Ten Easy Steps to the Organic Garden of Your Dreams:

If you’ve ever walked by a neighbor’s yard and thought, "I'll have what she's having" - if you've ever experienced overwhelming garden lust - this list is for you. The secret really is in the soil.

1. Why sexy soil? Easy. It’s the best “breeding ground” for any flower or veggie that you plant. It nourishes your nasturtiums, caresses your carrots with compost and supports your sunflowers. The best news is once you have it, you won’t need any toxic chemicals to make your garden to grow. If your soil thrives, your plants will, too.

2. What’s your type? Before you begin, decide if you’re crazy for daisies or if you're really a lettuce lover. Be realistic as to your climate, garden size, and time commitment.

3. Lighten up. Watch the sun to check its daily path across your garden. Every plant has different light needs and this may help you choose.

4. Pick a partner. Next, head to your local nursery with a soil sample, and let the soil expert know what you’d like to plant - flowers, veggies, herbs, succulents, etc. Most importantly, let them know you plan to make this an organic activity. They’ll help determine if your soil is sandy, has too much clay or if you’re very lucky, naturally loamy.

5. Good dirt. It’s easy to crumble and light so it can absorb nutrients and water. You’re creating living soil that ultimately maintains itself with proper care. You’ll get a feel for it if you scoop out some potting soil at the nursery. Whether you’re planning a big plot or a few containers, the nursery can help you with ...Read More

A spring makeover for your laundry room? Why not?

Whether your washing machine and dryer reside in a closet or a hall or a spare bathroom, the laundry area is often a forgotten space.

Remember, the spring ritual walk-through and ...Read More

Catherine Hunziker MacMann, herbalist and proprietor of Wishgarden Herbs in Boulder, Colo. came up with this harmonious blend. When infused, the combination of herbs, berries, and roots makes a wonderful tea that acts as a tonic to the whole system.

Nettles are high in iron and other minerals as well as vitamin C, which helps ...Read More

One of the reasons juicing has become so popular is that it concentrates the vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables so that immediately after drinking them you often can experience a beneficial boost to your system. This particular combination provides magnesium, potassium, and calcium - all rich nutrients that nourish the body.
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Try these additions to the usual cup of warmed milk the next time you have trouble getting to sleep.

In Ayurvedic medicine, milk is considered a nourishing and building food, while its calcium and triptophan content calm and relax. Adding ginger or cinnamon followed by a teaspoon of honey counteracts the mucous that can form if one ...Read More

Shuly, an Israeli friend whose mother is an expert herbalist, passed on this recipe for a refreshing elixir, which originated in Senegal, West Africa. He whips up some of this thick, frothy drink any time he or his friends are feeling low. It is especially energizing (and simply delicious) when you have a virus or are suffering from exhaustion.
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A Note About Cleansing

In the best of all worlds, we'd be eating only healthy foods and breathing nothing but pure air. Few of us are that fortunate, of course. After a day of empty-calorie foods, secondhand smoke, exhaust emissions, and work stress, our minds and bodies often need tender loving care, and cleansing ...Read More

Wines, syrups, cordials, jams, and medicinal tisanes have been created from the flowers and berries of the elder plant. I remember being spared from an impending case of jet lag one summer after an all-night flight to London by the bracing effect of an iced elderflower lemonade.

This version is a perfect antidote to summer colds as the ...Read More

The popularity of espresso drinks and the frustration of friends who can't drink caffeinated beverages, but still yearn for the aroma and taste of freshly brewed coffee, led to the creation of Herbal Espresso.

This delicious healthful blend comes close to the taste of the real thing and delivers a powerful tonic effect ...Read More

This month I've been sharing my tips for a seasonal makeover of your home. As you refresh your space for spring, don’t forget that the easiest room to perk up is the bathroom. 

No matter how tiny yours may be, the simplest changes can have ...Read More