Say Hello Autumn with Delicious Moist Pumpkin Bread!

With the official start of autumn just around the corner, I've decided to celebrate by baking delicious, moist, pumpkin bread.

One of my favorite things about autumn are the flavors and aromas that arise from baking fall inspired quick breads.

Pumpkin bread is my favorite quick bread variety. This particular recipe is as rich and moist as it is healthy.

Chia and flax give it an extra anti-oxidant, omega-3 and fiber burst, while the olive oil gives it a rich round flavor. Dark chocolate chips, craisins and walnuts give the bread bursts of delicious holiday flavors. Together, the ingredients will help you ring in the autumn in festive style.

Here are the ingredients:

1 can of pumpkin (15 oz)

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar 

1/4 cup chia

2 tablespoons ground flax

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/8 cup evaporated milk

4 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cups walnuts

1/2 cups craisins

1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Here's what to do:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. You'll want to place your baking rack at the bottom of the oven to ensure the best bake.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients (sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, sea salt, chia, flax, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder) and set it aside. Make sure your dry ingredients are fully blended.

In a smaller mixing bowl, combine your wet ingredients (pumpkin, evaporated milk, vanilla, olive oil, eggs).

Mix your chocolate chips, walnuts and craisins into the wet ingredients.

Mix your wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Once again, make sure everything is fully blended.

Pour your mix into a greased loaf pan and place in the oven (remember to lower the rack).

Bake for an hour, or until your loaf his risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Set your pan out to cool (about another hour) before you slice and enjoy this delectable autumn treat.

Fun Around and In Brooklyn's Prospect Park Zoo!

I was being pulled downwards, sharp branches poked at my hair and face. "Come inside the big-bom mommy." I got down on my knees, trying not to wake my newborn who was strapped to me. "It's a Wigwam, Ohm. This is where the Lenape Indians lived." I was crawling over leaves and sticks. "Come inside the Indian house. I'm going to make some food." The little hand tugged again with full force and I was inside. "Sit mommy, sit!" I did as I was told. Above, an intricate system of reeds and bark came together to form a roof, one that allowed the stream of afternoon sun to penetrate in shimmering brilliance. As my three year old pretended to cook over an open fire, I settled onto my tree stump bench with my newborn in anticipation of the imaginary meal I was about to partake in. We came to Prospect Park to visit the zoo. What we found was an entire historical experience. It says, Zoo entrance, but when you walk beneath that arch, the first thing you're met with is a model Lenape village. Children (and adults) can play in the model wigwams while learning about New York's original inhabitants. Once you're on your way again, down the path headed towards the zoo, another surprise awaits. The historic Lefferts House, once owned by Continental Army Lieutenant Pieter Lefferts and his family, is now a museum, free to the public and open for exploration.

Built in 1783, the house and farm have been preserved as a museum of family life in the 1800's. On the great lawn, children can wear stilts and play with toys such as wooden hoops that were popular in the 1800s.

Inside, Ohm ran giddily from room to room, touching and experiencing it all (luckily the touching was encouraged by the museum which caters to small children). "Look mommy, I'm eating corn." "Look mommy, I'm playing a game." "Come on, we have to play the piano!"

An hour later, we emerged from the 1800's. Ohm, yawning, swore he was still ready to explore the zoo. A big fan of tiring him out, onwards we marched, down the path towards the zoo, past the historical carousel, past the ice cream vendors and pretzel vendors and hot dog vendors, onwards and onwards, until we made it to our destination. I had known for a while that there was a Zoo inside Prospect Park (Brooklyn’s Central Park) but I never took the time to stop by for a visit. At the end of the day, every New Yorker knows that the sprawling Bronx Zoo is where all of the animals live. I wasn’t so sure about this Prospect Park Zoo business. But since we don't live in the Bronx, we live in Brooklyn, within walking distance to the park, I figured it was high about time we became acclimated with our own backyard.

The Prospect Park Zoo, is a small zoo, it’s actually just the right size for a toddler. The grounds are beautifully manicured with gardens and sculptures, its compact size is not overwhelming and is quite accessible for little ones. You will not find lions, tigers and bears at the Prospect Park Zoo. Instead, you’ll find sea lions, red tailed pandas, ground hogs, farm animals, llamas, mongoose, and other small wonders.

Ohm didn’t seem to mind. His three year old attention span could only handle so much stimulation. After the Lenape wigwam and the Lefferts house and the petting zoo, he was walking on sunshine. He had a great time without the lions, tigers and bears and I was happy I didn't have to drive to the Bronx and fight for parking. I had no idea there was so much to do around and in Brooklyn's Prospect Park Zoo. We'll be back!

Drawing Inspiration from France

During my first year as a teacher in 2003, I shared a crappy apartment in East Harlem, ate in almost every night, made few purchases and hoarded my money so I could spend the summer in France. It began in September as a crazy idea. After dinner one evening, my friend Fred said "we should go to Paris."

Of course we should, I agreed. I mean, who doesn't want to go to Paris?

By October, we had an elaborate plan. We were going to take on as much of France as possible for four weeks over the summer.

While my friends bought new shoes and bags, I saved and saved. I would go shopping in Paris I told myself ( this was before the Euro overtook the dollar).

I wish I had a fancy photo collage to share with you of my enchanting time on the Parisian shore, but I don't. In 2003, I was still working with Kodak fun saver cameras (yes, remember them). This was before I had a digital camera and way before I could have ever conceived of an iPhone or of blogging (gasp!). All of my photos from France lie in a scrapbook (oh my gosh, remember those), in my house in Maryland. I'll have to dig them out later. In the meantime, I will continue like the rest of the posts in this drawing inspiration series.

When I think of France, I am reminded of:

• Drinking red wine at a busy outdoor cafe. The breeze, warm on my shoulders as we watch people parade by. Often we'd order things we never heard of as an experiment and why not; the food, almost without exception, no matter what we ordered, was spectacular.
• Taking in a new French film a week. The small intimate theatre in Paris that I visited was the perfect place to practice my French. In the velvety darkness, I wracked my brain to recall the French I learned  from elementary school through college. I saw every film that was being shown and got a crash course in French culture and fashion while doing so.
• Breakfast! Oh, the glorious breakfast pastries, croissants, pain au chocolates and the savory quiches and tarts complimented by the strongest, smoothest, soul fulfilling coffee. My tongue has yet to feel so happy and alive.
• Eating buttery baguette on the banks of the river Seine. A moment of stillness, beautiful simplicity, as the rest of Paris hustled and bustled in the distance.
• Evening in Pigalle. The midnight sky. The smoky amber glow of cafes. The cluster of artists that set up camp along the narrow cobblestone streets. The sweet taste of hot sugar and lemon crepes.
• Landing head first at the base of the Basilica Sacre-Coeur. Eye to the lense of my sophisticated Kodak fun saver, in search of the perfect panoramic shot of Montmartre from where I stood at the top of the Sacre-Coeur. One false step forward (no fair how looking through the camera lense distorts your sense of space) and I'm suddenly airborne, tumbling head and elbows first down the hallowed stairs of the Sacre-Coeur. A crowd of horrified Italian tourists gather around me, pull me to my shaking feet. Scraped elbows, chin and knees and no photo to show for it. I wish I could say this was the last time I ever used a fun saver.
• Strolling down the Champs Elysee, the Tour Eiffel, elegant and fragile in the distance. Spreading a picnic blanket over the lawn at its base and taking it all in, pen in hand, thinking I'm going to come back here when I'm in love....
• Beneath the glassy top hat of the Louvre, into a world of heat and color. Searching for my favorite Chagall (the one with the green goat beside a lady in red beneath a crescent moon) when someone caught my eye, a mischievous lady in grey, the Mona Lisa up close- beguiling eyes and that signature gamine smile.
• Rolling fields of green, right before the land meets the sea. Colorful manicured gardens and lavender carried for miles in the breeze.

France, what a pleasure and an honor it was to be in your presence.

Two products were inspired by my time in France, the Paris Fragrance oil, a light, roll on formula that epitomizes romance and pleasure, with notes of lavender and jasmine and the Provence Whipped Body Butter, a creamy, whipped butter scented with lavender.

If you can’t experience France in person for yourself, take the journey with a Paris Fragrance Oil or a Provence Whipped Body Butter.

From now, until next Wednesday (9/17) enjoy 10% off the Paris Fragrance Oi and the Provence Whipped Body Butter by entering the code FRANCE at checkout) and enjoy!

Click HERE to purchase.

DIY All Natural, Oil Absorbing Translucent Facial Powder

Are you ready to make a DIY All Natural, Oil Absorbing Translucent Facial Powder?

A few weeks ago, I spent a pretty penny on a bottle of Bare Minerals liquid make-up. It looks amazing, so I'm not complaining, but when the saleswoman asked if I wanted to buy some translucent powder to set it, I gave her a confident "No!"

Liquid make-up, I have NO idea how to make. Translucent facial powder however, I do!

Translucent powder is so easy to make. It takes about four brisk steps. The result, is a silky, long lasting, oil absorbing powder that is as curative as it is fabulous.

DIY All Natural, Oil Absorbing Translucent Facial Powder

To make this powder, you'll need: cornstarch (2 teaspoons), cocoa powder (1 teaspoon), bentonite clay ( 2 teaspoons) and turmeric (1/8 teaspoon). Organic, high quality ingredients are always best!

Before I get into the steps, I'd like to wax poetic about the ingredients.

Bentonite Clay: An ancient healing clay, bentonite clay is made of aged volcanic ash. Very fine in texture, this powder has the ability to draw out toxins, chemicals and heavy metals from your skin. Bentonite clay carries a powerful negative electric charge. Once the clay combines with water (aka your perspiration) it gets to work, purifying and removing toxins. Never use a metal spoon to scoop or mix your bentonite clay because the metal with interfere with the healing electric charge.

Turmeric: Turmeric is an ancient healing spice. Used often in Ayurvedic preparations, turmeric contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Used externally for beautification in India and Thailand, turmeric fights blemishes, rashes and wrinkles.

Cocoa Powder: Not only does cocoa powder smell and taste delicious, it's full of antioxidants for rapid cellular regeneration. Cocoa also neutralizes harmful free radicals.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is for more than cooking! This highly absorbent and light powder soothes skin while drawing out impurities.

Here's how to make your powder:

 

There you have it- all natural, oil absorbing, translucent facial powder!

This version is so much cheaper and is completely free of chemicals, metals and other synthetic products that are unfortunately found in many commercial make-up brands.

* You can find bentonite clay at most health food stores, or on Amazon.com or through Mountain Rose Herbs!

Fig and Strawberry Quick Jam

If you’re a regular on this blog, I don’t need to tell you how much I love biscuits. A natural compliment to my love of biscuits is my new found fascination with making quick jams. Quick jams are great because you get instant gratification. Simply jar and consume. Quick jams can live in your fridge for up to ten days (hence the small batch).

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pint of figs

5 large strawberries

1 teaspoon of sugar

¼ cup water

1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice

Here’s what to do:

Wash and remove the stems from your figs. Slice each fig in half and place into a saucepan.

Rinse and remove the tops from your strawberries. Slice each strawberry in half and add to your saucepan.

Add the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes until the mixture takes on a jelly-like consistency.

Allow to cool before storing in a small mason jar.

You can store your jam for up to ten days in the refrigerator. YUM!

Drawing Inspiration from Anchorage, Alaska

It was around this time two years ago when I first encountered Alaska. As August, slowly dissolved into September, there was a definite chill in the air, a hazy coolness descending from the surrounding mountains.

With great enthusiasm, I set  off to explore Anchorage with its exotic mountainous vitas, babbling glaciers and vibrant autumn colors.

When I think of Anchorage, I am reminded of:

• Breathing as if for the first time. There's something so invigorating, almost minty, about the air in Alaska. It's crisp, it's so clean, it's saturated in possibility and wonder.
• The rush of anticipation. Everywhere I went, I was on the lookout for wildlife. The anticipation was thrilling. Will I encounter a school of salmon, a moose, a bear? Despite all of the moose and bear signs, I encountered neither, instead I happened upon a large and very angry elk- SURPRISE!
• Smoked Salmon- The soft, chewy, flavorful smoked salmon that comes from Alaska is heavenly. Aromatic, rich, slightly oily, if you're a fish person, this is a true treat.
• Panoramic black mountains at times, barely perceptible, tucked beneath a blanket of crepe-like fog. Mountains add texture and drama to the skyline in Anchorage. Everything else seems so small, almost insecure in their presence.
• 50 Shades of Gray! As in the sky, after the rain, layered like sedimentary rock, gray upon marbled gray. Gray is indeed a color with personality and charm.

Anchorage, what a pleasure and an honor it was to be in your presence.

The product that was inspired by my adventures in Anchorage is the Anchorage Body Butter, an ultra-moisturizing creamy shea based body butter with hints of peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus.

If you can’t experience Alaska in person for yourself, take the journey with an Anchorage Body Butter.

From now, until next Wednesday (9/10) enjoy 10% off the Anchorage Body Butter (by entering the code ANCHORAGE at checkout) and enjoy!

Click HERE to purchase.

DIY Organic Face Wash: Cleanse and Detoxify without all the fuss!

DIY Organic Face Wash: Cleanse and Detoxify without all the fuss!

So I’m going to let you in on a little secret. It’s going to seem so easy, strange and counterintuitive, you’re probably not going to believe me.

But since I said I was going to let you in on this secret, I can’t turn back now, so here goes…

All you need to cleanse, detoxify and balance the natural ph of your beautiful face is apple cider vinegar and coconut oil.

WHAT?!?!

STOP!  CRAZY!  NOT DOING IT!

OFFICER, ARREST THIS WOMAN!!!!

I know, I know…

For most of us, myself included (at first), it sounds absurd. Wash with oil? Isn’t the purpose of washing to get rid of the oil? Apple Cider Vinegar smells funny, I don’t want that anywhere near my face!

I completely get it.  I used to have oily, acne prone, sensitive skin and was absolutely not going to put oil on my face. But then I tried it. And it worked. And I haven’t looked back. Let me break it down for you…

 Why Coconut Oil works:

-Antioxidant properties (smoothes out wrinkles)

-Antibacterial and antifungal (gently destroys all of the things you don’t want on your face like acne)

-Oil dissolves oil (the oil on your face that makes you feel swampy and gross is dissolved  gently)

-Coconut oil, draws impurities out of the skin. It acts as a magnet for clogged pores, absorbing the dirt and oil that will disappear when you wipe it off.

-Moisturizing and gentle (gently moisturizes to the extent that it doesn’t strip your skin of oil which causes skin to overproduce; instead, coconut oil will cause you to naturally produce less oil and won’t leave you dry and raw).

-Celebrities with multi million dollar bank accounts and the ability to purchase the latest thousand dollar whale placenta fortified miracle cream, use it (hello Gwyneth and Giselle).

Why Apple Cider Vinegar works:

-Unblocks pores (so skin can breathe)

-Antiseptic and antibacterial (fights both acne and pollutants)

-Contains beta-carotene, which helps to fight free radicals (the result, that stunning youthful glow)

-Acidic in nature, it helps to restore the balance of our skin’s pH factor, since it has a pH very similar to what is ideal for healthy skin (traditional cleansers strip our acidic balance, leaving us prone to skin problems).

-Once again, celebrities with multi million dollar bank accounts and the ability to purchase the latest thousand dollar bat poop fortified miracle cream, use it (hello Scarlett).

Here’s what to do:

1)    Get a small one ounce spray bottle and fill it with 1/2 way with raw organic apple cider vinegar and 1/2 way with distilled water

2)    Take a small jar (4 ounces is great) and spoon it full with organic unrefined coconut oil

Here’s how to wash:

1)    Wet your face with warm water

2)    Spray your face with the apple cider vinegar (mind the eyes)

3)    Scoop about a ½ teaspoon full of coconut oil and massage it in a circular motion over your face and neck

4)    Wipe the oil away in the same circular motion with a warm, wet cloth

5)    Pat or air dry

6)    Smile at your dazzling image in the mirror and blow yourself a kiss. You look fabulous, you’re chemical free, and you’ve saved money with your new beauty regiment.

*Note how soft your skin is.

Delicious Crunchy Granola Goodness!

Granola has so many virtues- it's hearty as a meal or snack, it makes a delicious crunchy topping, it's gluten free, it's high in fiber, it's versatile, and it is just oh, so, good!

When I make granola, I love to get creative adding tropical fruit, coconut, and of course, my favorites- chia and flax. You can also add protein powder to your granola, which I do for my husband Mark in a separate tray (I can't stand the taste of protein powder).

Granola crumbles are fabulous because they have so many healthy uses. On their own, you can place in a bowl with milk for a delicious breakfast cereal. Add to a bowl of oatmeal to create a hearty and complexly flavored hot cereal. Throw a hand full in a plastic zip lock bag for an on the go snack, or sprinkle over Greek yogurt for some added texture and crunch. I’ve even baked these bad boys into some chewy oatmeal craison cookies for an added zing. Whatever your pleasure, you really can’t go wrong.

Feel free to substitute the fruit I have chosen if it doesn’t suit your palette. My three year old and I happen to be a mango and cherry fanatics. Simple raisins work fine, they just take me back to the monotony of elementary school packed lunches, I’m still not ready to accept raisins into my life, when cooking I tend to avoid them. Anyhow-

To make delicious, crunchy, granola goodness…

You’ll need:

2 cups oats 3 tablespoons chia 3 tablespoons flax 1 ½ cup shredded coconut ½ cup dried cherries ½ cup minced dried mango 1 cup almonds (I prefer whole for texture) 3 tablespoons coconut oil ¼ cup raw honey ¼ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Here are the steps:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, combine your oats and almonds. Once blended together, pour into a baking dish and cook for 15 minutes until toasty.

Allow this mixture to cool before returning it to your mixing bowl where you’ll add your chia, flax, coconut, mango and cherries.

In a saucepan, combine your coconut oil, vanilla, sugar and salt on low heat, stirring until blended.

Remove from heat and add the honey, stirring once again to blend.

Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredient bowl and mix very well.

Spoon your granola back into your baking dish and cook (we’re still at 350 degrees) for 30 minutes.

Allow the granola to cool before breaking it into crumbles using a spatula.

Store in a mason jar in a cool dry cabinet until ready to use.

Lavender Aloe Salve

This weekend, my dear friend Krista gave me a gorgeous cutting from an aloe she's growing.

The hearty cutting was just oozing aloe gel and my herbalist heart skipped a beat, for it was time to make a salve.

A few weeks ago, I posted an all natural antiseptic recipe, this salve can compliment that recipe as an ointment to apply afterwards, or you can use it alone.

My aloe and lavender salve is gentle, will not sting, and provides relief and cleaning to minor wounds, burns and scrapes.

Lavender essential oil, is not only wonderfully fragrant, calming and floral, it also serves as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Lavender naturally moisturizes the skin, reduces swelling and eases pain.

Aloe vera is cooling and is very effective at treating inflammation. Aloe also aids in the regeneration of cells, helping to heal wounds quickly as well as to reduce scarring.

It's really the perfect marriage!

To make the salve, simply follow these instructions:

I used a 1/2 0z. container, the proportions therefore reflect this measurement.

First, I cut off a section of the aloe trimming. I took from the widest point to yield the most gel. I cut the leaf in half and slowly allowed my aloe gel and juice to drip into my container. Once full of aloe vera gel, I aded five drops of lavender essential oil before capping my jar and giving it a good shake to mix.

When I'm ready to use, I apply with a cotton ball to avoid contaminating the batch with my fingers. As long as it's in an airtight jar, this salve can be stored in a cool dark place and will last for several months (hence the small 1/2 oz. batch).

Remember, this can be used alone as a mild and gentle antiseptic, or you can apply this salve after my natural antiseptic as a cooling calming salve to promote regeneration and healing.

Drawing Inspiration from Thailand

This Sunday, just like last week, I had the opportunity to vend my darling creations from Sojourn. Herbal Apothecary. This weekend brought the Rattled Expo in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a hip venue for expecting moms and parents of the all natural, holistic, urban proclivities.

As an ETSY seller, it was really great to meet people and witness their impressions and get their feedback. Things I can't do from my virtual storefront. Sometimes, you've just got to get out there.

In the spirit of getting out there, this post is going to focus on an enchanting place, very far from my home base in New York. A place I first visited in 2004, a few short months after the terrible Asian tsunami. Even then, Thailand was radiant.

I've made several (24+ hour) treks to Thailand and after each one, I'm compelled to return. A visceral place, there is so much to taste, smell, touch, hear and see, that despite the distance, I am drawn back to this place of overwhelming beauty.

When I think of Thailand, I am reminded of:

• Full body Thai massages on the beach. In the distance the Adaman Sea roars as I lie upon a flat bed of colorful silk in deep meditative bliss. My chakras dance as coconut oil is rubbed into my skin, every care, every strain, released into the ether. Being in the moment has never been so fabulous.
• Smooth cool tiles beneath bare feet. Before entering any house, places of worship and many shops, you must leave your flip flops outside. Not only is it a symbol of respect, to tread quietly, humbly, shoes are also left behind for cleanliness. I loved this gesture, the feeling of being so light, the connection to the ground, almost cat-like.
• Open air Buddhist temples, ornate statues, shimmering golden monuments, the beauty of the human form, meditative silence high up in the mountains, a jungle of green, a chorus of birds and frogs at times unseen.
• The deep dark well of wisdom that are an elephants eyes. Each time I go, I make sure to carve out time to spend with elephants. Thailand is a land full of Asian elephants, beautiful humble giants of the forests.
• Resiliency and kindness, two qualities embodied by many of the people I had the pleasure to come across. My first trip was a volunteer trip at the end of the Asian Tsunami in 2004. I was humbled to be in the presence of people who were so at peace in the wake of such an awful disaster. Despite the devastation, there was a feeling of positivity and renewal. Despite the sadness, there was the air of acceptance and survival. The art of non-attachment is present in Thailand.
• Staring up at the giant pearly Buddha feeling so small, inspired and vital.
• Sweet coconut water taken directly from a round coconut warm from the sun. The coconuts in Thailand yielded the sweetest most energizing water. Everywhere, there seemed to be trees, heavy with coconuts. The air in the countryside of Khao Lak was perfumed by coconuts with a hint of jasmine and a splash of rose.
• The marvelous flavors of Thai food. Everything so intentionally balanced and spiced. The delicious coconut, peanut, lemongrass infused goodness. My mouth salivated from the curries, my heart sang from the fresh fruit, I remain taken by the succulent seafood, fresh from the sea, plump snapper prepared a different way every night.

Thailand, what a pleasure and an honor it was to be in your presence.

The product that was inspired by my adventures in Thailand is the Thailand Body Butter, an ultra-moisturizing creamy shea based body butter with hints of jasmine, coconut and rose.

If you can’t experience Thailand in person for yourself, take the journey with a Thailand Body Butter.

From now, until next Wednesday (9/3) enjoy 10% off the Thailand Body Butter (by entering the code THAILAND at checkout) and enjoy!

Click HERE to purchase.

DIY Cold and Cough Tonic

With a little help from a few simple items, most likely already in your pantry, fridge or spice rack, you can create nourishing medicinal preparations that will keep you in balance the natural way.

There is a resurgence of treating ailments the good old fashioned natural way with great cause considering the amount of chemicals, artificial dyes, and artificial preservatives found in many over the counter cold and cough remedies (have you read the warning labels on these? Don't mix with...Don't drive if....May cause drowsiness, dizziness, ulcers....)

I'm not saying not to seek medical treatment or take medicine for the major things, let's face it allopathic medicine is one of the greatest comforts of living in the modern era, but for the small discomforts, the coughs, the colds, you have more power than you may think. Using everyday foods, spices and herbs, you really can combat a majority of life's minor illnesses and discomforts.

When you first begin to feel that foreboding scratch in your throat, or notice that your cough and sneeze are becoming a problem, this all natural cold and cough tonic will get you back to 100% in no time!

To make you will need: 4 cups water 3 tablespoons Raw apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Raw honey 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1 whole Ginger root

Bring your water to a boil in a saucepan. While your water is boiling, rinse and slice your ginger root, then add to your water.

Let the mixture come to a full boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Add your turmeric and cayenne pepper. Simmer for ten minutes and remove your mixture from the hot eye. Add your apple cider vinegar and mix with a spoon. Pour 1/2 cup to a cup into a mug ( you can strain the ginger out or you may leave the bits of sliced root- depends on your personal preference) stir in your honey and consume while warm. Store any extra in a mason jar. Drink twice daily.

This tonic is safe for children and will not leave you the least bit groggy, dizzy, or incapable of driving or operating machinery.

Drawing Inspiration from Mozambique

Drawing Inspiration from Mozambique "Mmm...what is this one called?"

"Mozambique."

"Mozambique? Like the country?"

"Yes, exactly.  I'm a traveler. The scents of my products are all inspired by places that I've traveled to and fallen in love with."

"I like that. What else do you have?"

After going through each item in my product line, the lady in purple settled on a Paris fragrance oil and a Zanzibar body butter.

Last weekend, I was invited to participate in Brooklyn's Summer Style Market as a vendor.

It was really great to interact with buyers and discuss my products.

People were particularly interested in my choice of fragrance and the names of the different products. As I described the essential oil aromatherapy blends that provided fragrance to each product, I noticed conversations almost always turning to travel as I attempted to articulate exactly what I was attempting to evoke or was inspired by.

I went home that night and began a running list of inspiration, country by country, memory by memory. Like poetry, memories began to fill the page and I realized I had a post.

Have you ever traveled to a place that moved you so deeply it changed the person you are for the better? That's how I feel about Mozambique. The experience wasn't perfect (there was the huntsman spider attack, the time I woke up to about twenty hornets in my bedroom, I caught the South African flu, we ran out of water in our well) but it was the perfect experience for me at the time.

When I think of Mozambique, I am reminded of:

• The beauty of a sunrise and setting. Before I moved to Mozambique, I had no understanding of how astounding and breathtaking a sunrise and sunset could be. I thought I knew, but I had no idea  The purple and otherworldly cerulean bursts of color, expanding over the horizon to signal the start of a new day and then the golden translucent rays that  cascaded downwards softening the landscape before handing off the baton to the moon were soul stirring.
• Orion's Belt. Almost every evening I could clearly see the constellation Orion's Belt. The sky over Mozambique at night seemed so much bigger, so much closer. Clouds of fine stardust swirled here and there. Shooting stars danced over the Indian Ocean.
• Finding peace in the darkness. At night, I used to walk and walk, the only light illuminating my path came from a very large and low pearly moon. Bell frogs and crickets serenaded me in the distance as my feet moved slowly, meditatively over the fine sand that covered the earth.
• Feeling the warmth of the earth, as if it were a living, breathing, warm blooded being. Often barefoot, I was able for the first time to feel the warmth of the earth beneath my feet when I walked. The ground, red and compact, grassy and soft, or sandy and dry was always warm and alive. It bore a distinct smell, musky, spicy and grounding.
• Being greeted by strangers and friends with a warm smile no matter what. Inhambane, Mozambique is known as "Terra da boa gent" (land of the good people) for a reason. Smiles and warmth are everywhere. People helped each other and could be trusted. It was here in the brush of Inhambane, that I slept at night with my doors unlocked, left my shoes on my porch and went to fetch water or take a bath (in the communal bath hut behind the community well)  leaving my front door wide open for ventilation. Never did I encounter a problem. Warmth and determination radiated off of people. Wide smiles were a constant reminder that if a people whose country was less than a decade out of a civil war which resulted in a relative genocide could be so resilient, so happy, then I, certainly had no excuse to be anything but grateful and joyous for the life I have been given.
• Hitchhiking. In Inhambane, hitchhiking to get from place to place is both common and safe. Though it was nice to get into a car and meet new people (especially during the rainy season), I usually sought out trucks. The best seat is in the bed of a pickup truck, face to the moon, sun, or clouds, hair dancing in the breeze, a magnificent expanse of countryside before you.
• The power of saying yes- yes to the market woman who offered to take you to her home to feed you, yes when you're offered a local dish at a restaurant, yes to children wanting to touch your skin, clothes and hair, yes to people wanting to practice their English with you, yes to the artisans from Zimbabwe who invite you to storytelling circles near the ocean, yes to the rolling waves of the warm Indian Ocean, yes to the stray dog who wandered into your kitchen and made you smile, yes to the beautiful man who invites you to his home town, yes, to the woman asking for money on the side of the road, yes to taking it all in. Yes, yes, yes, one of the most liberating words in the English language.
• There's life outside of my native tongue. I had six months to learn Portuguese in preparation for this trip, the idea of existing after six months without English at first was terrifying, but it all worked out. There is so much more to communication than words. The lively seductive lull and fall of Portuguese, a language that romances harder than Casanova made my English speaking tongue spasm with effort when it came to pronunciation and verb tenses but I took it all in. I learned, I functioned and I survived.
• Tropical fruit warmed in the sun. Large ripe mangoes, passion fruit and papaya. The sweet smell of a freshly sliced mango after it has been warmed by the sun. The sour fragrant flesh of a passion fruit. The soft give of papaya. The peace that comes from living in a place where you don't have to buy organic because everything, by default, is anyway.
• Rising with the morning sun!

Mozambique, what a pleasure and an honor it was to call your shores home.

The product that was inspired by my adventures in Mozambique is the Mozambique Fragrance Oil, a jojoba oil based roll on fragrance stick with an earthy scent lightened by exotic floral and citrus undertones.

If you can't experience Mozambique in person for yourself, take the journey with a Mozambique Fragrance Oil stick.

From now, until next Wednesday (8/27) enjoy 10% off the Mozambique Fragrance Oil (by entering the code MOZIE at checkout) and enjoy one final summer hoorah!

DIY Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Abrasions

My almost three year old is becoming very adventurous but his sense of danger and coordination have not quite caught up with his sense of independence, the result- endless scrapes and "boo-boos."

For his minor scrapes and cuts, I make my own antiseptic. Antiseptic is extremely easy and inexpensive to make and you don't have to worry about errant chemicals and additives.

To make your own antiseptic, you'll need: a one ounce glass jar, witch hazel and tea tree essential oil.

I start by placing twenty five drops of tea tree essential oil in my one ounce jar.

I am now ready to add my witch hazel, which I pour up to the top.

I cap the jar and shake vigorously until all contents are blended and my mixture is a bit whitish.

I like to use a jar with a dropper because it is easiest for me to drop the antiseptic directly on the cut or onto a cotton ball.

A note about the ingredients- both tea tree essential oil and witch hazel are natural cleansing agents being by nature antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Your cuts and abrasions with this duo are in very good hands.

As with most antiseptics, there is a slight sting upon contact. My little guy remains impervious to this, so it's not too bad.

Oh, and the smell (the rose blended with the tea tree) is quite lovely.

Now that you have this recipe, don't hold back. Teach yourself to roller blade, take on that home improvement project, take up woodworking, because you now have a simple and natural way to clean minor wounds and scrapes, just in case.

Writers Work! A Brand New Writer's Conference is Coming to New York

My friend and fellow writer Tracy Sayre is on an inspiring mission. Her mission, if you choose to accept it, is to make sure that you as a writer are connected with the people and resources to help you become successful in this difficult and often times isolating profession of passion and love.

Tracy, is the creator of the Writers Work Conference, a brand new writer's conference set to take New York by storm this fall.

I had a virtual chat with Tracy to get some details about this conference as well as to secure a discount for all of you. Here's what she had to say:

1) Hi Tracy, can you give us a little background about yourself as a writer? (When did you start? What genre do you work with, etc.)

When I was five years old, I used to write stories about how I was born on Mars and raised by apes. I would make photocopies of these stories and sell them to my neighbors for a nickel. As I grew older, I became self-conscious of my writing because I had poor grammar and I couldn't spell. My teachers told me I was a terrible writer, and unfortunately I believed them. It wasn't until freshman year of college that I rekindled my love of creative writing. I awoke from a dream and I had to write down a very particular image that stuck with me. The next day I kept thinking about the character in that scene, and started writing about her. I worked on that story for over two years, never caring about the grammar, realizing that a misplaced comma couldn't hold back my passion and creativity.

2) What is the Writers Work Conference?

The Writers Work Conference is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of writing. The next conference is Saturday, September 20 in Times Sq. Here's what the day will look like:  Learn about writers' residencies from the best-selling author Aryn Kyle. Eat lunch with literary agent Shira Hoffman and pitch your story to the group to get feedback. From a senior copywriter at Simon & Schuster, hear what happens once a publishing house receives your manuscript. Learn how to protect your work and your sanity from publisher Deborah Emin. This is all on top of an hour-long writing class, and a group discussion where you can share your questions, tips, fears, and frustrations. There's going to be a lot of information, but overall it will be fun and relaxed.

3) How did you come up with the idea for Writers Work?

When I first realized I wanted to be a professional writer I kept reading that I had to go to conferences to network. I researched a bunch and they were all way over my budget. I talked to other writers who had attended these conferences and they complained that it was impossible to really network because there were too many people, and they spend most of their time in line. I wanted to make a conference series that is affordable and intimate. I go out of my way to find speakers that are approachable and encouraging. My hope is that people leave these conferences not only meeting an agent or editor, but also meeting a new writing friend.

4) What makes the Writers Work conference unique?

Besides for the tickets being under $100 (including lunch and breakfast), and the size limited to 50 people, the most unique thing about this conference is the sense of community. As a writer, there is nothing quite like talking to another writer. They just get you better than anyone else. Because I keep these conferences small, and because there are lots of guided discussions, and group meals, there is really time for you to meet a kindred spirit. Writing can be so lonely, and I never want that to be the reason why a talented writer gives up. I'm helping to build writing communities so that we can share our work, get feedback, and cheer each other on!

5) What advice do you have for new writers who are actively pursuing publication?

First off, always introduce yourself as a writer. This seems simple, but if you're anything like I was you'll cringe the first time you do it, but you have to do it anyway. Nowadays, I go to a party, introduce myself as a writer, and inevitably someone says "oh my friend's an agent. You two should meet!" two years ago I didn't know anyone in the publishing industry. Now I have friends in almost all of the large publishing houses. I think deep down people love to connect their friends, so if you give them the information they need (and that's as simple as telling them you're a writer), they will help you out.

Secondly, there are no short cuts. You have to put in the time and the work. You can't just stay behind your computer screen - you have to get outside and network. Your first draft isn't going to cut it. Your second and third draft probably won't either. Put in the time and the work, make personal connections with people in the business, and eventually you will get published.

Tracy has been kind enough to gift you, my lovely readers, with a 10% off code. Simply use the code: SOJOURNER when prompted after registering to claim your discount.

If you're a writer and you're in or will be in and around the NYC vicinity, I hope to see you at Writers Work. If you're one of my readers, please tap me on the shoulder and say hello, I'd love to meet you and find out what you're working on!

Cruising Atlantic City for Wild Bottlenose Dolphins

The small vessel rocked from side to side.

"Sorry folks. One more big wave and there should be smooth sailing." The captain announced as I wondered whether or not my lunch would remain respectfully tucked away inside my stomach.

A series of storms in the Atlantic Ocean made for unusually mischievous water. The water wasn't the only thing feeling mischievous. We'd been out to sail for over an hour without a single dolphin sighting.

The water sparkled in the sun, the Atlantic City boardwalk glistened in the distance. Seagulls and dragonflies circled our small wobbly vessel, it was a lovely afternoon (minus the incessant rocking), but there were no dolphins.

"To your left, you'll see an oily surface on the water, the dolphins are close!"

"To the front of the boat, you'll notice a school of fish, the dolphins are close!"

"Behind us, you'll notice bubbles coming to the surface of the water, the dolphins are really close!"

Our captain called out all of these promises, yet there were no dolphins!

Then they arrived.

Keeping a safe distance, a small pod of young dolphins approached. Their dorsal fins cut through the water, encircling our boat with ease. Every few moments, they surfaced in a slippery synchronous arc, before disappearing beneath the waves to hunt for food.

It all happened so quickly.

One moment they were there, the next, they had sailed on. The entire time, the small pod kept their distance.

Pictures were hard to come by, but the experience, though ephemeral, was humbling. After all, how often do you get to sail alongside these graceful guardians of the sea...

The Benefits of Hemp: A Review of Hemp Hearts

Recently I received a box of Hemp Hearts to try and review.

Despite my affinity towards healthy foods, hemp was uncharted territory.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to give hemp a try!

Hemp Hearts, which are ground hemp seeds are lovely. Almost soft, slightly nutty in the manner of a pistachio, slightly fishy (subtle, but like an omega-3 vitamin aftertaste), I found the Hemp Hearts to be a welcome addition to my meal.

I sampled the hearts on vanilla Greek yogurt, but your options are limitless: in smoothies, on cereal, in granola, in your baking, to name a few.

Hemp Hearts are a great protein source for people like me who eat very little meat. In one serving, there are ten grams of protein ( not too shabby). Hemp is also heart healthy as it's full of omega-3's.

I'm so grateful to have been selected to review Hemp Hearts. I now have a new product to add to my health boosting arsenal.

I see a trusty trio forming- hemp, chia and flax in everything!

Chia Porridge: Vitality and Focus, is What's for Breakfast!

Chia seeds make me happy. I pop them into my mouth directly out of the bag by the teaspoon, I bake with them, I soak them in juice and drink them, I sprinkle them over pasta and salad. I should have a chia garden, the way I go through the seeds.

Chia seeds are a powerfully rich superfood, I can't get enough. Chia is amazing because it contains many nutrients and minerals in small user friendly portions (you only need three tablespoons a day).

From chia seeds alone, you get omega-3's, calcium, antioxidants, fiber, protein and minerals like phosphorus, zinc and manganese.

Chia provides sustained energy throughout the day, promotes mental clarity, has anti-inflammatory properties, is heart healthy, is a calorie blocker, the list goes on...

All of this comes at about three tablespoons a day (recommended daily dose).

One of the easiest ways to get a full days worth of chia is to have chia for breakfast as a porridge. Chia porridge is easy to make and starts you off for the day on right foot. The recipe I make is slightly sweet and flavored with vanilla. My toddler and my husband both love to begin their day this way (when I'm not making biscuits that is ,) ).

Here's what you'll need:

1 mason jar

chia seeds

unsweetened almond milk

raw honey

vanilla extract

cinnamon

*This is a recipe of ratio. The measurements will be different for the honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Work according to your taste. You'll want one part chia to three parts almond milk.

Here's what to do:

First, you want to fill your mason jar with one part chia (about 1/4 of the way full). Then, take your almond milk and pour almost to the top of the jar. Take a spoon and stir your liquid so the seeds mix and don't mush together at the bottom.

You'll want to place this jar in the refrigerator overnight so the seeds have the chance to gel.

In the morning, open your jar and stir with a spoon. Your chia seeds should be thick and gelatinous.

Pour your mixture into a saucepan and warm. Once off of the fire, add your honey, vanilla and cinnamon to taste, serve and enjoy.

I challenge you to make this everyday for a week. You'll feel amazing and might never have to see a cardiologist.

*Note: The consistency of this porridge is slightly gelatinous and may be off-putting to some. I don't tend to like gelatinous textures, for example, I can't stand okra or bubble tea, but I have no problem with the chia porridge which reminds me more of cream of wheat.

The Mt. Gretna Chautauqua: A Pleasant Surprise in the Pennsylvania Corn Fields!

There are those destinations that we seek out, then there are those we serendipitously happen upon. Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania was one of the latter.

This was an excursion, I hadn't planned. I had intended to spend my time resting and nursing in the hotel room. After all, when Mark said he had a gig in Pennsylvania approximately ninety minutes outside of Philly in some Mt. something or other farm town, I rolled my eyes and wrote it off. We were driving in from our quick mini-trip to Atlantic City and I was tired, I figured I'd put the boys to bed and read the book I didn't get to leisurely read on the beach.

Then we hit traffic and our calm drive turned into a hectic sprint to make sound check and so it was that the boys and I ended up in a most surprising little place.

Tucked away amidst sprawling farmland and cornfields in Pennsylvania Dutch Country lies the Mt. Gretna Chautauqua- a beautiful wooded and restored collection of charming historical cottages, impressive performance spaces and stately lecture halls.

One of the handful of  chautauquas that remain, Mt. Gretna is meticulously preserved and honored by the Mt. Gretna Arts Council.

So, what is a chautauqua?

I had the pleasure of speaking with several members of the Mt. Gretna Arts Council about the topic since I had never heard of them. Here's what I learned- a brief history lecture for your reading pleasure:

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, chautauquas were ubiquitous in rural America as institutions for adult learning and culture. With a focus primarily on the arts, chautauquas were known for bringing music, dance, painting, literature, cooking and other arts to rural America. The original chautauqua, which is still fully functioning, is in Chautauqua, New York- hence the name. Around the 1950's, as almost every family in America had a car, chautauquas began to die out as people had the ability to travel to attain culture. Only a few chautauquas remain, Mt. Gretna is one of them.

Fascinating-eh?

Mark played this night with a swing band as part of the Mt. Gretna Cicada Musical Festival.

Mt. Gretna seems to have it all. In addition to regular concerts, there is a complete season of theatre and theare for young audiences, you can find author lectures, rotating art galleries, religious and philosophical talks, live comedy, a film series and cooking demonstrations (and I'm sure I've left a few things out).

The majority of the chautauqua attendees come from the Mt.Gretna and surrounding areas, but a good number of people travel to attend. The events are inexpensive and completely open to the public.

About 90 minutes outside of Philly and three hours or so outside of NYC, the Mt. Gretna Chautauqua (depending upon where you live of course) makes for a wonderful woodsy mini-break.

I have plans to return in another week for the illumination of the cottages, farewell to summer celebration.

Ohm and Mark want to return to the playground.

Mt. Gretna Arts Council http://artscouncil.mtgretna.com/

I'm Not An Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk Person, or Am I? A Tale of Two Boardwalks

We made our way slowly towards the boisterous boardwalk. The sun, overhead, bore down, creating a shimmering cascade that blanketed and softened everything.

Our feet clamored and clanked over the sturdy planks. Dragging our sandaled feet through the sizzling sand, we searched for a quiet place away from the crowds.

Eventually we settled for an almost quiet and slightly less crowded spot off to the right and settled our rumps on the single towel we brought from the hotel.

There were no lawn chairs to rest on. The beach at Atlantic City is a DIY beach.

After filling a pal with sand, Mark and Ohm set off to explore the water.

Unable to swim after my emergency cesarean, Jai and I were left on our sandy blanket to stare at the birds. Within five minutes, our slightly less crowded spot drew a crowd. At least twenty people circled us, cigaret smoke and music wafting towards us. Then, for the first time, I begin to notice the pieces of glass in the sand, thick jagged shards. I begin to panic, I just sent my two year old with his father to play in the waves and he didn't have his shoes. Cigaret butts, broken shells, glass, and a tampon lay in the sand before me. In the distance, Mark and Ohm jogged towards us. "Watch the glass!" I began to scream and motion. My oblivious neighbors eying me like a crazy woman. It was time to go. "We're not swimming in that water." Mark grimaced.

With that, we were off strolling dejected down the loud and overstimulating Atlantic City boardwalk.

We had lasted maybe thirty minutes.

I am not an Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk person!

We got into our car and took a drive. We drove past the ferris wheel towards the very end of what would have been a boardwalk if hurricane Sandy hadn't destroyed the area.

Eventually the clamor and crowds became muted. Gaudy boardwalk shops gave way to a somewhat quaint coastal aesthetic.

We decided to explore and found the aquarium, quiet restaurants in old Victorian houses and a square of adorable ocean front shops.

Was I on the same beach?

Slowly we eased back into a rhythm of ease. After exploring the shops from our new vantage point, we sat down to an ocean side seafood feast with nothing to do but watch the waves roll in and slowly recede.

It was lovely.

Perhaps I am an Atlantic City beach and boardwalk person after all.

DIY Lip Balm

It's lip balm time! DIY Lip Balm

This is a simple and natural lip balm recipe that is completely free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances and colors.

This recipe is trombonist approved ( yes- horn players need to revitalize their tired chops) and is also second grader approved (I used to teach my glittery lip gloss obsessed second graders to make this- it was a huge hit).

For this recipe to be successful, you simply need to follow the ratio that I will outline below. This being said, you can make as little or as much as needed. Vitamin E oil is used as a preservative. Your lip gloss will easily last a year or two.

Here's what you need:

Carnauba wax

Jojoba Oil

Vitamin E

Essential oils of your choice (I love the tingle of peppermint)

*Your ratio is three parts oil to one part wax!

Here's what to do:

In a double boiler (if you haven't got one, no worries, simply place a smaller pot inside a larger one containing boiling water) add your one part carnauba wax (I used a tablespoon because I wanted a small batch) and your three parts jojoba oil.

Stir continuously until the wax is completely dissolved into the oil. Remove your pot from the heat and add your Vitamin E oil (a few drops to a teaspoon depending o the size of your batch).

Stir your mixture and set aside to cool for five minutes.

Add about ten drops of essential oil to a 3:1 ratio measured with tablespoons (you can use this to adjust for larger batches). I like the refreshing tingle of peppermint, but you can use whatever you like. Rosemary, lemon, fennel and eucalyptus essential oils are also lovely for the lips.