First up: obligatory weather-related news info. It's still icy as hell out there. Donna slipped and slid her way out to the shop yesterday to check on Violet, the shop kitty. (Violet THRIVES on "alone time" - as long as she has food and water she really doesn't mind not seeing us for a day or two. We're not cruel people keeping the kitty locked up all alone, I promise...she likes it.) This is the photo she took of the shop siding. Now imagine that same amount of ice covering EVERYTHING. Doors, windows, cars, outbuildings, sidewalks, EVERYTHING. It's crazy. And more than a little dangerous. It's melting a bit now, so envision big chunks and sheets of ice randomly falling off roofs and power lines, and slight puddles of slick water on top of even slicker ice, and you've got an idea of what central Iowa is like right now.

Second! Something actually not realated to weather. I am slooowly getting my computer back in order. I THINK I have the files downloaded and put on my computer, now I'm putting them back in their proper places. I realized that I have a TON of herbal articles and recipes. A ton! So I'm going to do a better job of sharing them with you. This one is for Erin, our friend and former neighbor. She is having trouble finding a shampoo she can use. I sent her a Just Plain Shampoo bar and I hope that will work for her, but, I also have several recipes for non-soap shampoos that I have personally tried and love. Here is a recipe for a Lemon Egg Wash. Don't be scared, it really works. It's great, actually! So try it!
Old Fashioned Lemon Egg Wash

2 eggs
juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tbsp. spring water or hydrosol

Remove eggs from fridge and let warm to room temperature (this could take an hour
or two). Thoroughly beat the eggs, then add the juice of ½ lemon,and about 2 tbsp.
water, your favorite herbal infusion, or hydrosol. In a warm shower, wet hair
thoroughly, then massage egg mixture into your scalp and hair.

The key to this recipe is to really take time to thoroughly massage your scalp and
hair – it won't suds, but the cleansing action is still happening. Then, using
lukewarm water, rinse the mixture completely out of your hair. It is very important
NOT to use hot water, as this can and will cook the egg, and you will have scrambled
eggs in your hair - NOT fun!This mixture made my hair really light, fluffy, soft and smooth!

I needed no
extra conditioners or rinses. This would be an especially fantastic shampoo for
blondes or people with lighter colored hair, especially if you substituted a
strong chamomile tea f or the water or hydrosol.

We had a whopper of an ice storm yesterday. Everything - EVERYTHING - is covered in a thick layer of ice. John got some pictures from our house yesterday, if you'd like to see. Donna is literally iced into her house. John and I are going to attempt to make it out to the farm later today, feed her horses and see if we can de-ice the front walkway a bit, but we do NOT want any customers coming out. Please, don't come out! It is dangerous. After we get some things de-iced we will let you know when it is safe to venture out again. But for today, please...stay in, stay safe, be warm! Shop online if you like. :)

AND, because all of the posts lately have been about weather, here's something different and fun. Here is a fantastic compilation of herby links - all kinds of information, recipes, and ideas! Absolutely divine. enjoy!

We have been having QUITE a bit of interesting weather this winter. This past weekend, we have had almost 4 solid days of fog, with lots of hoar frost. Hoar frost is interesting, and extremely beautiful. I felt as if I was in a foggy, dreamy winter wonderland all day. John captured some gorgeous images! I've got 4 to post here, but if you'd like to see more, visit his blog.



That was yesterday. Today, we're having an ice storm. Donna is stuck indoors fretting that she can't get out to feed her horses. It is a SOLID sheet of ice out there. From my living room window I can see it collecting on the tree branches - which are hanging lower and lower by the minute - and power lines, which are swaying dangerously. Interesting stuff.....

Today's post is all about condiments.

(today's post is all about shamelessly using other people's recipes and pictures. ha.)

Abby posted this amazing mustard recipe! I had actually meant to make mustard before Christmas, to use as gifts, but never got around to it. However, I'm glad I didn't, because her recipe honestly looks better than any I'd found online. And before you ask. Mustard seed can be bought at any bulk herb supplier...I got mine locally from Penzeys. I love Penzeys. Love, love, love. LOVE!

And last night, made my first Aioli! Which, for those of you that don't know, is a homemade garlic mustard. I used this recipe, and dipped some homemade oven fries in it. SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I really do just want to dip everything in it. It wasn't hard to make, either. I used a stick blender, and I was out of lemons, so I used a lemon balm and chive blossom infused vinegar instead of the lemon juice (worked great).