tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35560123734588771452024-03-08T06:32:55.476-05:00Meadow Muffin Gardens“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
~ Maya Angelou
"Beauty is only an herb away", all-natural, holistic, handmade care for families and pets.
Guided by wisdom and knowledge from past generations, information often tucked away in quaint old books resurfaces to remind us that 'simple is best'.
Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-70677277227278099652024-02-02T12:13:00.007-05:002024-02-02T12:25:14.423-05:00SEED CATALOGS ARE HERE...DREAM, PLAN, GET MOTIVATED<p> <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.85px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq00b5M07ZSPAYU0O9yNoTOoWdwlCNzRE2tSyEGSaoV0TwanzVnZf9dr3VVpvMxt3gSks16PYa6-ppGa4U-g36wx98faE-XzbVyhahwZuegOqceSCwAHaRXWPOdLWWL9vZoRoshdW3zViRutDg3BtlkKothaaGIVGREhdpzd_Dwo9n6Fwxw3mCBnZe4zA/s4032/IMG_8957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq00b5M07ZSPAYU0O9yNoTOoWdwlCNzRE2tSyEGSaoV0TwanzVnZf9dr3VVpvMxt3gSks16PYa6-ppGa4U-g36wx98faE-XzbVyhahwZuegOqceSCwAHaRXWPOdLWWL9vZoRoshdW3zViRutDg3BtlkKothaaGIVGREhdpzd_Dwo9n6Fwxw3mCBnZe4zA/s320/IMG_8957.jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Many gardeners have been inundated with year 2024 garden catalogs during the holiday season and they've just piled up somewhere. But now that we're in the doldrums of winter, pull them out and give your spirit a boost and think ahead to spring.<p></p><span style="background-color: black;"><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">Though the last frost date is a few months away, now is the time to start thinking and getting a rough idea of this year's garden plans. Hopefully you've taken notes last season on what worked and what didn't in seed and plant selection, crop rotations, and pest removal ideas.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">Though you can buy what seed and plants you'll need at any Agway or farm supply store, if you're into heirloom seeds, new hybrids, or just want a great variety in which to choose, then catalogs are the answer and between now and the end of February is the time to get those orders in.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">Below are a few very good gardening catalog companies. They offer a wide choice for gardeners seeking organic and heirloom seeds and plants.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">THE COOK'S GARDEN</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="http://www.cooksgarden.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.cooksgarden.com/</a></span><div><span style="background-color: black;">Now owned by Burpee<br /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">This company specializes in seeds and plants for gourmet gardeners. A true kitchen gardener's inspirational catalog. Not only do they offer a wonderful selection of vegetables, herbs and flower seeds and plants, they give information needed on how to grow for best results. Offered is a nice variety of lettuce types and mesclun blends, very gourmet. Tucked in are some very tasty recipes to encourage you to try new things.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">THE FRAGRANT PATH</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="http://www.fragrantpathseeds.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.fragrantpathseeds.com/</a><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">This is a small company specializing only in seed orders. Don't expect a glossy, thick catalog. What they do is send a very personalized newsletter reflecting on their garden experiences with the seed they sell and a suggestion list of what is new. The seed isn't for the vegetable garden. Rather it is for annual, perennial, and biannual flowers, herbs, vines and flowering shrubs and trees. Great for those into fragrance or color themed flower gardens. Very quaint family company.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">PINETREE GARDEN SEEDS</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="https://www.superseeds.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.superseeds.com/</a><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">Pinetree Garden Seeds is a catalog with a bit of everything. They not only offer a great selection of vegetable and flower seeds, there is a section of vegetables for the cultural gardener. You can try Asian, Continental, French Italian, Latin-American, and Middle Eastern varieties. Listed are your Spring bulbs, tubers and plants such as rhubarb, asparagus and strawberries. Cover crops, sprouting seed, ornamental grasses, and herbs are all here. What is really cool is they offer such fun things such as soap making and body care supplies, gift ideas, unique books, and of course any gardening accessory or tool you may need.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">TERRITORIAL SEED COMPANY</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.territorialseed.com/</a><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">A very well organized supply of organic, heirloom and rare plants and seeds. Each section has detailed educational information on the needs of each plant type, such as culture, disease, insects, harvest and seed specs. Loaded with what you may need in terms of natural fertilizers, irrigation, composting, disease and pest control. For those interested in preserving their harvest, there are plenty of supplies and how-to books offered. Just a wealth of information.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">SEEDS OF CHANGE</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="http://www.seedsofchange.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.seedsofchange.com</a><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">100% certified organic, this company is dedicated to help reconnect people with where their food comes from and how it is grown. By donating organic seeds through a program called Sowing Millions Project, they've inspired many individuals to become passionate about growing their own food. Selection includes rare and heirloom seeds along with traditional, great for those into sustainable organic gardening and farming.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">VERMONT BEAN SEED COMPANY</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="http://www.vermontbean.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.vermontbean.com</a><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">As expected, the Vermont Bean Seed Company has a variety of bean selections, but they certainly don't stop there. Catering to the consumer who seeks healthy food choices, they offer all you need for the environmentally conscious gardener. New this year is The Vermont Bean Garden Planner Software. They even offer a 30 day free trial. Based on your zip code, it becomes a personal tutorial for your own garden success.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">BOUNTY BEYOND BELIEF</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="http://www.bbbseed.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.bbbseed.com/</a><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">BBB Seed is a small, family-owned company located in Boulder, Colorado. They provide high quality, open-pollinated, Non-GE (genetically engineered) seed. BBB Seed specializes in wildflower seeds, pollinator mixes, native grasses and heirloom vegetable seeds. They strongly encourage heirloom seeds to avoid the common trend of mono crops where only one seed type is used to produce a worldwide crop. We now know this type of growing weakens genetic variations that can withstand emerging pathogens and climate changes.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">NATIVE GARDENER'S COMPANION</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.prairiemoon.com">https://www.prairiemoon.com</a>/</span></span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">Prairie Moon Nursery presents this guide for readers of all experience levels to learn about popular native plants and seeds. Most of the species offered are plants that had once thrived across the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions of North America. Insects are very plant-specific in their needs. People have to realize that to attract the birds and butterflies, that includes attracting insects as well. This catalog is perfect for those who want plants for more than just an ornamental pretty flower.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">GARDENER'S SUPPLY COMPANY</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="http://www.gardeners.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.gardeners.com</a><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">This is just a very fun catalog! Great for gift ideas for the gardeners on your list. This company shows you how you don't need a lot of space to enjoy a garden. Awesome ideas for container plants, bedding boxes and trellising to utilize small areas. Garden sculptures, gazing balls and bird supplies are all in there. Interested in composting or starting a worm bin, or maybe conserving water with a rain barrel?</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">GARDENS ALIVE</b><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="http://www.gardensalive.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.gardensalive.com</a><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.85px;">A catalog for the environmentally responsible gardener. Loaded with information and supplies on how to prepare and take care of your lawn and garden safely and responsibly. A must for the organic gardener or homeowner who desires a beautiful yet nontoxic lawn and flowerbeds.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br />STRICTLY MEDICINAL SEEDS</span><div><span style="background-color: black;"><a href="http://www.strictlymedicinalseeds.com">http://www.strictlymedicinalseeds.com</a></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black;">Certified organic, open-pollinated & GMO-free goods. Hand-picked seeds, rare seeds,</span><span style="background-color: black;">, medicinal and aromatic plants, shrubs, vines and trees. Amazing selection for the herbalist.</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT2QvlKB0pcujJq3maI5k6jKBZdBmfeideFYJ4p133_jqBwZLmwVshhyIS5CfPqaHpFPtV0X79fc_DC7bRGKDcDPZinjqSzmAOoKQLzvnKogeHjLUtQXMEYps2czgNAwnBiTF1p5ZP0pI6ifAPoL-cNKyNWjRXHWrqqmpPBwppsO8nBVQKgzbkN6K5hQ/s3072/keeper%20herb%20garden%20august.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT2QvlKB0pcujJq3maI5k6jKBZdBmfeideFYJ4p133_jqBwZLmwVshhyIS5CfPqaHpFPtV0X79fc_DC7bRGKDcDPZinjqSzmAOoKQLzvnKogeHjLUtQXMEYps2czgNAwnBiTF1p5ZP0pI6ifAPoL-cNKyNWjRXHWrqqmpPBwppsO8nBVQKgzbkN6K5hQ/s320/keeper%20herb%20garden%20august.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyaKu6PBdG3lUnNtD6unJ_oRUanBj0XV7D3vNYo-oZ-AwU_xWEfekGEsJQHHPh0uIznRCPaX5-2WOsg4MJFQCpSsGFmGgHd8XHObJCQDnCiYqOYu164YtRtdJqUWkDUDiT1x41vXv6zNb15zGhLUf3etC52aBhrhm_DjmYr4lh1i-cmVYk3lJwKkMWG8/s1080/coneflowers%20blend.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyaKu6PBdG3lUnNtD6unJ_oRUanBj0XV7D3vNYo-oZ-AwU_xWEfekGEsJQHHPh0uIznRCPaX5-2WOsg4MJFQCpSsGFmGgHd8XHObJCQDnCiYqOYu164YtRtdJqUWkDUDiT1x41vXv6zNb15zGhLUf3etC52aBhrhm_DjmYr4lh1i-cmVYk3lJwKkMWG8/s320/coneflowers%20blend.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMOVGdES4-HvixCrJuYq4mHQaquHXhnRVtY5KxzhCZ-TDFbHgqhy_3ZVc7_QWI0ipxWxkl911UWUwZKQUy3IhP80sYq_Y14VHyPZjUQXV0ey3vwIcJoRMld_Pzl8baSzHL30Nze9j4UGVnhRjwTRqaXmqJxWhR1y4-32LhA8VTTrwExQSppTa5cbPCcY/s2048/globe%20thistle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMOVGdES4-HvixCrJuYq4mHQaquHXhnRVtY5KxzhCZ-TDFbHgqhy_3ZVc7_QWI0ipxWxkl911UWUwZKQUy3IhP80sYq_Y14VHyPZjUQXV0ey3vwIcJoRMld_Pzl8baSzHL30Nze9j4UGVnhRjwTRqaXmqJxWhR1y4-32LhA8VTTrwExQSppTa5cbPCcY/s320/globe%20thistle.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoDOObIBUmz82xp9xw9LgXgCaHtBE7Y2OVn6yUWdF6-O5OmWAE6XIMLlY6x74G2haWEmDRX4GAKb8Ll3XQAvCARe7jFHUKlmPMdieIRPZ45RX18HnFUnoYWafrZSPTjxIhrK6sJHZzWZK3f2ujX-4pV2Xt00RNX4g_uL2gs3QhN4egw-VXNbjD0jEF4g/s3072/Sinti%20in%20herb%20garden%20June2015.jpg" style="background-color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoDOObIBUmz82xp9xw9LgXgCaHtBE7Y2OVn6yUWdF6-O5OmWAE6XIMLlY6x74G2haWEmDRX4GAKb8Ll3XQAvCARe7jFHUKlmPMdieIRPZ45RX18HnFUnoYWafrZSPTjxIhrK6sJHZzWZK3f2ujX-4pV2Xt00RNX4g_uL2gs3QhN4egw-VXNbjD0jEF4g/s320/Sinti%20in%20herb%20garden%20June2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-87993749112531846472022-10-23T12:30:00.000-04:002022-10-23T12:30:05.618-04:00Milkweed Pods, Parachutes, Silk & Fluff<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95du2lLuCjxOVBSxeU3mfBcM-iaXQnNgH_i634El1Df9d9VOb8XWa77Fw7kqbnKE8vnkbHIDAD37rhbON16IEUCV8TB7uZkouTwY3Og9dTxTdpv6B-fSZohVLNiYSlvsSw8ma-szFeT8MZBfhnPyH9WwRyJz1RJ5Ka_ElURb-HLitYj1mA4y7MeEd/s4032/IMG_6271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95du2lLuCjxOVBSxeU3mfBcM-iaXQnNgH_i634El1Df9d9VOb8XWa77Fw7kqbnKE8vnkbHIDAD37rhbON16IEUCV8TB7uZkouTwY3Og9dTxTdpv6B-fSZohVLNiYSlvsSw8ma-szFeT8MZBfhnPyH9WwRyJz1RJ5Ka_ElURb-HLitYj1mA4y7MeEd/s320/IMG_6271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: white;">Milkweed is another one of those plants many a country kid recognized and came up with ways to use both the fluffy seeds and the dried pods for imaginative playtime. The pods became little boats, the fluff acted as pretend snow, the seeds became aviator pilots jumping with their parachutes, etc.</span></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfk0GQGSKu2E29eOBicKf-VVkRy0HrcQSofUIyhYqa_jJgsCoiTTEwXjtr32efKjlllPqL5A4FaAjbX69gBbBE__3GfBexcB2k6SSBJfdEeda1mhqziy8czC_tRwLAqgyVcveHJf7rJeQJ_WzexeSrZUXr582SxvaSZI-k7xA2XVjYtQ0L38YMkni/s3264/IMG_6596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfk0GQGSKu2E29eOBicKf-VVkRy0HrcQSofUIyhYqa_jJgsCoiTTEwXjtr32efKjlllPqL5A4FaAjbX69gBbBE__3GfBexcB2k6SSBJfdEeda1mhqziy8czC_tRwLAqgyVcveHJf7rJeQJ_WzexeSrZUXr582SxvaSZI-k7xA2XVjYtQ0L38YMkni/s320/IMG_6596.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">The milkweed family is Asclepiadaceae, named in honor of Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. There are 347 genera and 2850 species but pictured above is <i>Asclepias syriaca</i> or Common Milkweed, sometimes called Silkweed. Common milkweed is the most well-known milkweed species native to North America. It can be found along ditches, open meadows, roadsides, places with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. </span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">A perennial with a deep taproot, to propagate by digging it up may or may not be successful. If this method is used it is best done when the shoots are small. For cuttings, snip a piece that includes three leaf nodes. Nodes are the spots where the leaf attaches to the stem. They are then stuck into good quality soil and kept moist but not wet or they will rot. Don't disturb them to see if roots are forming or they may die off.</span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">In its natural setting, common milkweed spreads by underground runners or roots called rhizomes. Those runners don't travel that far, as the plants tend to grow in clumps, however as a whole milkweed can be labeled an aggressive spreader but not invasive.</span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">In nature the plants also propagate by seed. Once done flowering, the seed pods develop into the perfect system for getting those seeds spread far and wide. Each seed is attached to what is called milkweed floss and that floss acts like a little parachute to be carried in the wind. The floss is called a natural windicator. This is a little tip for hunters to learn. By observing the direction the floss travels, the air flows show how the person's scent is being carried. </span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">The soft as silk milkweed floss used to be used for candles. The floss was carded and spun into thread which made excellent wickyarn. Candles burned with a clearer light and less smoke than those made with cotton wicks. It is said that the mountaineers of Virginia even made cloth from the outer covering of the stalks back during the 1700's. </span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">Milkweed floss is known for its natural waterproofing, insulating and hypoallergenic properties.</span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">When the Europeans first settled in America, they would collect this "wild cotton" to use to stuff pillows and mattresses. It took about eight pounds for a mattress so its use is a thing of the past but another interesting fun fact is that during WWII when materials were in short supply, there was a demand for it to be used to fill life jackets. Many a civilian and volunteer organization foraged to find milkweed plants and farms grew large fields to harvest and send the fluff to collection stations. Milkweed floss is five times more buoyant as cork and a few pounds of the floss could hold up a grown man in the sea. It is warmer than wool and much lighter. Flying suits lined with this floss are warm and lightweight so if an aviator or sailor falls into the ocean, he could stay afloat. </span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">To plant the seeds yourself, remember that they need to be exposed to winter cold before they can germinate. The best time to plant is late October or November when it is cold enough that the seeds won't sprout but not so cold that the ground is frozen.</span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">Scatter them on the ground and lightly scratch about 1/4" of soil to cover so they don't just blow away. </span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word" data-product-details-description-text-content="" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue", "Droid Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="color: white;">The monarch butterflies thank you</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl7xEtLJvszcdagqxqklDM5C8xrQYLKdIOMvSCZHOJOQE0AqJkO7cfySLzv8wEIzqYPxR3VZj6IHUOUZ3j9IpgBgqVFm1dmRqUu2Ypm-A9KTkNlQ6i2bHcNd6Z-kbd0mDcqx1FiIjqUISyRBhUk62Fc06rv_JhgqchUr_impigkcsNQDKQsCdkLK8/s4032/IMG_7177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl7xEtLJvszcdagqxqklDM5C8xrQYLKdIOMvSCZHOJOQE0AqJkO7cfySLzv8wEIzqYPxR3VZj6IHUOUZ3j9IpgBgqVFm1dmRqUu2Ypm-A9KTkNlQ6i2bHcNd6Z-kbd0mDcqx1FiIjqUISyRBhUk62Fc06rv_JhgqchUr_impigkcsNQDKQsCdkLK8/s320/IMG_7177.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3jitNf1AWv4HrYQd0AZZIFUkUFO3CEkUZ8FhmaOm7MLECaEMJ1yXDkx4bgd2JX8Gm1gKuu5tDnO-ysPyAT3sD7bm_bRxAghv8bo1SDjZbWjfZUG69r-vQSEAeGWWrfacSNYIQpvRyW4MeuyIViMoswcSeNN601Jn4mwQcEKfErJ4snY0Vsty89Og/s4032/IMG_7178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3jitNf1AWv4HrYQd0AZZIFUkUFO3CEkUZ8FhmaOm7MLECaEMJ1yXDkx4bgd2JX8Gm1gKuu5tDnO-ysPyAT3sD7bm_bRxAghv8bo1SDjZbWjfZUG69r-vQSEAeGWWrfacSNYIQpvRyW4MeuyIViMoswcSeNN601Jn4mwQcEKfErJ4snY0Vsty89Og/s320/IMG_7178.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-44807288802241340972022-10-08T20:28:00.000-04:002022-10-08T20:28:12.133-04:00Sing a Song of Goldenrod, The Truest Bit of Gold<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0R3e_qZCFE14OtNUWhTcIWyCsaoMwsdFItIxSFoq9RtfH4pi2e7yMdierBkhMpTtBMpmrRCJ9qRmJxSFqbdeYFMUARaR5t2DFpi6Mp54UZqWmd1KZCxwSA1xAA6YzXegt42uBjN-l-UDkdZrbz_AlHFrM5ns2oBl0unzkaX3gZXWRxZGLHYaVkmZ/s3072/goldenrod.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0R3e_qZCFE14OtNUWhTcIWyCsaoMwsdFItIxSFoq9RtfH4pi2e7yMdierBkhMpTtBMpmrRCJ9qRmJxSFqbdeYFMUARaR5t2DFpi6Mp54UZqWmd1KZCxwSA1xAA6YzXegt42uBjN-l-UDkdZrbz_AlHFrM5ns2oBl0unzkaX3gZXWRxZGLHYaVkmZ/s320/goldenrod.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>"Afire'</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Willow trees are turning,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maple leaves are burning,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod's afire!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fairy torches glimmer,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Woods are in a shimmer</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the flames leap higher!</div><div style="text-align: center;">November rain is all in vain</div><div style="text-align: center;">Down, down, it dashes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">O goldenrod! Goldenrod!</div><div style="text-align: center;">You've burned the woods to ashes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Angelina W. Wray</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Throughout the world, there are 125 species of goldenrod and 90 of these are found throughout North America. The top-to-bottom flowering of the spike-shaped goldenrods may be connected with their competition for attracting the attention of insects. As the autumn season progresses and flowers become sparse, the goldenrod is one of the few flowers left. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fascinating praying mantis can often be found amidst this perennial plant. In fact, it is said that the best place to find mantis egg cases is on the dead stalks of goldenrod. This is due to the fact that goldenrod is such a magnet for many flying insects drawn by the color, scent and nectar in these small aster-like flowers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Interesting is the fact that white-tailed deer have no desire for the taste of goldenrod, which is great since so many native plants are at risk for decimation from the overpopulation of deer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The generic name, <i>Solidage</i>, means "to make whole". In the world of plant medicine goldenrod certainly has its place. The Chippewas called it <i>gizisomukiki</i> which means "sun medicine".</div><div style="text-align: center;">It has been used for stomach issues, kidney health, pass stones, help with nausea, heal wounds and help with bronchitis and diphtheria. The leaves were chewed to help soothe a sore throat. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The roots were made into a poultice for toothaches.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The leaves were used for teas and wine and the more aromatic species were sought after at a high price back in the 19th century. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">People used to use the flowers to make yellow dyes for cloth. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For people who see this wildflower as just another weed should know that it is actually the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska. Perhaps the fact that it is so common and grows along the roadside, in meadows and fields is why people don't appreciate it. Or it could be because it is often blamed for contributing to the misery of hay fever, when in reality it is ragweed that is the culprit. They both just happen to be in bloom at the same time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the 19th century, goldenrod was a symbol of the United States. It was said to symbolize a country where the people rule, for many tiny flowerets are needed to make a prefect head, just as in our country there are many races to form this wonderful nation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"The Last Walk in Autumn"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Along the rivers summer walk,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The withered tufts of asters nod,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And trembles on its arid stalk</div><div style="text-align: center;">The hoar plume of the golden-rod</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">John Greenleaf Whittier </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2015/08/hayfever-season-who-to-blame-for-your.html">Here is a bit of information on ragweed</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2012/09/asters-and-goldenrodthe-palette-of.html">Here is more information on the uses for goldenrod</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And last, for those who enjoy plant stories:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All Summer long, while other plants are flowering, goldenrod is steadily raising its single stalk towards the sky. Finally, around the middle of August the golden-yellow spires appear. Both a staff and a spire are included in the picture. It is like the tarot card showing a man walking along a road with a heavy burden upon his back, a walking staff in his hand. His head is bent down, so that he does not see a church spire rising in the distance which shows that is destination is within reach. The massage of goldenrod is to endure in order to reach the goal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Matthew Wood </div><div style="text-align: center;">"The Book of Herbal Wisdom"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JgHg3UiekrWPqftu43NyjTEC4pJ1EHY3W8Qcnx-IZpkwBDDLNw76cCWgAKHNqEyoZp65_kbD1IDQZ5RpEjX7btXpjWGqltZqZcN5C35gmiVF8AZJFg_Ivx0huFfUz5Q9mVC8kIHl-vVqZuSVvUhS9s36Xl0lS32HCRj7HKzztW96JqIhqQFfUop3/s3072/goldenrod%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JgHg3UiekrWPqftu43NyjTEC4pJ1EHY3W8Qcnx-IZpkwBDDLNw76cCWgAKHNqEyoZp65_kbD1IDQZ5RpEjX7btXpjWGqltZqZcN5C35gmiVF8AZJFg_Ivx0huFfUz5Q9mVC8kIHl-vVqZuSVvUhS9s36Xl0lS32HCRj7HKzztW96JqIhqQFfUop3/s320/goldenrod%201.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p></div>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-60477135112134127602022-10-07T11:33:00.000-04:002022-10-07T11:33:01.156-04:00White Snakeroot and Boneset, how to tell the difference and why it is so important<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-Vgb8sNvcf76xzJrX_p2LCUkMbO6FAmYxvqLJMnRvJkZq4NeBrQ0yXAyl5Hgcej7nW5dDKHYyWZ0-Iicporcuw8drswuhnkRpJEnqaQVOjp0oUAstyrs6cBKM3KxMY52nq50ZjWk90pmBdR3huWPJyAERaH97NsGaQAf9wou90IK8P5zehUs3dtx/s4032/IMG_6180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-Vgb8sNvcf76xzJrX_p2LCUkMbO6FAmYxvqLJMnRvJkZq4NeBrQ0yXAyl5Hgcej7nW5dDKHYyWZ0-Iicporcuw8drswuhnkRpJEnqaQVOjp0oUAstyrs6cBKM3KxMY52nq50ZjWk90pmBdR3huWPJyAERaH97NsGaQAf9wou90IK8P5zehUs3dtx/s320/IMG_6180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White Snakeroot is a prime example of why it is so important to properly identify plants in the wild before foraging or deciding to add them to your landscape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Though Snakeroot is a very pretty native plant, it has a sad history behind it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> White Snakeroot (<i>Ageratina rugosum</i>) was at one time known as <i>Eupatorium urticaefolium</i> and similar to Boneset (<i>Eupatorium perfoliatum</i>). Below are two videos with very good information on how to tell the difference between these two plants. Key differences are in the leaf shape and form. Snakeroot has its petioles in a lateral, horizontal formation with flatter, broader, pointed leaves and slightly hairy stems. Boneset also has lateral leaf formation but the leaves are perforated, which means it looks like the stem goes right through the leaf. The leaves are longer, narrower and turn slightly up at the edges and the stems are hairier than on snakeroot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boneset is considered a medicinal plant, whereas snakeroot is a toxic plant. The word <i>Eupatorium</i> means "of a noble father", referring to Mithridates Eupator, a blood-thirst ruler 120 to 63 B.C. Also called Mithridates the Great, he was an overly ambitious ruler of the Asia Minor kingdom of Pontus. He discovered that a species of <i>Eupatorium</i> was an antidote to poison and some say he was the world's first immunologist. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snakeroot contains a toxic alcohol called tremetol, which causes ketosis and is transmitted through the milk of cows foraging on the plant. Milk sickness, morbeo lacteo, or the "trembles". was a dreaded disease that attacked 19th-century farm families and their livestock in the South and Midwest. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, intense thirst, coma and then death. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nancy Hanks Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's mother, died of milk sickness in 1818. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cause of milk sickness was identified by an Illinois doctor, Anna Pierce, in the 1830's. She learned the identity of the poisonous plant from a Shawnee woman who was a fugitive from the forced relocations of Native Americans. The snakeroot roots were used by the Indians for snake bites but very toxic if consumed. However, the cause of milk sickness wasn't confirmed until 1917.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dairy cows may still eat white snakeroot on occasion, but since their milk gets mixed with other milk in such huge quantities, the poison has no effect. Though poisonous, being it is a native perennial in zones 3-8, some nurseries offer snakeroot as a plant that does well in partial shade. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This plant has its benefits in that being it blooms in late September into October, it is a food source for insects when many other plants have already gone to seed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A pretty plant, white snakeweed can be left alone wherever it turns up, as long as it isn't consumed. Deer seem to know this plant is toxic so if deer resistant plants are sought after, white snakeroot is an option. Just be careful with pets if they are young and prone to chew on everything.<br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dtSNT1IywGdNeCrHbQvG_qlohjywzy7MiYXWCfqbQvJBmCQN-7UCpJQ9xpzN9RD-CuhQyfD7_mRxsbG22b22VqhUW8_PVoAll8TtB0uL1qlDpttT2GKaUmhK36oWcNvs0osDbCQ578fKevpv8ahhj8wKDMIM5ZabfyFgXC4sYulKd6aDjqGJUdNm/s4032/IMG_6179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dtSNT1IywGdNeCrHbQvG_qlohjywzy7MiYXWCfqbQvJBmCQN-7UCpJQ9xpzN9RD-CuhQyfD7_mRxsbG22b22VqhUW8_PVoAll8TtB0uL1qlDpttT2GKaUmhK36oWcNvs0osDbCQ578fKevpv8ahhj8wKDMIM5ZabfyFgXC4sYulKd6aDjqGJUdNm/s320/IMG_6179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dtSNT1IywGdNeCrHbQvG_qlohjywzy7MiYXWCfqbQvJBmCQN-7UCpJQ9xpzN9RD-CuhQyfD7_mRxsbG22b22VqhUW8_PVoAll8TtB0uL1qlDpttT2GKaUmhK36oWcNvs0osDbCQ578fKevpv8ahhj8wKDMIM5ZabfyFgXC4sYulKd6aDjqGJUdNm/s4032/IMG_6179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w7Y_DkmzR6c" width="320" youtube-src-id="w7Y_DkmzR6c"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tintHfXriCA" width="320" youtube-src-id="tintHfXriCA"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-59018127237922038012021-11-12T13:16:00.005-05:002023-01-04T08:21:36.629-05:00Homemade Granola<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAQku1FccZQbZr5_1PlgYPRJ-44pTwL2BHzoAIjzIQWhA7VmkQaLZ_F77UYp7OVjuiK4smAvLeyY_xtJ4JNhH-V6oyJVGC8gKygtbRCTjFKelrorkFUDZEHiAM_XDD2ec4r88M2tPCOY/s2048/IMG_3886.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAQku1FccZQbZr5_1PlgYPRJ-44pTwL2BHzoAIjzIQWhA7VmkQaLZ_F77UYp7OVjuiK4smAvLeyY_xtJ4JNhH-V6oyJVGC8gKygtbRCTjFKelrorkFUDZEHiAM_XDD2ec4r88M2tPCOY/s320/IMG_3886.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Making your own granola puts you in full charge of what goes into it. The nutritional powerhouse list in this recipe can be altered however you want. Some people may want to add things like chia seeds, hemp seeds, oat bran, millet, lecithin granules or cacao nibs. As long as the general ratio of dry to wet ingredients is about the same you can leave out or substitute ingredients. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Granola is a great way to get your family to ingest not only more fiber in their diet but the abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids found in these grains, nuts and seeds.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">HOMEMADE GRANOLA</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>6 - 8 cups rolled oats </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(alternative or addition to oats can be rolled rye, spelt, kamut, wheat or barley)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>2 cups shredded coconut</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(I use unsweetened coconut but that is a personal decision)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup wheat germ</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(I use raw wheat germ but you can use toasted wheat germ)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup ground flax seeds</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(Whole flax seeds tend to pass right through the body so better to grind them or purchase them already ground. Once they're ground they oxidize so you'll find them in the refrigerated section of the store)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup slivered almonds</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup hulled sunflower seeds</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(I use roasted unsalted sunflower seeds but you can get them raw or salted)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup pumpkin seeds</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(I use roasted unsalted pepita seeds but you can get them raw or salted) </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup hulled or unhulled sesame seeds</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup roasted soybeans</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup dried apple pieces</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 - 2 cups raisins (don't add raisins until after granola is baked)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>3/4 cup vegetable oil</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1 cup honey</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>2 tsp vanilla extract</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Combine oil and honey in a saucepan and heat till blended but don't let boil</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Add vanilla extract</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Stir wet ingredients into the dry ingredients till everything is coated with the honey/oil blend</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Grease two large greased baking sheets </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(the type with edges makes stirring easier without making a mess)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(stoneware pans work very nicely)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Bake in a 250 degree oven 20 minutes, stir (edges bake faster so blend into center)</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Bake another 20 minutes till developing a light toasted look to it, don't overbake or the mix will be too crunchy and dry once it cools.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Cool on sheets and then add the raisins</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Store in an airtight container</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Granola can be eaten in a number of ways:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>As a cereal with milk</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Sprinkle on top of yogurt</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Make homemade granola bars<br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Eat dry as a trail mix type snack</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Substitute for rolled oats in a cookie recipe</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU4TPk2_5xKHfxgM7MB3b9mx6flv2mjOAve7jEg2FYRz__8RIr_OdqSeNdxTyijspOF9V5Az71-6Y3-u78w4-ZxCBiM95ujQiz6XbMpNV6dGpihvd_rem0e-0hZwyebpPkuv8Y4tHJxo/s2048/IMG_3885.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU4TPk2_5xKHfxgM7MB3b9mx6flv2mjOAve7jEg2FYRz__8RIr_OdqSeNdxTyijspOF9V5Az71-6Y3-u78w4-ZxCBiM95ujQiz6XbMpNV6dGpihvd_rem0e-0hZwyebpPkuv8Y4tHJxo/s320/IMG_3885.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-37505869622495211592021-04-18T17:52:00.000-04:002021-04-18T17:52:14.288-04:00Allergy Season, Irritated Eyes....Chickweed Relief<p> </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4973ikLaBvDlDW1YXaoEYC4KJd8PvT34oup-Z2zlLp-_FEUUH4q68qAHfR1TfKwWdJMdjKH8Boy3ACiGvOlyxnQwZHTFg-hfBYohyphenhyphenJEO9Jt73l9AxFL9efOenwHSdug5TvJ0J8o4w-HA/s2048/IMG_2682.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4973ikLaBvDlDW1YXaoEYC4KJd8PvT34oup-Z2zlLp-_FEUUH4q68qAHfR1TfKwWdJMdjKH8Boy3ACiGvOlyxnQwZHTFg-hfBYohyphenhyphenJEO9Jt73l9AxFL9efOenwHSdug5TvJ0J8o4w-HA/s320/IMG_2682.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Plants that many consider weeds make their appearance with the first spring like days for reasons other than to annoy those who view these plants as nothing more than to aggravate the need for control over that perfect lawn. Before grocery stores offered off season fresh foods any time of the year, people spent long winters surviving on canned, pickled, dried or fermented vegetables. Those first signs of green were very appreciated and supplied much needed nutrition and system detox. </p><p>Dandelions, violets, plantain, nettles, chickweed, deadnettle...all eagerly foraged and used for not only food but for medicine. </p><p>Chickweed is one of those creeper plants hardly noticed unless one is looking for it or as a gardener, cursing its prolific ability to self-sow. Forming a low growing mat over any bare soil available, it is difficult to eradicate. While it is easy to pull out, its weak stems easily break off and leave spilled seed and roots behind. </p><p>Chickweed is Stellaria media which in Latin means little star. The little white flowers appear to be made up of five petals but look closer and you'll see each petal has a cleft to become ten little slivers. It is a little fun to get poetic and compare the little star to the cool evening sky. Considered a cooling herb, conditions associated with heat such as fevers, infections and inflammation, can be eased with the use of chickweed.</p><p>Seasonal allergy sufferers can get some relief from this little plant. Itchy, irritated, red eyes can be soothed by using a chickweed infusion or as an eye poultice.</p><p>To avoid the mess of dirt getting mixed in with your greens, use a scissors and give the chickweed patch a haircut. Cut a handful and chop into small pieces to increase the surface area. Add about 1/2 cup to a sauce pan along with 1 cup water. Bring to almost the boiling point and then turn down the heat to a simmer for about ten minutes. This makes a strong herbal tea or infusion. Strain out the plant material and cool. Soak a cloth in the infusion and lay over your eyes for about 10 minutes. An alternative to straining is to leave the chickweed folded in the cloth and use over your eyes like a poultice.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnm_Tu5bLC42FdgSzOP-GLRM2GcYas2-VrAWK3e-hOBMBBKzj120VM0eFLVo1iJ2Y8MMz9q0nT4U1EVGV6H3iiF-g7OSRpybUK3OCt9Bz9-qH0kv0bRAcvtfBmnwEAtwjT1kF05pcALo/s2048/IMG_2679.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnm_Tu5bLC42FdgSzOP-GLRM2GcYas2-VrAWK3e-hOBMBBKzj120VM0eFLVo1iJ2Y8MMz9q0nT4U1EVGV6H3iiF-g7OSRpybUK3OCt9Bz9-qH0kv0bRAcvtfBmnwEAtwjT1kF05pcALo/s320/IMG_2679.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Do this a few times a day if necessary for soothing relief from inflammation, redness, burning and itch. You can cut extra chickweed and store in the freezer for future use. Chickweed dies back once the heat of summer kicks in so take advantage of it while it is abundant in the spring.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZVTSHImyhQIz8qB7s7LmtEJ2eUSbjhbV4timI3VtUy3f5Ugqr1KPquE-RGounBa0ACtYruw1iPKFIf3TemAnuPoZeCo4d8SUMGtTPE6ga8uuGcmkGiln7csGMfMMAP8LjzHZb1wL9aI/s2048/IMG_2681.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZVTSHImyhQIz8qB7s7LmtEJ2eUSbjhbV4timI3VtUy3f5Ugqr1KPquE-RGounBa0ACtYruw1iPKFIf3TemAnuPoZeCo4d8SUMGtTPE6ga8uuGcmkGiln7csGMfMMAP8LjzHZb1wL9aI/s320/IMG_2681.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickweed in April</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-896647321694970852021-04-12T07:45:00.006-04:002021-04-12T07:45:51.932-04:00SNEAK IT IN POWER MUFFINS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK70ZZrkaAo69yGf5isrgb04-cwikARhlzifk149-ePqD6r1USFrx6Y24UKvKma18qUtCwDrYzL8W_lOF07lUKVm2TeEpkDCpagrjFqiRDy0CcbJOh4-fd_eCYInCkm5mx0d-o7hGgzA/s2048/IMG_2664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTK70ZZrkaAo69yGf5isrgb04-cwikARhlzifk149-ePqD6r1USFrx6Y24UKvKma18qUtCwDrYzL8W_lOF07lUKVm2TeEpkDCpagrjFqiRDy0CcbJOh4-fd_eCYInCkm5mx0d-o7hGgzA/s320/IMG_2664.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">EMPIRE STATE MUFFINS</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Taste of Home...Beverly Collins)</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 CUPS SHREDDED UNPEELED APPLES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 1/3 CUPS SUGAR<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 CUP CHOPPED CRANBERRIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 CUP SHREDDED CARROTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 CUP CHOPPED WALNUTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 ½ CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 TBSP BAKING POWDER<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 TSP BAKING SODA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ TEASPOON SALT <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 TSP GROUND CINNAMON<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 EGGS, SLIGHTLY BEATEN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ CUP VEGETABLE OIL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a large mixing bowl, combine the
apples and sugar.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In another bowl combine the flour,
baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To the dry ingredients add the cranberries,
carrots and walnuts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Add the apple/sugar mixture and mix
well to combine.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a small bowl, mix the eggs and
oil.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stir eggs and oil into the batter.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fill about 18 greased muffin tins 2/3
full.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bake at 375 F for 20 – 25 minutes or
until a toothpick tests done.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cool about five minutes before
removing muffins.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">MORNING GLORY MUFFINS<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Taste of Home...Paddy Webber)</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 CUPS FLOUR<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 ¼ CUPS SUGAR<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 TSP BAKING SODA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 TSP CINNAMON<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ TSP SALT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 CUPS SHREDDED CARROT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ CUP RAISINS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ CUP SHREDDED COCONUT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">½ CHOPPED PECANS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3 EGGS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 CUP VEGETABLE OIL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 CUP SHREDDED UNPEELED APPLE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a large mixing bowl, combine
flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stir in the carrots, raisins, coconut
and pecans.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In another bowl, combine eggs, oil,
apples and vanilla.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Add to flour mixture.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stir only until combined.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fill about 18 greased muffin tins 2/3
full and bake at 350 F for 15 – 20 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><br /><p></p>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-68533433769866550952020-02-09T15:46:00.001-05:002023-08-23T10:51:43.661-04:00Comfrey, A Living Medicine Chest<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Comfrey or <i>Symphytum officinale </i>is a must have for the garden, whether you want it for medicinal healing purposes or for vegetable and flower growing, it is an invaluable plant. A European native and member of the borage family, comfrey acts as a soil conditioner, weed barrier, compost booster and fertilizer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A hardy perennial to Zone 4, comfrey thrives in just about any type of soil (though moist and fertile is best), is drought tolerant and grows fine in full sun to partly shaded locations. Seldom bothered by disease or insect pests it really is a low maintenance herb. It does need its space, as it can grow to a height and width of about five feet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The large dark green fuzzy leaves are full of potassium, nitrogen, magnesium, calcium and iron. A reason for this is it has a long taproot which takes up nutrients from the soil. The deep roots make this plant great for preparing a new vegetable or flower bed. The taproot acts as a clay breaker to penetrate compacted soil. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The leaves can be spread around garden plants to keep down the weeds or they can be shredded first to form a mulch. To make a liquid fertilizer, steep the leaves in a bucket of water to form a compost tea. Do this outside, since the resulting "tea" can be described as none other than "it stinks". Anyone who infuses comfrey in olive oil to make an herbal oil for salves learns quickly that if they want to use the fresh leaves the resulting salve will have an odor. Taking the time to dry out the leaves a bit before infusing greatly reduces the risk of not only the smell but against spoilage. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The fuzzy leaves of comfrey can be irritating to some people and cause contact dermatitis, so it is advised to wear gloves when handling them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Add comfrey leaves to the compost bin or pile as an accelerator, and be sure to turn the pile to thoroughly mix and combine everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Also, comfrey makes a great trap crop to lure slugs and snails away from other garden plants or flowers. Just remember its size so it doesn't choke out other plants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The fact that comfrey is also called Knit-bone and Bruisewort makes it easy to remember the medicinal purposes of this herb. Broken bones, pulled muscles, sprained ankles, wound care and bruises can all use this plant to aid and speed up healing. Difficult to heal pressure sores or slow to heal wounds often respond amazingly well to the use of comfrey salves. Just remember to be sure there is no risk of infection and to let the would heal a bit for a day or two before applying. The allantoin in comfrey may cause the skin to close over too quickly, causing the outer skin to heal before the inner wound is ready. Wounds need to heal from the inside out. Don't use it internally because there is controversy about its effects on the liver.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">If you have access to the actual comfrey plant, take advantage of those leaves and make a poultice for self-care after a mishap to relieve inflammation, reduce pain and encourage healing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">1. Collect a handful of fresh comfrey leaves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">2. Roughly chop the leaves and add to a blender or Magic Bullet</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">3. Add just enough water to blend into a mash</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">4. If you added too much water, an option is to add a bit of flour to thicken it up</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">5. Lay out cheesecloth or t-shirt or whatever you have and dump the mash out onto the cloth.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">6. Fold the edges over the mash to hold it in place and limit drips, but leave enough exposed to have direct contact to the injured area. If you use cheesecloth, it is porous enough that the mash can be completely wrapped. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">7. Lay the cloth containing the mash over the wounded area.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">8. Using Saran Wrap, cover the cloth </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">and wrap around the limb or torso to hold it in place and prevent leakage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">9. Leave the poultice in place at least two hours</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">10. Repeat as needed but prepare a fresh mash each time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">Below is a video with step-by-step instructions:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SCmlvkRGyMo" width="320" youtube-src-id="SCmlvkRGyMo"></iframe></div><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lastly, bees and pollinating insects love it! A win win all around!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.meadowmuffingardens.com/">MEADOW MUFFIN GARDENS</a></td></tr>
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<br />Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-74189471916123503242020-01-20T11:11:00.000-05:002020-01-20T11:13:30.257-05:00Back To Basics Skin Care Routine...Starting Over<br />
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The case many a time when people do seek out products not easily found on the commercial market is a result of wanting to eliminate synthetics and chemicals in their lives or a frustration with the condition of their skin. Often it is a matter of going back to basics and starting over.<br />
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A mistake people often make with cleansing their face is that the products used
are too harsh and strip the skin of their natural oils, leaving the skin pH out
of whack resulting in too dry skin lacking the balanced oils that normally
protect the barrier. In trying to get back to normal there can be an
overproduction of sebum which we then try to scrub off by washing even more and
the cycle continues.<br />
A good routine to follow includes: a cleanse, an occasional steam and/or mask,
then a toner and last a moisturizer if needed<br />
<br />
I have two types of FACIAL CLEANSE, one is like a serum and the other is a
honey/glycerin/castile soap blend:<br />
First we have the oil cleanse method.<br />
Remember years ago when women used cold creams? That method was basically using
cleansing oils that removed makeup and dirt from the skin. It was a gentle
approach to cleansing both dry and oily skin. I got this recipe from an old
herbal book. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRZCeXVWwGTYyTxyL8u4gs_3vSe1NUZD2uhsVe03TDxyZMkCXp-5j9xifoVzN7mgQPoH6xBZXAWPpW8mEJ7AIE7rJGlJyuGohRkk16lGf5OYEzbpiJCE-tp-aw0QS_fbwbYLL1-2Ygzc/s1600/aloe+wash+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRZCeXVWwGTYyTxyL8u4gs_3vSe1NUZD2uhsVe03TDxyZMkCXp-5j9xifoVzN7mgQPoH6xBZXAWPpW8mEJ7AIE7rJGlJyuGohRkk16lGf5OYEzbpiJCE-tp-aw0QS_fbwbYLL1-2Ygzc/s320/aloe+wash+best.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/soapfree-aloe-rose-facial-wash-serum-makeup-remover">Aloe Rose Facial Cleanse</a></td></tr>
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Some people like this to cleanse and additionally use a moisturizer, others
think this is enough for both cleansing and moisturizing. It consists of olive
oil (this could be replaced with a "drier" oil such as grapeseed for
oily skin), rosewater and aloe vera gel. You would apply this to a cotton round
and simply wipe over your face to cleanse and moisturize and the same time. Second option is to use it like you would any other facial wash and rinse off with water.<br />
<br />
Cleaning your face with oil may sound unappealing but contrary to popular
belief, oil does not contribute to oily skin or breakouts. The sebum that the
skin creates is there to protect the skin. When we use commercial cleansers to
remove this natural oil, the body reacts by producing more oil. Dry skin is
often the result of stripping away this natural barrier and things get out of
balance. It is the same as how our hair adjusts to constant shampooing.<br />
In washing our faces we want to remove the dirt and bacterial which builds up
in our pores but we have to think about the chemistry behind it. Oil dissolves
oil, like dissolves like. Water and oil do not mix; commercial cleansers
contain ingredients to break up the oils but in doing so may strip away the
natural protective layer. By using a nourishing oil like olive oil, the dirty
oils are being replaced with beneficial ones.<br />
<br />
Some people like to use the above serum type cleanse on some days and then the
more traditional wash with water on other days, just to mix things up and get
the benefits from both types.<br />
There are three versions of the honey/glycerin/castile soap washes, mainly its
personal preference. The first one uses essential oils orange or lemon which
you may like for oily skin since they are more astringent. The next one is made
with the honey infused with rose petals and the third the honey is infused with
lavender.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/4-oz-size-real-honey-n-glycerin-facial-wash-for-all-skin-types">Citrus Honey Facial Wash</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTPVuuiB8Ld3XFTG4pe0F2cY6XQQtIvmMu6H3m8exvXQPu2i_qQx401mlmPpNnkrXxytchMN-qI0MA72kcGw-gJzoRvSkyLiok4E7tDIKmu5kqSh_tZLnrwzcoV72a_PAv-R1NZLgqFU/s1600/IMG_3789+rose+wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTPVuuiB8Ld3XFTG4pe0F2cY6XQQtIvmMu6H3m8exvXQPu2i_qQx401mlmPpNnkrXxytchMN-qI0MA72kcGw-gJzoRvSkyLiok4E7tDIKmu5kqSh_tZLnrwzcoV72a_PAv-R1NZLgqFU/s320/IMG_3789+rose+wash.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/rose-honey-glycerin-facial-wash-gentle-skin-care-all-skin-types">Rose Honey Facial Wash</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/lavender-honey-n-glycerin-facial-wash-4-oz-all-skin-types">Lavender Honey Facial Wash</a></td></tr>
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Wildflower and clover honey already have the beneficial attributes of
various herbs and flowers within the honey itself. Honey is a natural humectant
which means it retains moisture and plumps up skin cells. It helps to rebuild
the moisture level in the skin without making it oily. The high sugar, low
protein content create an acidic environment with limited availability of water
therefore bacteria cannot thrive.<br />
Glucose oxidase is an enzyme that when combined with water produces hydrogen
peroxide, a mild antiseptic. Honey also contains antioxidants and flavonoids
that may function as antibacterial agents. It calms down troubled skin without
irritation.<br />
Vegetable glycerin is what is known as a humectant which means it draws
moisture from the air and holds it in. As part of a cleanse it bonds to dirt
and oil and washes away.<br />
<br />
<br />
To open up the pores, you can follow the cleanse with a 20 minute facial steam
in which you fill a bowl with steaming water (add an herbal tea bag for extra
benefits), make a tent by covering your head with a towel, and lean over the
bowl.<br />
<br />
<br />
Follow the steam with a RAW HONEY MASK or an exfoliating SUGAR SCRUB for wonderful benefits.<br />
Masks and scrubs are great for periodic use for deeper cleansing to draw out
impurities or for exfoliation to remove dead skin cell build-up. These aren't
meant to use every day, once or twice a week is sufficient. <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Add variety by mixing it up a little, and there is no need to use both the mask and the scrub at the same time.</span><br />
<br />
Unpasteurized honey contains all the live enzymes and life of the hive
without being destroyed by the heat of pasteurization. Typical store bought
honey is pasteurized to make it nice and pourable and remove bits of wax and
stuff from the hive. Having a high anti-oxidant level and being the natural
enzymes have not been destroyed by heat, raw honey is a much healthier product.<br />
Facial masks are wonderful for deep cleaning in that they penetrate below the
surface and draw out impurities. Honey masks are nourishing, moisturizing and
gentle enough to not strip the skin of its natural protective oils.<br />
When you wash the honey off your skin, a small amount remains in the pores. As
a result, the sugars in the honey attract water from the air, which keeps your
skin hydrated.<br />
<br />
The first mask has tea tree and chamomile and is good for blemishes. The second
one is good for blemishes too but in using lavender is more gentle. The third
one is great for oily skin as it contains peppermint and lemongrass which are
astringent and antiseptic.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/raw-honey-facial-mask-blemish-prone-skin-wound-care-burns">Blemish Honey Mask</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jd0wHqAxGdDmNVU3cI69Nb8w9HshGhvvFwoEobsjHGn8PSTJ9h3Rhgbrq5Pfj2WMjrR9KJxjJHBqPkuN2hY-apjarHwTY3GzNML84N7RdomM37bu1Rqez57ARGJLGJ_nPtnUbMjjzvs/s1600/lavender+honey+mask.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jd0wHqAxGdDmNVU3cI69Nb8w9HshGhvvFwoEobsjHGn8PSTJ9h3Rhgbrq5Pfj2WMjrR9KJxjJHBqPkuN2hY-apjarHwTY3GzNML84N7RdomM37bu1Rqez57ARGJLGJ_nPtnUbMjjzvs/s320/lavender+honey+mask.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/raw-honey-lavender-facial-mask-all-skin-types-wound-care-burns">Lavender Honey Mask</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz3-v1mze7XQKrLCEGuW5wl2H33M-WbnoaRwU2NnTvqJCED2lCS96LkU-zqhmwAIqQud_OpxIqvNMg6sA672Z9sNQ3c1qkm5O776KONj__5v6k2TVpro4KFE98e7C7DsCtlcTHA_vUqo/s1600/IMG_8106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz3-v1mze7XQKrLCEGuW5wl2H33M-WbnoaRwU2NnTvqJCED2lCS96LkU-zqhmwAIqQud_OpxIqvNMg6sA672Z9sNQ3c1qkm5O776KONj__5v6k2TVpro4KFE98e7C7DsCtlcTHA_vUqo/s320/IMG_8106.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/raw-honey-facial-mask-tired-oily-skin">Oily Tired Skin Honey Mask</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Scrubs are optional as they may be too harsh for already irritated skin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">The choice between sugar or salt for scrubs depends on how it is to be used. For the delicate skin of the face sugar scrubs are gentler. People often make the mistake that if they scrub they'll scrape those blemishes right off when actually they are irritating the skin further causing more inflammation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">One uses vegetable glycerin instead of an oil and the other two use coconut oil. The glycerin scrub is "goopier" and good if you like a looser scrub. The coconut oil ones tend to be more compact since coconut oil solidifies under 75 degrees. But as soon as you touch it it melts and gets soft again.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfPVWSBx9lBANfXSDHzsiQt3fWM0cuIgmF-vsFHtBaOJTTRwUxr76nD2effxx01OcxhgyWHXJ1Ues7n3nneg0zZLYnXZAqWRtbVAJq6BGz53_lqVH3pJ3KaRWH9aB0UF52xIsmdPHti0/s1600/vanilla+sugar+scrub+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfPVWSBx9lBANfXSDHzsiQt3fWM0cuIgmF-vsFHtBaOJTTRwUxr76nD2effxx01OcxhgyWHXJ1Ues7n3nneg0zZLYnXZAqWRtbVAJq6BGz53_lqVH3pJ3KaRWH9aB0UF52xIsmdPHti0/s320/vanilla+sugar+scrub+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/face-or-body-coconut-sugar-scrub-raw-sugars-vanilla-lemon-exfoliation">Vanilla Sugar Scrub</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwUQe3v9sAvWt6EHAV7UhlafnfPjbB0tMNQ0ufhCXiS7QkjSFWMNHSpngxRfdd0QDF0EktxRVZppBpfYaY1tCTjgpTkI1BqraxqhesX3o5YKWIb89oDyfvZtv7DkV-CjkFjzSw-VvEH0/s1600/IMG_3640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwUQe3v9sAvWt6EHAV7UhlafnfPjbB0tMNQ0ufhCXiS7QkjSFWMNHSpngxRfdd0QDF0EktxRVZppBpfYaY1tCTjgpTkI1BqraxqhesX3o5YKWIb89oDyfvZtv7DkV-CjkFjzSw-VvEH0/s320/IMG_3640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/face-and-body-lavender-raw-sugar-scrub">Vegetable Glycerin Lavender Sugar Scrub</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9i-UWNsorWVNzzQd4jTCV8CaRjWZkUNjWmO65lWXqA_RdwhPCxH1oL8kaFkSSSOJ_XZnMVAX8425vQzSe6TGR5tWMl_OrEwK1pua7WyJbcdJSHwGSLjTqVukcoF1IvBWYqttwofNg7Y/s1600/IMG_1168+coconut+sugar+scrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9i-UWNsorWVNzzQd4jTCV8CaRjWZkUNjWmO65lWXqA_RdwhPCxH1oL8kaFkSSSOJ_XZnMVAX8425vQzSe6TGR5tWMl_OrEwK1pua7WyJbcdJSHwGSLjTqVukcoF1IvBWYqttwofNg7Y/s320/IMG_1168+coconut+sugar+scrub.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/coconut-sugar-scrub-for-face-body-lemongrass-exfoliation">Coconut Sugar Scrub Lemongrass</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Finish up with a gentle TONER:<br />
The herbal vinegars are great for getting and keeping the skin pH back in
balance. It's personal preference as any of them are tonics for the skin.<br />
The first one uses herbs for their anti-inflammatory benefits and the second is
an old-fashioned blend of roses and elderflowers which were used for their high
vitamin C content.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1IcifCQUKNTtGRWkUpJdh9hKhnwMu2NYYnxvD7ExEuq7c_M5raT5HPuImp121AvwlYbKzF3YMjS3AL_bFt5FKfuqv1flvWJwBuq08kqfGuKhWjGSJdeFJyp53afWyECqq8NRIPbOjU8/s1600/IMG_1932+cnc+face+toner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1IcifCQUKNTtGRWkUpJdh9hKhnwMu2NYYnxvD7ExEuq7c_M5raT5HPuImp121AvwlYbKzF3YMjS3AL_bFt5FKfuqv1flvWJwBuq08kqfGuKhWjGSJdeFJyp53afWyECqq8NRIPbOjU8/s320/IMG_1932+cnc+face+toner.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/gentle-herbal-vinegar-facial-toner-blemish-treatment">Calendula Nettles Chamomile Toner</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdB5-ePdV3-ofvpAuioh9kjFurE2La5k9GVEWZKb3ytW0XsB4HMydvR2FxQtG3CNWE48yJjIURhSLy8bKu6R8zaAXBwbbuSuuEaoYQ8eK9JRwNnzyYz5Y-K6rq8hel2qjyx6hKWVW0go/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdB5-ePdV3-ofvpAuioh9kjFurE2La5k9GVEWZKb3ytW0XsB4HMydvR2FxQtG3CNWE48yJjIURhSLy8bKu6R8zaAXBwbbuSuuEaoYQ8eK9JRwNnzyYz5Y-K6rq8hel2qjyx6hKWVW0go/s320/IMG_8170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/rose-elderflower-vinegar-facial-toner-astringent">Rose Elderflower Toner</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2KanJcsR57GDz_O8PosLCFTvqajDKitW2VEIcQesBcvtT5_EfZ_YpLkxeDP22BQ8y3Y5Zr0Po1OV0JqgCehBRJpsCLoM_W-Uwdp39F05BJHUMJACWwhaFjrdrGx-NRGLH9hGS2g8PZw/s1600/herbal+blemish+toner+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2KanJcsR57GDz_O8PosLCFTvqajDKitW2VEIcQesBcvtT5_EfZ_YpLkxeDP22BQ8y3Y5Zr0Po1OV0JqgCehBRJpsCLoM_W-Uwdp39F05BJHUMJACWwhaFjrdrGx-NRGLH9hGS2g8PZw/s320/herbal+blemish+toner+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/herbal-vinegar-spot-treatment-for-blemishes">Herbal Blemish Spot Treatment</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This third one is stronger than the other toners because it doesn't have the
dilution of distilled water. It's more of a spot treatment for blemishes. It
does make a great everyday toner too if it's diluted a bit which is an option
when purchased.<br />
<br />
The natural pH of the skin is what keeps bacteria levels in check
Disruption of the skin's pH can be detrimental to your skin, because bacteria
thrives in an environment only a little more alkaline than your skin's natural
acidity. Once bacteria thrives it can lead to inflammation and generating more
clogged pores.<br />
Good quality raw vinegars restore the natural acid balance of the skin, leaving
it soft and smooth.<br />
By promoting circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin,
vinegar becomes a tonic for the complexion. Raw vinegars don't go through the
processing and distilling of the typical clear vinegars, therefore raw vinegar
still contains the living nutrients and beneficial bacteria of the
"mother".<br />
Vinegar acts as an antiseptic, meaning it prevents proliferation of bacteria,
viruses and yeast that could trigger infection. As a facial toner, it removes
oily residue as it dissolves fatty deposits at the surface of the skin.<br />
<br />
<br />
Third step on a daily basis is to MOISTURIZE</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There
are several facial cream choices and one lighter lotion. They vary in ingredients
just to offer options for personal preference or allergies but they all are very good for different skin types. The oil to water ratio is almost 50/50 whereas most lotions in pump
bottles are 20/80. The key is how often and how much to use at a time. People with dry skin find these creams nourishing and great relief for parched feeling skin and those who don't need a heavier cream may find they only need a tiny bit or perhaps only need it as a night cream.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_fGufY7LaR2Q-ons1TFqszIaZGEFo0xDOJZRVGETRyTHUW-mxSaJ7FFd8kzMFLUoTysGXTDjxdXrARqYctgNMWzgQPYv7Olbk7heJlb6OtnkBQwfWw6682qxSLj4I88ljOVBFps-p1c/s1600/IMG_5058+lavish+lotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_fGufY7LaR2Q-ons1TFqszIaZGEFo0xDOJZRVGETRyTHUW-mxSaJ7FFd8kzMFLUoTysGXTDjxdXrARqYctgNMWzgQPYv7Olbk7heJlb6OtnkBQwfWw6682qxSLj4I88ljOVBFps-p1c/s320/IMG_5058+lavish+lotion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/moisturizing-facial-cream-herb-n-floral-healing">Herb Floral Facial Cream</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_iq5AhUpN3Dj-UMlIXf_jiE14OjNtRc6onrqE94_p1cNOM7dMUkN8yZHowwtt3-EuCoTxCzz_jK6GU42T-AEc50pI3Uw-lvuIbiEwxUTgPbvhtk5b9LnyvFRQp9uFjhbcOyAuCH8D8A/s1600/IMG_4325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_iq5AhUpN3Dj-UMlIXf_jiE14OjNtRc6onrqE94_p1cNOM7dMUkN8yZHowwtt3-EuCoTxCzz_jK6GU42T-AEc50pI3Uw-lvuIbiEwxUTgPbvhtk5b9LnyvFRQp9uFjhbcOyAuCH8D8A/s320/IMG_4325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/rose-elderflower-facial-moisturizing-cream-holistic-natural-beauty">Elderflower Rose Facial Cream</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMP2rtFN-ix04nPSWHhOb-1qwUFBnt-W7km8nUJEu0j-eD5OfTRY3iNBQCwUSCKkE0bfgcDE0Hkl-L0OHiqHYmqsk1sg-CwSPkJKj9kLNQUpfrwEwjQJvCWDLYnESuTQodazh-u-bDus/s1600/rose+facial+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMP2rtFN-ix04nPSWHhOb-1qwUFBnt-W7km8nUJEu0j-eD5OfTRY3iNBQCwUSCKkE0bfgcDE0Hkl-L0OHiqHYmqsk1sg-CwSPkJKj9kLNQUpfrwEwjQJvCWDLYnESuTQodazh-u-bDus/s320/rose+facial+cream.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/the-regal-rose-facial-moisturizing-cream">Rose Facial Cream</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKe5d-CDOR6sNyAxQ26J2jDab86cFT5lRJZmzEDkq4ozdtm4xb32qQcAqil5m9mp4Aq8BOLITtVeVWAhiaKTsIi1dRZilBQGkQS8Js74xfIb34svKblnWFhhAIPWeKGWZB7TUfsoxkEI/s1600/IMG_4662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKe5d-CDOR6sNyAxQ26J2jDab86cFT5lRJZmzEDkq4ozdtm4xb32qQcAqil5m9mp4Aq8BOLITtVeVWAhiaKTsIi1dRZilBQGkQS8Js74xfIb34svKblnWFhhAIPWeKGWZB7TUfsoxkEI/s320/IMG_4662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/sandalwood-and-lavender-facial-moisturizing-cream">Serenity Facial Cream</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE9htmNJez_mk24VueC5eWMv1W4r6HpCSuJI9GPJjBagSx0JP_hWifcd509gEAi_S4JDPhmC38_d7x7Vzq6quvLFzzrxqV1OtF_8uUl1BehUKLetlyzEyBEW3rnwIXZdzv4luw5gbXPo/s1600/antiaging+scent+free+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE9htmNJez_mk24VueC5eWMv1W4r6HpCSuJI9GPJjBagSx0JP_hWifcd509gEAi_S4JDPhmC38_d7x7Vzq6quvLFzzrxqV1OtF_8uUl1BehUKLetlyzEyBEW3rnwIXZdzv4luw5gbXPo/s320/antiaging+scent+free+cream.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/facial-moisturizing-cream-no-added-essential-oils-added-hempseed-oil-rosehip-seed-oil-unrefined-coconut-oil-mature-skin">Scent Free Facial Cream</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkZFleHHFcIJh4uANKXeaq8nN6AwMvSSnF4BWifd_slOL9fjg6VsDvOISsD9NAUHHS3aCozJgygM1x_xKGzFiG7lwmmzTC3nWk2eR6coBP9uCcpWz1L6rZrO4MopIFyeT0juWGI42ACA/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkZFleHHFcIJh4uANKXeaq8nN6AwMvSSnF4BWifd_slOL9fjg6VsDvOISsD9NAUHHS3aCozJgygM1x_xKGzFiG7lwmmzTC3nWk2eR6coBP9uCcpWz1L6rZrO4MopIFyeT0juWGI42ACA/s320/IMG_7446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/wrinkle-war-facial-moisturizing-cream">Wrinkle Wrath Facial Cream</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv8eH_EgXGxMGc7-YJAxxVqxmmRVgp1mGjrC3KcYjQzVAPYMxy9RYa2NC-RNNb3nJvd1_TPWpKlWRE3FoKsW-O2mJK9Hfle6WhR1GJkqbN8SDl-BEPGdVkgzVWqR2WNb4-L7yCjTFruE/s1600/Touch+of+Bliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv8eH_EgXGxMGc7-YJAxxVqxmmRVgp1mGjrC3KcYjQzVAPYMxy9RYa2NC-RNNb3nJvd1_TPWpKlWRE3FoKsW-O2mJK9Hfle6WhR1GJkqbN8SDl-BEPGdVkgzVWqR2WNb4-L7yCjTFruE/s320/Touch+of+Bliss.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/touch-of-bliss-facial-cream-skin-food-natural-skin-care-mango-butter-plant-extracts">Touch of Bliss Facial Cream</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK2aayA2uabGo60AF1eLn7vtgvZPEEdq30IgVF80n9bJICEMoaQznNMmXKYuD6lnVWg_FFTVU4xrmVfyiUeS3gehEm3p8evZzBXGspF12vFqUoobp1EpEWfMUDdO8K1jMScwsszksmWY/s1600/IMG_5731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK2aayA2uabGo60AF1eLn7vtgvZPEEdq30IgVF80n9bJICEMoaQznNMmXKYuD6lnVWg_FFTVU4xrmVfyiUeS3gehEm3p8evZzBXGspF12vFqUoobp1EpEWfMUDdO8K1jMScwsszksmWY/s320/IMG_5731.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/touch-of-vanilla-wrinkle-wrath-moisturizing-cream-fine-lines-organic-skin-care-aromatherapy">Vanilla Wrinkle Wrath Facial Cream</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/touch-of-vanilla-wrinkle-wrath-moisturizing-cream-fine-lines-organic-skin-care-aromatherapy"></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This lotion has a higher liquid portion and doesn't have a solid oil such as shea butter or coconut oil. This lotion was originally the request from a woman who had skin troubles and was allergic to coconut oil. But since some people just want a lighter lotion rather than a cream I left the listing as it is. The essential oils chamomile and tea tree are the usual ones in the lotion only because it originally was wanted for and to prevent future blemishes. But if you don't need that, you can leave it unscented or add something else.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf8kBibtaYrnOgm6_5HX1rWZWlHV2Y-0gX55IRuWgE2tNp2406JELn01oj0QWypyaSbhD6YZyRuZyNOirbgeUEAD2ukF_1anlwMy7ZGD6sOmgNK6C2GQ3EqkDuX6hzhHxigav9NKDC9E/s1600/sensitive+skin+lotion+no+nut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf8kBibtaYrnOgm6_5HX1rWZWlHV2Y-0gX55IRuWgE2tNp2406JELn01oj0QWypyaSbhD6YZyRuZyNOirbgeUEAD2ukF_1anlwMy7ZGD6sOmgNK6C2GQ3EqkDuX6hzhHxigav9NKDC9E/s320/sensitive+skin+lotion+no+nut.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/coconut-free-facial-lotion-tea-tree-n-chamomile">Sensitive Skin Lotion</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Everyone has different needs and preferences, therefore there is no one product or routine that fits all. Getting to know what works best for you may be trial and error, but hopefully with options like these products you can be reassured the "first do no harm" philosophy is a priority.<br /><br />
<a href="http://meadowmuffingardens.com/">meadowmuffingardens.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://meadowmuffingardens.etsy.com/">meadowmuffingardens.etsy.com</a><br />
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<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-61740623063328154902020-01-18T15:28:00.002-05:002020-01-18T15:28:43.658-05:00Stinging Nettles..Undervalued for Hair Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAlkbhYiXHjtVylsY0fZuQSQSSG0g__wNXZuNZUD8YcqiGwvpNBNxcWhH-XffWUVU-G5lFuc-JGdN4AcdhPGTr1D-X0CV3GH6Kq2Xk1oO0QRhXOAWf9DX0kZ0ZF2CGHSHWLqU8fGl9n0/s1600/st+nettle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAlkbhYiXHjtVylsY0fZuQSQSSG0g__wNXZuNZUD8YcqiGwvpNBNxcWhH-XffWUVU-G5lFuc-JGdN4AcdhPGTr1D-X0CV3GH6Kq2Xk1oO0QRhXOAWf9DX0kZ0ZF2CGHSHWLqU8fGl9n0/s320/st+nettle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nettle is a group of plants that have stinging hairs and
even though the plant is so very valuable medicinally and environmentally, not
everyone can or would want the plant on their property for an unsuspecting
person to stumble upon. But there are sources where you can find products utilizing this undervalued plant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The nettle plant is nutrient dense in that it is rich in
Vitamins A, C, D, K and B, a good source of minerals Iron, Potassium,
Manganese, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Silica, Iodine, Silicon, Sodium and
Sulfur. Taking advantage of this green pharmacy in the form of a tea can do
wonders for your health. But you can also take advantage of using the plant for
topical use as a benefit to your skin and hair care. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nettles are one of the oldest treatments for helping with
hair loss. It stimulates the hair follicles which results in healthier growth.
Better nutrition is always best for seeing an overall improvement in the
appearance of our skin and hair, but applying nettles topically in the form of
after shampoo herbal infusion rinses, nettle-infused vinegar hair rinses or
nettle-infused oil conditioning treatments can also bring wonderful results.
People dealing with dandruff and scalp funk can get rid of the problem by
taking advantage of the antifungal properties of stinging nettles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. First, lets talk about the use of nettles as an herbal
vinegar hair rinse. Many of our hair care products are strongly alkaline and
cause a dull buildup on the hair shaft. Continuous use of shampoos,
conditioners and styling products can dry out and leave open the protective cuticle
scales of the hair shaft which results in hard to manage, fly away hair.
Healthy hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale between 4.5 and 5.5.
Apple cider vinegar has a pH of 2.9. Occasional after shampoo vinegar rinses
help to balance the pH, remove that buildup and restore a softer, shinier head
of hair. Vinegar rinses also help prevent or get rid of a flaky or itchy scalp.
The acids and enzymes in the vinegar kill the "bottle bacillus", a
bacteria that is one of the causes for many scalp conditions. The bacteria
clogs the hair follicles which allows dry crusts to form that itch and flake
off. Adding the benefits of nettles to the vinegar rinse adds a powerful
boost to maintaining a healthy scalp and hair care.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoyTysbEZP7VKPaH4E38yJZC9pp1Y6ghi1hAbh-GlF-be95EdRBujFl32YrDBXaAhMELjypeu7PgLdIs9fxnYywPi-HKpGiERsj1KeWIClC1po0PJdT6a11s7srjmiL0a2UpML-pMX9Q/s1600/dark+hair+rinse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoyTysbEZP7VKPaH4E38yJZC9pp1Y6ghi1hAbh-GlF-be95EdRBujFl32YrDBXaAhMELjypeu7PgLdIs9fxnYywPi-HKpGiERsj1KeWIClC1po0PJdT6a11s7srjmiL0a2UpML-pMX9Q/s320/dark+hair+rinse.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/herbal-vinegar-rinse-for-darker-hair" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Vinegar Rinse Dark Hair</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr04c2AhcbROKCTWPBeXcwyXE_aCkBe0Vlr4NllNOeuKtIOqo4W0LMLrQc1haVuNOk8BijfNhwMmmqjqe1q1gDpjpU0bVUIm4BVi9PkqwHkyB46UcQdSN8UMx7eM5j7LjweZO4iil6Cl0/s1600/light+hair+rinse+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr04c2AhcbROKCTWPBeXcwyXE_aCkBe0Vlr4NllNOeuKtIOqo4W0LMLrQc1haVuNOk8BijfNhwMmmqjqe1q1gDpjpU0bVUIm4BVi9PkqwHkyB46UcQdSN8UMx7eM5j7LjweZO4iil6Cl0/s320/light+hair+rinse+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/herbal-vinegar-rinse-for-blonde-hair">Vinegar Rinse Light Hair</a><o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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2. An occasional oil conditioning treatment can help restore damage done from
hairdryers, curling irons, color treatments, summer sun, winter wind and
swimming pool chemicals. Infusing stinging nettles in a carrier oil such a
jojoba oil is a great blend for not only the hair on your head but for men's
beard care.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jojoba oil isn't actually an oil, but rather the liquid wax
extracted from the plant's seeds. Jojoba oil so resembles human sebum that it
acts as a protective coating, quickly absorbed by the hair shafts. By infusing
the jojoba oil with nettles, the hair and scalp benefit greatly and helps
prevent scalp funk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Conditioning oils can be used in a few ways: massage a bit
into snarls to help comb out tangles, scrunch a bit just onto the ends to help
with dry ends and split ends or use as a full head treatment by applying to the
hair and scalp, wrap with a towel for a period of time and shampoo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbDvt-nMis5-Ew0ujdBjc7K7Te6GjCti5z5ScOkvrdWimTNpbDFIkBDvjNJ3kmGLjdnF-fDvCBZ8d0Rwv0pb8qB31brC6NAczVDejVveRRtzqWp1DoULFiNSSvk6LvgvHwEmvevwj_5U/s1600/dadruff+hair+oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbDvt-nMis5-Ew0ujdBjc7K7Te6GjCti5z5ScOkvrdWimTNpbDFIkBDvjNJ3kmGLjdnF-fDvCBZ8d0Rwv0pb8qB31brC6NAczVDejVveRRtzqWp1DoULFiNSSvk6LvgvHwEmvevwj_5U/s320/dadruff+hair+oil.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/funky-scalp-n-dandruff-nettles-jojoba-oil-treatment">Dandruff Hair Repair</a><o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e-lyeF24BMMFRpCFLgKqhLzb2KagFcwlOntDNNC7zI6wsQKIcvoO8YKQa9pEjl1fVd90zrdT2nbLp4fds6NML1QJ6fBZ6mYFNOJoKAJ5aXTxk4FhKR9VQX9tr59a1eEw0f8qU6T0ZP0/s1600/IMG_3722+hair+oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e-lyeF24BMMFRpCFLgKqhLzb2KagFcwlOntDNNC7zI6wsQKIcvoO8YKQa9pEjl1fVd90zrdT2nbLp4fds6NML1QJ6fBZ6mYFNOJoKAJ5aXTxk4FhKR9VQX9tr59a1eEw0f8qU6T0ZP0/s320/IMG_3722+hair+oil.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://marketplace.zibbet.com/meadowmuffin2010/hair-repair-conditioning-nettle-infused-jojoba-oil-treatment-beard-oil" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Dry Hair Repair</a><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<a href="https://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2015/03/stinging-nettles-herbal-pharmacy.html">Further
information on how to grow, harvest and utilize stinging nettles can be found
in this post</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0RgnOJT4Ww96LvFeq3AUsbE2d2ZPk1I2Vp3KcPUgIp-ZnREGi8MWtTf76yJNK0CKwfVLX6hnsQ1Mc7l3CuwobmHsQuo4fUQfW6KvuZRlyMnw24-zop0BS7QNJQ2AUpnWUZsJw4Giy9E/s1600/stinging+nettles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0RgnOJT4Ww96LvFeq3AUsbE2d2ZPk1I2Vp3KcPUgIp-ZnREGi8MWtTf76yJNK0CKwfVLX6hnsQ1Mc7l3CuwobmHsQuo4fUQfW6KvuZRlyMnw24-zop0BS7QNJQ2AUpnWUZsJw4Giy9E/s320/stinging+nettles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2015/06/butterflies-and-nettle-patch.html">Further
information on how stinging nettles can bring butterflies to your garden can be
found in this post</a></span><br />
<br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHVH9SnjBJtIvh4g9-UBI6CjpR-9GsZeO_wsJy5VSs7up5fsrWI7xERepehw9OH7_bhyphenhyphengqJN03f56XlHMm31tjOdsfWPql2pnOjv9t64x1LNdephD86i02Kn8siAYrwIfKSB4QOsKy5Y/s1600/viceroy+butterfly.jpg" style="text-align: center;" />Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-56589912150684685082019-10-24T14:55:00.001-04:002019-10-24T14:55:49.334-04:00Oat-Hemp-Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies.....So GoodWhether you just have to include chocolate in your cookies or simply want the treat to at least be a little bit healthy to make it worth the indulgence, this recipe is a winner. Ideal for those milk and cookie after school snacks, coffee breaks, holiday cookie exchanges or gift ideas. They freeze well too!<br />
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Taken from Taste Of Home magazine, contributed by Jaymie Noble of Michigan, this recipe just has one alteration which is the addition of hemp seeds.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">OAT-RAGEOUS CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBjTuOwjzqySrTW34d6SqQSnBjyz-LS1ayeIFah_hAw80TeOoKEgmD_4RMaDkmyb3rfeOfwp1gp2mAbe6opV0wgKeu2KYMdrdWWIVmndZnLoMGDniCqwsKWESW1FLbuqqy_Is9g_l3VM/s1600/IMG_7869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBjTuOwjzqySrTW34d6SqQSnBjyz-LS1ayeIFah_hAw80TeOoKEgmD_4RMaDkmyb3rfeOfwp1gp2mAbe6opV0wgKeu2KYMdrdWWIVmndZnLoMGDniCqwsKWESW1FLbuqqy_Is9g_l3VM/s320/IMG_7869.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup creamy peanut butter</div>
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1 cup sugar</div>
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2/3 cup brown sugar</div>
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2 large egg</div>
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1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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2 cup all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 cup oats or oatmeal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup hemp seeds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tsp baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 cups or 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips</div>
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<b>DIRECTIONS</b></div>
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In a large bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown sugar</div>
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Beat in the eggs and vanilla</div>
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In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, hemp seed, baking soda and salt. </div>
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Add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well</div>
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Stir in the chocolate chips</div>
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Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets</div>
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Bake at 350 for 10 - 12 minutes till lightly browned </div>
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Cool a bit before removing to wire racks so they don't fall apart</div>
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Makes about 4 dozen</div>
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ENJOY</div>
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Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-21501293148358182112018-09-11T10:40:00.000-04:002018-09-11T10:46:49.555-04:00Clean Green, More Ideas Using Household Products<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Keeping up with maintaining a clean home is a challenge enough, so when ideas come up to help make tasks easier, safer, cheaper and more rewarding, it is worth noting.<br />
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A prior post about <a href="http://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2014/10/go-green-in-your-cleaning-routine-safe.html">green clean</a> covered the more common products to use, such as vinegar, baking soda, borax and lemons. This post will cover a few ideas you may not have heard about but are probably already in your cabinets: cream of tarter and hydrogen peroxide<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYf3KmYCDtKXlVz4usCqPMxt11pAJ6u6MLYpEwsylgmP72w2nMevOF-_K03TzR7eXvATm_wpGsTgHRTj-YzP6oNNYhwYb67zvNHlLUsAi_DpvqvNke3cAh881HF9BmntMv2KEuiawRYI/s1600/download+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYf3KmYCDtKXlVz4usCqPMxt11pAJ6u6MLYpEwsylgmP72w2nMevOF-_K03TzR7eXvATm_wpGsTgHRTj-YzP6oNNYhwYb67zvNHlLUsAi_DpvqvNke3cAh881HF9BmntMv2KEuiawRYI/s1600/download+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">CREAM OF TARTER</span><br />
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Found in the spice aisle, cream of tartar often is only pulled out to make an angel food cake.<br />
But it can be a great non-toxic source for laundry stains, warding off bugs and cleaning.<br />
A byproduct of the wine making process, cream of tartar is acidic enough to tackle tough cleaning jobs.<br />
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1. <b>Ring around the collar</b><br />
Dampen the shirt collar with a little water and then sprinkle the area with some cream of tartar. Rub the fabric together to work in the powder and then launder as usual.<br />
2. <b>Whiten whites</b><br />
Pretreat white clothes with a cream of tartar soak. Add a tsp. of powder for each quart of water and soak the clothes before washing.<br />
3. <b>Remove stains on clothes and carpets</b><br />
Mix some cream of tartar and lemon juice to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let sit for at least an hour. Machine wash clothes as usual or with carpets, blot with a damp cloth. Think of this idea for those ink stains that can ruin a good dress shirt.<br />
4.<b> Cleaning toilet stains and bathtub rings</b><br />
Mix some cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide (or white vinegar) to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stains and wait till it dries before rinsing with water.<br />
5. <b>All-purpose kitchen cleaner</b><br />
Mix some cream of tartar and white vinegar to form a paste. Use on stove burner pans, grout, ovens, kitchen sinks, spigots, stainless steel appliances, coffee pots, even cleans mildew.<br />
6. <b>Clean copper</b><br />
Mix 2:1 cream of tartar to lemon juice (2 tbsp. cream of tartar and 1 tbsp. lemon juice). Rub onto copper pots and wipe clean with a damp cloth<br />
7.<b> Clean silver</b><br />
Tarnished silver can be cleaned by dipping a damp magic eraser into some cream of tartar and wipe away the tarnish on old trays and utensils.<br />
8. <b>Sooty fireplace</b><br />
Wet some cream of tartar with water and apply to the soot. Wipe away soot with a damp cloth.<br />
9. <b>Deter ants</b><br />
Sprinkle where you suspect the ants are coming into the house.<br />
10. <b>Out of baking powder?</b><br />
Mix 2:1 cream of tartar and baking soda (2 tsp. cream of tartar and 1 tsp. baking soda) to make 1 tbsp baking powder.<br />
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Note:<br />
Be careful with how you clean granite counter tops. Acids such as vinegar and lemon juice can what they call "etch" granite and dull the surface.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlN9lhluQqi4L8YVurCqXtxQ-w7fbKe_DLFaK53B-UYYnwLXyx5ZlF3rpH7_DueG8Pm5MOkNEYJ21EIcb6Y54fhXhev_gvpWNpPJn5NHvvv7cTX3p0G-pzFGyqDhM5I-yn-O_9Uobu-k/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlN9lhluQqi4L8YVurCqXtxQ-w7fbKe_DLFaK53B-UYYnwLXyx5ZlF3rpH7_DueG8Pm5MOkNEYJ21EIcb6Y54fhXhev_gvpWNpPJn5NHvvv7cTX3p0G-pzFGyqDhM5I-yn-O_9Uobu-k/s1600/download.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: red;">HYDROGEN PEROXIDE</span><br />
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We all recognize the typical brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide usually found in the first-aid section next to the rubbing alcohol. You want the 3% H2O2 antibacterial strength, nothing higher.<br />
Hydrogen peroxide is amazing stuff and so cheap, keep a bottle in stock at all times. You'll be amazed how many different ways you'll find to use this safe and natural product.<br />
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Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid, consisting of water (H2O) and an extra oxygen molecule (H202). It could even be called oxygen water and is so safe to use since it quickly breaks down into oxygen and water. Hydrogen peroxide can even be found in rainwater and snow.<br />
All living things contain this oxygen water. Our white blood cells naturally produce it to fight infection and being it is in fruits and vegetables, that is another reason to eat more of these foods.<br />
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<b>H2O2 FOR THE KITCHEN</b><br />
Have two bottles under your sink, one with the cap it comes with and one replace that cap with a sprayer top.<br />
1. Remove dirt and pesticides from fruits and vegetables. Add 1/4 cup H2O2 to a sink of cold water, add your produce, wait a bit and rinse thoroughly with water.<br />
2. Help your dishwasher sanitize your dishes by adding 2 oz. to your regular detergent.<br />
3. Regular dish soap can be improved too by adding 2 tbsp. to the dish soap bottle.<br />
4. Spray counter tops and cutting boards with hydrogen peroxide, let it bubble for a few minutes before wiping clean.<br />
5. Spray the interior of the microwave and refrigerator to clean and disinfect. Spray and wait a few minutes before wiping it away.<br />
6. Clean those kitchen sponges. Mix hydrogen peroxide and water at a ratio of 50:50 and soak sponges for about ten minutes. Rinse the sponges afterwards.<br />
7. Clean crud from the bottoms of ovens, pots and pans. Combine hydrogen peroxide and enough baking soda to form a paste and rub onto the dirty areas, let sit for a while before scrubbing.<br />
8. Clean floors by combining 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of hot water. Because this mixture is so mild it is safe for floors as well as pets and children who'll be crawling around on those floors.<br />
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<b>H2O2 FOR THE BATHROOM</b><br />
1. Soak toothbrushes and hairbrushes in hydrogen peroxide to keep them clean and fresh.<br />
2. Make your own mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen breath. Use at a 50:50 ratio with water.<br />
3. Help whiten teeth by mixing a little salt and baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Do not overdo this. Using higher concentrations than 3% H2O2 or using too often can harm tooth enamel.<br />
4. Add natural highlights to hair by making a 50:50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water, add to spray bottle and spray onto wet hair.<br />
5. Add a bit of hydrogen peroxide to a cotton square and apply directly to pimples.<br />
6. Help kill foot fungus by spraying a 50:50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water onto feet or make a foot bath with it and soak the feet.<br />
7. Deter bacteria on shower curtains and shower stall by spraying down with H2O2.<br />
8. Wash shower curtains to remove mildew and soap scum. Place curtains in washer with a bath towel and regular detergent. Run through the usual wash cycle but then add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to the rinse cycle.<br />
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<b>H2O2 FOR KIDS AND PETS</b><br />
1. Spray lunch boxes, toys and anything else your child touches.<br />
2. Clean pet bowl with hydrogen peroxide to keep them fresh and slime free (often the case with plastic bowls).<br />
3. De-skunk recipe solution for your pet. Combine 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 tsp Dawn dish soap and 2 quarts warm water. Apply this mix to your pet's fur and wait a bit before rinsing it all off.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-66574839334419271062018-08-18T10:48:00.000-04:002018-08-31T20:15:36.471-04:00The Spotted Lantern Fly, Invasive to Southeastern PA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwm_UXfmOuD0EfWpdf9BTsZEW9IrGHzSUPFx1M1bxsIYMH4_YhZkidgtwLK_QRBGJYgKd8aopn0-sPOM0vvYetLaHlTDwWu5G4_cz87XnzBRsEeEyhd555iHNvh8RwRUQMcHa6iRr9Nc/s1600/adult+lanternfly+open+wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwm_UXfmOuD0EfWpdf9BTsZEW9IrGHzSUPFx1M1bxsIYMH4_YhZkidgtwLK_QRBGJYgKd8aopn0-sPOM0vvYetLaHlTDwWu5G4_cz87XnzBRsEeEyhd555iHNvh8RwRUQMcHa6iRr9Nc/s320/adult+lanternfly+open+wings.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was first detected in the U.S. in our own Berks County, PA in September of 2014. The bug established itself so quickly that by January 2018, quarantines were already in place to include portions of 13 counties. We're now in August 2018 and that quarantine has increased to 19 counties.<br />
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These insects came from Asia, notably China, Vietnam and Korea, and there are no known predators here in southeastern Pa. The Praying mantis and spiders have been seen eating them but for now the main source for control is left up to us. Any old insecticide won't do so don't just go spraying willy nilly or you'll do more harm than good. The last thing we need is to do more damage with the destruction of beneficial insects. The proper combination of chemicals are just recently being sold at garden centers.<br />
Home methods that seem to work are a mix of dish soap and either neem oil or isopropyl alcohol. The nymphs can be killed or at least prevented from climbing into trees by wrapping the trunks with a band tape. The drawback to the bands is that it'll catch things we don't want to harm such as birds and squirrels. To help prevent that, chicken wire can be wrapped around the trunks.<br />
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An idea I recently learned about is to plant milkweed. The sap of the common milkweed is poisonous which deters predators from eating the plant, thus a means of self-defense. Since the lanternfly is new to the U.S. they do not yet know that, therefore destroy themselves. Plus, more milkweed is what we need anyway to help the plight of the monarch butterfly.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84qiXvZABSUbSmItV-pvLOOniZQ2o-QNrcBzA1MtYnoSEuTJ5AE4OXyomcJSPnaJfAS7f_nVhB0EEPfvkmMasIL_Zq9uaz-76eQIrqIp97A3NXm2mJgl_tOkOdVvdqD9VwQiWmB9Q790/s1600/second+stage+July+2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84qiXvZABSUbSmItV-pvLOOniZQ2o-QNrcBzA1MtYnoSEuTJ5AE4OXyomcJSPnaJfAS7f_nVhB0EEPfvkmMasIL_Zq9uaz-76eQIrqIp97A3NXm2mJgl_tOkOdVvdqD9VwQiWmB9Q790/s320/second+stage+July+2016.JPG" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lanternfly nymph</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmZVl-GYosKbcGHEvtPKpyq_XeUbL50Dmma3NQBmfGtmbVD_x2npCiDkWB7etAgsyD2x9KjO919sKGW6ipj1Wmpq3t7T1zLGq6-9xT7ZYRBCQXxvK5YV-l8P3WGkD97Qzd74bt0TWbvY/s1600/second+stage+July+poison+ivy+vine+poplar+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmZVl-GYosKbcGHEvtPKpyq_XeUbL50Dmma3NQBmfGtmbVD_x2npCiDkWB7etAgsyD2x9KjO919sKGW6ipj1Wmpq3t7T1zLGq6-9xT7ZYRBCQXxvK5YV-l8P3WGkD97Qzd74bt0TWbvY/s320/second+stage+July+poison+ivy+vine+poplar+tree.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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The favorite host tree is Ailanthus,which most of us know as the Tree of Heaven or Chinese sumac. Ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima) looks similar to smooth sumac (Rhus glabra).<br />
Both plants have alternate compound leaves that droop but Tree-of-Heaven is a lot taller, up to 80 feet, whereas sumac grows to about 15 feet. Another way to tell the difference is through the berries. Smooth sumac has upright clusters of tiny red berries which last through the winter. Tree-of-Heaven has clusters of flat, winged seeds that also last through the winter but are yellow to green in color.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPGAN0TDA8hRszpv1AsthIc-IXR2KCrrT3laLZbwPP9FUFV7NF5Hz6T-jmmaGTqYiB8L93H74s2I8QXiqMnlM0-SjywzTcOf90ApLkrlyC4qQcLxqOYEN0n6dCz0wSlVlVX3wgklIeKc/s1600/smooth+sumac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPGAN0TDA8hRszpv1AsthIc-IXR2KCrrT3laLZbwPP9FUFV7NF5Hz6T-jmmaGTqYiB8L93H74s2I8QXiqMnlM0-SjywzTcOf90ApLkrlyC4qQcLxqOYEN0n6dCz0wSlVlVX3wgklIeKc/s1600/smooth+sumac.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth sumac</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvefp1UPdRnJ5TjeVnoyB2XZP3hSkHr94G5yDhZ5VY2R9Qq3piVcp09nwoFTzXQJ0DJbXMkz0_r-rS-rypM62ARMY6VdIcZzQQ1fcgiRQVG3ln696diW5AFRFb_DLUdZjTfDQDIeWdyE/s1600/Tree-of-heaven-4-225x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvefp1UPdRnJ5TjeVnoyB2XZP3hSkHr94G5yDhZ5VY2R9Qq3piVcp09nwoFTzXQJ0DJbXMkz0_r-rS-rypM62ARMY6VdIcZzQQ1fcgiRQVG3ln696diW5AFRFb_DLUdZjTfDQDIeWdyE/s1600/Tree-of-heaven-4-225x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree-of-Heaven</td></tr>
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Tree-of-Heaven is considered a scrap or weed tree and it is strongly encouraged that if you have them on your property, feel free to remove them. Other plants effected by the lanternfly are maple trees, poplar trees, sycamore trees, grapes, apples, blueberry, peaches, bittersweet and Virginia creeper.<br />
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As we approach the month of September, be on the lookout for egg masses and get rid of them. All smooth surfaces, not just plants, are sites for egg laying. The egg masses are easily scraped off. Patio furniture, grills and decks are all likely spots. The adult lanternflies will die by December with winter cold but the egg masses survive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTfuoNXr0wyd_HfirAhqb4nwVvnic7zRiDfWOXmy0zgi1lvL8sJeH7VluZ-c0qokiLNwUkIuCw_9CC6CkElNx3mBYTO0xNQmV6-34KlWsZmv2iAjRJ5ZOZdnojjTH0BTQF2NSu1AVvgs/s1600/lanternfly+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTfuoNXr0wyd_HfirAhqb4nwVvnic7zRiDfWOXmy0zgi1lvL8sJeH7VluZ-c0qokiLNwUkIuCw_9CC6CkElNx3mBYTO0xNQmV6-34KlWsZmv2iAjRJ5ZOZdnojjTH0BTQF2NSu1AVvgs/s1600/lanternfly+eggs.jpg" /></a><br />
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The lanternfly has devastated orchards and vineyards. The damage is from the loss of sap from stems and leaves. This reduces photosynthesis and the mess from the drippy sap promotes mold growth.<br />
The life cycle involves four stages, from crawling to the flying stage. The first three have been found on 30 species, including oak, birch, blackgum and poison ivy. After that, the Tree of Heaven is sought out. Just crushing the nymphs is futile. Both the nymphs and adults are excellent jumpers and it is very difficult to just knock them into a jar as we can do with Japanese beetles.<br />
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By late July into August the nymphs are at the winged, flying stage and seek out the Tree-of-Heaven trees for egg laying, but any smooth surface will suffice.<br />
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Infested trees are a pitiful sight. The lanternflies suck the sap from the leaves and bark. Not all of that sugary sap is needed by the insect, therefore they excrete the extra in the form of honeydew which drips to the ground around the base of the tree. If you've ever seen this mess, it is in no better terms, gross. The bark and soil turns black and mushy and forms an actual fungal mat at the base of the tree. If you stand under the tree you can actually feel the dripping of honeydew secretions from the lanternfly activity above you. Further problems can arise since this sweet mess attracts ants, bees and hornets.<br />
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Learn all you can by contacting:<br />
<a href="https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", times, serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start;">PA Department of Agriculture</a><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", times, serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start;">Penn State Extension offices</a><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: 18px;">.</span><br />
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Below are two videos, the first one is during the nymph stage and the second is the flying stage.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BFzff9yC3UI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BFzff9yC3UI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanternfly adult stage</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7dtzQvwVX3bDDe_VK4prPxI8v1w8b8lSF6MiYVNZiTDPVWNQwsXUMYDzQ8ro3V2OPRyhhuGtJm9dIszkY7XvdwPnp2YmSjtZp3LDLKrBKCaAh-kdcGUCYWLPlOOQ36RTBX2X1w4cjO0/s1600/belly+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7dtzQvwVX3bDDe_VK4prPxI8v1w8b8lSF6MiYVNZiTDPVWNQwsXUMYDzQ8ro3V2OPRyhhuGtJm9dIszkY7XvdwPnp2YmSjtZp3LDLKrBKCaAh-kdcGUCYWLPlOOQ36RTBX2X1w4cjO0/s320/belly+up.JPG" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">view from underneath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFzvaY3-zCA-LnX32PLGplOVlvWfrTDTgmVUZkfUKUbmgMQB0htsbtBqvB3krIwKaUuQYxzJEUWJsg4pCTqOdY9SXguwbt14Ssc61I6vNVq-f5eLJVEXT4Kytkf6Urkt_LoRNd5m9oPw/s1600/adult+lanternfly+november+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1585" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFzvaY3-zCA-LnX32PLGplOVlvWfrTDTgmVUZkfUKUbmgMQB0htsbtBqvB3krIwKaUuQYxzJEUWJsg4pCTqOdY9SXguwbt14Ssc61I6vNVq-f5eLJVEXT4Kytkf6Urkt_LoRNd5m9oPw/s320/adult+lanternfly+november+2015.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanternfly with closed wings<br />
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</tbody></table>
</div>
Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-4482976565126651132018-06-30T09:39:00.001-04:002019-05-18T08:35:03.258-04:00Mockingbird Love Song Serenade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdfRHospmU_47kp25ecLuHffyfvh7-RkhO0Rd9xW4R0-App5NTAz_ji2ySQ8UGTLcO4CEwv_j-LynHRxb7mipNv-nZU5t0RhKFSTmZbKjFYR0FusoVWFxbvBJvEtkp6RHohUPtXoavDE/s1600/pic-of-a-mockingbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdfRHospmU_47kp25ecLuHffyfvh7-RkhO0Rd9xW4R0-App5NTAz_ji2ySQ8UGTLcO4CEwv_j-LynHRxb7mipNv-nZU5t0RhKFSTmZbKjFYR0FusoVWFxbvBJvEtkp6RHohUPtXoavDE/s320/pic-of-a-mockingbird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Open windows and cool night breezes are part of the charm of summer. But nighttime sounds can go way beyond the chirp of crickets or tree frogs. Why in the world would birds sing at nighttime?<br />
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Should you be kept awake by the nonstop medley of a bird filling the long night hours with its ballad, it is most likely a mockingbird.<br />
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Before you let yourself even think about strangling that bird, find some interest and humor as to why it goes on and on and on.<br />
The bird is a young male bachelor.<br />
Imagine having a suitor trying to win you over by singing under your window!<br />
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Most birds learn the songs they'll ever sing before reaching a year old. But mockingbirds continue to listen and learn throughout their lifetime, copying the sounds of other birds. All mockingbirds sing during the day but only the male bachelors sing at night. Once that bird keeping you awake finds a mate, the singing will stop.<br />
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Rather than trying to block it out, focus on those repetitious songs and try to catch the recognizable sounds of other types of birds. You may be amazed how many different songs that bird knows. Though annoying at first, that "racket" just may lull you off to sleep after all, and once nature plays out and he finds a mate, you just may miss his nightly visits.<br />
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The law is on the side of these birds. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects the mockingbird. It is against the law to harm or kill any type of migratory bird.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xQYgQWbgfvk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xQYgQWbgfvk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-80722186194165365372018-06-19T08:25:00.000-04:002020-02-11T09:57:14.474-05:00The Song of the Elder Fairy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOra9BCcjxP-NmkpW_PIhrr4CdLPZtVPLjNTR0yatFqQY2wje3yN9gmrf39bVPpeClpuXLga2rIwgBfTCSYsbCo1in078BdZ9AMcawaBZZB9Gg9VuyCG2uz4becBhM0AoeANRR80-3Yw/s1600/elder+fairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="726" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOra9BCcjxP-NmkpW_PIhrr4CdLPZtVPLjNTR0yatFqQY2wje3yN9gmrf39bVPpeClpuXLga2rIwgBfTCSYsbCo1in078BdZ9AMcawaBZZB9Gg9VuyCG2uz4becBhM0AoeANRR80-3Yw/s320/elder+fairy.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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THE SONG OF THE ELDER FAIRY</div>
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When the days have grown in length,</div>
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When the sun has greater power,</div>
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Shining in his noonday strength;</div>
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When the Elder Tree's in flower;</div>
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When each shady kind of place</div>
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By the stream and up the lane,</div>
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Shows its mass of creamy lace</div>
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Summer's really come again</div>
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"The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies"</div>
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One of nature's medicines is the wild elder (Sambucus
species). A shrubby, unruly bush found among hedgerows, this small tree is
lanky and not much to look at when not in bloom. Attempts to rid unkept
landscapes of this shrub are often in vain as it easily resprouts even after a
hard pruning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsEckyplodIcg0BSOqv_KBiXmttGH3FDC3WyAbBfH6TQOS5Y9GDXMd4N14YUX0t-63cwHw9do85yxdJJCzhGOW7PjsqVHV8BpcakwhHkwd2UOUOLuF-puL7nQogqPh8TJ5fOV7XlaHE0/s1600/elder+flowers.jpg" /></div>
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However, every June this versatile herb is beautiful as it
is covered with large, saucer-shaped off-white flowers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNSo1IVeQwqsF6Ymfb8cC5ljxXgutr3EKfhp5oGx_LIkih6e1qXBptYkx_-p6vONWOIFLhuAxXMcQpvH09S0WzfXKgyT9oEWqrcyfBfKcOMGjf9JLuCFFmSfCMuGBXisN9T0xVIDcLzI/s1600/IMG_7130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNSo1IVeQwqsF6Ymfb8cC5ljxXgutr3EKfhp5oGx_LIkih6e1qXBptYkx_-p6vONWOIFLhuAxXMcQpvH09S0WzfXKgyT9oEWqrcyfBfKcOMGjf9JLuCFFmSfCMuGBXisN9T0xVIDcLzI/s320/IMG_7130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These flowers can be
gathered and used as a food source such as flower fritters, a wash or toner to
maintain clear skin, soothing skin care salves, a medicinal tea to clear congestion in the
respiratory tract, relieve hay fever or aid in reducing fevers. Poultices for
minor burns, wounds and swollen joints are made with mashed flowers wrapped in
layers of cheesecloth. Elder flower water was once considered a valuable beauty
aid among women to keep the face blemish and freckle free, as well as a great
aid for sunburn.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvoVHKi2AZGcd-0C1q298OfEtwoUzehWtPhKD7xfLDrE0Xo94KhWy01x6hW6jRjSi309X1a9lysxF7ktaL-pTprPYR_ZIYaWR7W7m5Qzw4GsgcfnMbZEEk5XiiAnDI6IF_uG9vPNSNRA/s1600/IMG_7171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvoVHKi2AZGcd-0C1q298OfEtwoUzehWtPhKD7xfLDrE0Xo94KhWy01x6hW6jRjSi309X1a9lysxF7ktaL-pTprPYR_ZIYaWR7W7m5Qzw4GsgcfnMbZEEk5XiiAnDI6IF_uG9vPNSNRA/s320/IMG_7171.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The following vinegar spritz combines elderflowers and rose
petals with raw apple cider vinegar to create a soothing sunburn relief body
spray.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A variation in the recipe for the sunburn soothing spray and
we have a wonderful ph balancing facial toner. Raw apple cider vinegar helps
bring balance to troubled skin and helps with blemishes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigtOY5HJXQnymYN9QEt2vHK1JGGMyE4vz6T-NWHcA97yQiBuLRzXNyjEVZL6BUrDIr5y8yKwuR9CnPCSCZykK1A7BwpQL3r7cZOf1zSzIc5cPjYdKXUCtWvMP7YfnH335kk6yexIFDQk/s1600/IMG_8169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigtOY5HJXQnymYN9QEt2vHK1JGGMyE4vz6T-NWHcA97yQiBuLRzXNyjEVZL6BUrDIr5y8yKwuR9CnPCSCZykK1A7BwpQL3r7cZOf1zSzIc5cPjYdKXUCtWvMP7YfnH335kk6yexIFDQk/s320/IMG_8169.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://meadowmuffin2010.zibbet.com/rose-elderflower-vinegar-facial-toner-astringent">Elderflower & Rose Facial Toner</a><br />
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<a href="https://meadowmuffin2010.zibbet.com/rose-elderflower-vinegar-facial-toner-astringent"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://meadowmuffin2010.zibbet.com/rose-elderflower-vinegar-facial-toner-astringent">
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</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__aYeHepRRrDJ7Zm7hY_Yq07gv_ud4SNUzely3Fd-UFolrFssmIcZ7pgJMgniRGQwwkEEu_l7dL5AF995s-pkguq5UarjsFvlzix-8e-LCMroRix0By8s2A-dD2NtdzMllT59drZt1g4/s1600/rose+elder+spritz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__aYeHepRRrDJ7Zm7hY_Yq07gv_ud4SNUzely3Fd-UFolrFssmIcZ7pgJMgniRGQwwkEEu_l7dL5AF995s-pkguq5UarjsFvlzix-8e-LCMroRix0By8s2A-dD2NtdzMllT59drZt1g4/s320/rose+elder+spritz.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://meadowmuffin2010.zibbet.com/sunburn-soother-spritz-facial-toner-rose-n-elder">Sunburn Spritz</a><br />
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The use of elderflowers for a balm or salve is a win win from the delicate skin of baby bottoms to the fragile skin of the elderly. The flowers are rich in anti-oxidants and contain anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties that help keep the skin healthy. Below is a very soothing salve which combines elderflowers, calendula flowers and lavender buds, all safe and soothing for any age.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6gdOIJ2XNOMuFZHSKr4OvRCS9C8ur2eK5YyorPfhIVJFIGKfQaI02BI54huL6vxiRkjYi8tiEPnPr6-T1mnBnWcHmJ-w8QWdE3F73mrPUFE2Z36p0vl50mqTd6XQbBBbItqRqlgvz9w/s1600/lavender+elderflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6gdOIJ2XNOMuFZHSKr4OvRCS9C8ur2eK5YyorPfhIVJFIGKfQaI02BI54huL6vxiRkjYi8tiEPnPr6-T1mnBnWcHmJ-w8QWdE3F73mrPUFE2Z36p0vl50mqTd6XQbBBbItqRqlgvz9w/s320/lavender+elderflower.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWyrE8gRFw7q63UkpYu862EgGi65omLw_0OWfLnp-rkekrzIBfi31ScR5qLWZ8ESOJv0PwrZ4eEPivnW0fFs4mJP6gaTjQId-REOPPhmNVArxHAQ1BwxjZvl1dtmRy789RMd_1QU7IFs/s1600/diaper+rash+cream+0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWyrE8gRFw7q63UkpYu862EgGi65omLw_0OWfLnp-rkekrzIBfi31ScR5qLWZ8ESOJv0PwrZ4eEPivnW0fFs4mJP6gaTjQId-REOPPhmNVArxHAQ1BwxjZvl1dtmRy789RMd_1QU7IFs/s320/diaper+rash+cream+0220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://meadowmuffin2010.zibbet.com/herbal-baby-diaper-rash-salve-and-skin-irritation-balm">Baby Bottom Balm</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the late summer,
the flowers have turned to dark blue berries often sought after for jam, wine
and syrups. If you wait too long the bushes are soon stripped clean by the
birds. Don't eat these right off the bush. The fresh berries can upset your
stomach. Dry or cook the berries before eating them. If you do collect your own
elderberries, make sure they are the dark blue or black ones and not the red
berries. The red berries belong to S. racemosa which is toxic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4bXYt8SKuxWy7pfPEhgTTXzAi-MiQ3gs0DeYrWaXf4ucy4OByPUqqzW2-FBH9U4zVYRk9OaW-nw5yRghD25zpm-FhOvjm-kioq72NfVeJ6-aJHa1PGRfPnDXE68qMdwUTfJ5ebdB_4c/s1600/IMG_4325_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4bXYt8SKuxWy7pfPEhgTTXzAi-MiQ3gs0DeYrWaXf4ucy4OByPUqqzW2-FBH9U4zVYRk9OaW-nw5yRghD25zpm-FhOvjm-kioq72NfVeJ6-aJHa1PGRfPnDXE68qMdwUTfJ5ebdB_4c/s320/IMG_4325_1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeDUvQ58-186BuAOSpPiNOWsgu5cF8Rs5G2S-1xhzFkjPTEXwk8hPP5b9nHdOACyO9Qy2nv6WJZT2tf0ntzn5inByttr7d532swWSbyxe0SsaOUP6vdW7j-IVEZM22l94m9DwoYhNN80/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeDUvQ58-186BuAOSpPiNOWsgu5cF8Rs5G2S-1xhzFkjPTEXwk8hPP5b9nHdOACyO9Qy2nv6WJZT2tf0ntzn5inByttr7d532swWSbyxe0SsaOUP6vdW7j-IVEZM22l94m9DwoYhNN80/s320/IMG_4340.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://meadowmuffin2010.zibbet.com/elderberry-syrup-immune-system-booster">Elderberry Syrup</a><br />
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<a href="https://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2012/08/listen-to-your-elderelderberry-boost.html">More information on Elderberry Syrup</a></td></tr>
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Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-89997051834473851842018-01-16T00:43:00.002-05:002024-02-04T12:26:29.133-05:00Hydrating and Moisturizing Dry Skin...What's The Difference<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhS1ucJC78-uxKy9-q3oFtFA6PVYdTmrVk3fZ6qlgnMOI1g50xKBC0cQ4ijtJZf-n9PNt_PHbiAHdNHaw2hP5WMD1zS8PgqP-zsEu0QB_9aTrMJXtnFUq7rW-IGsP5soyvfCWg8rlqP8/s320/use+1.jpg" /><br />
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The terms<b> moisturizing and hydration</b> are used interchangeably but they are not actually the same thing. Normally, when people have dry skin they go out and purchase a lotion and think little else about it. We reach for a cream or lotion to moisturize our dry skin without really thinking about what the purpose is for each of the ingredients. A bit more observation of what is on the store shelves brings us to the assortment of body butters and balms. The butters are advertised as containing the ultimate moisturizers for baby soft skin. So what is the difference and when is one better than the other?<br />
Well, it all depends on the needs of the skin.<br />
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Our skin is the largest organ on our bodies. We don't often think about its function and importance until something isn't quite right. When you think about our internal bodies and the external environment, our skin is what supports and protects our entire system. Should the skin become out of balance, it doesn't take long for us to notice.<br />
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Our skin functions as both a physical and chemical barrier. It prevents the penetration from allergens and bacteria, prevents evaporation of water and helps maintain body temperature. Problems arise when there is a disruption in the skin barrier, resulting in trouble maintaining proper moisture balance.<br />
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Healthy skin is able to produce what are called <b>lipid cells.</b> The purpose of these cells is to trigger the skin's natural ability to protect from moisture loss. There is communication to the sebaceous glands to produce sebum which is our skin's natural oils. Should there be a disruption of this lipid barrier, the resulting loss of hydration leads to suffering from inflammation, dry flaky skin, itchiness, wrinkles and even trouble staying warm.<br />
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Environmental conditions such as cold, wind and sun can all upset the barrier function. Harsh soaps and cleansing products can strip the skins natural sebum. But there are situations when it goes beyond the occasional need for moisturizing due to such things as dry indoor heat during the winter. Autoimmune conditions can play havoc on the normal functioning of our bodies and being the skin is one of our organs, it is vulnerable as well to disruption. Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and lupus are examples of such aggravating chronic conditions. Allergic reactions to medication can also cause detrimental issues with the skin.<br />
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The natural barrier of skin is the outermost layer of the epidermis called the stratum corneum. Its function is to prevent invasion from threats such as bacteria and allergens and prevent what is called trans epidermal water loss (TWEL). Healthy skin shouldn't need continuous help from moisturizers to prevent evaporation of water from the skin. There are multiple stacks of flattened cells called corneocytes which are layers and layers of dead cells with a surrounding oily water-repelling coating. This provides a barrier to the escape of water and protection from the environment. The mixture and structure of lipids in the spaces between the corneocytes allows the correct maintenance of the barrier.<br />
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The loss of the lipids that sit between the skin cells results in flaking, tightness, redness and itching. A damaged barrier affects nerve endings which lead to itching that goes beyond the typical satisfaction of scratching an itch and that's the end of it. This type of itching only gets more aggravated by scratching. It's almost like a domino affect where to start scratching starts a chain reaction where the itch pops up here, there and seemingly everywhere. Scratching to relieve the itch further injures the barrier causing redness and inflammation. Anyone who suffers from dry skin conditions knows very well by scratching there is increased risk of injury and infection but it is very difficult to break the itch, scratch, itch cycle.<br />
Here is a very good article by dermatologist <a href="https://www.npr.org/2007/09/11/14330103/godfather-of-itch-tackles-sensitive-subject">Dr. Gil Yosipovitch</a> about how <a href="https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/thederm/content/understanding-itch#:~:text=To%20some%2C%20itch%20is%20simply,itch%20is%20a%20complex%20disease.">itch can be a disease in itself.</a><br />
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<b>When skin is having trouble maintaining proper moisture, what it needs is first hydration and then creams, lotions or butters to hold in the moisture. Moisturizers are formulated to hold moisture in and hydrating products are to increase the water content of the skin which then helps moisturizers do their job. What are first needed are <span style="color: red;">humectants</span>, such as vegetable glycerin, aloe and honey. They absorb water from the air and bind it to the skin.</b><br />
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<b>The most effective creams and lotions for dry skin combine the hydrating effects of water and the lubricating effects of oil(s). The term for trapping in the water to prevent evaporation is <span style="color: red;">occlusion</span>. Good occlusion ingredients to look for are cocoa butter, shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil and beeswax. The barrier created is called hydrophobic or "water hating" which reduces TEWL or transepidermal water loss.</b><br />
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<b>Ingredients that soothe, lubricate and bring wonderful relief are those that help our skin feel smooth and supple. These are the <span style="color: red;">emollients</span> that help the skin repair the damaged lipid layer through the cell renewal process. They penetrate the outer layers of the stratum corneum. Plant oils, cocoa butter, lanolin and shea butter are good examples of emollients.</b><br />
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Jojoba oil is so close to our natural sebum that it is an excellent lubricant and help with barrier repair. Castor oil and coconut oil are very high in triglycerides which are very moisturizing.<br />
Linoleic acid is one of the most significant lipids for barrier function. Oils high in linoleic acid include rosehip seed oil, hemp seed oil, pumpkin seed oil and evening primrose oil.<br />
Lecithin is high in phospholipids which are a class of lipids. .<br />
Olive oil and wheat germ oil are high in squaline.<br />
Shea butter and mango butter are high in fatty acids and sterols.<br />
Other wonderful plant oils for skin health include sweet almond, apricot, sunflower, avocado and grapeseed. High in antioxidants and vitamins, these are all considered nourishing "skin food"<br />
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Hydrating ingredients make the skin more receptive to absorbing all the beneficial ingredients in the moisturizer. A good lotion or cream has the benefit of both hydration and moisturizing. This is why for severely dry skin, to just slather on oil based salves, vaseline or butters, though it feels wonderful at first, you'll wonder where it goes since the skin seems to need frequent applications.That is because these barriers don't have the moisture that is normally in the skin to help them absorb.<br />
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The difference between a cream and a lotion is the oil to water ratio. Lotions are lighter due to the higher water content. Body butters may or may not also include liquid plant oils in addition to the solid butters such as shea, coconut oil and mango, but don't contain any water. Depending on the needs of the skin you can choose which is best for your situation. Once the skin is showing signs of improvement, you may only need a light lotion. Butters are rich and help skin feel baby soft, and does reduce loss of moisture, but won't directly moisturize. The best way to use moisturizers and body butters is to apply to dampened skin such as after a bath or shower. A layer of water on the skin prior to applying the moisturizer or butter is ideal.<br />
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A healthy skin is our first impression to the world so do what you can so you glow!<br />
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<a href="http://www.meadowmuffingardens.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Meadow Muffin Gardens</span></a><br />
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<br />Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-12811439941235395532017-11-19T18:43:00.001-05:002017-11-19T18:43:50.529-05:00Holiday Quick Breads, Entertaining, Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Home baked goods are always welcome on any party table or in a gift basket. Recipients of such thoughtful offerings just know a little touch of love is sprinkled into every batch.<br />
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Pumpkins, apples, dates, nuts and cranberries are tradition in holiday festivities and what better and easier way to use them than for quick breads. Below are the recipes for an apple bread, a pumpkin cranberry bread, a date/nut bread and a cranberry orange bread. Quick breads freeze well so you can get some holiday baking done early.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">APPLE BREAD</span></b></div>
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<b>3 cups chopped apples</b></div>
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<b>2 cups sugar</b></div>
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<b>1 cup vegetable oil</b></div>
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<b>2 eggs</b></div>
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<b>3 cups flour</b></div>
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<b>1 1/2 tsp baking soda</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp salt</b></div>
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<b>1 cup chopped nuts or 1 cup rolled oats</b></div>
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<b>2 tsp vanilla</b></div>
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<b>You'll need two bowls</b></div>
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<b>Peel and chop the apples</b></div>
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<b>Combine the apples and sugar</b></div>
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<b>Let sit for 30 minutes</b></div>
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<b>Add the oil and eggs</b></div>
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<b>Beat well</b></div>
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<b>Combine the flour, baking soda and salt</b></div>
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<b>Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients</b></div>
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<b>Stir in the nuts (or oats) and vanilla</b></div>
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<b>Dip into 2 greased loaf pans</b></div>
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<b>Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes</b></div>
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<b>Cool before removing from pans</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">PUMPKIN CRANBERRY BREAD</span></b></div>
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<b>3 cups sugar</b></div>
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<b>1/2 tsp baking powder</b></div>
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<b>2 tsp baking soda</b></div>
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<b>4 cups flour</b></div>
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<b>1 cup vegetable oil</b></div>
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<b>1 cup cold water</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp cinnamon</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp cloves</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp nutmeg</b></div>
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<b>2 cups pumpkin</b></div>
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<b>4 eggs</b></div>
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<b>2 cups dried cranberries</b></div>
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<b>You'll need a large bowl</b></div>
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<b>Combine the dry ingredients and sift well to blend</b></div>
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<b>Add the oil, water, pumpkin and eggs and mix thoroughly</b></div>
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<b>Fold in the dried cranberries</b></div>
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<b>Pour into 2 greased loaf pans</b></div>
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<b>Bake at 325 degrees for 60 - 70 minutes</b></div>
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<b>Cool before removing from pans</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">DATE NUT BREAD</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b>2 cups chopped dates</b></div>
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<b>2 cups boiling water</b></div>
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<b>2 tsp baking soda</b></div>
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<b>2 eggs</b></div>
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<b>2 cups sugar</b></div>
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<b>1 cup vegetable oil</b></div>
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<b>2 tsp vanilla</b></div>
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<b>3 1/2 cups flour</b></div>
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<b>2 tsp baking powder</b></div>
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<b>1 1/2 cups chopped nuts</b></div>
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<b>You'll need three bowls</b></div>
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<b>Pour boiling water over dates and baking soda</b></div>
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<b>Set aside</b></div>
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<b>Beat eggs and sugar</b></div>
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<b>Blend in the oil and vanilla</b></div>
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<b>Combine the flour and baking powder</b></div>
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<b>Add dry ingredients alternately with the date mixture to the batter</b></div>
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<b>Fold in the nuts</b></div>
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<b>Pour into 2 greased loaf pans</b></div>
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<b>Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes</b></div>
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<b>Cool before removing from pans</b></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD</b></span></div>
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<b>2 cups sugar</b></div>
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<b>4 cups flour</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp salt</b></div>
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<b>1 tbsp baking soda</b></div>
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<b>2 tbsp grated orange rind</b></div>
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<b>2 beaten eggs</b></div>
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<b>4 tbsp melted butter</b></div>
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<b>1 cup orange juice</b></div>
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<b>4 tbsp hot water</b></div>
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<b>1 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins</b></div>
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<b>2 cups cut up cranberries</b></div>
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<b>You'll need one large bowl</b></div>
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<b>Combine the dry ingredients</b></div>
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<b>Make a hole in the center and add the eggs and wet ingredients</b></div>
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<b>Blend well</b></div>
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<b>Fold in the nuts (or raisins) and the cranberries</b></div>
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<b>Pour into two greased loaf pans</b></div>
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<b>Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes</b></div>
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<b>Cool before removing from pans</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b></div>
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Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-87124137479197660702017-10-24T20:44:00.000-04:002018-08-19T11:05:41.922-04:00CRANBERRY PUMPKIN COOKIES, ENERGY BOOST BITES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"></b>This little cookie nugget is the perfect grab and go morning meal for those who say they just don't have time for breakfast. Loaded with hearty ingredients that will hold you over without the empty calories of typical baked goods.<br />
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The prep time on the recipe said 10 minutes, but it took me 15 minutes just to gather together all the ingredients! With 14 ingredients your counter will be crowded but what a win win for a cookie. There is oat flour rather than wheat. There is only a fraction of the usual sugar called for and the type used is brown sugar rather than white. There is no added fat such as unhealthy shortening. The fat comes from peanut butter and needed moisture comes from pumpkin. Rolled oats help hold it all together and additional taste and sweetness come from dried cranberries and coconut.<br />
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Basically, this sounds like a granola shaped into a more portable form. Not sweet at all, it is still tasty and delicious, great with milk or coffee. Perfect for morning but also wonderful for the lunchbox or after school snack<br />
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These cookies are chewy rather than crispy. They freeze well and are good warmed up, still half frozen or room temperature from the cookie jar.<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">CRANBERRY PUMPKIN BREAKFAST COOKIES</span></b></div>
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<b>By Sarah@The Gold Lining Girl</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1 cup oat flour</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1/4 cup packed brown sugar</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1/2 tsp. baking powder</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1/2 tsp. baking soda</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1 tsp. cinnamon</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">pinch of salt</span></b></div>
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<b>In a large bowl, whisk together the above dry ingredients</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1 egg</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1/4 cup melted peanut butter (smooth or chunky)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">2 tsp. vanilla extract</span></b></div>
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<b>In another bowl, whisk together the above wet ingredients</b></div>
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<b>Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1/2 cup shredded coconut</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries</span></b></div>
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<b>Fold in the nuts, coconut and cranberries</b></div>
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<b>Drop by spoonfuls onto either parchment lined or greased baking sheets</b></div>
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<b>Bake at 350 degrees</b></div>
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<b>10 minutes for small cookies or 12 - 14 minutes for large cookies</b></div>
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<b>Cookies are ready when lightly browned</b></div>
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<b>Remove to wire racks to cool</b></div>
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<b>Store in a cool, airtight container</b></div>
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Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-54307658168982818182017-10-11T18:04:00.000-04:002017-10-11T18:04:44.742-04:00Tithonia, Mexican Sunflower...A Butterfly Garden Must Have<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wAkbPfK_KWGlWv3UnqdIcZJkT8N9Yr7E1DPtXhLk2zOZ455t-a0htUVmeLNHpBCMxa-auZUarMQOivFdcEDvgKQawF4eo0Oylcexq2rYU7cZDdQO_aRdxsTcqPPXrIaIpV8LZETSf9A/s1600/Tithonia+Mexican+Sunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wAkbPfK_KWGlWv3UnqdIcZJkT8N9Yr7E1DPtXhLk2zOZ455t-a0htUVmeLNHpBCMxa-auZUarMQOivFdcEDvgKQawF4eo0Oylcexq2rYU7cZDdQO_aRdxsTcqPPXrIaIpV8LZETSf9A/s320/Tithonia+Mexican+Sunflower.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Just as the yellows of sunflower season begin to fade, late summer unfolds the bold orange of Tithonia or Mexican Sunflower (rotundifolia). Beautiful and plentiful orange 3" wide daisy-like flowers on long stems, this plant makes for a spectacular backdrop in the garden or beautiful against a barn or fence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL0d05ZmNkR-kpubVI2Erqe4iT7HxYYd3M600PVSmbGm0M9x8LX-RaXO1ymO8ThzCFspI88LXMTb_wcEC44Fu-4w6PIAjfUWlBLgtOJSdsRCDgHCJ9D6Cw3-X27V3QXz_hHLgfxroeng/s1600/butterflies+on+tithonia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL0d05ZmNkR-kpubVI2Erqe4iT7HxYYd3M600PVSmbGm0M9x8LX-RaXO1ymO8ThzCFspI88LXMTb_wcEC44Fu-4w6PIAjfUWlBLgtOJSdsRCDgHCJ9D6Cw3-X27V3QXz_hHLgfxroeng/s320/butterflies+on+tithonia.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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A butterfly gardeners dream, Mexican Sunflowers attract several types of butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and later, seed loving birds. To further encourage butterflies to your garden, plant not only sunflowers for nectar, but Butterfly Weed or Common Milkweed for the caterpillars. Since the bloom time is late summer, the timing is perfect for traveling monarch butterflies on their way to Mexico for the winter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNVjO5LurnF-_CSVMBca44V8vepCSfoJtGUQCJbaKl3Kpgj6JVpWfbhhzU15-C_p_Sg7-D_Za1xHEHjYCtz-n3ecY4rlRdbmKdQ0BRzSGbBcnaQTGcKSZsCV2k2m3mdLgPBGa0ORSYJ4/s1600/IMG_2558+monarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNVjO5LurnF-_CSVMBca44V8vepCSfoJtGUQCJbaKl3Kpgj6JVpWfbhhzU15-C_p_Sg7-D_Za1xHEHjYCtz-n3ecY4rlRdbmKdQ0BRzSGbBcnaQTGcKSZsCV2k2m3mdLgPBGa0ORSYJ4/s320/IMG_2558+monarch.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-DWOBwV385nQZCwZT_Vl0Ev0fxA16c2O7ewn0LhB4GVQGQa0aGON14LSkRjNLN7k7Ju6e5O-kHjKqCABbG9uYvRQktBAk4g7fKMNiW44bp-gavsJ9ClkPrBxuE6vf7oWsg6PHWshhVU/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-DWOBwV385nQZCwZT_Vl0Ev0fxA16c2O7ewn0LhB4GVQGQa0aGON14LSkRjNLN7k7Ju6e5O-kHjKqCABbG9uYvRQktBAk4g7fKMNiW44bp-gavsJ9ClkPrBxuE6vf7oWsg6PHWshhVU/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Native to Mexico and Central America, Tithonia is a late season annual that will gladly thrive in a home garden as long as it gets enough sun, not too rich soil and not what they call wet feet. Not exactly drought tolerant, Tithonia is more of a water meter. During hot spells they can wilt a bit if not getting enough water. If given too much fertilizer (nitrogen) you'll get a lot of foliage growth and height but a lack of flowers. Since they can reach 6 - 8 feet tall, strong winds can topple them over, but unless the roots are actually pulled out of the ground, often they'll bend a bit to continue reaching upwards towards the sun. Some people pinch them back while young to encourage a more bushy look rather than height to lessen the risk of broken branches or falling over in a storm. Though not required, deadheading will prolong the blooming time and avoid their looking straggly by late season. In general, these flowers are survivors.<br />
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You can buy already started plants from the nursery in the spring, but these flowers are easy to start from seed. Two things to remember are to not plant too early and not to plant too deep. Here in zone 6 I wait till June to plant these heat loving sunflowers. They need light to germinate so barely cover with soil. These sunflowers are multi-branched so they need room to do their best. Thin out the plants to be about 36 - 48 inches apart. By October the flowers will start going to seed which are relished by the birds. Also, the dropped seed will happily return to reseed in the spring.<br />
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Tithonia is named for Tithonus, a Trojan prince who, in Greek Mythology, was the love of Eos, the goddess of the dawn.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By mid-October these beauties are a good 6 feet but soon to go to seed</td></tr>
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Below is the tale of where Tithonia got its name:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eos and Tithonus (A Greek Myth)</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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by Amy Friedman and Meredith Johnson<o:p></o:p></div>
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Long ago the goddess Eos fell in love with Ares, the god of
war, and like so many others, he could not resist the beauty of this goddess of
the dawn. Rosy-fingered Eos dressed in long robes of saffron, and sitting upon
her throne she glimmered and cast a look upon Ares he could not resist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alas, Aphrodite heard news of Ares' love, and bursting with
jealousy, she cast a curse upon Eos: The goddess of the dawn would never stop
falling in love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And so it was that time after time, Eos fell in love with
mortal men. This was a sad fate for a goddess, for mortal men do not live
forever as goddesses do. But of all the tales of heartbreak, there was no
sadder story than the tale of Tithonus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tithonus was a proud young man, a prince of Troy, handsome
and brave, and the moment Eos saw him, she fell deeply in love. That was her
way, but this time she decided she must carry him away with her, and so she
brought him to her palace, away from his homeland.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Naturally Tithonus loved Eos. Who could resist the love of
such a beautiful goddess? Just as she does today, in those years long ago, Eos
woke the world each morning with curling rings of light, and every morning she
mystically brought the world out of darkness. Whenever Tithonus looked at her,
he felt a glow, the way so many people feel at dawn -- as buoyant as an April
morning on those days when the first buds begin to bloom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tithonus and Eos lived together happily, and they had two
sons, Memnon and Emathion, who also became famous among men and gods. All
seemed well, but as time passed, Eos remembered something she had forgotten:
Mortals do not live forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eos began to mourn the future. How would she survive without
her love? She could not imagine such a life, and so she asked the greatest god
of all, Zeus, to grant Tithonus immortality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Please," Eos pleaded, "let my beloved
Tithonus live forever." Her eyes filled with tears, her skin flushed, and
even Zeus was moved, and so he granted her request.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now Tithonus was immortal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Never was there a happier man. Loved by a beautiful goddess,
he was a proud father and ruler of a bountiful land, and Eos too was joyful,
but they hadn't realized one thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tithonus would live forever, but even Zeus did not have the
power to make him a god. And so, as time passed, Tithonus, like all mortals,
began to age. First Eos noticed the wrinkles upon his brow, and as the years passed,
his muscles began to grow weak, his arms and legs grew slender, his hair grew
gray and thin. Even the light of his beloved Eos no longer gave him the
strength it once had.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When Eos understood Tithonus's fate, the sight of him filled
her with such sadness that she could not bear to look at him. So she left him
alone and traveled, falling in love with others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eos fell in love with other mortal men and other gods, and
when she returned to Tithonus she would see her once-handsome beloved withering
away. Day after day, he grew older. Like a shadow he roamed silent palaces of
the gods of the east, thinking of long-ago days, remembering Eos' wish for his
immortality, and ashamed of his desire for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How arrogant he had been. He hadn't thought of the future.
In his youth he had never even imagined waste, and now here he was wasting
away. Even love and beauty and power could not save him. Soon he wanted to be
like other mortal men. He wished for the return of the natural order of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some mornings when a soft breeze parted the clouds, he
looked down at the dark world where he had once lived, and again he looked at
Eos. Seeing her mysterious glimmering face and her exquisite light, he
remembered the way she had once loved him. He watched with longing as the
gloomy darkness below parted, and the rosy light of his beloved Eos warmed the
world. This made him still sadder, for her warmth and glow were now lost to
him, and he began to sing, "Give me back my mortality." But even the
gods could not grant this request.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And now the rosy shadows of Eos bathed him in coldness as he
looked down at his wrinkled feet, and cried out to Eos: "Every morning you
renew your beauty, but I am a fool, a fool who desired to be different from his
fellow men, and now I cry to you, forever. I will never stop singing this song.
I sit here remembering what I cannot be."<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eos could bear this no longer, and so she used her powers to
transform this shell of a man into a cicada. She watched as he emerged from the
ground, his body pale but fresh as he shed his old skin, wings spreading where
once there were arms, and that voice, singing on, and on, and on.<o:p></o:p></div>
Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-79095880571187178372017-10-04T20:50:00.000-04:002017-10-05T08:08:50.032-04:00Tobacco Flower, Heirloom Nicotiana Alata, Jasmine in the Air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By the end of the summer season when many of our annuals are petering out, the stately tobacco flower will be just coming into its own! A majestic plant named for the 16th century French diplomat Jean Nicot, he once believed it was a cure-all for just about everything. While historically the leaves were used as a relaxant, it is now known to be highly addictive so fell out of favor medicinally. However, it does make for a great pesticide. Soak the dried leaves to make like a tea and then put in a foliage sprayer to apply to your garden plants.<br />
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Gardeners looking for the large, old-fashioned heirloom Tobacco Flowers won't find what they're looking for at a nursery. These tall, Jasmine smelling, night blooming beauties need to be grown from seed which can be found through seed banks or catalogs. "Only the Lonely" and "Perfume White" are good varieties. The seeds may reseed themselves on their own or you can save those seeds and replant in the spring (wait till about 2 weeks after the last frost date for your area).<br />
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Technically a perennial,<i> Nicotiana alata</i>, is grown as an annual in areas with a colder winter. Flowering tobacco belongs to the nightshade or<i> solanaceae</i> family. Since it is in the same family as potatoes and eggplant, don't plant near each other or there is a greater chance for the pests, hornworms and flea beetles, to have a feast. Should you have a problem with flea beetles, (pin holes in the foliage) try floating row covers while the plants are young and/or diatomaceous earth. If you have plants that seem to just loose their foliage, it is probably the tobacco hornworm. Large healthy plants won't actually die from these green caterpillars, so if you want the hummingbird moths to later visit your night blooming flowers, you cannot kill all the caterpillars. But if you must kill them, hand pick them off or apply bacillus thuringiensis.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEFqBFhGXNG5WUsI6Vqv2C0hmsoOk6yLcaCTWfMJfvtGLd19HUY2YSESjlsLRRLj3GJU8ehHDu-GRKWgsVZXIwC2YhQnwLk7e_Pi5U3Ib35KTmoIzli8cRtjiIIm-ZPMoqkXtcBjAuBo/s320/nicotiana+full+size.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tobacco Flower at its full size</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4G8axwJ1ouYpiMahry69bTHhs6m0UEoIWYdgPnEy-N1LxXaxue87RItz3K6Tg34azr95pAg_EMT8XaYxrAy-4m24B7I4VUW7JsByGW_RBNLjnGWb5iZN9ZB8ubLnqcSCyJhguyLOLJ4/s1600/nicotiana+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4G8axwJ1ouYpiMahry69bTHhs6m0UEoIWYdgPnEy-N1LxXaxue87RItz3K6Tg34azr95pAg_EMT8XaYxrAy-4m24B7I4VUW7JsByGW_RBNLjnGWb5iZN9ZB8ubLnqcSCyJhguyLOLJ4/s320/nicotiana+flowers.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tobacco Flower five petaled tubular flowers</td></tr>
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Nicotiana seeds germinate quickly in warm soil and being so small, just barely cover when planting. Choose an area with full sun and rich soil. The tall type of tobacco flower grows a good 5 feet tall and don't bloom till late in the season. The garden pack varieties are small, compact and are bred to flower even while still in the nursery packs. What they have in color, they lack in fragrance. If you want the sweet scent of jasmine, you need to plant the heirloom type, <i>Nicotiana alata</i>. The leaves are large as you'd expect from the tobacco plant. Fuzzy and sticky, the flowers look like long trumpets with a flare on the ends which are actually five petals.<br />
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Though nicotiana likes full sun for best growth, the flowers tend to droop in the heat and wait to perk up in the cool of the evenings. Some shade is tolerated in areas with really hot summers.<br />
Plant in an area where you can enjoy them at night. Spending time outdoors on summer evenings is wonderful with the intoxicating scent of jasmine in the air.<br />
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The flowers are a great attraction to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds during the day and moths during the evening.<br />
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Two good sources for getting your seed are <a href="http://www.selectseeds.com/Search/nicotiana%20alata.aspx">Select Seeds</a> and <a href="https://www.groworganic.com/renee-s-garden-nicotiana-jasmine-alata.html">Renee's Garden</a><br />
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Once the flowers fade and go to seed, it is easy to save the seed. Below is a video showing how to gather and save tobacco flower seeds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8UApxO6saT81ikNAK3DgG79jx8Sc2QllxuaRpv8QXMrbp8gPDVwG785QJE91N6r5BN9GVg8QgL2hdC-2jzbuQ8APKqXeP5X6wUoKRzTSfMStj37A-CS7BxdRgFkVsDMX40V6HDO3Yto/s1600/nicotiana+seeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8UApxO6saT81ikNAK3DgG79jx8Sc2QllxuaRpv8QXMrbp8gPDVwG785QJE91N6r5BN9GVg8QgL2hdC-2jzbuQ8APKqXeP5X6wUoKRzTSfMStj37A-CS7BxdRgFkVsDMX40V6HDO3Yto/s320/nicotiana+seeds.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tobacco Flowers going to seed<br /></td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vQrstVeqlUo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vQrstVeqlUo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-56189123891801947132017-09-10T17:45:00.002-04:002021-07-13T19:04:11.830-04:00Jewelweed...Can Native Species Be Labeled An Invasive Plant?<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdgSIgqzcMubyEmFUkclXu8e_ddrgDdLpMrPmER3ilLbKDJlummL6Qco8f8aX0cr9EClWoBZNgjZIdZSYMTMO_x3vw6XEMp4SjTGXP9wJEnTCssAv8SXYXTNJMaLCLB7DBu2Rnot4qNQ/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdgSIgqzcMubyEmFUkclXu8e_ddrgDdLpMrPmER3ilLbKDJlummL6Qco8f8aX0cr9EClWoBZNgjZIdZSYMTMO_x3vw6XEMp4SjTGXP9wJEnTCssAv8SXYXTNJMaLCLB7DBu2Rnot4qNQ/s320/IMG_0270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) </span>is actually a wild
native Impatiens to North America. Also called Touch-Me-Not or Orange Balsam, this wildflower is a fun plant and often one of the first people learning to identify wildflowers can easily recognize. The flowers are a speckled orange and look like little trumpets. Personally, I think they resemble little shrimp. Preferring damp to wet soil, Jewelweed can grow to 4 - 5 feet tall and even before flowering in late summer, it isn't difficult to identify by its stalks, stems and leaves. The stalks are a lovely light green shade and after a rain, the droplets seems to lay on the surface. </div>
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Should you find this plant after exposure to poison ivy or stinging nettles, break off the stems and crush them in your hands. You'll see that the stems are hollow and contain the itch relieving juice inside. Apply like a poultice to the areas of exposure for relief.</div>
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Children love to play with those little trumpets but actually they have a second kind of flower not usually noticed. There are tiny flowers without any petals that don't open but form the seeds. At the end of the summer season when they are ripe, the slightest disturbance sends the seed flying, very amusing for any age group. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_jmRaFKpSdxf6vMcYp0omC-PJ8FcmMJTgH2jfU0ZZOiVB7CAXhhOdQyytt80GpT-_r-d-1D_sQ3r1Y-QIG1kCCyaPLdt0XwzIHH4PaT6AsjqECSll-2zkKFZKm1rAqmDXXqDFDyE9vE/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_jmRaFKpSdxf6vMcYp0omC-PJ8FcmMJTgH2jfU0ZZOiVB7CAXhhOdQyytt80GpT-_r-d-1D_sQ3r1Y-QIG1kCCyaPLdt0XwzIHH4PaT6AsjqECSll-2zkKFZKm1rAqmDXXqDFDyE9vE/s320/IMG_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are many articles out there calling this plant an invasive. Technically they are not an invasive species in North America, but can be aggressive when happy with its habitat. Therefore it shouldn't be labeled as an invasive. They are native to North America, especially in the Northeast, but spread with such enthusiasm that many people consider them a pest. If they like their location they will spread and happily take over the space of other plants. What is nice to control this is to simply pull them out. They have shallow roots and gardeners just have to pull them where they aren't wanted, no gloves needed to get a grip as is the case with many plants considered weeds. </div>
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Hopefully people encourage a natural habitat spot in their landscaping because these flowers are adored by bees, butterflies and birds. Insects need the nectar and the birds love the seeds. </div>
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Exposure to poison ivy or stinging nettles is never planned so it is a good idea to have a remedy on hand. You don't want to push off applying something to appease the itch or you'll end up with oozing blisters and the tendency to spread. Jewelweed infused in apple cider vinegar is a perfect home remedy that works. Lavender essential oil is added for its healing properties to help with inflammation and harm done from scratching.</div>
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Once you learn what a wild plant is called and its beneficial uses, oftentimes attitudes change and it isn't just a weed. By September Jewelweed is in full bloom and brightens up roadsides, hedgerows and wet areas.</div>
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The natural world is a fascinating place and it is wonderful if children are introduced at a young age and learn to appreciate and take notice of it all.</div>
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Here is a good article all about <a href="http://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2013/04/leaves-of-three-and-stings-like-bee.html">"leaves of three, let it be" </a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://meadowmuffin2010.zibbet.com/poison-ivy-stinging-nettles-relief-body-spray-jewelweed">Poison Ivy Itch Relief</a></td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p>Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-73489717433547736382017-06-30T18:52:00.000-04:002017-09-26T18:01:59.177-04:00Passion for Patchouli<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupdbdW0ExHBHBITCvYHgnupZP7Dl0EmiesYg5MKirhm_iJRCbjpYUGPMElSbvxW5NuNzhuec3GsgMTQP9Y3zA1V4ZTtOj76TrhX5jgz1BDqsRChegVsTP6toDP468kfzjnUix-R6v6og/s1600/patchouli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupdbdW0ExHBHBITCvYHgnupZP7Dl0EmiesYg5MKirhm_iJRCbjpYUGPMElSbvxW5NuNzhuec3GsgMTQP9Y3zA1V4ZTtOj76TrhX5jgz1BDqsRChegVsTP6toDP468kfzjnUix-R6v6og/s320/patchouli.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchouli</td></tr>
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A first introduction to <b><span style="color: #741b47;">Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin or Pogostemon Patchouli)</span></b> is often met with a description of it having a definite earthy scent to it. So just what does that mean, that it smells like dirt? No, it smells like nature and that is a wonderful thing. Some describe it as musty and too strong and others think of it as exotic and perfect in that it's lingering scent reaches deep into the emotions.<br />
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Patchouli has been used in incense and fragrance oils for centuries. It brings a sense of the sacredness of life and the need to care for our earth and everything in it. It helps us realize that to just "be" and do nothing at times is a good thing, that contemplating has a purpose and helps one get focused for action.<br />
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It is simply not true that the main reason the "hippies" of the 1960's and 1970's loved patchouli was that it covered up the scent of marijuana. Patchouli symbolized the love of nature and the escape from what was called the "establishment". The younger generation developed different ideas and ideals which were often met with labeling and indifference from the older age groups.<br />
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The essential oil of Patchouli is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves. All the benefits and uses for this plant are amazing. It is an antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, deodorant, fungicide, insecticide, sedative, antidepressant, diuretic and boosts healing and the metabolism by stimulating the generation of new cells.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">INSECT REPELLANT PROPERTIES</span></b><br />
Patchouli has long been used to protect clothes and fabrics from insect damage.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">ANTISEPTIC</span></b><br />
The essential oil protects wounds from developing infection.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #f1c232;">FUNGICIDE</span></b><br />
By inhibiting fungal growth, patchouli can help with problems such as Athlete's Foot.<br />
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<b><span style="color: lime;">ANTIPHLOGISTIC</span></b><br />
Containing patchoulene, patchouli soothes inflammation, therefore can help externally with skin conditions as well as internally with the pain from arthritis.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">ANTIDEPRESSANT</span></b><br />
By stimulating the release of pleasure hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, patchouli helps with feelings of sadness, anxiety and simply feeling better.<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">APHRODISIAC</span></b><br />
By stimulating hormones, estrogen and testosterone, patchouli can boost indifference and lack of interest in the sex drive.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ASTRINGENT</span></b><br />
By contracting blood vessels, patchouli stimulates contractions in muscles, nerves and skin. This helps with the symptoms of aging we see in the skin. Wonderful for use in face and body creams and lotions.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">DEODORANT</span></b><br />
The strong, musky aroma of patchouli helps eliminate or mask body odor and it's lingering scent helps the protection last.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">SEDATIVE</span></b><br />
By soothing inflammation and calming to the nerves, patchouli helps relax the body in order to get a good night's sleep.<br />
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For more information on any of the below items, just click on the listing underneath the picture.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/151900032/patchouli-tangerine-body-spray-morning?ref=shop_home_active_3">Body Spray</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/67314842/face-body-moisturizer-after-shave-balm?ref=shop_home_active_25">Body Butter</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/466757013/patchouli-hemp-seed-oil-hand-lotion-body?ref=shop_home_active_6">Body Lotion</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62332285/perfume-patchouli-lavender-solid-perfume?ref=shop_home_active_13">Solid Perfume</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/66973820/bath-oil-sensual-grounding-relaxing?ref=shop_home_active_5">Bath Oil</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumTUvsYICd0LrEKT__onrZ2y-rlRk2TuyFRQMYp64jcTBqXVyaBXMEUpFI8hxK0mijN1FaekTO1LHG0OBYvWpIepz7hfPkLHdyk2ynTiDOpT15s7Mi0qDrTCiZ0r4xp0384sWF-ALZ_8/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumTUvsYICd0LrEKT__onrZ2y-rlRk2TuyFRQMYp64jcTBqXVyaBXMEUpFI8hxK0mijN1FaekTO1LHG0OBYvWpIepz7hfPkLHdyk2ynTiDOpT15s7Mi0qDrTCiZ0r4xp0384sWF-ALZ_8/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/70477266/bath-salts-foot-soak-patchouli?ref=shop_home_active_9">Bath Salts</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXaZjLTFp5BjEYCsj5G7H-Z8htfRKyuCwQEzycFQMwHUbzqY8SCHqA3FXWKRAm7_dK2ixgUYxGWooW4LFDIbw5QaFOjMJbxxGrKa2uenKf4BQkdsabhi2AhhQU3TCKQeW4APQ5MOE1qw/s1600/IMG_3283+Ripple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXaZjLTFp5BjEYCsj5G7H-Z8htfRKyuCwQEzycFQMwHUbzqY8SCHqA3FXWKRAm7_dK2ixgUYxGWooW4LFDIbw5QaFOjMJbxxGrKa2uenKf4BQkdsabhi2AhhQU3TCKQeW4APQ5MOE1qw/s320/IMG_3283+Ripple.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/59179393/powder-ripple-thru-time?ref=shop_home_active_9">Body Powder</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOexyBCOU4zzMKvE6fyKM5Pggrm3zNtZYhar_zzLk9237i9Z0bqQc1R79CbtERZn1J7mIAbBQCkXYKf8nfF7jZ2BmkmnLP3x23cJ9doK_GqkwBEkVandTB77j7lphc-xfh4YiKGpAYG8/s1600/patchouli+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOexyBCOU4zzMKvE6fyKM5Pggrm3zNtZYhar_zzLk9237i9Z0bqQc1R79CbtERZn1J7mIAbBQCkXYKf8nfF7jZ2BmkmnLP3x23cJ9doK_GqkwBEkVandTB77j7lphc-xfh4YiKGpAYG8/s320/patchouli+basket.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/214648131/patchouli-favorites-gift-basket-bath-and?ref=shop_home_active_6">Gift Basket</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.meadowmuffingardens.com/">www.meadowmuffingardens.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.meadowmuffingardens.etsy.com/">www.meadowmuffingardens.etsy.com</a><br />
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Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-39654456936579634172017-06-12T09:48:00.003-04:002017-06-12T09:48:30.042-04:00Summer Nights and No Fireflies...What's Happening to Them?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7c1rklMSbdjBTBgqtl0NfJ-3enJwXKPivXc5KbGikNgWxeUU6glEzzopzcxO0pUBelFdAgD4xHqKO45W9GQhjrNLYuRBExvjnz36aUmIxmpwlM2Clqd3PnW_iK-q_i_cJfdjZtlmd7g/s1600/firefly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="175" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7c1rklMSbdjBTBgqtl0NfJ-3enJwXKPivXc5KbGikNgWxeUU6glEzzopzcxO0pUBelFdAgD4xHqKO45W9GQhjrNLYuRBExvjnz36aUmIxmpwlM2Clqd3PnW_iK-q_i_cJfdjZtlmd7g/s200/firefly.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Summer is a time for picnics and outdoor parties that often extend into the evening hours. Watching the children running around having a ball with glow sticks got me sadly contemplating on what was missing in this picture. Years ago there were no glow sticks to entertain children after dark. Kids were enchanted with the stars and the magical mystery of fireflies. Some people call them june bugs, others simply call them lightning bugs. What is happening to them?</div>
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<b>Just as with the bees, the answer lies with habitat loss, and pesticide use, but there is another factor and it is called light pollution.</b></div>
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These insects aren't flies, they are actually beetles, and that glow comes from a chemical reaction. </div>
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Both male and female fireflies use their flashing lights to communicate. Their language of light is used to attract mates, ward off predators and defend their territory. Too much light caused by streetlights, car lights and suburbia in general, interrupts the sync of firefly flash patterns. Difficulty for fireflies to signal each other results in fewer larvae being born with every passing season.</div>
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Open fields and forests, waterways and bogs, are all disappearing as development makes its slow crawl across what was once uninterrupted habitats. Most species of fireflies thrive as larvae in rotting wood and forest litter at the margins of ponds and streams. As they go through their life cycle, most stay around where they were born. The environment of choice is warm with areas of wet spots.</div>
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The female lays about 500 eggs in sheltered areas that contain damp soil. After about a month the tiny larva hatch and begin feeding as they get ready for the next stage when they become pupae. The larval period can last from one to three years. During this stage the fireflies look like small worms and crawl along the ground. They are carnivorous and eat worms, snails and slugs by injecting a digestive enzyme and then sucking out the liquid. When big enough, the larvae digs into the ground and goes through the pupae stage. It forms a hard exterior shell that is what we are familiar with when we see them. This stage of metamorphosis takes them to the adult firefly which emerges in early summer. Once adults, the fireflies only live another few weeks. They may or not even eat during this short span. The purpose is to find mates and reproduce. So if light pollution creates enough of a problem to interfere with this process, these adults won't have the time to mate and lay their eggs before their life span ends.</div>
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<b>This little video shows the life cycle of the firefly:</b></div>
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There are ways we can make a difference for these little guys. Make your own difference where you live. Avoid the use of herbicides and pesticides. Don't feel every part of your landscape has to be under control. Let spots naturalize to provide the habitats needed for all the stages of life. Learn what invasive species are a problem in your area and remove them to encourage the natives to thrive. Unless you have good reason for outdoor lighting to shine throughout the night, turn it off.<br />
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Children don't miss what they've never seen. Fireflies bring a sense of magic to our world and it would be a real loss to lose them.<br />
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Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-61115600389235674822017-06-06T13:40:00.000-04:002017-06-06T13:40:58.806-04:00A Man's World of Body CareMen and women often feel they need their own personal, body care products and the paths of those products shall not cross. Actually that is a marketing ploy and clutters up your cabinets. Many personal and hygiene items can easily be shared by both men and women and you don't need a separate type item for every little purpose.<br />
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The attempts to get away from the hype of slick advertisements trying to have you believe you need this and this and this can be a challenge. In today's day and age men are taking better care of themselves and more conscious of what they put onto and into their bodies. Awareness is the first step to educating ourselves on just what is in our hygiene and body care products. Read labels, do your research on just what are those ingredients you cannot pronounce, be aware of potential harm from synthetics and chemical ingredients, be aware of the use of animal testing, and finally, understand just what that term "natural" is saying or isn't saying.<br />
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It may be very surprising to learn just how vague the labeling
laws are in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Unlike the food industry, there
are no legal standards for organic or natural personal care products sold in
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Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to you and your
family's health. The skin is our body's largest
organ, and anything we apply to ourselves enters through the layers of skin
into the bloodstream. Yes, the old saying about "anything in
moderation" is true with most things, but...The cosmetic industry claims
the amount of these ingredients are not high enough to pose a threat, but the
problem lies in the fact that we use these products day in and day out. Our kidneys and liver do their best to
eliminate toxins but what about those that over time have been stored within
the fatty tissues of the skin. The long term effects are a concern. The body
reacts by way of allergic and inflammatory reactions, the havoc played on the
the endocrine system is not always fully understood and the source of the
problems are often hard to pinpoint.</div>
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<a href="http://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2014/02/mens-personal-skin-care-safe-cosmetics.html">There are several items within the Meadow Muffin Gardens shop that are geared for men</a>, but there are also many items such as these below that can easily be swapped for more than one method of use and by both men, women and even the kids.</div>
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A<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127656185/herbal-citrus-body-wash-shaving-cream?ref=shop_home_active_1"> body wash </a>certainly isn't limited to the shower. Containing Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, Aloe Vera Gel, Jojoba oil and various essential oils, this blend can easily be used as a <b>face wash, a shampoo and even a shaving gel</b>. Put into a foaming pump bottle, application is less wasteful without losing some between your fingers and down the drain.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDye2dSYpYnyrFTxgZ9ECbDFcWGZFkJXKIxS7WVs_jddVzlP_te1toHxwqJ8tAKAhf-Ius775yyA5GBoXb2GUWZ5Jn65oRUwlb2vg3w8s25Oa86xayj7srcuVp1cH5toQuXb_1BNwInoc/s1600/keeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDye2dSYpYnyrFTxgZ9ECbDFcWGZFkJXKIxS7WVs_jddVzlP_te1toHxwqJ8tAKAhf-Ius775yyA5GBoXb2GUWZ5Jn65oRUwlb2vg3w8s25Oa86xayj7srcuVp1cH5toQuXb_1BNwInoc/s320/keeper.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127656185/herbal-citrus-body-wash-shaving-cream?ref=shop_home_active_1">Body Wash, Shaving Cream</a></td></tr>
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A conditioning hair oil isn't just for women! Men can have dry, brittle hair as well, whether they wear their hair long or short. This <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/217327881/dry-and-damaged-hair-repair-conditioning?ref=shop_home_active_5">Jojoba oil blend</a> does make an excellent dry hair treatment, but it's use certainly doesn't have to stop there. Hair isn't limited to our heads alone!<br /><b>Bearded men</b> need to take care of their facial hair and the delicate skin beneath. Jojoba oil is unique in that it is very similar to the sebum of our own skin, therefore it makes a great hair and skin conditioner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kdim_9VjBK2EumPWa15LypOjQpAGyU81urt1L3h7FNsgXwVlGGPGNjgpAtu87lFUKM0FrH8QuBeoERpizy6MmNzw80Ow0vJIDe_HFi771PWgO3_PXT7kn92rDQR3m05jTcW3mIcdXXM/s1600/IMG_4497+vanilla+hair+oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kdim_9VjBK2EumPWa15LypOjQpAGyU81urt1L3h7FNsgXwVlGGPGNjgpAtu87lFUKM0FrH8QuBeoERpizy6MmNzw80Ow0vJIDe_HFi771PWgO3_PXT7kn92rDQR3m05jTcW3mIcdXXM/s320/IMG_4497+vanilla+hair+oil.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/217327881/dry-and-damaged-hair-repair-conditioning?ref=shop_home_active_5">Hair Oil, Beard Oil</a></td></tr>
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Men may or may not use an <b>after shave balm</b> to moisturize the skin and help with razor irritation. This S<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/67314842/face-body-moisturizer-after-shave-balm?ref=shop_home_active_25">hea butter and Coconut oil blend </a>is listed as a body butter, but it can be used for so much more. Whipped to a fluff consistency, this moisturizer can be used anywhere you need it, be on the face, hair or even on that balding head. Some use such a blend as a shaving cream, but if you do so, realize that you are washing fats down the drain. I don't know how good doing that on a regular basis is for the drain pipes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgsIuN7bCCY2srysAupUXRqSykhJMq9683kmjk28kgq6molteu2XctMirb1vmtMGNiBv4NuXej2GMC5JB9uToTVWpPP43b0-vHbOw7pvcuIiYg7TGljqrhoqGMB5ikg9r5eTInMl912g/s1600/IMG_6357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgsIuN7bCCY2srysAupUXRqSykhJMq9683kmjk28kgq6molteu2XctMirb1vmtMGNiBv4NuXej2GMC5JB9uToTVWpPP43b0-vHbOw7pvcuIiYg7TGljqrhoqGMB5ikg9r5eTInMl912g/s320/IMG_6357.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/67314842/face-body-moisturizer-after-shave-balm?ref=shop_home_active_25">Face, Body Moisturizer, After Shave Balm</a></td></tr>
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Concerns over the safety of sun screens has people looking into alternatives. The choice we have is between "chemical" sunscreens which contain questionable, potentially hormone disrupting ingredients, and "mineral" sunscreens which contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. This <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193780648/sunblock-moisturizing-body-lotion-child?ref=shop_home_active_5">lotion is listed as a sun block, not a sun screen</a>. It hasn't been evaluated by the FDA, therefore there hasn't been testing done to establish an actual SPF factor. However, the ingredients used all contain their own natural properties to help block the harmful rays of the sun.<br />
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<b>Balding </b>men or those who choose to shave their heads need to protect their scalps from sun damage. The purpose of our hair is to protect the scalp and without hair, the skin can easily burn. This sunblock is good for anywhere on the body but using a bit on the scalp before heading out without a baseball cap is a wise idea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4vBZwUmK7lt_7_qYc9km9PSJpQwIB4EXhlrXftxlkwrBUFN-3_wymFk93IujvZ7TA2sUUa48wJx5TndgtklvzHJu2ekOamRJCVrBQhYkwuz3I-HgpQanCvXXNowNkL5hV4AzJ9cx7fY/s1600/sunblock+lotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4vBZwUmK7lt_7_qYc9km9PSJpQwIB4EXhlrXftxlkwrBUFN-3_wymFk93IujvZ7TA2sUUa48wJx5TndgtklvzHJu2ekOamRJCVrBQhYkwuz3I-HgpQanCvXXNowNkL5hV4AzJ9cx7fY/s320/sunblock+lotion.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193780648/sunblock-moisturizing-body-lotion-child?ref=shop_home_active_5">Sunblock Lotion, Bald Head Care</a></td></tr>
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Personal care items make great <b>gift ideas for Father's Day, Holidays and Birthdays.</b> You can easily custom create your own gift basket or make substitutions for one or more items already part of a listing such as those shown below.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61400603/mens-holistic-gift-basket-assortment-for?ref=shop_home_active_6">Basket idea for the needs of men</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: lime; font-size: small;"><b>Come visit!<br />Meadow Muffin Gardens<br /><a href="http://www.meadowmuffingardens.com/">Website</a><br /><a href="http://www.meadowmuffingardens.etsy.com/">Etsy shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556012373458877145.post-58169959353620895462017-05-11T10:16:00.000-04:002017-05-11T10:16:54.535-04:00Air Plant Success...Even With Cats<div class="MsoNormal">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSEFEnLuOfzLZLN0p1cPZFPruoUmwvhZBrEHw9bEPhSVQ-qgxB-4ZPUvTYKd8QmWIkmojL7Nm7qHHZQP_bdx2IBsioa-RDIZJHs2tZJY-hn41TAd3M6aD7Rx-IW4sX-Ph-Rvfd-rsd_c/s320/air+plant+wreath.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="240" /></div>
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Love the idea of plants around the home or office but don't
want to deal with taking proper care of them or tired of trying to keep your
cat from chewing on the leaves or making a mess of the soil?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Welcome the ease of air plants, low maintenance plants that
grow without soil! </div>
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They get all of the water and nutrients they need through
their leaves. Each leaf is covered in smooth or sometimes hairy scales known as
trichomes which have the special ability to absorb water and nutrients. What
roots they do have are used only for anchoring themselves to rocks, trees or
other means of a support.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Known as tillandsia, these plants are a type of bromeliad
and come from areas of the southern United States, Mexico, Central and South
America. In their native setting, they thrive in areas receiving bright, but
filtered sunlight, warmer temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and
good circulation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sounds easy enough, so what are we doing wrong that they
end up dying anyway?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ok, so we try again with a new order of plants.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They arrive and we follow the directions, yet again,
pondering what we did wrong the last time: Unpack them and submerge them in a
warm water bath for about 30 minutes. Shake a bit to remove excess water and
let dry for about 4 hours. Plan to put them in an east, south or west facing window,
somewhere with bright but filtered sunlight. A bathroom is nice since the
plants can take advantage of the humidity generated from our showers. A
screened in porch during the warmer months would be great. Somewhere where
they'll get enough light but not at risk of too much direct sun baking and
drying them out which is stressful if not kept hydrated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While air plants can survive periods of drought and are
forgiving, they won't thrive if moisture isn't adequate. There are many crafty
ideas that have air plants glued to boards or stuck in bottles and the
directions just say to mist them once in a while with a spray bottle. That is
fine for the regular 2 - 3 times a week watering but ideally they should be
soaked every 2 - 3 weeks for a half hour or at least run water over them
thoroughly. Plants in bloom should be just rinsed rather than soaked. This
means the plants need to be taken off of or out of whatever means we have them
displayed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Recognize signs that your plants need water. If they are
looking shriveled or getting dry tips or brown outer leaves, they need to be
hydrated. Before tossing a seemingly dried up plant, try soaking in warm water
for a few hours and observe if it plumps up and regains some green.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Too much of a good thing is lethal as well. Once a plant
shows signs of rot it can literally fall apart and is often too late. Also, be
sure to water during the daytime rather than in the evening. The plants need
circulation and light in order to dry adequately. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Even though there are plenty of Pinterest photos of really
neat ideas for air plants, I've learned through loss that they really don't do
well on the wall or as part of home or office decor unless they are actually at
or near a window. They can do well with indoor lighting, but it has to be
full-spectrum fluorescent lighting, not incandescent bulbs. The plants should
be no more than 3 feet from the light source and receive about 12 hours of light a day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, the death of many an air plant comes when
discovered by a cat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These light, little things are no match for the delightful
play of being tossed around by bored house cats. So, after I had the perfect
cute little containers in which to display my new baby plants, I found them
missing, only to later reappear shriveled and disheveled when I vacuumed. Ok,
let's try again but put them inside bottles where I thought they wouldn't even
be noticed much less reachable...wrong. Little paws are good at fishing them
out anyway. Well now I hope I have a solution.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I put them onto a wreath that I hung on the inside of a
glass door. They're facing indoors so the wreath itself protects them from
direct exposure to the sun, yet they get plenty of light all day long. I wanted
to be able to take them down for their watering so didn't want to actually
attach them to the wreath. And best of all, the cats cannot reach them!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I started with one of those wire wreath frames. Wrapped
around that frame is burlap that you can get on a roll. The burlap is wrapped
around the metal frame (a straw wreath would work great too), overlapping the
edges as it goes around and around. Wrap tightly to avoid bulges and use a
safety pin to secure the end when done, and then hot glue down the edge of the
burlap roll. You can use your own creativity in sprucing up your wreath, but I
just happened to have one of those artificial berry garlands that are used to
drape mantels and doorways. This one was about four feet long. I tucked the
wire on one end under the gaps from wrapping the burlap and then wound the
garland around and around the wreath and tucked the other end under the burlap
as well. Add a loop of fabric or ribbon around one of the vines for hanging.</div>
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In the past I had made fairy gardens for my kids and saved
those tiny little plastic pots from the fairy plants. I hot glued them here and
there around the wreath, pressing them firmly onto the burlap. Then viola, they
made perfect little homes to just sit my little air plants! Now when its time
to water them, I just remove them, plop them in the sink and then either spray
them thoroughly or let them soak for 20 minutes. Let them drip off a bit and
put them safely back into their little pots!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So time will tell!</div>
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<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRUgsI76T9Zw5jU25cRe_4a4bTouNp9THx9vmfvwwrmBi0xrOP1O5BY2usy_bHmqAAGia5Wql4p6IXS5MYcYQvuLoRxfpZHxLzsa2F6AtAFzPhRFTRrG1ZuTwo8Gu6WpvRHsZEmd4Lc0/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRUgsI76T9Zw5jU25cRe_4a4bTouNp9THx9vmfvwwrmBi0xrOP1O5BY2usy_bHmqAAGia5Wql4p6IXS5MYcYQvuLoRxfpZHxLzsa2F6AtAFzPhRFTRrG1ZuTwo8Gu6WpvRHsZEmd4Lc0/s320/IMG_5134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Meadow Muffin Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969666693248093222noreply@blogger.com0