Time for Dandelion Cordial

It's time. Dandelions are everywhere. Dandelion Cordial is a fun and tasty way to get some of the healing power from the humble, but mighty Dandelion. Plus, it makes a really nice Hostess gift.

First things first. Make sure you know they are safe to use (make sure no chemicals have been sprayed in the yard and that few dogs ever visit the property).

Usually, I use Brandy to make a cordial, but I've also made some from Rum. Whatever floats your boat.

 

How to Make "Dandelion Cordial"...
 

1. Pick a slew of Dandelion Flowers (make sure it's early in the afternoon, so the dew had already dried but the flowers are still open).

2. Pick a glass jar and fill 1/3 of the jar with sugar (or less if you prefer).

3. Fill the jar almost up to the top with the Dandelion Flowers.

4. Add some sliced organic lemons (I only had access to bottled lemon juice, so that's what I added).

5. Fill to the top with your alcohol of choice (Like I said, I usually use Brandy but I tried Rum before and it worked well).

6. Shake.

7. Let sit for 2 weeks in a dark spot (shaking every day).

8. Pour your cordial (minus the flowers and lemon slices) into a pretty bottle.

9. Enjoy chilled with a slice of lemon or as a nice warm beverage with a little water and honey added to it (which hits the spot if you have a cold and have been having a coughing fit).



Why Dandelion? Dandelion contains loads of vitamins A, B, C and E and is full of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. It's diuretic properties are very well-known. Some women make Dandelion Leaf Tea a few days before their period to help prevent water retention.


***A reminder….I’m not an MD, so have a chat with yours before taking any herbs or supplements. The info I am providing is for educational purposes only…Thank you! Hope this is helpful!!!

Anala. 16 Days Old.

 

 

Today is a special day for our family. Our second daughter turns 16 days old, which is the exact age her sister was when she came home from the NICU.

I cannot put into words how much better I feel - emotionally, physically, mentally than I did two years ago.

It's amazing how having a Joyful, Peaceful Birth can truly transform one's Post-Partum experience. My heart is full of Gratitude at having a healthy baby who I can hold and cuddle without interruption, without having to leave behind at the end of the day.

This is not to say that the last 16 days have been easy. There has been pain (especially those first 3 days), there has been much exhaustion, there have been tears. But, oh...what a difference. 

In Celebration of this family mile-stone, I took a few photos of Anala wearing the same outfit her sister came home in, which is almost too small. Yup, our Little Piglet LOVES to eat. At 12 days, she had already gained almost a pound OVER her birth-weight. Today she is hovering close to 10 lbs already! We love those sweet cheeks so much.

Here she is...the many faces of Juliette Anala....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sadness and an Unexpected Surprise From Auntie Julie

Things have been somber around our house these last few days. On Thursday morning, my husband found out that one of his friends had died of a heart attack at the age of 25. George was 10 years old when my husband first met him. One of my husband's first jobs was working at George's Mother's Florist Shop. There's a lot of history there.

I look at my brand-new baby and think of Mrs. B's indescribable loss and I weep.

We have been looking extra-hard for things that make us smile.

Friday night we found one.

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Worm Bin. On Friday, I large box arrived at our house. While my husband was making dinner, Nye-Nye and I took the box outside to open it and set up the Worm Bin.

Only when I opened the box, I discovered it was actually full of presents from Auntie Julie sent all the way from Colorado. What a much needed surprise!!!

Here are some videos of Nye-Nye opening her lovely presents.

Thanks so much Auntie Julie for your so very sweet and thoughtful (and perfectly timed) presents! Nye-Nye has already taken to snuggling with Baby Sister Bunny during Nap-time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Driftwood Shelves

 

 

 

 

Here are my two "Driftwood Shelves" FINALLY completed. For the first one, I picked out the "Driftwood" and the scrap of wood from my Step-father's wood shop. My Mama designed the second one and did all the actual attaching and drilling. It's convenient to have a former Cabinet-maker for a Mother. Thanks, Mommy!

Every time I look at my shelves, I smile. I can't wait to make some more!

Rainy Day Toddler Activity: Doing Dishes Video

 

 

Here is one of my "go-to" activities for my toddler on a Rainy (or Snowy day). She's 25 months and has been interested in doing dishes since she was about 16 months old. Lots of  "Water Play" is so important for toddlers. (In the video below, she was 23 months old).

 

I make sure to put in a few different types of brushes, cups (since she loves pouring) and a ladle or two. I try not to put in too many dishes because then she doesn't have as much room to work.

 

It's been a terrific activity, especially when she has already spent an 1 1/2 hr playing and painting in the bath-tub (I've been trying to be careful about how much bath-time she gets since she started developing very dry skin this Winter).

 

It's the simple things that bring us so much Joy, right?

 



 

What Did I Get For Mother's Day?

English: A handful of healthy worms coming out of coffee compost (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2000 worms.

Yup, Papa Bear bought me 2000 Red Wigglers and a nifty Worm Bin to house all those worms. He's the Best. I couldn't be more excited about my present.

He wanted to get me a fancy-dancy Tablet...but, I'm still a Pen-and-Paper-Kind-of-Woman. And, I've been eyeing the Worm Factory 360 for several years now.

I've made a few attempts at "vermi-composting" throughout the years...all using DIY Worm Bins. It was never much of a success. So, I am thrilled to try out a real-deal Worm Bin.

I can't wait until they arrive and Nye-Nye and I can start on our latest Science Project. I'll keep you updated on our project.

Hope you had a Lovely Mother's Day.

Anala. One Week Old.

 

Our Dearest One,

Today you are exactly one week old. What a magical week. Mommy and Daddy have been able to hold, cuddle and kiss you constantly. We weren't able to do that with your Big Sissy, so it's been extra-special with you.

We have been very surprised at your level of alertness. It was especially surprising your first night, when we had figured you would sleep a lot since the act of being born is so much work. Nope, you just wanted to party.

You like it when Daddy walks you around, crooning one of his improv Country Songs. He's changed almost every single one of your diapers this week. It's so sweet seeing how much the two of you have bonded.

Daddy became very concerned when your umbilical cord fell off after 4 days. He checked it religiously for any sign of infection and began taking your temperature constantly. You were fine. He loves you so much this Daddy of yours.

Speaking of Love. You adore drinking Mama's milk and are already back to your birth weight of 8 lbs 12 oz. You are our Sweet Little Piglet. Nursing has gotten off to a much better start than with your sister. The first few days were really pretty rough, but we are both now getting more into the swing of things. Your Drunk Milk Face makes us laugh.

Your Big Sissy is completely enamored by you. She hasn't spent much time with you, yet. But, when she has seen you...you've gotten lots of gentle strokes on your face and lots of kisses on the top of your head. It's amazing seeing how much the two of you look alike as newborns.

You smile a lot, especially in your sleep. We wonder what you are smiling and chuckling about in your dreams. Your facial expressions are delightful. You've already started doing the funny lip quiver thing your Sissy used to do when she was either cold or excited about something.

Your favorite place to nap is with your head tucked underneath Mommy's chin and your little body between my breasts. We figure you are so used to hearing Mommy's heart-beat in utero that hearing my heart-beat now is a big comfort. It's pure Sweetness.

We are so thrilled you are finally here. You have made our family complete.


We Love you so very much,
Mommy, Daddy and Nye-Nye