The Tuesday Tidbit!


Today's post is about cinnamon and nutmeg, a popular holiday spice duo. There is more to these two spices though and they go beyond an apple pie. When I think about these two spices I get a sense of warmth. They both have a little heat to them but not in a way that you would think. Most people associate heat with cayenne pepper, but many herbs and spices have heat to them and work in different ways. Below, I have listed some of the info that I know on these two spices. There is more information out there but that would be one long post! I am sharing with you what I personally know. As always, This information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or cure any diseases. If you are on medication or have a medical condition please speak with your doctor before trying anything new.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory, a perfect use if you have joint pain. It is an antifungal so if you deal with candida, this is a good spice for you. A natural decongestant which may be why this is a perfect winter spice! This is the time of year for the need for a decongestant. Cinnamon is also helpful for indigestion. Another nice thing about this spice is that it is an antibacterial and antimicrobial, meaning it can help fight things like E. coli. It also boosts brain function! The list goes on!

Nutmeg

My favorite thing about nutmeg is the comforting feeling I get from it, which may be why it is a calming spice and helps reduce anxiety and help you sleep.  Like cinnamon, nutmeg can help relieve joint pain as well as indigestion. It is also a great brain tonic just like cinnamon.

So how should you include these lovely spices to your day? How about adding them to your morning coffee or tea! It is so tasty and warming, perfect for these cold winter days! I like to use organic cinnamon and whole nutmeg that I can grate myself.

A good source for more information is at world's healthiest foods website
www.whfoods.com

New Facebook Page & Creative Blog Days!

It has been a while since I have posted anything. Things are finally slowing down a bit compared to the beginning of the year. Anyhow, I have recently created a facebook page for Solstice Night!
I will be posting all of my products for people to purchase, so go check it out!  https://www.facebook.com/solsticenight1

I am working on creating special days for the blog. I am not sure just yet, but I want it to be fun and creative So stay tuned folks! :)

-Melissa

Cupcakes and dog treats!

Last week I received a lovely little package in the mail. Inside I found four petite cupcakes and a bag filled with dog treats.The peppermint cupcakes were so moist and bursting with amazing chocolaty flavor! Where did the package come from, and who sent it? Well, it came from Maine and Sweet's the name!

Mini Cupcakes

Nouka eagerly waiting for a treat!

 

 

 

There is nothing like an independent business. Creativity flows like the center of a lava cake. The

best part of an independent business is knowing you are supporting someones talent.

Sweet is an independent deliciously lovely business owned by my friend, Morgan Martell.

She has a wide variety of sweets for any taste! Cookies, pies, cupcakes, and even dog treats (Just to name a few!). I am in love with her mini cupcakes, and my three dogs are obsessed with her dog treats! Not only are you supporting an independent business, you are getting the best quality! With that said, check out her website and treat yourself to something sweet!

http://www.treatyourself-somethingsweet.com/

Walz of the snowflakes.

As I lay on the couch sick and bundled up in my quilt, I can not help but feel a hint of excitement. Thanksgiving has left with the wind and the winter solstice will be approaching. Soon the yule logs will be lit and the fire will dance in merriment to keep us warm. Snow will paint the forest with its beauty. The woodland creatures will disappear into their cozy homes until the spring. Aromas of balsam fir will fill my home and I will be at my most happy moment in the seasons. This is what I wait impatiently for all year long! I become a little winter solstice queen, excited for what nature has provided me with.The winter may seem bleak and dull to most people, but not me. I find the winter to hold the most beauty. The air seems clear to me and holds a stillness like no other season. The scent of fireplaces burning wood gives a warmth to the coldness that lingers outside. When it finally snows, the full beauty of winter has arrived.  My snowshoes come out and I walk the white painted forest, enjoying all the snow I can. It seems so peaceful out in the woods during this season. Everything seems so quiet, except for the occasional whisper in the wind. Snow is not my only favorite part of winter though. There is one tradition that I hold near and dear to my heart. It is the nutcracker ballet. As a little girl, my grandmother would take me to see this wonderful production. The music was soothing and the dancing was magical. I always dreamed that I was a sugarplum fairy(sometimes I still do!). Then the walz of the snowflakes made its appearance. Dancing about like a winter storm announcing to me that it was finally winter. I do not always get the chance to see the live performance these days, but I am lucky enough to watch it on tv. So, as I lay here sick on the couch watching the nutcracker, I eagerly wait for the magic of winter.

Buttons! Buttons! Buttons!

 

I love creating unique items that others can enjoy. I also love looking for little bobbles and buttons in antique stores. While living in California, I was in love with the antique mall. I spent a lot of time poking around and finding the perfect items to bring home. One of the items that I was drawn to was buttons! Vintage buttons add a touch of whimsy to any craft. I used some of these vintage buttons in my one of a kind wall hangings. You can find them in my etsy store, Solstice Night!

Crown on blue ($20.00)- Hand-sewn with vintage buttons and upcycled uniform pants.

Crown on white ($20.00)-Hand-sewn with vintage buttons and upcycled material.

La Lune ($20.00)- Hand-sewn with vintage buttons and upcycled uniform pants.

Just Dandy (15.00)- Vintage buttons and upcycled uniform pants.

Love-($10.00)-Hand-sewn upcycled material.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Solsticenight?ref=seller_info

Winter Wonderland!

I am so excited to welcome winter! I can not wait to snowshoe in the trails that I recently discovered ( thanks to a good friend!).  The lovely photo above was taken in Maine, during a winter snowshoe adventure!

Welcome to Solstice Night!

I have created a new blog! Solstice night is more fitting than the happy hippie barn. It is the name of my etsy store and I am starting to build it as a brand. In the near future, I hope to be able to add my etsy shop to this page as well as share with you my interests. I will still add posts about herbal remedies that I have learned of in school, but I will be adding much more! Stay tuned......