A ‘Kitchen Witch’ is someone who knows how to utilize what’s in their kitchen to promote healing and support the body’s natural abilities to thrive and heal. This blend is one that you could mostly replicate at home (sans Astragalus and Rosehips, unless you already have those stocked) because most of these plants and spices are already in your kitchen or in your garden. I wanted to create something for you during this momentous time in our history, that would not only support your respiratory system, but also warm you and support healthy digestion as well. Please use small amounts of the tea in your blend, as a little goes a long way!!
I created this blend for heavy hearts who need a breather; one that feels like a big hug from a loved one and a load off your chest. This blend of medicinal herbs can be a useful ally when going through a challenging time or during recovery from a dark night of the soul. It’s also a great blend to enjoy at the end of the day regardless of what current events surround you. I would suggest first drinking it at night just in case it makes you sleepy, then decide whether or not it is something you would enjoy during the daytime as well. This blend was included in my first round of Hawk Couture Subscription Boxes.
All I wanted to do for Valentine’s Day was bake and make some cupcakes. Being the nutritionist that I am though, baking cupcakes...or any baked goods...becomes a battle between deliciousness and healthy choices. Both won over in this case (for the most part), I am happy to report. This recipe, adapted from Homemade Interest’s recipe meets most of the ‘healthy’ criteria sans diary free, but only if you decide to make the cream cheese frosting. I’m going to play with other types of dairy free frosting recipes in the future...but for now...this is what I got for you! Oh and I am using the word ‘cupcake’ rather lightly, as these babies could easily be mistaken for muffins. Enjoy the recipe and please let me know of some of your favorite non dairy icing recipes if you have them!
Many people have written about achieving a ‘work-life balance’, however, it was a question that was posed to me during the one time so far that I posted ‘ask me a question’ in my Instagram stories…and I am finally getting around to answering that question.
I can only speak from my perspective as a self-employed individual on this topic, with the awareness that I am also speaking from privilege, and I’m hoping that even with these barriers, something will resonate with you regardless of your perspective. From where I stand, the ‘work-life balance’ is another shame trap designed to perpetuate the mindset that keeps us always feeling not quite good enough (that is, to society’s standards). I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from thought leaders who set the example of living authentically, such as Brene Brown, Evyan Whitney, Tricia Hersey of The Nap Ministry, Glennon Doyle, Rachel Cargle, Layla Fassad, and many, many more. I believe we’re starting to collectively allow our armor of ‘having it all together’ fade away more and more as we open ourselves to vulnerability and stepping into our power…
I have been using snake charms in my designs for quite some time, and typically get one of two reactions…either a person instantly is drawn to, or repelled by the sight of the slithering reptile. Snakes have been a polarizing symbol throughout history, and I believe there is something in our biology that reacts to the sign of them (much like how most people do with spiders) that is tied to the very real threat of danger when encountering certain snakes (and again, certain spiders). However, historically have been symbols of death and rebirth, as well as symbols of great wisdom and knowledge.
Mullein is one of my favorite local medicinal plants...party because of her soothing healing properties...and partly because she reminds me of the saguaro cacti that I love so much. Mullein thrives in unfriendly soil, bringing her healing medicine in the most unlikely places at times...fierce as a mama bear, healing and protecting those she loves even when they are potentially not in the most supportive environments. This mullein from last year's bounty towers like a monument of what has come and as a reminder of the turning season that is at our frozen doorsteps.
Over the next year, I will be teaching a series of workshops called “Kitchen Witch” at BeSoul studios for those who want to learn more about herbalism, folk medicine, and even nutrition, to keep themselves and their families healthier and happier. Pre-registration is required so I know how much to bring :). Please Register Here.
Everything changes...that is the one thing we can always count on...which is just one reason I love Adaptogenic plants. The easiest way to remember what this magical group of plants do, is to look at the name...Adaptogens help us to “Adapt” to stress. A more thorough analysis shows that they do this by helping to normalize the body’s response to stressors...meaning that they can act as a calibrator of sorts, bringing your HPA axis and sympathoadrenal system (your body’s stress response mechanisms), back into balance. So whether you are overwhelmed or underwhelmed, adaptogens’ intelligent energy will bring harmony back to your stressed system.
Ashwagandha, the funnily named plant that normalizes your stress response, decreases inflammation, increases endurance, sex drive, has been shown to reduce tumor size, and so so much more...
