Life on an 1800s Farm in Effingham New Hampshire
The idea and practice of spring detox is a traditional time to cleanse the body after a cold, sedentary winter. Despite many recent trendy abuses of the word "detox", it is a centuries old practice that doesn't involve any fad diets or starvation rituals. It was a time of reintroducing greens into the diet after months of eating primarily meats and grains. Ages ago in Scotland, … [Read more...]
We thought we'd have a bit of fun with the meanings of herbs just before Valentine's Day. Just as the florist will tell you, every blossom has a meaning. Herbs are no different of course as most of them also have blossoms. So here is our list of top romantic herbs and their flowery meanings. Click the links to read more about each one and expand your knowledge of herbal … [Read more...]
Meet The Balsam Fir The Balsam Fir is native to North America. It's botanical name is Abies balsamea from the pinaceae family of trees and grows to 180 feet tall. This conical evergreen tree produces aromatic needle-like leaves and purple fir cones. In the eastern US, it is used mainly as a "Christmas tree". The balsam has long been commercially exploited for its timber. It is … [Read more...]
Who Is This Juliette de Bairacli Levy You Talk Of? I've always been attracted to nature, and even as a child took to the woods. My studies in herbalism started in 1994, and continue to this day. After becoming an herbalist in 2001, I was excited to share in all things herbal to anyone and everyone who would listen. I was already making products and selling them to family … [Read more...]
Farming was deep in my roots on both sides of my family. “It'll be easy”, I thought. “You just plant some seeds, and watch them grow.” Was I in for a big surprise. No one ever told me about bugs, and pests, and plant diseases. No one ever told me about the weeds, and how weeding will cause you to go gray before your time. Oh, and the animals. Other than a dog, I had never … [Read more...]
It seems like yesterday, but it's been 15 years now.... Back in December of ’99, a little convenience store closed, and it was the best thing that could have happened. I needed a new place to get coffee and ended up with a dinner date. Michael’s a bit of a geek, while I’m a nature girl. I’d tell him to get off the computer, and he’d tell me to get my feet out of the mud. Our … [Read more...]
A Brief History Of May Day May Day has been a traditional holiday for years in many cultures. The earliest May Day predates Christianity. In the Germanic countries, The Festival of Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers is celebrated today. In Pagan cultures, the tradition of the Celtic celebration of Beltane is celebrated today. Most pagan celebrations were either … [Read more...]
During the 1930's Dr. Edward Bach discovered the gentle healing power of plants. There are 38 flower remedies, and the healing powers are directed to a particular emotional state or characteristic of that state. The remedies are used as a natural therapy in relieving any emotional states that are negative in the mind. The Bach Flower remedies are safe, and easy to use. To … [Read more...]
Lemon balm herb, also called Melissa, has been used by herbalists, and herbal healers for thousands of years. It is equally popular today as it was during medieval times. The name Melissa comes from the Latin name Melissa Officinalis. Lemon balm is a member of the mint family of plants, and is easily grown in any garden. Pliny the Elder Gaius Plinius Secundus, better known as … [Read more...]
Our farm is the typical rambling New England farm house with it's three sections and a large detached barn large enough to hold them all. Each section was built in a different year. The property, which was originally well over 100 acres, was bought in 1790 by Benjamin and Amelia Taylor. We wanted to pay a little tribute to them, so for our new kitchen, we chose the colors … [Read more...]
