laura emily

this moment

vodka tonics, lots of writing, cozy candles. 

growing.

I feel at home under the sun these days. 

for having a husband in college full time, and I working out of the home, we were crazy blessed to find a little home out in the country that we could actually afford. 

and so I find myself outside exploring the property often these days. 

the other day my nephew Ezekiel and I explored the other side of our pond this week. Thistles galore. Love me some thistle medicine & salad. 

walking away from this property is going to be hard. 

We decided on a pot-garden this year- I'd prefer to work with my hands deep in the earth, but we knew this summer with Tyler graduating college and acquiring a job, we would have a high possibility of relocation- pots would be easy to pick up and head off. Turns out we were right, just off a few months (moving to Seattle in Oct). This has been my first attempt at pot-gardening, and I'm kinda surprised how insanely easy it is. I still look forward to planting deep in the earth in the future, but for right now, pots are treating me well.

Here is what took off with the pots & I would recommend trying (we had a lot of deaths along the way, and they are not included!): 

• 4 tomato bushes, that reach over my head. (German heirloom, 2 cherry varieties and a roma- and we may acquire a mature beefsteak in the coming week). 
• spinach -we got three harvests and then let grow to seed. Love me some spinach. 
• lemon thyme- grown in a cute little clay teapot we had laying around. 
• lemon balm galore. 
• peppermint 
• catnip
• spearmint
• oregano 
• garlic
• green onions
• chives
• rosemary
• romaine (harvested until death)
• arugula (harvested until a horrible and sad death)
• lavender
• basil 

We discovered quite a few things were not happy in their potted homes, even if the experts swear their lives on it. I'm for letting plants thrive with min. guidance- let them do what they do. If something needs to be prodded along the way to survive in a pot, I don't think it is worth it or allowing optimal growth. Several plants are coming with us, and I'm hoping to replant them in the earth in our new home. Rosemary, lavender, the mints, and perhaps lemon balm. And then I'm also going to start growing ginger inside. Have you tried this? 

The only plant I need to dig up to take with us, is our blueberry bush. 

In the pacific northwest, we're generally blessed with a long indian summer. Therefore in a week or two I'll start prep for my fall potted garden. Any suggestions of what I should include? 

xo, 
laura emily 

creating sacred space - 10 Day Fast

I had the fast all written out and prepared.

The focus was cleansing. Cleaning out clutter & junk within us and around us- but then something happen, as it always does. Sitting around our bon fire (with a Blessing fire blend burning away) an idea was planted and was blooming within hours. I laughed at how inconvenient it was and said NO. This did not feel like a blessing. I was happy with the work I did and the subject of cleansing. And I was happy it was complete and finished.  And yet I couldn’t shake off this new seed that was growing by the minute.

So I decided I’d just write out a quick and simple brainstorm- play around with this new idea. Write it out and send it off into the universe- away from me. Get it out of my system, per se.

But I didn’t flush it out- instead I spent the night wresting with Muse and created a whole new fast.

Creating sacred space.

What does that look like? How do we create sacred space within our flesh? Within our homes? Relationships and family, creative projects and work? What does sacredness allow? How do we allow holy moments to flow through our day?

...Without a doubt, I’ll be taking the course this time around rather than teaching it.
I have a lot to learn...I guess it was a blessing. ;)

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Today is the last day to register for the 10 Day Fast- the listing will remain up on etsy for last minute participation, but you will not have much time to prepare- especially if you are participating with a food fast. To allow enough time for me to contact you and touch base, I recommend signing up today. 

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There have been some reoccurring questions & topics that keep popping up in my inbox, so I thought I would address them here as well-

-I’m pregnant/breastfeeding (or take medication that requires me to eat). Fasting from food isn’t something I can do right now.

a) Fasting from food is not required. A large portion of the group will not be fasting from any foods. We have ladies fasting from television, physical intimacy, bad habits or behaviors. I myself will be fasting from manifesting negativity. Partial fasting from food is also popular. If you are feeling a pull towards fasting from food but are physically unable to for whatever reason at this time, perhaps fast from just meat, or sugar, dairy, and special treats. Perhaps engage in a raw-food only diet for the fast. There are lots of options, and I & the group members will be happy to brainstorm ideas with you.

-I am unable to participate with the August session due to family vacations and other obligations. Will there be another opportunity in the future?

a) Yes! Two fasting circles are scheduled for 2013, along with 2 cleansing/detoxing weekend workshops. More info on those soon!

-Does it matter what my personal beliefs are?

a) Nope. The 10 Day fast is not tied to any particular religious beliefs and is open to everyone. Our group is made up of an eclectic mix! The content is not specific but does focus on soul work and working with your own spirit.

If you have any other questions that I did not address, shoot them my way- 10dayfast@gmail.com

free pass to fast :)

still time left to win a free pass to the 10 Day Fast over at Michelle's lovely blog! 

Cedar is in the middle of an epic showdown with her ultimate nemesis...

she has maintained this position, without breaking eye contact, for twenty plus minutes. 
...she is a fierce warrior. 

I need help converting the anti-onion husband.

if you've never had a Walla Walla sweet onion, baby, you just haven’t had an onion. 

 

the husband, however, has declared all onions disgusting. 
What dishes can you recommend to help me convert this anti-onion-creature I married? 

these days.

These days my definition for ‘organized’ changes daily depending on the status of my workspace.
My goal this week is to take everything out. Sort. Dust. Clean out. Whenever I engage in some hard core cleaning, I end up lighting a creative burn, complete with new ideas and new space to create them in. Which makes me crazy excited for our garage sale Tyler & I are putting on towards the end of August. We’re selling everything. The couch. The bed. All the bookshelves and half of the books. The piano. The curtains. The rugs. Closetfuls of…well, everything. We’re not kidding around. It’s just time to clear out what doesn’t serve us anymore. Energy draining junk that we don’t use or need….and a bed that has been a thorn in my side the past six years. Just cleaning house and making room for new projects, adventures, and space. Stay tune the next few weeks for a rollercoaster of emotions!  

These days I continue to find Cedar in the strangest new beds she creates. First….the plate cupboard? Really, Cedar? It provided the rare moment where I wished I owned a dish washer while I scrubbed the plates down. And I swear, I turned my back on the basket I keep my tea bags & boxes for less than a second to get the kettle. Somehow that single second was enough for her to get cozy and begin her ‘bath.’ Oh Cedar. You HAVE a cat bed! A fluffy, clean cat bed! Try it out, babe.  

These days, I'm head over heels in love with our blueberry bush. 

 These days I’m also

-drenched in writing.
-circling up an amazing group of souls ready to fast. Such a diverse buffet of things the ladies are fasting from during this group! Everything from television to meat, habits and behaviors, and negative relationships! I love it.
-excited who will win the free spot for the fast over at Michelle’s lovely site.
-putting together the final touches on a new line of products that will be available at the end of August- herbal foundation powder, liquid soaps, salves and moisture bars, essential oil blends, herbal heating/cooling packs, loose incense packs, DIY kits to make your own salves/lip balms & more, more bath salt blends, more capsules and tinctures, and more.
-trying to put together a better paper system. I’m all over the place…which happens to be condensed into one drawer. Bills? To-Do lists? Thank you notes that haven’t been sent out yet? Invoices? Receipts? Love notes? One drawer does not fit all.
-enjoying a clean home, a bountiful garden, and improved eye sight (optical neuritis is almost completely gone- woohoo! Still working on the numbness).

What are your days looking like? 

dandelion magic ;)

Dandelions (taraxacum officinale) get a bad rep. We’re quick to pluck off their heads and mow down their self appointed stay in our grassy lawns. I might get strange looks when I water these beauties, but I don’t mind- they are a goldmine of health.

The petals, leaves and roots are all beneficial and full of iron, zinc, calcium, high in potassium, and magnesium. Not to mention vitamins A, C, D, and B complex (this is only a fraction of their goodies!). What I love about dandelions is their consistent healing in digestion related issues. It’s an amazing diuretic (the high levels of potassium help restore what is lost during increased urination), and it also works as a mild laxative. These combined create one powerful detoxing boost. And while the benefits of detoxing are amazingly long and full, dandelion provides a unique bonus of improved skin health.  If you’re dealing with poor skin, IBS, toxic levels and constipation, I encourage you to look into dipping into your front yard pharmacy, and pick some dandelions.

Dandelion Tea (for digestion health & improved skin)- Dandelion tea is one of my favorites. It is perfect on its own, or can be combined with other herbs/teas to create custom flavors. I generally drink mine with just a slice of lemon to encourage the detoxing process. Dandelion is the one herb I’d suggest drying before brewing- purely for taste. If you’re just looking to get the medicinal properties, don’t worry about it, fresh works amazingly. You can use the leaves and/or roots. I like to use the leaves, and harvest just a little at time so the plant continues to provide. Be sure to wash beforehand, and do not use any dandelions (or anything for that matter!) that has been treated with unnatural fertilizers or pesticides. Be sure to cover and steep your tea for 15-20 minutes, otherwise you are not pulling out the medicinal properties. Enjoy!

Dandelion Tincture (for digestion health & improved skin)- I will be demonstrating step by step instructions in making your own tinctures this week. Tinctures are my top choice in administering earth medicine. It’s quick, efficient, goes straight into the blood stream to start healing right away. I’d say the majority of my clients are unsure and skeptical at first. Just about everyone is comfortable with pill form or teas, but what is the burning liquid your giving me? It only takes a week –if that- to have them singing praises about tinctures. Stay tune this week in learning about tinctures. How they work. What they are. And how to make your own.

Dandelion Wine (useful for anxiety, stress)- Pick up some white wine. It does not matter what kind of white wine you choose. Collect 1-2 cups of dandelion petals (no need to pluck them individually. Just collect their pretty little heads as a whole). Wash petals thoroughly. Pack the petals into the wine bottle with the remaining wine, and seal with the cork. Give your bottle a good shake once or twice a day for about a week (to increase the medicinal properties, let your wine steep for up to two weeks). When your wine is ready, strain the bottles contents to remove the dandelions. Rinse out the bottle and return the wine. When you are facing anxiety and stress, take 2 tablespoons of your Dandelion wine to help your body relax and calm down. I find it helpful to take when I’m restless or before sleeping when your mind is racing with a million thoughts. 

Want a quick and easy way to include some dandelions in your diet? Simply harvest some leaves, give them a good wash and use them in salads, soups, stir fry, sandwiches, and more. They have a great mild taste, and blend with so many other flavors. I like them best in a simple salad with spinach and clovers. Yum!

Some Friendly Warnings: 
If you have or had issues with your gallbladder, do not use dandelions without supervision from your doctor. Dandelions are a top pick in healing liver/gallbladder issues, but it is a complicated treatment and should be supervised by a professional. 

Field hawkweeds & and cat's ears are NOT dandelions. They grow taller (1-3 feet high), and have a easy to identify blossom: 

Some people find them harmless, but I disagree. They are not beneficial to consume, and can be harsh on your digestion. I have hawkweeds and dandelions growing together (and in fact, more hawkweeds than dandelions!). Be sure to check your blossoms, and if you're not sure, toss it. 

 

I'm insanely in love with my friend Michelle's website- she takes the most gorgeous photos ever, and is an amazing writer & artist. She was so kind to host a giveaway & interview from my shop. Go enter, read a little about how Good Earth Living came to be, and pick up a 20% off coupon code that is good until August 1st! (code CAN be used on the 10 Day Fast group!).