Random acts of kindness and beauty! The world needs more of them.
Here is one fun way to make someone smile - card drops! Kind over Matter has these beautiful, free PDF files you can print on your home printer, cut out, and put in your purse or pocket. Make a gardener's day but leaving these tucked quietly on a flower or plant.
Print a big stack of these inspirational quotes to leave ANYWHERE! In a magazine at a doctor's office, with your tip at a restaurant, in a note or letter, at a coffeeshop......
And I can't wait for dandelion season (yes, really), because - how cute are these?!?
Take a bit of time and browse the Kind over Matter site, there are many wonderful things to see and do!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Sharing a tip from customer Sandra J. today!
" I wanted to tell you a use I found for your hair conditioning oilhttp://prairielandherbs.com/hair.htm. I found a new way to use it. I took the empty sage/cedar/sweetgrass blue spray bottle and rinsed it well. I filled it with water almost to the top and then poured some of the hair oil in to float on the top. I shake it really well and then spray it on my hair when
it gets very dry and static filled. Then I just comb it. I noticed it was nice to spray that way on my face as well. I have very, very, dry fly away hair and dry skin, so it does a great job of moisturizing both. I keep it on my desk at work and give myself a spray when I need it. Keeps the static down. I like this so much, that I am going to bring it with me when I travel back to the desert this June. Hey, maybe you can market this
as a new product! Call it "Dry Hair Spray." Just a little oil floating on the top is all you need and it works great!"
Thanks for the tip, Sandra!
" I wanted to tell you a use I found for your hair conditioning oilhttp://prairielandherbs.com/hair.htm. I found a new way to use it. I took the empty sage/cedar/sweetgrass blue spray bottle and rinsed it well. I filled it with water almost to the top and then poured some of the hair oil in to float on the top. I shake it really well and then spray it on my hair when
it gets very dry and static filled. Then I just comb it. I noticed it was nice to spray that way on my face as well. I have very, very, dry fly away hair and dry skin, so it does a great job of moisturizing both. I keep it on my desk at work and give myself a spray when I need it. Keeps the static down. I like this so much, that I am going to bring it with me when I travel back to the desert this June. Hey, maybe you can market this
as a new product! Call it "Dry Hair Spray." Just a little oil floating on the top is all you need and it works great!"
Thanks for the tip, Sandra!
Sunday, March 07, 2010
This blog is about random things we love.
You know how, when you go to a store you've never been, or you're in a library and you don't know what to read, and so you ask the shopkeeper or librarian - "what do YOU like?". The theory being that someone that is around the goods all day, every day, knows the cream of the crop? Well, I believe that theory is sound and rely on it alot, when I'm in places where I'm feeling curious, yet overhwelmed. (Most recently, in fantastic asian food stores!)
So this post is about a few random things we love, vaugely herb-related.
BOOKS! There are a million bajillion herb books on the market. Narrowing it down to just one is literally impossible. If I could only have ONE book about essential oils, this would be it: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, by Julia Lawless. I have an older copy. There are plenty of other good ones. This would just be my first pick, if allowed only one.
If allowed ONLY one general book about herbs, I'd have to go with Under The Sun, a fantastic collection of articles written by passionate herbalists. It's a wonderful overview of the many aspects of herbs - dyeing, crafting, potpourri, perfumery, soapmaking, gardening, harvesting, eating, drinking, medicinal...yep. great book :)
We buy nearly all our herbs from one source: Ameriherb. For bulk herbs, price and quality, they simply cannot be beat! Their website stinks, admittedly! But, I do appreciate a business that puts their energy into good products, and these folks do. No flashy websites or color catalogs, just bare-bones newsprint and plain catalog. We shopped around alot in the early days, purchasing from all the big-name supppliers from across the nation, and then happily chose the one in our own backyard (they are about 30 miles away, I can go pick up stuff if needed).
If you're delving into the world of herb tea drinking and blending your own herbs, you're dealing with loose tea, which is a bit more hassle than just throwing a teabag into a hot cup of water. I personally think a french press is the ONLY way to deal with loose tea. I have never found a tea strainer or tea ball that really was worth fussing with. And let's face it. If it's a big hassle, we're probably not going to do it. So, invest in a french press. They're not expensive, and you won't be sorry. :)
So, what are your "desert island" herb tools, suppliers, books or gadgets? Inquiring minds want to know!
You know how, when you go to a store you've never been, or you're in a library and you don't know what to read, and so you ask the shopkeeper or librarian - "what do YOU like?". The theory being that someone that is around the goods all day, every day, knows the cream of the crop? Well, I believe that theory is sound and rely on it alot, when I'm in places where I'm feeling curious, yet overhwelmed. (Most recently, in fantastic asian food stores!)
So this post is about a few random things we love, vaugely herb-related.
BOOKS! There are a million bajillion herb books on the market. Narrowing it down to just one is literally impossible. If I could only have ONE book about essential oils, this would be it: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, by Julia Lawless. I have an older copy. There are plenty of other good ones. This would just be my first pick, if allowed only one.
We buy nearly all our herbs from one source: Ameriherb. For bulk herbs, price and quality, they simply cannot be beat! Their website stinks, admittedly! But, I do appreciate a business that puts their energy into good products, and these folks do. No flashy websites or color catalogs, just bare-bones newsprint and plain catalog. We shopped around alot in the early days, purchasing from all the big-name supppliers from across the nation, and then happily chose the one in our own backyard (they are about 30 miles away, I can go pick up stuff if needed).
So, what are your "desert island" herb tools, suppliers, books or gadgets? Inquiring minds want to know!
Saturday, March 06, 2010
FINALLY!!! Spring 2010 classes are on line!!
Learn to make this gorgeous beaded ring with local artist Sandra Thompson!
Or, how about a gorgeous gemstone pendant? Tracy Barton-Rouse of Compassionate Creations is teaching about the properties of the stones, and how to make beautiful gemstone pendants like this one.
You more of a foody type? Learn how to make homemade, yummy, ooey-gooey delicious mozzarella cheese, with the fantastic Miss Effie! (We will make and eat 100% homemade pizza at the end of class, and you'll take home a half pound of your own homemade mozzarella!)
Or, learn about Enchanted Gardens with Donna, or Energy First Aid, or Heart Wisdom, with Mary Lea Holcomb! So many fantastic options. Visit our classes and events page to sign up now!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
March Luxury Soap is here! We have 40 bars of amazing "Relaxation" Soap, a very zen, spa scent. It's a combo of tangerine, lavender and petitgrain essential oils...utterly fantastic.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Our good friend Danielle snapped these pics on her drive out to PLH the other day. We have snow. We have lots and lots and lots of snow! John is going to get some pictures of the big snowdrifts around the farm to. Those are coming soon!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
These olive oil cakes with lemon and thyme look DELICIOUS, don't you think? I love the Pioneer Woman food blog.
Also, I NEED to make this, so I can whip up amazing Thai-style stirfries at the drop of a hat. Mmmmm.
And last but not least, this afternoon I plan to make fresh pasta. Lots of fresh pasta. I'm thinking: black pepper pasta, pesto cannelloni with my own frozen pesto sauce and home-canned tomato sauce, and butternut and sage ravioli (sage from my garden and butternut from our local CSA).
Homemade pasta isn't hard to make - even ravioli. I was really surprised to find that out! Homemade ravioli tastes amazing and freezes beautifully. I like to make lots, and have loads of fresh pasta on hand in the freezer. So I guess these cold, sunny winter days inspire me to cook. What are you guys cooking up, in this cold and dreary winter?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
This post has nothing to do with herbs. I'll just make that clear from the beginning.
This post is about knitting, and charity knitting in particular. My mom gave me a huge bag of leftover yarn scraps. I had been making tons of fun and crazy sideways scarves using scraps, and that's certainly fun. But...these scraps inspired me to google "charity knitting", and I found this project: Knit a Square.
Here's the basic idea: Use your scraps, and knit or crochet simple 8 inch squares. Send your squares in, and volunteers will sew them together to make colorful, warm blankets to be given to the many, MANY needy AIDS orphans in Africa.
You can knit or crochet your squares, they have GREAT instructions for both. You can use absolutely any kind of yarn you have on hand. Don't know how to knit or crochet? This is the perfect way to learn! They have clear instructions on their site, including free how to knit e-classes! I love that these are small, mindless projects. They're easy to carry around - I always have knitting on hand, you never know when you'll be stuck waiting somewhere. I also knit while listening to music, books on tape, or watching TV.
Donna and I are going to be working on some squares for this project. If you're local, and want to knit some up, feel free to give them to us when you're done and we will gladly pay the postage and ship them in. If you need yarn, let me know - we have lots of scraps and are glad to share.
This post is about knitting, and charity knitting in particular. My mom gave me a huge bag of leftover yarn scraps. I had been making tons of fun and crazy sideways scarves using scraps, and that's certainly fun. But...these scraps inspired me to google "charity knitting", and I found this project: Knit a Square.
Here's the basic idea: Use your scraps, and knit or crochet simple 8 inch squares. Send your squares in, and volunteers will sew them together to make colorful, warm blankets to be given to the many, MANY needy AIDS orphans in Africa.
You can knit or crochet your squares, they have GREAT instructions for both. You can use absolutely any kind of yarn you have on hand. Don't know how to knit or crochet? This is the perfect way to learn! They have clear instructions on their site, including free how to knit e-classes! I love that these are small, mindless projects. They're easy to carry around - I always have knitting on hand, you never know when you'll be stuck waiting somewhere. I also knit while listening to music, books on tape, or watching TV.
Donna and I are going to be working on some squares for this project. If you're local, and want to knit some up, feel free to give them to us when you're done and we will gladly pay the postage and ship them in. If you need yarn, let me know - we have lots of scraps and are glad to share.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
We are excited to be part of the Chocolate Walk, this Saturday, February 13th, from 10-4, held in Perry and Woodward! Tickets only $5 - wander your way through 25 local businesses, checking out their wares and services, and sampling a delicious chocolate at each location! Your ticket also enters you in a drawing for a chance to win an overnight stay at the lovely Hotel Pattee in Perry! We at Priarieland Herbs will be giving out free samples of our White Chocolate Whipped shea butter, and will have 10% off our chocolate-themed bodycare items (shown above).
Monday, February 08, 2010
February Luxury Soap is here, and it is DIVINE! Terri had a great time concocting this special Sensual Soap. She scented it with a spicy, fiery, potent essential oil blend of nutmeg, ylang-ylang, and patchouli. It's floral, spicy and rich....and the essential oils in it are considered traditional aphrodesiacs. Consider yourself warned. :) We have 38 bars of this fantastic soap - when it's gone, it's gone, so enjoy it while it lasts! $6.00 each - any 3 or more soaps are $5.50 each. Ingredients: Fair Trade coconut oil, organic palm kernel oil, distilled water, sodium hydroxide, essential oils of nutmeg, patchouli and ylang-ylang.
Also. We are experiencing weather again. Donna's snowed in and Maggie's snowed out. We're not sure when we'll be able to pack orders again - hopefully Wednesday, maybe Thursday. :( We are sorry for any delays.....as usual, we assure you we will do our best to catch up, as soon as Mother Nature lets us.
Also. We are experiencing weather again. Donna's snowed in and Maggie's snowed out. We're not sure when we'll be able to pack orders again - hopefully Wednesday, maybe Thursday. :( We are sorry for any delays.....as usual, we assure you we will do our best to catch up, as soon as Mother Nature lets us.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
It's Sample Sunday time again!!
This Sunday, Feb. 7, from 12-5 and guess what? We have a new and wonderful farm joining us - Penoach Winery in Adel, Iowa! Just a short and beautiful 20 minute drive from Woodward, this gorgeous winery is WELL worth a visit! They will be sampling their luscious, Iowa-grown wines, and will be featuring their new bottling of Raspberry Wine, perfect for Valentine's day!
Prairieland Herbs will be ready, able and willing to help you with your Valentine's day gifts...or just provide a fun place to hang out and play for those who aren't interested in the sporting event of the day :) We will be having free, mini-reiki sessions from Gauranga Reiki, chair massage and tarot card reading with Morning rain Massage, and MUCH more! Also, our new limited edition Valentine's Day Luxury Soap will be available (watch the next blog post for more info!)
Picket Fence Creamery has AMAZING samples, sales and deals available too, check out the Central Iowa Small Farms website for all the info, and a printable map. Can't wait to see you all on Sunday!
This Sunday, Feb. 7, from 12-5 and guess what? We have a new and wonderful farm joining us - Penoach Winery in Adel, Iowa! Just a short and beautiful 20 minute drive from Woodward, this gorgeous winery is WELL worth a visit! They will be sampling their luscious, Iowa-grown wines, and will be featuring their new bottling of Raspberry Wine, perfect for Valentine's day!
Prairieland Herbs will be ready, able and willing to help you with your Valentine's day gifts...or just provide a fun place to hang out and play for those who aren't interested in the sporting event of the day :) We will be having free, mini-reiki sessions from Gauranga Reiki, chair massage and tarot card reading with Morning rain Massage, and MUCH more! Also, our new limited edition Valentine's Day Luxury Soap will be available (watch the next blog post for more info!)
Picket Fence Creamery has AMAZING samples, sales and deals available too, check out the Central Iowa Small Farms website for all the info, and a printable map. Can't wait to see you all on Sunday!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
I love sandalwood. I mean, I LOVE sandalwood! Years ago I stumbled across an Aveda salon, and ended up purchasing a tiny bottle of sandalwood essential oil. It was good stuff, and I am pretty sure that was the beginning of my love for essential oils and natural scents.
There are multiple species of Sandalwood trees grown in various parts of the world. The Indian Sandalwood (Mysore) is generally the most highly prize, and is certainly the nicest to my nose. However, there are serious sustainability concerns regarding the harvest of this tree. The trees take 20-50 years to mature, are very difficult (if not impossible) to grow commercially, and are generally harvested in its entirety - root and all. The other, related varieties of sandalwood are less fragile, easier to harvest and propagate, but are noticably different in scent.
The Aura Cacia site has several lovely pages all about sandalwood, it's uses, history, and botanical info.
And, I very much like the respectful stance of Eden Botanicals, regarding Sandalwood, and agree: It's a precious resource and should be conserved, savored, and treated respectfully.
And, if you want to purchase sandalwood, please, do be very careful! Because of it's cost, this oil is very often adulterated. Go to a quality supplier that you can trust! Personally, I'd call Roe at Sun Rose Aromatics, or Marge at Nature's Gift.
There are multiple species of Sandalwood trees grown in various parts of the world. The Indian Sandalwood (Mysore) is generally the most highly prize, and is certainly the nicest to my nose. However, there are serious sustainability concerns regarding the harvest of this tree. The trees take 20-50 years to mature, are very difficult (if not impossible) to grow commercially, and are generally harvested in its entirety - root and all. The other, related varieties of sandalwood are less fragile, easier to harvest and propagate, but are noticably different in scent.
The Aura Cacia site has several lovely pages all about sandalwood, it's uses, history, and botanical info.
And, I very much like the respectful stance of Eden Botanicals, regarding Sandalwood, and agree: It's a precious resource and should be conserved, savored, and treated respectfully.
And, if you want to purchase sandalwood, please, do be very careful! Because of it's cost, this oil is very often adulterated. Go to a quality supplier that you can trust! Personally, I'd call Roe at Sun Rose Aromatics, or Marge at Nature's Gift.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Old fashioned herbal candies - part 2.
Our good friend Sally K. forwarded us this recipe - she hasn't tried it yet, but forwarded it because it uses sugar instead of liquid sweeteners - an easier and better option for some. She got this recipe from the book Herbal Sweets by Ruth Bass.
2 cups herb leaves with stems and blossoms (peppermint, spearmint - or any of the mints, horehound, wintergreen, lemon verbena)
3 cups granulated sugar
3 cups brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon butter plus more for the pan
- pour boiling water over herbs and steep for 10 minutes (longer for a stronger tea) - while steeping, butter a shallow pan
- strain tea, discarding the solids - return to a large saucepan and and sugars and butter - bring to a boil over medium heat - continue boiling until syrup hards when a small amount is dropped into cold water (hard ball stage, or 250-266 degrees F)
- pour into buttered pan and score into squares before setting completely, or break into pieces after candy hardens - wrap in waxed paper and store in an airtight container
variation: add 1 tablespoon mint leaves or 1 teaspoon crushed anise seeds to horehound herbs.
ALSO! I set up a Twitter account just for Prairieland Herbs. Follow Prairieland Herbs on Twitter!
Our good friend Sally K. forwarded us this recipe - she hasn't tried it yet, but forwarded it because it uses sugar instead of liquid sweeteners - an easier and better option for some. She got this recipe from the book Herbal Sweets by Ruth Bass.
Sally Kilkenny January 28 at 5:01pm
4 cups boiling water2 cups herb leaves with stems and blossoms (peppermint, spearmint - or any of the mints, horehound, wintergreen, lemon verbena)
3 cups granulated sugar
3 cups brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon butter plus more for the pan
- pour boiling water over herbs and steep for 10 minutes (longer for a stronger tea) - while steeping, butter a shallow pan
- strain tea, discarding the solids - return to a large saucepan and and sugars and butter - bring to a boil over medium heat - continue boiling until syrup hards when a small amount is dropped into cold water (hard ball stage, or 250-266 degrees F)
- pour into buttered pan and score into squares before setting completely, or break into pieces after candy hardens - wrap in waxed paper and store in an airtight container
variation: add 1 tablespoon mint leaves or 1 teaspoon crushed anise seeds to horehound herbs.
ALSO! I set up a Twitter account just for Prairieland Herbs. Follow Prairieland Herbs on Twitter!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Homemade herbal candies? How COOL!
I haven't tried this yet, but it is now on my "someday" list! Here's a great "instructables" tutorial on making your own herbal homeade candies, customized to your needs and tastes.
I love their idea of taking a pre-blended tea and brewing it to make your homemade candy, that would be a great and easy way to start. However, I am also thinking it would be really fun to blend your own. How about....horehound, peppermint and sage for coughs? Ginger, lemon, elderberry and honey for flu. Years ago, my friend Abi sent me homemade garlic candies (I kid you not) they were strangely addictive and strongly anti viral! What blends would you try?
I wouldn't use corn syrup, personally (ugh) but would substitute some honey, as one of our facebook fans suggested, golden syrup (a cane sugar syrup). Or perhaps molasses, or agave? There are lots of more natural sweeteners, I'd give those a shot.....
Taking something artificially flavored, sweetened, and colored is not a great idea at any time, but ESPECIALLY when you're sick. It seems like having homemade herbal cough drops and candies on hand is a fantastic addition to any home herbal medicine chest.

All that sounds like a great idea, but way too much work for you? My awesome friend Tina has done the work for you. Check out her delicious homemade herbal candies.
I haven't tried this yet, but it is now on my "someday" list! Here's a great "instructables" tutorial on making your own herbal homeade candies, customized to your needs and tastes.
I love their idea of taking a pre-blended tea and brewing it to make your homemade candy, that would be a great and easy way to start. However, I am also thinking it would be really fun to blend your own. How about....horehound, peppermint and sage for coughs? Ginger, lemon, elderberry and honey for flu. Years ago, my friend Abi sent me homemade garlic candies (I kid you not) they were strangely addictive and strongly anti viral! What blends would you try?
I wouldn't use corn syrup, personally (ugh) but would substitute some honey, as one of our facebook fans suggested, golden syrup (a cane sugar syrup). Or perhaps molasses, or agave? There are lots of more natural sweeteners, I'd give those a shot.....
Taking something artificially flavored, sweetened, and colored is not a great idea at any time, but ESPECIALLY when you're sick. It seems like having homemade herbal cough drops and candies on hand is a fantastic addition to any home herbal medicine chest.
All that sounds like a great idea, but way too much work for you? My awesome friend Tina has done the work for you. Check out her delicious homemade herbal candies.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Za'atar is SO. YUMMY!
My awesome friend Jill gave me some homemade za'atar seasoning for Christmas, and a wonderful recipe for making a za'atar flatbread using the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day (also known affectionately among us convers as ABin5 or even AB5). If you don't know what I'm talking about, let's start here. AB5 is a REVOLUTIONARY, super easy and wonderful way to have fresh, homemade, preservative-free bread anytime you want, with less than 5 mintues work. Really. So, go, buy their first book, or their second one (including gluten free and loads of whole grain recipes), then come back here and finish reading this post. We'll wait.
Now, the spice mix, za'atar, is a middle eastern blend of sesame seeds, salt, thyme, and sumac. It is DELCIOUS! Lemony-tart, and just fantastic. You can make your own, or buy it. For extra herby bonus points, you can grow your own thyme AND wildcraft the sumac! (Sumac is easily found in the eastern and midwest parts of the US and Canada).
The specific recipe I used was the AB5 boule (whole wheat), baked as a flatbread, but, if you wantedn to try this at home, you could use any foccacia type recipe and basically substitute the za'atar seasoning for the rosemary. Otherwise it is made the same - put your dough on an oiled sheet, use your fingers to make indentations in the dough, sprinkle on your seasoning and some coarse salt, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 450 until it's done. I meant to get a picture of it right out of the oven but, as you can see, that did not happen. It was just. too. good.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday we made it to work, only to discover the power had gone out, AGAIN. So I snapped some pictures, we hung out with my mom and granpda for an hour, then headed home. Not much we can do without power. :( 
All the treese were coated with ice, like this. It's hard to see, but it was really beautiful. The ice is super dangerous, yet beautiful. We had ice combined with fog, so everything seemed really surreal, sort of soft, and very quiet. out in the country the only noise you heard was ice falling. Lots and lots of ice falling off of EVERYTHING. It was strangely beautiful, I'm so glad I got to experience it.

This is what happens when you have ice plus wind. Crazy sidways icicles. :)

In this picture you can actually see the ice chunks dangling from the branches, ready to fall at the slightest movement. The ground below was littered with ice chunks (next picture).
Saturday we were FINALLY able to work, we processed as many orders as we could. During the afternoon, the fog rolled in again, for about an hour and a half we watched the world slowly disappear out the window. Then we headed home, slowly and veeeeery carefully.
Today: a blizzard! no, I'm not kidding. We are officially under a blizzard warning, Donna is reporting big drifts already. She had difficulty making it into town this morning and said the road is probably impassable now, until the wind stops and the plows can get through. School is cancelled, AGAIN. At this rate, the schoolkids are going to be in school until mid-June, I swear.
What a winter!
oh, John got some REALLY great ice pictures on Friday, check them out: Jag's Photo Blog

All the treese were coated with ice, like this. It's hard to see, but it was really beautiful. The ice is super dangerous, yet beautiful. We had ice combined with fog, so everything seemed really surreal, sort of soft, and very quiet. out in the country the only noise you heard was ice falling. Lots and lots of ice falling off of EVERYTHING. It was strangely beautiful, I'm so glad I got to experience it.

This is what happens when you have ice plus wind. Crazy sidways icicles. :)

In this picture you can actually see the ice chunks dangling from the branches, ready to fall at the slightest movement. The ground below was littered with ice chunks (next picture).

Saturday we were FINALLY able to work, we processed as many orders as we could. During the afternoon, the fog rolled in again, for about an hour and a half we watched the world slowly disappear out the window. Then we headed home, slowly and veeeeery carefully.
Today: a blizzard! no, I'm not kidding. We are officially under a blizzard warning, Donna is reporting big drifts already. She had difficulty making it into town this morning and said the road is probably impassable now, until the wind stops and the plows can get through. School is cancelled, AGAIN. At this rate, the schoolkids are going to be in school until mid-June, I swear.
What a winter!
oh, John got some REALLY great ice pictures on Friday, check them out: Jag's Photo Blog
Friday, January 22, 2010
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.

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.
Thursday, January 21, 2010

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!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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.....



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.....
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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).
(today's post is all about shamelessly using other people's recipes and pictures. ha.)

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).
Friday, January 15, 2010

We just got in a gorgeous shipment of local fiber. $6 per 4 oz. bump, wool and wool blends. My standard plea applies: please come buy this before I succumb to temptation and drag it all home. :)
This is an actual order that we shipped yesterday. We love the barter system. :)Last but not least, local folks, check out this GREAT herbalism class offered at Ancient Ways. Starts tomorrow! If we didn't work Saturdays, we'd be there!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
This is amazingly cool! A new iPhone app that will help you decipher cosmetic ingredients while you're out shopping, and let you choose ones that are safe and even eco-friendly. For only $1.99. Amazing! Read the article here: http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Products-Markets/iPhone-application-helps-consumer-avoid-dangerous-ingredients?utm_source=RSS_text_news
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
This is a bit of a belated post, dear blog-readers, and for that, we apologize. Those of you who visit our farm regularly are well aware that we have a motley crew of canines that accompany us everywhere. We refer to them as the "welcoming committee". The leader of the pack was Jake (shown above), Donna's "right hand dog". He showed up on the farm, about 13 years ago...full grown, out of nowhere, and said "Hi. I'm going to live here now." He was the perfect dog, gentle, quiet, never needed a leash or did anything wrong. He was just..there, steadfast, calm, and wonderful. He adored Donna with all his canine heart, and was there for her in great times of need. Time passed, and while his spirit remained valiant and true, his body became old, and simply didn't work anymore. He passed away, peacefully at home, surrounded by his human, canine and feline family, shortly after Christmas. So next time you visit the farm, you won't see the big lovable chocolate lab there....but we know for sure that he is with us in spirit.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I totally meant to post this yesterday. MY BAD!
We have NEW HOURS at Prairieland Herbs. As some of you know, my mom is the full-time caregiver for my grandpa. It's a big job, and she's doing SO well at it! But, we really need to be able to be a bit more flexible with our worktime. So, we are changing our shop hours. Our new hours, effective immediately, are:
Thursday, 12-5
Friday, 12-5
Saturday, 12-5
Internet folks note: This will not affect your order delivery times - we will still be processing and packing orders pretty much as normal. This will just allow us to be more flexible in our working hours.
Thanks everyone, for your understanding.
In other news - I THINK I might have my laptop files restored. We will see tomorrow. I still don't know if I'll be able to update the website right away though. I promise....we're working on it though. But I repeat - Our shopping cart is working just fine, and we are continuing to have our $5 flat-rate shipping AND whipped shea butters on sale until I can get the site updated. So, shop and enjoy! :)
We have NEW HOURS at Prairieland Herbs. As some of you know, my mom is the full-time caregiver for my grandpa. It's a big job, and she's doing SO well at it! But, we really need to be able to be a bit more flexible with our worktime. So, we are changing our shop hours. Our new hours, effective immediately, are:
Thursday, 12-5
Friday, 12-5
Saturday, 12-5
Internet folks note: This will not affect your order delivery times - we will still be processing and packing orders pretty much as normal. This will just allow us to be more flexible in our working hours.
Thanks everyone, for your understanding.
In other news - I THINK I might have my laptop files restored. We will see tomorrow. I still don't know if I'll be able to update the website right away though. I promise....we're working on it though. But I repeat - Our shopping cart is working just fine, and we are continuing to have our $5 flat-rate shipping AND whipped shea butters on sale until I can get the site updated. So, shop and enjoy! :)

So, John, our ever-faithful Prairieland Herbs order-packer, horse-fence-builder, candle-maker and general all-around handyman and good guy, is doing a "365" on his blog. What that means is, he is going to take a picture, every day, with his iPhone, and blog it. It's really fun to see what he comes up with every day! I suspect alot of the pictures will be of Prairieland Herbs, cats, and drinks. Because those are important things in his (our) life :) Anyway, if you'd like to follow his blog, here is the link: Leprechaun947.blogspot.com.
Monday, January 11, 2010
What fantastic (and honest) customers we have! We were actually closed last Saturday, but didn't advertise that fact very well, so several people stopped by the store. In true honest midwesterner fashion, they both shopped, left detailed notes of what they took, and payment...including tax. WE LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS SO MUCH! You guys rock. :)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Are you tired of snow pictures yet?
Here is the path Donna cleared so she could get into the barn to feed the horses. The drift was over the door. Shoveling snow higher than your head is EXTREMELY difficult. Just in case you were wondering.

Here is the path we cleared to the classroom.
here is the view from inside the classroom. Yes, that is SNOW covering the windows.
Here is the path Donna cleared so she could get into the barn to feed the horses. The drift was over the door. Shoveling snow higher than your head is EXTREMELY difficult. Just in case you were wondering.
Here is the path we cleared to the classroom.
here is the view from inside the classroom. Yes, that is SNOW covering the windows.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Okay, sorry for the late posting, everyone. I was waiting to check on our road conditions before officially posting about Sample Sunday. So, we are having Sample Sunday tomorrow! The sample basket is filled with 1/2 oz jars of our wonderful, moisturizing Spiced Vanilla Berry body butter - stop on by and get one, FREE!

S Avenue off Highway 210 is still closed, but you CAN get to Prairieland Herbs with only a small detour. You can get to PLH from S Avenue approching from the north. Take 210 north, turn left at the Caseys, and take the next left onto S. Avenue. If this confuses you, call (515)438-4268 and we'll be glad to verbally direct you in. (see below post for photos!)
our wonderful neighbors to the north, Picket Fence Creamery, are open as well! We're expecting a veritable heat wave - 20 degrees!! So come on out, oogle the snowdrifts, and have a great time in the country!
S Avenue off Highway 210 is still closed, but you CAN get to Prairieland Herbs with only a small detour. You can get to PLH from S Avenue approching from the north. Take 210 north, turn left at the Caseys, and take the next left onto S. Avenue. If this confuses you, call (515)438-4268 and we'll be glad to verbally direct you in. (see below post for photos!)
our wonderful neighbors to the north, Picket Fence Creamery, are open as well! We're expecting a veritable heat wave - 20 degrees!! So come on out, oogle the snowdrifts, and have a great time in the country!
Okay. Prairieland Herbs is officially OPEN! However, you cannot access our road, S. Avenue, from 210, you must approach it from the north. Why, you ask? Well, here's why! (thanks for the pictures John).
If you don't know how to access S. Avenue from the north, just call us at (515)438-4268 and we'll talk you through, it's very easy. :)
If you don't know how to access S. Avenue from the north, just call us at (515)438-4268 and we'll talk you through, it's very easy. :)
Friday, January 08, 2010

Here's the stats. Iowa usually gets about 36 inches of snow per year. Most of that tends to come late in the winter or even early in the spring - February and March. Well as of today, we already have our 36 inches. Something tells us it's going to be a loooooong winter.
Donna sends these pictures from her iphone. She is still WAY snowed in, but everyone is safe and warm and well fed.
This picture is taken from Donna's deck. This is her path to the barn, our shop parking lot, and - notice the barn - the snowdrift is OVER THE TOP of the six foot door. I cannot even fathom how much shoveling is in my future.Maggie's computer is STILL downloading files. I expect it to take another few days at this rate. Continue to enjoy the $5 flat rate shipping and whipped shea butter sale. I can't update the website until my computer is back to normal.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
COOL! Juice Magazine interviewed us 2 weeks ago and came out last week to take some photos, and now the article is live! They did a great job :)
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