own.html?page=2">here.</a><br />
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For more information, please see:<br />
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<a href="http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/roses-18.html">Rose information at botanical.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9781580171526">Herbs for Natural Beauty by Rosemary Gladstar</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780878423590-0">Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West by Gregory L. Tilford</a><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-40362822305807991652012-09-06T22:43:00.001-07:002014-10-18T16:30:32.501-07:00Autumn and Pumpkin Spice Soap<div>
Ah, <i>Autumn. </i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8x4GC0-Z0ZI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<i>Vivaldi's Autumn.</i></div>
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It is just arriving... the oak tree's leaves are just starting to leave its verdant shade of green, now tipped with the faintest hue of gold. Autumn has been my favorite season since I can remember. The beautiful colors are a visual wonder, but Autumn brings other sensory delights: Crisp air, flavorful apples, and various
culinary delights made of pumpkin and spices. </div>
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I welcomed the arrival of September by making Pumpkin Spice Soap, which smells exactly like Pumpkin pie. Made with an essential oil blend of cinnamon leaf, nutmeg, sweet orange, and vanilla, it is definitely one of my best batches to date. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUKyjnhFMIA/UEmDTIXzCPI/AAAAAAAAEic/3ARqe2aEPVs/s1600/pumpkinspice3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUKyjnhFMIA/UEmDTIXzCPI/AAAAAAAAEic/3ARqe2aEPVs/s320/pumpkinspice3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>All natural Pumpkin Spice Soap.</i></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-22686243225917904102012-08-24T17:25:00.001-07:002013-04-19T18:33:46.077-07:00Zelda cookies In 1987, a game was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System that would change gaming history and spark a passion for countless people worldwide: <i>The Legend of Zelda.</i> It remains one of the best -- if not <i>the</i> best -- gaming series of all time.<br />
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I was introduced to the original Zelda game as a child in the 1980s; I grew up a tomboy and played video games with my older brothers and childhood neighbors. While my family had Sega consoles (Master System and Genesis), our neighbors had the NES and SNES, and it was through my neighbor's NES that I was introduced to the magic of the original Zelda.<br />
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That game, the original, evolved into an epic series since, with <i>Skyward Sword</i> as the latest Zelda game for the Nintendo Wii. Many Zelda fans have a particular favorite in the series that ignited their Zelda obsession. The game that did it for me, personally, was <i>Ocarina of Time.</i> The music, the storyline, the game play... every aspect of the game is mind-blowing.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyD0eqAe6QY/UDk2hGdmYeI/AAAAAAAAEWA/KzILmysYyeo/s1600/440px-Ocarina_of_Time_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HyD0eqAe6QY/UDk2hGdmYeI/AAAAAAAAEWA/KzILmysYyeo/s320/440px-Ocarina_of_Time_poster.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
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<i>Ocarina of Time poster</i></div>
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<i>Magic potions? Yes, please.</i></div>
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<i>From the Triforce Tribute, Portland, Oregon. </i></div>
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There is so much creativity expressed by Zelda fans: Doujinshi, countless and beautiful artwork, <a href="http://piasa.bandcamp.com/album/triforce-tribute">music</a>, and inspired culinary ideas are a few of the many examples. Wanting to express my love of the series, too, I've yet to make the insanely awesome <a href="http://love-makinginthekitchen.blogspot.com/2011/02/pixel-cookies-link-from-zelda.html">Link pixel cookies</a>, but I've made my own (albeit far less beautiful and sophisticated) <i>Ocarina of Time</i> themed-cookies. To make these easy-schmeezy Zelda cookies, you need a shortbread recipe (if you're gluten-intolerant like me,<a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/09/gluten-free-tuesday-shortbread-cookies-recipe.html"> click here</a> for a recipe, or you can do the not-from-scratch-shortcut and buy<a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/gf-shortbread-cookie-mix.html"> Bob's Red Mill shortbread mix</a>), a little food coloring, and some cookie cutters (party hat and heart).<br />
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<i>Zelda cookies. Omnomnom.</i></div>
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<b>For Link hats:</b> Separate the dough in half and add green food coloring. Mix well to blend. Roll out and use the party hat cutters. Slice the top edge of the party hat cut-outs with a knife, to give it less of a clownish look and more of a "Link hat" appearance. If you want to create stitches -- totally optional as Link's hat stitches aren't as visible in <i>Ocarina</i> as they are in, say, <i>Twilight Princess</i> -- take chocolate sprinkles and line them up to create stitches.<br />
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<b>Ocarina of Time heart containers: </b>Use a little bit of blue food coloring, mix well, roll out the dough, and use a heart cookie-cutter. After baking, use a little decorating gel coloring to draw the inner red heart.<br />
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Follow the recipe's directions for baking time and temperature.<br />
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More Zelda stuff to come, but in the meanwhile get your Zelda creativity fix from these sites:<br />
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<a href="http://www.geekychef.com/search/label/zelda">The Geeky Chef blog</a><br />
<a href="http://zeldapartychannel.webs.com/">Zelda Party Channel</a><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-46458387624223639872012-08-01T15:05:00.003-07:002016-02-16T06:11:02.868-08:00Oregon GrapeOkay so I'm broke. But I need jam for my toast! Hey, Oregon Grape bush, I'm gonna pick ya.<br />
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So, for real, Oregon Grape -- Oregon's State flower -- is currently ripe, and it makes a decent jelly when made with an ample amount of sugar. While Oregon Grape isn't a true grape, they resemble grapes, and the jelly tastes like concord grape<i> </i>juice.<br />
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Oregon Grape, of the <i>Mahonia</i> species and Barberry family, has several varieties that grow in the Pacific Northwest. Cascade Oregon Grape <i>(M. nervosa)</i> and Tall Oregon Grape <i>(M. aquifolium)</i> were <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/record_species_207_16_18.html">discovered by the Lewis and Clark expedition</a> in 1805. The fruit is high in vitamin C, and is an important food source for wildlife. Many people are surprised to learn that Oregon Grape is edible for humans as well, but they're not exactly palatable as they're very sour fresh off the bush. Herbalists love Oregon Grape as it has medicinal qualities as well. Used as an alternative to Goldenseal -- a wonderful herb that is threatened -- Oregon Grape root can be used to aid a variety of ailments, including <a href="http://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/component/content/article/53/233.html"> digestive issues</a>. It is also claimed to aid skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis in the form of salves and soaps. (I can personally attest to this, as I have infused Oregon Grape root in oil, which I used in my soaps with positive results.)<br />
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Anyway, I went picking in a wooded park and brought home about two cups of berries. Before getting started, be sure to soak them in a salt water mix to draw any critters out.<br />
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<i>Oregon Grape Jelly:</i><br />
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<i>2 - 3 cups Oregon Grape berries</i><br />
<i>1 box pectin</i><br />
<i>2 - 3 cups water (or apple juice, if desired)</i><br />
<i>Sugar (I used about two cups but you can use more, if desired... it all depends on how sweet or tangy you want your preserves)</i><br />
<i>1 tablespoon honey</i><br />
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This recipe is easy to adjust if you're making a larger batch, increase the water to just cover the berries. But before you get started, rinse the berries well of the saline solution. Cook about five minutes in a pot or saucepan to soften them.<br />
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Now, some folks don't mash/crush the berries when making Oregon Grape preserves, but I crushed the berries a bit to release the juices and let them cook more. I strained the mix using a sieve -- removing the seeds and skins, some of the pulp gets through the sieve but it's mostly juice -- and continued to cook the juice, where I added an equal amount of sugar (give or take, depending on your taste... for two cups of berries I added two cups of sugar and some honey). Add the pectin, bring the juice to a boil, and cook for another few minutes before pouring into jars.<br />
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<i>Oregon Grape Jelly.</i><br />
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<i>Toooooooast! Omnomnom.</i></div>
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My opinion of Oregon Grape jelly?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HrxCoM8Ru8/VEL4w_Th_kI/AAAAAAAAUgo/D4fxzSD7nqE/s1600/Obama-reddit-ama-not-bad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HrxCoM8Ru8/VEL4w_Th_kI/AAAAAAAAUgo/D4fxzSD7nqE/s1600/Obama-reddit-ama-not-bad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For more information, please see:<br />
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<i>Wild Berries of the West</i> by Betty Derig and Margaret C. Fuller<br />
<i>Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West</i> by Gregory L. Tilford<br />
<a href="http://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/component/content/article/53/233.html">Oregon Grape: Gentle Protector</a> at thepracticalherbalist.com<br />
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<i>This post was written for educational purposes only. The information in this post is not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any disease. Please see disclaimer: Not all berries are edible, and many are poisonous, so do not consume any berry/plant without being 100 percent positive of identification. Consult a physician, Naturopathic doctor, or herbalist before using Oregon Grape for medicinal purposes. <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-493-OREGON%20GRAPE.aspx?activeIngredientId=493&activeIngredientName=OREGON%20GRAPE">Do NOT use Oregon Grape while pregnant.</a></i><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-54735083533196099282012-06-25T19:25:00.001-07:002014-10-18T16:34:37.899-07:00Rubus JamAfter my <a href="http://herbalwaters.blogspot.com/2012/06/salmonberry-jam.html">disappointing experience</a> with the meh-ness of wild Salmonberry jam, I decided to give the berry another chance. I want to love Salmonberries so badly; they're beautiful, are nutritious, and this time of year, they're <i>everywhere</i> in the Pacific Northwest. So, rather than return to Dabney State Park and avoid falling into Stinging Nettle (like the last time), I went back to the <a href="http://herbalwaters.blogspot.com/2011/07/thimbleberry-and-salmonberry.html">grove</a> I discovered locally, and began to pick.<br />
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As an excited forager, perhaps I was too hasty in my previous Salmonberry-picking. The berries I picked in the grove seemed a little more palatable... perhaps they were a little more ripe... although they're still not in the same league as the sole ripe Thimbleberry I was able to get my hands on. I picked a mug full of the golden beauties, and then returned home to make jam. Only, instead of having a 100 percent Salmonberry jam, I mixed it with another member -- albeit a more famous member of the<i> Rubus</i> genus -- tasty raspberries! I planted raspberry bushes in the garden a couple of years ago; best gardening decision I've ever made.<br />
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<i>My recipe:</i><br />
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<i>1 1/2 cups Raspberries</i><br />
<i>1 cup Salmonberries</i><br />
<i>some lemon juice</i><br />
<i>1 cup sugar</i><br />
<i>1 tablespoon of honey</i><br />
<i>a bit of pectin, if desired</i><br />
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<i>Gently wash and pick over berries, and mash them in a saucepan. As they cook, add a bit of lemon juice (I added about half of a lemon's juice) and then I added 1 cup of sugar. Add a bit of pectin if desired, about two tablespoons or so. Bring the jam to a boil for several minutes. Turn off the surface, and allow the jam to cool before storing.</i><br />
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This jam works; there's no strange aftertaste, and it has just the right amount of tart.The end result of <i>Rubus</i> jam yields an absolutely delicious and fantastic jam. <i>Booyakasha!</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-89174136142452807752012-06-18T14:11:00.003-07:002015-08-25T21:17:17.849-07:00Shea Lemon Soap"Science. What is it all about? Technology, what is that all about? Is it good, or is it whack?"<br />
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Science rocks. In college I always loved lab work particularly, as it's so fun to get down and "do" science. <i>"Makin' soap is classic chemistry, yo!" </i> (Said in my best Ali G voice with a hand flick.) After studying soapmaking books for months and <i>especially</i> learning from the great "Soap Queen" Anne-Marie Faiola (owner of the fabulous <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/">Brambleberry.com</a> where you can get alllllllll your soapmaking supplies and then some), I made my very first soap! The experimental batch I made is a lovely pale yellow soap made with shea butter and lemon. Natural, toxic-free, healthy soaps FTW!<br />
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<i>My Shea Lemon soap. It's alllllll natural, baby.</i></div>
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<i>My recipe, using metric units... yes, metric:</i><br />
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<i>136 grams extra virgin olive oil</i><br />
<i>136 grams organic coconut oil</i><br />
<i>90 grams organic shea butter</i><br />
<i>90 grams "rainforest friendly" palm oil</i><br />
<i>170 grams water</i><br />
<i>62 grams lye</i><br />
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After the soap traced, I added lemon and lemongrass essential oils to the batch. In future batches with this specific recipe, I'll be adding d-alpha-tocopherol (natural Vitamin E) as a slight natural preservative, and also lemon butter.<br />
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Success with another arrow in the quiver!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-84397196818230760302012-06-16T17:32:00.000-07:002014-10-18T16:35:27.014-07:00Salmonberry JamAfter visiting <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_151.php">Dabney state park</a> for a hike, and seeing the golden Salmonberries <i>(Rubus spectabilis)</i> dispersed throughout the Sandy River's landscape, I was really excited to get my jam-making groove on and make a batch. The berries are simply beautiful with colors ranging from gold to salmon to scarlet. Salmonberries were an important food source for northwest Tribes; historically, Native Americans ate the sprouts peeled, or steam cooked the sprouts with dried salmon. <i>Rubus spectabilis</i> served medicinal purposes as well for Native Americans.<br />
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For two days I hiked around the area to pick them -- carefully avoiding Stinging Nettle and spiders -- and after all that foraging, I couldn't wait to turn the berries into a jam, and spread the stuff on my toast.<br />
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<i>Salmonberry at Dabney State Park, Oregon.</i></div>
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As for the flavor of Salmonberries, well, they vary in taste, and can be described as "insipid." While they've never had that "wow" factor for me, I never thought they were flavorless (in my experience, the taste can range from semi-sweet to "woodsy", but they can have a strange aftertaste).<br />
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Once picked, Salmonberries can get mushy. While not as delicate as Thimbleberries, they're best eaten right away, and I've read berry books (Janie Hibler's <i>The Berry Bible</i>) that state making a jam with them isn't recommended. Contrary to this, though, <a href="http://fat-of-the-land.blogspot.com/2008/09/salmonberry-jam.html">others have had success.</a> I don't often use pectin when making jam, but I did use it while using<a href="http://www.boskydellnatives.com/salmonberryjam.htm"> this recipe</a>.<br />
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<i>Fresh Salmonberries, ready for jam-making.</i></div>
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Well, I finally made a batch, and as I tasted it, I felt a little disappointed. The flavor isn't bad per se, but it's just.. <i>meh.</i> As with their fresh form, the jam likewise has that same interesting aftertaste... something I can't really pinpoint, but it's a bit of a bitter taste that sugar can't completely conceal. A different batch may yield a better flavor, but my culinary conclusion is that, while aesthetically appealing and also edible, Salmonberries don't make the best jam. Perhaps mixing the Salmonberries with another member of the <i>Rubus </i>genus (e.g., raspberries) would aid in making a better and tastier jam.</div>
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And yet, the soon-to-ripen Thimbleberry will be available (and those berries are simply delicious), so I'm starting to feel excited to forage once again.<br />
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For more information, please check out the book, <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/7-9780878424337-0">Wild Berries of the West</a> by Betty B. Derig and Margaret C. Fuller.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-35957736279481981362012-05-23T19:08:00.001-07:002015-08-25T01:16:55.773-07:00What's in your beauty products?Looooong story ahead.<br />
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In 2004, I spent some time in Alaska, going to college at UAA studying archaeology. An Irish person such as myself does not have the skin meant for arctic weather, because my skin changed for the worse: my hands were itchy, and my skin cracked and bled. My hands looked so bad that I was wearing cloth mittens everywhere, even indoors. I was suffering and it sucked. I actually thought I had some kind of flesh-eating bacteria. A visit to the dermatologist allowed a diagnosis: eczema, but she just prescribed corticosteroids and sent me on my (unmerry) way (thanks, doctor whomever, for prescribing Prednisone, as that stuff IS POISON). Ahem, anyway. The air is very dry in Alaska, and the prescribed Prednisone, as well as skin lotions, wasn't helping, either.<br />
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When I returned home to Oregon, my eczema greatly regressed but it was still bothersome from time to time. I then visited an excellent dermatologist and this doctor helped me understand eczema (and my many allergies). Through my own research and managing the eczema, I came to the understanding that while I always had slight eczema I have very sensitive skin, and that most soap products bother me. Any soap product with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate notably causes my eczema to flare up with a vengeance. Therefore, my shampoos and soaps are, of course, free of sulfates. I can't do the dishes without rubber gloves, as dish-washing liquid is murder on my hands. My SLS-free soaps are purchased from soapmakers, and from Trader Joe's.<br />
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My experiences eventually led me to the million-dollar question: what's with all the "questionable ingredients" in consumer products, anyway? What's with the labels that scream "Sulfate free" and "Free of parabens" and "Phosphate-free"? A visit to the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a> website yields answers to what these ingredients are and informs you of what's in your own products.<br />
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Some of the basics:<br />
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<b>Sulfates</b> (i.e., the above mentioned Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) are found in just about every cleaner, <a href="http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.htm">from garage-floor cleaners</a> to shampoos to soaps to toothpaste. (Yes, you read that correctly: stuff that is used to clean garage floors <a href="http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.htm">is also put into</a> your toothpaste and shampoo.) This is the stuff that creates lather in a soap, and as a <strong sb_id="ms__id3815">surfactant,</strong> it's good at removing oils from your hair and body.<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/sls"> It is also known to be a skin irritant</a>, especially for those who have sensitive skin and eczema. According to Bonnie Rochman's <i>Time</i> Health article <i><a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2098582,00.html">Ingredient Anxiety</a></i>, another concern regarding Sulfates is that "some of these foaming agents are skin irritants; others combine with petrochemicals to form 1,4-dioxane, which is a probable human carcinogen."<br />
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<b>Parabens</b> are found in many beauty products, including cosmetics, deodorants, shampoos, and hair products, and is used as a preservative and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylparaben">anti-fungal </a>agent. Have a look at the label on the back of a hair product, perhaps one that you own and use. Do you see "methyparaben", perhaps? The problem with parabens is that <a href="http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=291">they mimic estrogen</a>; lab tests have indicated endocrine-disrupting compounds. According to the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/563">Environmental Working Group</a>, parabens "were found in breast cancer tumors of 19 out of 20 women studied." Scary.<br />
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<b>Phthalates</b> are found in <a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2098582,00.html">a variety of products</a>, including fragrances, cosmetics such as eyeshadow, liquid soaps, nail polish, shower curtains, and more. The Environmental Working Group website states, "<a href="http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/480">Phthalates</a> have been found to disrupt the endocrine system" by affecting sperm counts and reproductive systems in male animals, and studies indicate (U.S. Center for Disease Control’s 2005 National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals) it is also linked to <a href="http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/480">liver cancer.</a> Also frightening is that <a href="http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=290">most personal care products</a> don't list phthalates on labels, according to The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.<br />
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Other nasty ingredients include but isn't limited to Bisphenol A (BPA), DMDM hydantoin, Phosphates, and 1,4-dioxane.<br />
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Consumers are unknowingly spending money (sometimes, <a href="http://herbalwaters.blogspot.com/2011/12/essential-oils-and-perfumery.html">a lot of money</a>) on products containing these harsh ingredients.<br />
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Due to my own need for soaps without SLS, I've decided to jump on the soap-making bandwagon. I'll be updating subsequent blog posts with my soap-making experiences. Eventually, the soaps that I'll make (and those that turn out decently enough) will be available for sale <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/SarahWaterscolors">through my Etsy page.</a> W00t.<br />
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For more information, please see:<br />
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<a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2098582,00.html">Ingredient Anxiety</a> written by Bonnie Rochman<br />
<a href="http://www.ewg.org/">The Environmental Working Group</a><br />
<a href="http://safecosmetics.org/">The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics</a><br />
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All natural soooooap: including Triforce soap! W00t!</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-1883584918339200822012-05-07T15:57:00.000-07:002016-02-16T06:16:42.781-08:00Herbal AphrodisiacsAh, <i>Eros.</i> Love has many forms, but romantic love... well, when it's right... is pretty nice. And even though I'm a single person I'm going to teach you how to get your mojo on. <i>(Hey! I know this stuff from books, okay?)</i><br />
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Anyway, ahem, for all the love birds out there: roses, chocolates, and candlelight dinners are classic tools for romance. There's also aphrodisiacs: "love-inducing" foods or substances. Most have surely heard of popular food aphrodisiacs, such as chocolate, oysters, and tomatoes. What's interesting is that among desire-inducing foods, are herbs<i>.</i> Some people are skeptical as many aphrodisiac "claims" are not scientifically proven -- and this is true -- but just as food and herbs nourish us, they also affect our bodies (e.g., Dandelion as a diuretic). Herbs are a delight to our senses, and they heal us, but many throughout history relied on certain herbs to enhance...well... passion. The most ancient love potions were derived from herbs and flowers (and, according to Folklore, were usually gathered on Midsummer's Eve).<br />
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Not sure how to get your mojo on with herbs? Well, there are many known herbal aphrodisiacs, but the most common ones will be mentioned. Don't be so shy and read on, this is knowledge!<br />
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<i>Garlic and Asparagus. </i></div>
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<b>Garlic (Allium sativum): </b>Now, you wouldn't think "garlic breath" to be a turn-on, but garlic has gained quite the reputation for being a passion-inducing herb. <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Recipes/romantic-recipes-top-aphrodisiac-ingredients/story?id=12885663">The ancient Greeks and Egyptians</a> believed it, anyway.<br />
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<b>Parsley (Petroselinum hortense):</b> Google "parsley aphrodisiac" and the results speak for itself! Indeed, Parsley is a known herbal Aphrodisiac, as the seeds are claimed to <a href="http://www.liveandfeel.com/medicinalplants/parsley.html">stimulate sexual glands and fertility.</a> Some websites recommend <a href="http://www.futurescopes.com/love-and-sex/aphrodisiacs-women/1302/parsley-aphrodisiac-women">Parsley as an aphrodisiac for women</a>, specifically. (Caution: pregnant women should not use parsley and parsley products, especially the essential oils. Consult a doctor.)<br />
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<b>Asparagus (</b><b>Asparagus officinalis)</b><b>:</b> It makes your urine stink, but eating asparagus is not only very tasty and good for you, it's a known aphrodisiac, too. Nicholas Culpeper, an herbalist from the 17th century, wrote that the tasty asparagus<a href="http://www.alternet.org/health/132846"> "stirs up lust in man and woman." </a> Some websites claim asparagus<a href="http://www.alternet.org/health/132846"> boosts histamine </a>production, which aids the ability to um, well, just see<a href="http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Ozs-Ultimate-Orgasm-Libido-Boosters/3"> this website</a>.<br />
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<b>Sweet Basil (</b><b>Ocimum basilicum)</b><b>:</b> Its fresh scent is intoxicating, and apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so, because it was said to <a href="http://science.howstuffworks.com/aphrodisiac3.htm">"drive men wild"</a> to the point that women would sprinkle their bosoms with it! Often used in pasta dishes, it has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. Basil is another herb claimed as a "love food"; in ancient Rome, <a href="http://www.eatsomethingsexy.com/wordpress/aphrodisiac-foods/basil/">basil</a> was a symbol of love.<br />
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For more information, check it!<br />
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<i>Herbal Aphrodisiacs From World Sources</i> by Clarence Meyer<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-60184475761746860652012-04-22T21:51:00.001-07:002015-08-25T01:19:09.295-07:00Dandy DandelionsMy affinity for nature began when I was a child. It was during my childhood that love for certain bright yellow wildflowers began; those happy flowers you could twist into crowns, and wear in your hair. A member of the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family, the perennial wildflower commonly known as Dandelions (<i>Taraxacum officinale</i>) -- strangely hated as it is abused and poisoned by gardeners every Spring -- has fabulous medicinal properties.<br />
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<i>Dandelion in my garden. </i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/106801571084275229504/2012042209#5734453537152695122" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0c_1YSfsY_k/T5TfHA73-1I/AAAAAAAAC3k/BzkH6WcQq_o/s320/dandelion2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Honeybee on a Dandelion in my garden. </i></div>
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Dandelions are an important food source for honeybees, and as mentioned, herbalists regard Dandelions as having excellent medicinal properties. Notably, it has a reputation as a diuretic and was used historically as such (with names such as "pis-en-lit" - lol), and is also used to treat bile and liver problems. Dandelions also have culinary uses, as young greens -- packed with vitamin A -- are added to salads. Its roots can be ground and used as a coffee substitute, too.<br />
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Caution is advised here, see disclaimer. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraxacum">Dandelions closely resemble other plants</a>, so it's very important to identify correctly. Dandelions have no branches or central stalk and the leaves are not fuzzy. Consult an expert (i.e., herbalist, or Naturopath) before consuming this plant. Teas are available at health stores and online.<br />
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<i>For more information, please see:</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780878423590-0">Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West</a> by Gregory Tilford<br />
Dandelion info at <a href="http://www.altnature.com/gallery/Dandelion.htm">Alternative Nature Online Herbal</a></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859821007885441938.post-25940373957033170652012-03-17T19:16:00.006-07:002015-08-25T21:15:08.758-07:00MulleinAn unusual plant was growing in my garden. It wasn't until last summer, though, that it became interesting; I had never seen a plant like it before. It grew into a very tall plant, was single-stemmed, and had large, fuzzy leaves. Its curious flowers were yellow in color, clustered around the tip of the plant.<br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/Starr_040723-0030_Verbascum_thapsus.jpg"><img alt="File:Starr 040723-0030 Verbascum thapsus.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Starr_040723-0030_Verbascum_thapsus.jpg/450px-Starr_040723-0030_Verbascum_thapsus.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em>Photo Source</em> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starr_040723-0030_Verbascum_thapsus.jpg"><em>Wikipedia.</em></a></div>
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After it flowered, though, the plant died, which meant it was a biennial.<br />
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One evening, as I read Gregory L. Tilford's <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780878423590-0">Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West</a>, I was surprised to see the plant on page 102. Its actual name is Mullein (Verbascum thapus), and it is a medicinal plant used by herbalists (and by Native Americans, historically). When I was sick a month ago, I was also surprised that Mullein is one of the ingredients in <span class="main-title" itemprop="name" sb_id="ms__id2089"><a href="http://www.quantumhealth.com/productgroups/elderberry_products.html">Quantum Health's Elderberry Syrup</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="main-title" itemprop="name" sb_id="ms__id2089">Mullein is said to possess strong antimicrobial properties, and is used to treat ear infections, as well. It is also used to relieve congestion, and <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Alvita-Tea?csrc=GPF-PA-726016004725&ci_sku=726016004725&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}">teas can be purchased online.</a> An infusion of Mullein can be used as a brightening hair rinse for fellow blondes (future self-experiment and blog post!).</span><br />
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<span class="main-title" itemprop="name" sb_id="ms__id2089">According to Tilford's book, while adverse side-effects haven't been noted with Mullein, the seeds <u>are toxic</u> and should never be consumed under <u>any</u> circumstances. In large enough doses the plant can prove to be toxic due to the substances oumarin and rotenone. Don't mess around with this plant without the consultation of an expert, <em>mmmkay?</em></span><br />
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<em>This post was written for educational purposes only, please see my disclaimer. Consult a doctor before using any herb.</em><br />
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<span class="main-title" itemprop="name" sb_id="ms__id2089"><em>For more reading, see Gregory L. Tilford's <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780878423590-0">Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West</a></em></span><br />
<span class="main-title" itemprop="name" sb_id="ms__id2089"><em>Mullein info at <a href="http://www.drugs.com/npc/mullein.html">Drugs.com</a></em></span><br />
<span class="main-title" itemprop="name" sb_id="ms__id2089"><em>Mullein info at <a href="http://www.altnature.com/gallery/mullien.htm">Alternative Nature Online Herbal</a></em></span><br />
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<span class="main-title" itemprop="name" sb_id="ms__id2089"><br /></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09672156261239432391noreply@blogger.com0