Anita's Garden - Holistic Health and Beauty

Welcome to Anita's Garden

2020-10-20T03:34:00.000-04:00

Anita's Garden is devoted to sharing information about living in harmony with nature (Holistic Health and Beauty). From planting, growing and harvesting your own herbs and spices to making you own bath soap, Anita's Garden will supply you with new ideas and helpful hints. The fulfillment that one gains by making their own products to be used by their entire family is immeasurable not to mention that you know exactly what goes into what you make.

The information and ideas contained in this web site can be used as an excuse to bring the family together. Everyone can have a part in creating something to be used by all. Children are quite capable of growing their own gardens and probably will not complain about the dirt under their nails. Imagine the look on a childs face when a friend gets a boo boo and they have the cure - made with their own hands. Or the pride you feel when someone tells you that the jelly you make is better than anything they have ever purchased in a store.

What a Surprise!!!!!

2008-03-12T20:48:00.002-04:00

Well my birthday came and went a month ago but I didn't want to forget to thank my wonderful family and friends. This year marked my 40th birthday!!!!!!! I asked my family to allow me to turn 40 gracefully. PLEASE no black streamer or tombstones in the front yard. Just a quiet cake and ice cream kind of thing. Needless to say, them being who they are, small was not in their vocabulary. They gave me something I never had before. A fantastic surprise party to celebrate with me. There were no black streamers or tacky over the hill signs. They had bright colored happy decorations and gave me a day to hold dear instead of a day of dread. The funny thing is I can't remember a time that I felt more comfortable in my own skin or more confident in myself. I do have to say that when I look at my three teenagers I often wonder how we got here so fast. They are so independent and brilliantly alive. They are what keep me young.

Out on a Limb

2007-12-24T19:09:00.000-05:00

For the Winter Solstice we try very hard to do something that centers around nature. This year we decided to take the kids to Longwood Garden in PA. We usually make the trip once a year but normally in warmer weather. The garden was done up beautifully for the holiday season. This is a photo taken not very far from the meadow. The size of the trees that grow here are awesome. As you can see all three of my children fit on a limb. The fountain show is a sight to see but to get the full effect you need to wait until the sun goes down. Then you can see the wonderful lighting that dances to the organ music. We also walked through the conservatory. It was also decorate with gigantic trees dressed in holiday decorations using living plants. The new children's garden is nothing less than enchanting with its fountains that are guarded by mythical creatures and its wishing wells that mist rolls from. The spiral staircase holds many secrets. Throughout all of Longwood Gardens you have to really pay attention so as not to miss anything that has been so artistically and lovingly created. We always walk away with the desire to go home and create our own wonderland.

My Fur Baby

2007-12-10T22:17:00.000-05:00

This is my fur baby. My children have dubbed her this. She is my little side kick and brings alot of joy to my life. She loves to go anywhere we are willing to let her as long as her family is with her. My children are all teenagers now and she fills that need for the pitter patter of little feet. She is non stop action when she is awake but prefers to curl up under the blankets between my husband and I. The moment i spotted her little half face through the bars of her kennel at the SPCA I was hooked. Soon she reeled in the rest of the family. Now we couldn't imagine life without her.

Tis' the season!

2007-12-01T23:18:00.000-05:00

We spent a very busy day shopping for the season. I have to say that it was a very fun filled day. The kids are at an age that a full day in busy stores is not as much of a chore. This is a picture of them in front of our solstice tree. We celebrate the change of each season. This year we may spend it mining for semi precious stones in Virginia. That is if I can get us a hotel room. We found this great place right outside of Richmond were you can spend the day digging for your own gems. It is called Morefield mines. It is like being on a treasure hunt. Great fun!!!

By the light of the moon

2007-11-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

Last night I was lucky enough to get this shot of the moon. We purchased a new digital camera not to long ago and I have to say that it is impressive. Some of the pictures that I have been able to shoot I would never have even attempted with my old one. Nature is a passion of mine. My family and I hike the local parks and trails as often as we can. But some of the prettiest sights have been right in my back yard which is where this picture was taken. I love to take photos of places that I have been knowing that no one will ever have a shot exactly like mine for nature is ever changing. The seasons, the lighting, the weather is always changing. I guess the same is true with people too. I like to use the pictures in decorating my home. It is like taking a piece of our adventure back with us. Freezing a moment in time.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T19:48:00.000-05:00

Another family Thanksgiving has come and gone. It almost seem that as one holiday is over the next on its way. I remember when I was little it took forever for them to get here. Now as an adult they are here and gone in the blink of an eye. In the hustle and bustle I sometimes wonder why I put myself through this. For me something always reminds me why. I have been blessed with a great family and equally great friends. This is a picture of my niece enjoying the turkey that I prepared. The look of relish on her face as she devours the leg makes all the work worth it. We had a house full of very satisfied people. There are more out there who could not make it home for the feast. You know who you are!! We all missed you guys and love you much. Maybe the next. But just know that I am thankful for each and every person who has, does and will touch my life.

Introducing Snap Shots from Snap.com

2007-10-26T02:42:00.000-04:00

I just installed a nice little tool on this site called Snap Shots that enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, articles, display inline videos, RSS, MP3s and more.
Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need, without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not.

Should you decide this is not for you, just click the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot and opt-out.

Gallery is Finally Working!

2007-10-23T03:24:00.001-04:00

Finally got the Gallery up and running inside the Blogger platform. I had been racking my brain for several days trying to figure out the best method of including either the swf or the actual posts into a single page (gallery.html). Each solution had its issues either with validation or with blogger just being dumb.

The only way to "pin" an article in this version of blogger is to modify the date (as seen on the home page) or host this blog on the blogger server (not happening) - even then apparently you can only "pin" one article.

Now I could change the page to php and create another blog on the same server and include the articles from the new blog into this one... Sloppy at best. I even tried to use virtual includes and iframe to place the Flash swf into the page (ewww).

Those who know me - know I will not settle for junky code or bad structure. Left to my own devices I found a better solution (I think anyway). I decide that javascript was the most viable solution. But I had to figure out how to place the flash only on the galley page. and output the information in valid javascript and XHTM. I will post the solution on www.tbbjrgrafx.com.

Zucchini Bars

2007-10-20T16:17:00.000-04:00

serves 12 - prep time: 20 min. - cook/bake time: 30 min

Zucchini Bars

4 large eggs
1/2 cup of oil
2 tsp powdered cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla
2 Cups of shredded zucchini
2 1/2 Cups of flour

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 Cup butter
3-4 oz cream cheese
1 Tsp Vanilla
2 Cups of 10X Sugar
Walnuts sprinkled on top (optionl)

Pre-Heat oven to 350°.
Mix all ingredience together.
Spread mixture onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake 25 - 30 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand at least 10 minutes before frosting.

Tomato Pie

2007-10-20T16:14:00.002-04:00

serves 6 prep time: 20 min. - cook/bake time: 50 min

1 refrigerated ready-to-use pie crust
2 leeks (1 1/4 lb.), root ends trimmed, tops cut so about 1 in. pale green remains
3 tsp olive oil, divided
2 Tbsp each minced garlic and fresh oregano leaves
1 tsp each salt and pepper
1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup Mexican-style shredded Cheddar Jack (Chedder and Monterey Jack cheeses)
2 large (1 1/4 lb.) tomatoes, each cut in 12 wedges

Heat oven to 450°F. Following directions on package, line 9-in. pie plate with crust and bake as directed 9 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
While crust bakes and cools, cut leeks lengthwise in quarters, then thinly slice (about 4 cups). Place in a bowl of water; stir to loosen grit between leaves. Let grit settle to bottom, then lift leeks to a colander; drain well.
Heat 2 tsp oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks; sauté 6 minutes or until soft. Add garlic oregano, salt and pepper; sauté until fragrant. Remove to a plate. Wipe skillet with paper towels. Add remaining 1 tsp oil and bread crumbs; stir 3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Sprinkle 1 cup leeks mixture over bottom of crust; sprinkle with cheese. Lay tomato wedges on their sides around edges and center. Top with remaining leeks mixture; sprinkle crumbs around edge.
Bake 35 minutes or until hot and tomatoes are soft. Remove from oven; let stand at least 5 minutes, but no more than 1 hour, before serving.

Wild Rice Stuffed Squash

2007-10-20T16:08:00.000-04:00

Makes 12 side-dish servings - prep time:3hrs

2 14 1/2 once cans reduced sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
2/3 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
3 medium leeks, green parts removed, ends trimmed, and chopped (1 cup)
2/3 cup uncooked long grain rice
12 small winter squash (such as acorn, Sweet Dumpling, or Golden Nugget), each about 3 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter
1/4 cup butter or margarine, cut up
1/2 cup dried cranberries or dried currants
1/2 cup dried apricots, snipped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Fresh sage leaves (optional)
Fresh Kumquats (optopnal)

Bring chicken broth and thyme to boilin in a large saucepan. Add uncooked wild rice; reduce heat. Cook, covered, for 30 minutes. Add leeks and uncooked long grain rice. Cover and simmer 15 minutes more or until rice is tender. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Drain excess liquid, if necessary.
Meanwhile, wash squash; cut off and discard the top one-third from the stem end of each. Scrape out seeds with a spoon. Place squash, cut side down, in a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350°F overn for 50 minutes or until tender. Remove and set aside.
Stir butter, dried cranberries, dried apricots, salt and pepper into rice mixture until butter melts.
Mound stuffing into squash. Return to baking pan. Cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F over for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with sage leaves and kumquats, if desired.

Patchouli Soap

2007-10-20T16:01:00.000-04:00

Patchouli has a woody, earthy smell that is sweet and spicy.

Adapted from a basic recipe, this recipe calls for a little less coconut oil, which creates a milder and less drying soap. The addition of astringent patchouli and healing aloe vera makes this a very good complexion soap for oily and problem skins that need a little soothing and extra help.

Ingredients

15 onces tepid water
6.1 onces lye
18 onces coconut oil
4 onces palm oil
16 onces olive oil
2 onces aloe vera oil
2 onces patchouli essential oil

Prepare the mold or molds.
Blend the water and lye. Set aside and cool to 120°F
Melt the coconut and palm oils. Blend in the olive oil and either heat or cool to 120°F
Once the temperatures match, blend the lye solution into the oils.
Stir mixture until the soap traces. Mix together the aloe vera oil and the patchouli into the prepared mold or molds.
Leave soap to set for 12 to 24 hours, or until the soap is solid and firm to the touch. Release the soap from the mold or molds and allow to cure for 6 to 8 weeks.

Wild Mushroom Soup

2007-10-20T15:58:00.000-04:00

serves 12 - prep time: 60min.

1/2 cup chicken broth
1 once dried porcini or other dried wild mushrooms
1/4 cup dry Madeira, dry sherry, or chicken broth
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 pound fresh button mushrooms, sliced (about 6 cups)
4 onces shitake mushrooms, stems removed and discarded, and sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
2/3 cup of all-purpose flour
8 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Bring the 1/2 cup broth to a boiling in a small saucepan, add dried mushrooms and wine to boiling broth. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 20 minutes. Drain and discard excess liquid. Coarsely chop the mushrooms and set aside.
Melt butter in a 4-quart Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in fresh and dried mushrooms; cook 3 to 4 minutes more until mushrooms are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the flour.
Add the 8 cups broth and the pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes more stirring occasionally. Stir in the buttermilk and heat through, but noot to a boil. If desired, garnish individual servings with green onion tops.

Goldenseal Herbal Liniment

2007-10-20T15:43:00.000-04:00

for external use only(Adopted from Kloss' original recipe)

This is a powerful herbal disinfectant. Effective on acne, infected wounds, boils, cuts and poison ivy/oak. Apply topically by soaking bandages or cloth with the liniment, then placing on skin. You should try to leave compresses on for several hours, while you rest and relax.

1 ounce Golden Seal Powder
1 ounce Myrrh Gum Powder
1 ounce Echinacea Powder
1/4 ounce Cayenne
1 pint rubbing alcohol

Place the herbs in a wide mouth glass jar and cover with rubbing alcohol. Cover with a tight fitting lid and place in a shaded warm spot for two to four weeks. Shake the bottle daily to minimize settling.
Then strain and rebottle your liquid. To make straining easier don't shake the bottle for 2 or 3 days prior to rebottling. (It is simple tips like this that make life easier... you aquire this knowledge through practice!)

Note: This should not sting when applying. If it does dilute with water.

Ginger-Plum Stir Fry

2007-10-20T15:39:00.000-04:00

1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 Tbsp. plum sauce
4 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 lb sausage
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small red pepper, cut into 1" pieces
1 pkg. (16 oz.) coleslaw mix
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups cooked rice

In small bowl, combine broth, soy sauce, plum sauce, cornstarch and ginger. Stir well and set aside.
In large skillet, crumble and brown sausage, mushroom and red pepper over medium heat unti sausage is browned. Stir in coleslaw mix, onions and garlic. Cook until cabbage is softened, about 3 minutes. Stir sauce again and pour into skillet. Cook, stirring until mixture comes to a boil. Cook for 1 minute. Serve over hot rice.

Bath Oils

2007-10-20T14:48:00.000-04:00

Choose lavender for a soothing bath oil or juniper for one that leaves you feeling invigorated. The dried flowers are just for looks – the fragrances come from the essential oils.

Shopping List

decorative 16-onces bottle with cork

assorted dried flowers
raffia
16-onces of almond oil (for soothing bath oil) or
16-onces of soy oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, or wheatgerm oil (for stimulating bath oil)
essential oils; lavender, rose, rosemary, juniper
vitamin E capsules
funnel
large coffee can
saucepan
paraffin (available in most grocery stores)

Wash the bottle in hot, soapy wate, rinse and let dry. Stuff dried flowers into the bottle for decoration.
Blend the oils in a seperate container. For Soothing Bath Oils, mix the almond oil with 24 drops of lavender essential oil and 8 drops of rose essential oil. For the Stimulating Bath Oil, blend the carrier oil (soy oil or one of the suggested substitutes) with 24 drops of rosemary essential oil and 8 drops of juniper essential oil. For each mixture, break open 8 capsules of vitamin E and stir the contents into the oil mixture.
Using the funnel, pour the oilmixture into the bottle and cork it. To seal the cork with paraffin, place the wax in the coffee can and stand the can in a saucepan with several inches of water. Bring the water to simmering and let the paraffin melt. Drip the corked top into the melted paraffin several times to seal it and keep the closure airtight. Tie additional dried flowers to the neck of the bottle with raffia.

Lip Balm

2007-10-20T14:35:00.000-04:00

bellow you will find a couple of easy recipes for lip balm

Lip balms are very easy to make, basically we follow the same method as we do for making salves. The only problem with lip balm is no matter how hard you try... you still seem to end up with too many.

Though it is tempting, do not increase the amount of honey in the following recipe. If you do, you will end up with a great tasting product, but your lips will be very sticky.

Basic Lip Balm

1 cup almond oil
1/4 cup beeswax
1 tsp of honey

Slowly heat the above ingredients together, stirring gently. After the ingredients are mixed well, remove from heat and add flavoring such as a few drops of essential oils (spearmint, peppermint, etc.) or a small amount of vanilla extract. Once mixed, then pour the mixture into small containers.

This recipe will make lots of lip balm, so either cut it down or be ready to share with friends.

Remember this is a basic recipe, you can modify it as you desire. You may add different oils such as coconut or for thicker balm use 1/4 caster oil mixed with 3/4 cup almond oil.

Chocolate Lip Gloss

1 1/2 teaspoons grated cocoa butter
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1/4 teaspoon grated chocolate or 3 small chocolate chips

Heat oils gently until melted, then stir in chocolate and keep stirring until melted and well blended. Pour in small containers and allow to cool completely before using.

Recipes

2007-10-20T13:44:00.000-04:00

Here you will find all kinds of recipes. Everything from lip balm to bath soap and Tomato Pie to Wild Mushroom Soup. These recipes have been shared, collected and modified over the years so feel free to add your own touches.

More to go here

Herb Uses

2007-10-20T04:59:00.001-04:00

While herbs and spices are a great resource they are not a replacement for medicine. However; Using herbs and spices to enhance you health and well being is can make a huge difference in your life. This is not by any means a new concept.

What herb does what?
A brief look through you cabinets cauld change your life.

Remedies
Now that you know what to look for here are some quick remedies.

Food Preparation
Using herbs in food is easy and fun. Be creative!

What herb does what?

Balm: herpes, viral infections, tranquilizers, wound care.
Basil: intestinal parasites, acne, immune stimulant
Caraway: digestive
Catnip: digestive, colic, infection prevention.
Chamomile: digestive aid, ulcers, women’s health, tranquilizers, arthritis, infection prevention, immune stimulant.
Cinnamon: pain killer and infection prevention (sprinkled on wounds)
Clove: toothache, infection fighter
Cocoa: pick-me-up, asthma
Coriander: digestive aid, infection prevention
Dandelion: PMS, weight loss, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cancer prevention, yeast infection.

Dill: urinary tract infection (bath).
Fennel: gas relief, prostate cancer
Garlic: powerful antibiotic, heart disease and stroke, diabetes, cancer, lead poisoning.
Ginger: indigestion, abdominal cramping, colds and flu, arthritis, heart disease and stroke.
Marjoram: herpes, cold sores
Mint: digestive aid, anesthetic, decongestant, infection prevention.
Oregano: cough remedy.
Parsley: congestive heart failure, breath freshener, bloating due to PMS, allergies, fever.
Rosemary: food preservative, decongestant, infection prevention.
Sage: wounds, preservative, digestion, diabetes, sore throat.
Thyme: antiseptic, digestive aid, cough remedy.

Herbal Remedies

Tea: using 2 tsp. of fresh herbs or one tsp of dried herbs in a teaball or strainer. Pour hot water over herb and steep for 10 min. Strain off herbs.
Syrups: make tea with 5 oz. of desired herb and 1 pint of water, steep for 20 min. Strain into a pan and add 1 cup honey. Stir slowly over heat until syrupy.
Baths: Place handful of fresh or dried herbs into tied cheese cloth. Place cheese cloth into warm bath.
Steam Bath: Place herbs in a pot of water that had been brought to a boil. Remove from heat. Tent a towel over head and pot. Allow steam to open pores and relieve sinus pressure
Direct Application: Sprinkle herb right into irritation or wound
Ointment
: 1 cup oil that has steeped with desired herb(s) on low heat for no less than 2 hrs. Strain, return to heat, add 1/4 cup bees wax (allow bees wax to melt) pour into containers.

Food Preparation

Here are some suggested combinations:

Basil: carrots, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken, beef and fish
Oregano: potatoes, squash, dried beans, chicken, fish, pork and beef
Rosemary: cauliflower, mushrooms, beef, fish, chicken, pork and turkey
Thyme: asparagus, green beans, corn, peas, beef, chicken, turkey

Helpful hint when preparing herbs with food

When using herbs in cooking add to dish shortly before serving so as not to cook out the nutritional benefits.

When using fresh herbs use twice as much as dried.

Bruise fresh herbs to help release flavor and essential oils

Contact Anita's Garden

2007-10-19T01:08:00.000-04:00

Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments. Your feedback is very much appreciated.

Anita's Garden - Holistic Health and Beauty

Welcome to Anita's Garden

What a Surprise!!!!!

Out on a Limb

My Fur Baby

Tis' the season!

By the light of the moon

Happy Thanksgiving

Introducing Snap Shots from Snap.com

Gallery is Finally Working!

Zucchini Bars

Zucchini Bars

Cream Cheese Frosting

Tomato Pie

Wild Rice Stuffed Squash

Patchouli Soap

Ingredients

Wild Mushroom Soup

Goldenseal Herbal Liniment

Ginger-Plum Stir Fry

Bath Oils

Shopping List

Lip Balm

Basic Lip Balm

Chocolate Lip Gloss

Recipes

Health & Beauty

Seasonal

Food

Herb Uses

What herb does what?

Herbal Remedies

Food Preparation

Here are some suggested combinations:

Contact Anita's Garden