Like many people I have a canine family member who is spoiled as can be. AND I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My canine is an Olde English Bulldogge. A breed known for their sensitive stomachs. And also often having skin-issues which are related to food.
Don’t mind the dirt on the schnazz and the collar. We were enjoying the lake the day this picture was taken 😉
When I lived on the west coast it was easy to pick up treats for this little guy that were made with quality ingredients. And perhaps it has become easier here on the east coast in recent years as well. But I wouldn’t know about that because when I moved back to this side of the country I chose a remote location and most things are not readily available here.
So …
I’ve begun making his treats myself. That way I know exactly what’s in them. And I can keep my favorite guys diet as healthy as possible.
I recently whipped up a batch of these tasty little morsels for him and thought I would share the recipe with all of you.
This recipe is simple and quick. It has just 4 ingredients. And your dog is going to be pretty thrilled with you for making it. That’s a big *SCORE*.
If you can get together 1 c. of cooked, mashed sweet potato, 1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce (skip the cinnamon or other flavored variety), 2 eggs, and 1 1/2 c. coconut flour then you are ready to wow your furry friend with your mad culinary skills 😉
Peel and boil your sweet potato ahead of time. I did mine the night before and tossed it in the fridge. In the morning I mashed it with a fork. This leaves it just a bit chunky, which is perfect for the aesthetic of the final product.
Once your taters are done gather all of your other ingredients …
Then toss it all in a bowl and mix it up with a fork. You want it to be blended pretty well …
Use a teaspoon to portion out the dough. A heaping teaspoon is perfect. Then squeeze the portions into little balls. Form isn’t important here. You just want to make the dough stick together. Then flatten the balls into flat disks. This helps them cook more evenly.
Spread them out on a cookie sheet. You don’t need a lot of space between them. They do not rise in the oven.
As you can see I used my pizza stone. It’s one of my kitchen go-to’s. But really any cookie sheet will do.
Pop your cookie sheet in a preheated oven (300°) and bake for 6-8 minutes.
After you take the pan out of the oven let it sit for just a few minutes. Then remove the treats from the pan so they don’t continue to bake. If you have a cooling rack that’s great. I don’t, so I just tossed them on a plate.
Once they’ve cooled down you’re going to want to put them in a sealed container and refrigerate them. They don’t have as much flour in them as the typical dog treat, so they will not get hard. As a matter of fact, they will get a little softer as time goes on.
Riley loves the soft, chewy texture of these treats. And who can blame him?!?! Soft and chewy is good, right? That’s why we often shoot for it in our own cookie recipes 😉
The texture is not the only reason I’ve made these bad boys with less flour though. Flour is not a dog’s best friend. There are many alternative flours out there that they do better with. Coconut flour is one of them. But the less flour of any sort in a canine’s treats the better. So I keep Riley’s diet as free of it as possible.
These treats last in the fridge for about a week. And that’s just about how long it takes my furry little comrade in arms to polish off a batch. Perfect!
If you decide you want to whip up a batch of these scrumptious little morsels for your canine comrade let me know how it goes. I’d really like to know.
And I’d be especially thrilled if you shared a picture of your best buddy enjoying them. It would warm my heart to know that my little recipe made your best friend happy!
SWEET POTATO & APPLESAUCE DOG TREATS
1 1/2 c. Sweet Potato (cooked & mashed)
1 c. Coconut Flour
2 Eggs
1/4 c. Unsweetened Applesauce
Preheat oven to 300°.
Peel, cube, and boil sweet potato until tender.
Allow to cool. Mash with a fork.
In a mixing bowl hand blend all 4 ingredients.
Portion by heaping teaspoon fulls. Squeeze together to form a ‘ball’. Flatten into disks.
Place on a cookie sheet. Leaving space is not necessary.
Bake for 6-8 minutes.Until firm when poked with a finger.
Remove from oven. Let rest for no more than 2-3 minutes.
Remove from pan and place on a cooling rack to prevent from continuing to bake.
Allow to cool completely.
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Don’t forget to comment on the blog and let us all know how this recipe worked out for you and your favorite canine 😉
And … connect with me on facebook and pinterest to stay abreast of any other happenings here at Bohemian Apothecarist.
As always, your presence is greatly appreciated. I adore that you are here. And I just know that we are going to have great fun together ❤
“When you settle a share of land, first plant an Elder tree, then make your home there.” ~ T. Elder Sachs
The beautiful Lady Elder is considered a Queen among herbs. She is believed to watch over her fellow plants and the spirits which reside on the property that sits under her charge.
As seen in the quote above, T. Elder Sachs recommends planting an Elder tree on your property before you begin to establish a home there – with that I wholeheartedly agree!
Of course, if you are already settled in to your property – it is not too late, it is never too late, to make a space from which Lady Elder can reign 😉
Her botanical name is Sambucus nigra, and each of her parts is to be used in its own way and understood separately.
Her flowers can be infused and used to treat fevers, severe bronchial and lung issues, chronic congestion, allergies, candidiasis, and ear infections.
Elder flower infusions are also very effective when working with eruptive skin conditions like measles.
They can be used to tone the mucous linings of the nose and throat; thereby, increasing their ability to resist infection.
Start taking a flower infusion a couple of months before hay fever season begins and you will see a decrease in the severity of your hay fever attacks.
The berries from this herbal wonder are used for food, to alleviate allergies, and combat colds and flu. They improve overall respiratory and sinus health. Their anti-inflammatory properties make them suitable as a pain reliever in most cases, and they can help with nausea.
As with all berries, this little lovelies support the normal production of white blood cells.
Because they contain bioflavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and anthocyanins they promote healthy immune system function.
The energetics of the bark are bitter and toxic.
While this part of the tree can be used medicinally, it is best to use a different herb to accomplish that which it does well.
If bark that is aged less than one year is used cyanide poisoning can result.
In days gone by, the bark was used as a diuretic, cathartic, emetic, and purgative.
The leaves of the elder tree can be used to make an ointment that will successfully treat sprains, bruises, and chillblains.
This ointment is a superior emollient as well.
Boil the leaves in linseed oil to create a great remedy for hemorrhoids.
An infusion made with them makes a good diuretic, and they are said to be even more purgative and nauseating than the bark.
The leaves, bark, and berries of the beautiful Lady Elder can all be used to produce dye.
The leaves make a gorgeous green. The bark produces black dye, and the berries create the loveliest purple color. If you prefer lilac, simply add a little salt to the water – and just like magic there it is!
PLEASE NOTE: Red elder is toxic – soooooo as always, proper identification is key!
I’d love it if you shared your thoughts on this post. Along with any input you may have about the amazing Lady Elder 😉
And … connect with me on facebook and pinterest to stay abreast of any other happenings here at Bohemian Apothecarist.
As always, your presence is greatly appreciated. I adore that you are here. And I just know that we are going to have great fun together ❤
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed health professional. You are solely responsible for researching herbs to determine how you choose to use them. If you decide to make them a part of your health care plan, I take no responsibility for the results of that decision.
We all work with (command) energy. Every single day. Every single one of us.
It can’t be avoided. We are made of energy. Everything that exists is made of energy. And energy is attracted to energy of the same frequency as itself. Therefore, we are perpetually manifesting our future.
Once we have a firm grasp on the reality of this situation, we begin to understand that we will fair better in life if we choose how we use our energy and the energies surrounding us.
Do we want to allow our thoughts and emotions to manifest physical people, situations, and objects in our life at the whim of our subconscious? Or would we rather discipline ourselves to consciously choose what manifests in our lives?
My vote goes for conscious creation. That only makes sense, right?!?!
Choose what you would like to occur in your life and then get to work making it happen. So just how do we do that?
Let’s break it down into three parts …
TRAIN YOUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS
Learning to keep positive, present tense thoughts and emotions at the forefront of our mind is easier than it may seem. Simply persist at redirection in this area until you see success. You will see success. Thoughts and emotions are trainable.
The key to this process is to be patient and kind with yourself as you navigate it. Be your own cheerleader. Your own biggest fan. And if you find yourself struggling with that, then fake it till you make it.
Whenever you find yourself thinking a negative thought or experiencing a negative emotion, replace it with a positive thought or emotion. And whenever you catch yourself phrasing things in your mind using past or future tense (I used to have more abundance or I am on my way to abundance), rephrase that thought to present tense (I am abundant).
Over time your thoughts and emotions will shape themselves in a positive manner. It will likely begin happening without much notice on your part. And then one day you will realize just how far you’ve come 😉
VISUALIZE WHAT WE WANT
We hear a lot of talk about using visualization to manifest the things we want. And it is a very powerful tool.
There are two very important components of visualization.
You must get to a place in this process where you can feel all of the good feelings you know you will have when your desire materializes. The more intensely you can feel them the better.
And you must be very clear in your desires. It is important to sit with yourself and carefully choose exactly what you are aiming to manifest. Get nitty gritty with the details.
For instance …
I once manifested a relationship with the unlikeliest of people. I decided that I wanted to spend some time with them. I was completely infatuated with them and loved being in their presence. So I started to train my thoughts (as explained above) in this area. I began to visualize being together. And then I released the work to the Universe (as described below). It worked. I’ve been manifesting for a long time now. I’m pretty good at it. It usually works.
The thing was, after I found myself in a mildly serious relationship with this person, I realized that it was not where I wanted to be at all. I hadn’t thought through what I actually wanted our time together to look like. Or what roles I wanted us to play in one another’s lives. There was nothing gratifying about our relationship to me. It was empty. And worse yet, often troublesome.
BUT it did teach me a valuable lesson about taking the time needed to think through the details of things I set out to manifest! Now, I know exactly what I want before I begin the manifestation process.
RELEASE THE ‘WORK’ TO THE UNIVERSE
After your thoughts and emotions are in good order. And you are able to readily visualize your desire. It is time to let it go.
This part can be a bit tricky. It is my experience that you have to come to a place where you know that your request has been completed in the quantum realm in order for it to work. And there is really no way to teach someone what that feels like.
All I can really tell you is that you will know. You will just know. I’ve had many conversations with people who are damn good at manifesting and each person explains this place differently. Perhaps the Universe gives us a way to recognize it that She knows we will understand. But you will know.
You may mess up and think you know a few times before you discover how the switch flips for you. But you WILL GET IT! You really will.
Once you reach this place of ‘knowing’ … LET GO! Completely.
Don’t allow your thoughts to return to it. Don’t spend your time trying to visualize it. Just wipe it our of your mind. When you are able to do this … it will manifest. Often it becomes a physical reality the very moment you are able to fully release it.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this post in the comments. Please share them with me. It means so very much 😉
And … connect with me on facebook and pinterest to stay abreast of any other happenings here at Bohemian Apothecarist.
As always, your presence is greatly appreciated. I adore that you are here. And I just know that we are going to have great fun together ❤
I’m not sure if you’ll agree with me or not, but I think it is safe to say that the larger part of the population has struggled through at least on Valentine’s Day. There are so very many expectations placed on us with this holiday. Perhaps, much of that is due to the commercialization surrounding it in our society.
I, personally, think that the grandest gesture one can make for their significant other on this special day is to lift the pressure of ‘coming through’ for them in some way. Whatever way would hold significance for them. Which, incidentally often eludes their partner!
The only elements that I consider essential to the day are a loving, warm attitude, a pleasant and inviting atmosphere, and if its conducive to the celebration, a little (or more than a little) bit of the power of suggestion.
These elements can be as simple or elaborate as both parties prefer. But they do a great deal to set the mood for a celebration of mutual love ❤
I’ve put together a list of 6 different suggestions for the perfect Valentine’s celebration. I think you’ll find them useful. The only goals I had in mind while assembling this list was that they be easy and straight forward. With a flexible price tag attached to them. So that they can fit absolutely any budget from dollar store to Tiffany’s!
So … here goes!
In no particular order …
ASK ~ THAT’S RIGHT. ASK YOUR VALENTINE WHAT THEY WOULD LIKE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
I recall one of my favorite professors in college, who was a couples councilor, telling us that one of the most common things he hears in sessions is, “He never brings me flowers anymore”. Sounds pretty cliché, right? No matter. It was so commonplace in his counseling space that he had a prefab way of approaching the subject.
He would respond by asking when the last time was that they told their partner they would like to receive flowers.
It may all seem pretty simple. But, if you just take a minute to consider it, you will see that it is a precise representation of every day lack of communication in human relationships. We assume the other person knows what we want. And when they don’t. We interpret it as an intentional act of indifference.
With that thought in mind … it might be nice to just ask your significant other what they want for Valentine’s Day. Ask them how they want to celebrate. And allow their answer to be enough for you. If it falls way short of your own expectations and desires, than perhaps you can set up a trade-off system. Do it their way this year. And do it your way next year. Problem solved 😉
KEEP IT CLASSIC ~ DINNER, FLOWERS, CANDY, MOVIES ~ MAKE RELIEVING THE PRESSURE YOUR GIFT TO EACH OTHER
If both you and your partner are on board with an old-fashioned Valentine’s day celebration, keeping it classic may be the easiest way for you to go.
Dinner, flowers, and candy are pretty traditional ways to acknowledge the holiday. And they can be as elaborate or as laid back as you choose. Just remember to choose together.
When you’ve finished your dinner, you can head out dancing, go to a movie, or head home to play board games. Or you can just call it a night. Which may be a preferred option for those with young families.
TREAT ONE ANOTHER TO A TANTRIC MASSAGE
Tantric massage is an intricate practice, with a long history. It is defined as; a unique experience in which affectionate and refined touch is used in order to open and relax. But it is so much more than that. Much more than the scope of this post can cover.
You can take the time to research this ancient art, if you like. And then choose how on board you want to get with it. However, that is not ground you can cover before the holiday.
So I’ll clue you in on a few basic points.
A warm and sensual atmosphere is pretty par for the course with this art. Think candles, mood lighting, and deep musky scents. Both partners are usually unclothed. And tactile sensation is important; use oils, silk scarves, etc …
The idea is to massage, gently caress, and lightly tantalize your partner for extended periods of time without holding orgasm as the end goal. Cover every inch of their body in this time. Leave nothing untouched. An hour per partner is likely longer than you will find enjoyable if you have never participated in anything like this practice before. But it is not an unreasonable goal either. The bottom line is only you and your partner know how long you want to set your session for. Talk it out. And then commit to a time frame for this new experience. It is one that is going to stand the test of time in your relationship. It really is!
HAVE A PICNIC IN BED
Set the stage (your bedroom) for a romantic interlude. Whip up a little picnic. Complete with basket if you prefer. Lay out some beautiful cloth on the bed. And indulge!
Keep the food light. Make the drinks indulgent. Champagne is always nice, if you drink. Good wine. Or even whiskey if that’s your thing.
If you don’t partake of alcohol, then make something special with club soda, fruit/fruit juice, and perhaps a few herb sprigs.
TRADE YOUR NIGHT OUT FOR A NIGHT IN
I know couples who go out for Valentine’s Day just because they feel it’s expected of them. The truth is neither partner is all that interested in celebrating this holiday in a traditional way. Sometimes, not in any way at all. And yet, they do. Because they feel they would be letting their significant other down if they didn’t.
If neither partner gives a crap about heading out into the world to declare your love for another. Don’t. Stay home. And do something that you both find gratifying.
I have no way of knowing just what that might be. But a few suggestions that come to mind are; enjoy some fondue together, watch a few movies, play a few board games, or just visit with one another in the way you would with an old friend on a weekend away. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?!?!
CREATE A SENSUAL BATHFOR EACH OTHER
The ancients of Greece and Rome both utilized communal baths in their cultures. The term they used for this practice was, “taking the waters” together. And it was an incredibly important part of their lives. Nearly as important as their spirituality.
There was an erotic element to this practice, for sure. But it was also a time of union in a non-sexual way. A time used to connect to others in the way that only nudity can encourage, with deep vulnerability. Sometimes, even a time to nurture one another via acts of pampering, such as; brushing/washing one anothers hair or washing each others backs.
Get together with your significant other and plan to partake in a communal bathing ritual for Valentine’s Day this year.
Create a space of peace and tranquility for yourselves, using scent, candlelight, music and flowers. And be sure to have plenty of oils, sponges/loofas, and deeply hydrating beverages available as well.
That about covers the 6 suggestions I have for your Valentine’s celebrations this year. I’m betting that at least one of them is going to be just what you need to make this year special.
Take a minute to let me know what you think in the comments. It’s ALWAYS great to get your feedback on posts. It helps me know that the work I’m doing is meaningful. And it often provides me with fresh insights and new directions for my work.
And … connect with me on facebook and pinterest to stay abreast of any other happenings here at Bohemian Apothecarist.
As always, your presence is greatly appreciated. I adore that you are here. And I just know that we are going to have great fun together ❤
I regularly make my own herbal capsules, and I thought you might be interested in the what, why, and how of it 😉
I have a sort of love affair with this task. It is a very edifying process for me. I find the repetitive nature of the work meditative, I like the feeling that making my own remedies gives me, and I feel healthier (more alive if you will) when I am taking good care of my body. When I make remedies for those I love, it feeds my inner-nurturer. It all feels good, indeed!
If those are not enough reasons to spark your interest in making herbal pills, here are a few more for you …
It makes herbs easier to access. A small bottle of capsules can be carried just about anywhere.
You are more likely to maintain consistency when taking capsules, as compared to other forms of herbal remedies.
Many herbs provide nutritional value in addition to the remedial properties we revere them for. Therefore, you can meet dietary needs with them as well (think spinach powder 😉)
Making your own herbal capsules saves you money. Quite a bit of money. Actually, like a bunch of money!! (Point made? LOL)
Many commercially available capsules contain fillers. Homemade capsules do not. This allows you to get more herb per dosage, which is most often a good thing. Not to mention that you are not putting useless (or even harmful) fillers in your body. YUCK!
For those who struggle with the taste of other herbal remedies, like tinctures, a capsule is a great alternative. Of course, there are times when a different form of herbal supplement is necessary. For example, I don’t know of an herb you can take in capsule form to remedy a cough. But there are MANY issues which can be addressed with capsules.
When you make your own herbal capsules, you can tailor them to YOUR specific needs.
When you make capsules yourself you can be certain that the herbs you use are fresh and organic. Who knows what they are putting in commercial brands of herbal capsules! I do know that, in the interest of profit, many of our food sources are highly contaminated and our medical system is corrupt. I can’t imagine that companies who are mass-producing herbal remedies are any different than those who provide these services to us. After all, they are all in bed together! And I would rather not support them anyway. Herbalism is a ‘for the people, by the people’ system, and keeping it that way greatly reduces the likelihood of its distortion.
I think those are some pretty good reasons to make herbal capsules at home. Don’t you?
If getting started on this task makes you feel a bit overwhelmed, fear not! You don’t have to have much (or really any) herbal knowledge to get the ball rolling. Simply start by making some single herb capsules that are known to work for the majority of the general population.
Here’s a few ideas for you …
Beet Root = general nutrition and lowering cholesterol
Hawthorn Berry = overall heart health and regulating blood pressure
Spirulina = general nutrition (as in ‘eat your greens’)
Milk Thistle = overall liver health
Chaga = energy and adaptogen
Turmeric = inflammation reduction
A bit less overwhelming? Of course it is!
The investment to start is pretty minimal as well …
All you need is a capsule making machine, some empty capsules, and the herbs of your choice (in powder form). You can pick all of these things up in one fell swoop, at Mountain Rose Herbs. I love them. Their business is built on good stewardship and integrity. AND they provide outstanding products and service.
Both the machines and the capsules come in two different sizes (0 & 00). I prefer the larger capsules (00). They just make sense to me (unless, of course, you have difficulty swallowing capsules). It is rare that a dose smaller than a 00 capsule is needed. As a matter of fact, most often I take several capsules a day.
If you choose to purchase your supplies from a source other than Mountain Rose Herbs just be sure they are reputable. The quality of herbal powder you use is very important. Your capsules will be much more effective if they are made with fresh, organic material. The quality of the capsules themselves is also very important. Temperature and moisture levels can cause them to swell or shrink. This will make it so they don’t fit properly into the capsule making machine, rendering them useless. Keep this in mind when storing them at home as well. I store mine in a canning jar with the moisture packs that Mountain Rose Herbs ships them with. This method has always worked well for me.
Your machine should come with step-by-step instructions. They are crazy simple to follow. Like even a monkey could do it. Keep in mind monkeys are pretty smart though, LOL!
Following is a pictorial for you that is also pretty simple to follow 😉
Your capsule making machine will have two sides. Your capsules will have two parts.
One part of the capsule will fit into one side of the machine.
The other part will fit into the other side of the machine. Fill both sides of the machine with the appropriately sized capsule pieces.
Place your capsule making machine on a plate or tray. Pour the herb or herb blend of your choice over the larger side of the machine.
Use the card supplied with the machine to scrape off the excess herb powder. Tap the machine on the surface of your plate/tray to compact the herb.
Use the tamper provided with the machine to tamp the herb down into the capsules. And then fill. And repeat until your capsules are full.
Scrape remaining herbal powder off the machine.
This will leave you with a nicely filled half capsule in the machine. Ready to compress together and form a finished piece.
Using both hands press down on the top of the machine, compressing the two halves together.
Separate the two halves of the machine. Your capsules will remain on the smaller side of the machine.
Turn that half of the machine face down toward your plate/tray and squeeze the levers on the bottom side of it to release your capsules. Pick up each capsule and gently squeeze them together to create a seal between the two halves.
Now place your capsules in a jar and label it. It is wise to put the date the capsules were made, the botanical name(s) of the herb, and the source of the herbal product on the jar. It is easier than you can imagine to find jars of herbal products long after they were made and have no clear recollection of how old they are or where they were sourced from. If you are wondering why I did not label my jar this way … it is because the capsules I have shown in this post are ones that I take daily. Faithfully. And they are not around very long at all.
Voila! You have successfully made herbal capsules!
I knew you could do it! It’s so easy. I told you even a monkey can do it. You had a monkey to help you didn’t you? LOL
You are now an Herbal Capsule Making Wizard. I don’t actually have any credentials which permit me to bestow this title upon you. BUT if you agree that I am able to do so, and I agree that I am able to do so … I am CERTAIN that makes it so. At least in our eyes. And I’m good with that. I assume you are as well, considering that there is no other place you can go to be declared on Herbal Capsule Making Wizard 😉
AND …
For those who feel like they want to try their hand at creating capsules containing a blend of herbs, as opposed to a single herb, following you will find a few herbal powder blends for common health issues.
They are taken directly from an article written by Ronald Goedeke. He is a leading expert in anti-aging and alternative medicine.
Each recipe makes 30 servings. Number of capsules per serving depends on capsule size. I would start with one serving three times daily. Adjusting my dosage from there in accordance with my reaction to the herbs.
NOTE: The Sleep and Calming Blend should not be taken throughout the day. Instead, take 1-3 capsules at bedtime. Start with one and work your way up from there, as they may cause you to have trouble ‘getting started’ in the morning. Also know that valerian acts as a stimulant in a small percentage of people. When taking it for the first time, be sure that you do not have an early start (or a busy schedule) the following day. There is the off chance that it will keep you from getting any rest at all!
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BLEND FOR PAIN AND SWELLING
Turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) – 22.5 g
Ginger powder (Zingiber officinale) – 9 g
Black Pepper – 1 g
Boswellia – 12 g
Devil’s Claw (root) – 6 g
SLEEP AND CALMING BLEND
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) – 12 g
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnate) – 6 g
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – 18 g
Hops (Humulus lupulus) – flower – 9 g
IMMUNITY BLEND
Ashwagandha – 12 g
Mushroom (any of the following, or a combination): Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake, Shitake – 6 g
Olive Leaf – 12 g
Astragalus – 27 g
Citrus Bioflavonoids (dried citrus rind) – 10 g
ANXIETY BLEND
Passionflower – 6 g
Rhodiola Rosea – 6 g
Lemon Balm – 12 g
Ashwagandha – 12 g
St. John’s Wort – 12 g
ENERGY BLEND
Ashwagandha – 12 g
Siberian Ginseng – 12 g
Panax Ginseng – 12 g
Green Tea – 12 g
Gotu Kola – 6 g
When making capsules don’t get too crazy about stockpiling them. Powdered herbs will lose their potency more rapidly than other forms of dried plant material, as in this form maximum surface area of the herb is exposed to air. I generally make enough for 2 or 3 months at a time.
You may find that after a few months these potent little allies have done their job so well you no longer need their assistance. Having too many capsules left over is wasteful and defeats the frugality of making your own capsules in the first place 😉
Don’t forget to let me know if this post was helpful to you or not in the comments! Or share any thoughts, concerns, or wisdom you may have concerning herbal capsules and producing them at home. I am excited to hear your input as always.
And … connect with me on facebook and pinterest to stay abreast of any other happenings here at Bohemian Apothecarist.
As always, your presence is greatly appreciated. I adore that you are here. And I just know that we are going to have great fun together ❤
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed health professional. You are solely responsible for researching herbs to determine how you choose to use them. If you decide to make them a part of your health care plan, I take no responsibility for that decision.
When I headed out to the local crystal store to pick up a stone to spend some time with, I fully intended to buy a piece of rose quartz. And I did. But sitting close by that stone was a pretty little red jasper heart. And I knew I had to have it. That kind of inner-knowing you get that can’t be ignored.
So I picked it up and told myself that I would work with that stone after I ran my little ‘3 days experiment’ with the rose quartz.
But when I got in the car and started to drive back home it was the jasper that I couldn’t put down. So I held on to her. I rubbed her between my fingers. Shifted her around in my hands. And held her close to my heart.
This is what she brought to mind …
DAY 1
While in my right hand I felt completely energized. That clean, vibrant energy we all long for. Like I could take on the whole world and win. Like a hands down win. No battling. Just victory from the onset.
I began to visualize plans for the future. The immediate future, but that isn’t so unusual for me. And the distant future, definitely not par for the course for me.
I was gazing at her cracks. The imperfections that drew me to her. And the way they divided her into three parts caught my attention. My mind was drawn to the two people in this world who mean the very most to me.
One is an active part of my life. The other is seemingly removed from my future. But there we were. All three of us in this gorgeous stone. This healing stone that was making me feel so vibrantly alive.
I felt prompted to turn her over and see the imperfections from another perspective. Much to my surprise the person I would have declared as the most stable in this trilogy was more scarred than the others. A revelation for me, for sure.
Does finding this 3 part representation of us mean that our relationship will somehow find new ground? Perhaps a place where we begin to plan for a future together? I don’t intend to speculate on the subject. The Universe so often has plans for me which I am unable to predict. Perhaps it will. Perhaps not. The only thing I know for sure is that I will be delighted by the outcome. That’s a given, as the cosmos always knows and produces exactly the right thing for me.
Another insight which came to me as I held her in my right hand was how content I am feeling in the wisdom my life journey has imparted to me thus far. And how it is time to begin to pour that out for others to access. I knew this. But I was feeling a profound confirmation of it. The time to teach on a deeper level has come. And it is quite welcome ❤
When I shifted her to my left hand my state instantly changed from an intense energy to a serene, stable sense of security. I experienced that moment one has when they fully grasp that the things they have been working on manifesting have been completed in the quantum realm. The work is done. And the only part left for them to play in the creation process is letting go of their expectations, and allowing the Universe to bring their desires into the physical realm.
I took note of the fact that it was the last full moon of the decade. And I knew she was telling me that turmoil and struggle I experienced through much of the past decade, will sit behind me in the decade to come. I have reached a place of strength, abundance, and prosperity. I cannot wait to see it all play out. It’s an exciting time for me, for sure!
DAY 2
I decided that today I would take my jasper friend to work with me. I thought it would be interesting to see what she had to say to me in that environment.
She put a $50 bonus in my pocket right after I arrived there. WooHoo! A great way to start the night. And she opened up an extra shift on a week when I was looking to pick one up. Along with the possibility of a few other shifts I may be interested in this month. And those are good things.
Day 3
I forgot to put my lovely red jasper in my pocket on day 3. So I grabbed her the next day and put her in my pocket before I left the house for work.
I didn’t feel the same connection with her today. Odd.
However, yesterday when I didn’t have her with me I went out and bought myself a cup of coffee. Coffee and I don’t do well together. It makes me physically ill. And I’ve been struggling with giving it up completely for a few years. It seems, I always go back to it. I hadn’t had a cup in a month and a half so indulging was not a great idea. But indulge I did.
Today I really wanted another cup (of course). But I decided it would be easy enough to forgo that because I didn’t have time to stop for one. I did, however, expect to struggle with the desire to feed the nasty caffeine addiction monster!
But after I put my little piece of jasper in my pocket the struggle simply dissipated. Yay! I also noticed that even though I didn’t bring a very satisfying lunch today I am not snacking on things that are not good for me. That is not the norm for me. I have to take something that is healthy and satiating or I eat crap. Thanks red jasper! That’s kind of a big deal ❤
POSTSCRIPT:
As a person who has worked with alternative healing and spiritual modalities for decades, I recognize that some of the emotions, thoughts, and events which occurred while I carried my lovely piece of red jasper with me may not be related to her presence.
And still, I don’t discredit the sixth sense I have cultivated about these sorts of things either. And I put forth information which I really do attribute to the energetic frequency that this stone brought to my days.
My intent in approaching this post in this manner, as opposed to the usual style in which healing crystal properties are written, was to offer something a bit different. More personal. Less general.
I hope this space inspires others to share their experience with healing stones. I think it would be beneficial for everyone to have more information about stones presented in this way available to them.
If you have experiences with healing stones, particularly red jasper, that you would be willing to share, please put them in the comments. I am very excited to hear them ❤ 😉 ❤
And … connect with me on facebook and pinterest if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist.
As always, your presence is greatly appreciated. I adore that you are here. And I just know that we are going to have great fun together ❤
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed health professional. You are solely responsible for researching crystals to determine how you choose to use them. If you decide to make them a part of your health care plan, I take no responsibility for the results of that decision.
Never, in a million years, did I think I would be that person who bakes a cake for their dog on their birthday. But here I am, being that person indeed.
AND this guy right here is the one who transformed me into that person ❤
I adored making this tasty treat for my little bulldogge king! And he went completely mad for it, for sure. So much so that it’s likely to become a birthday tradition here in our home!
It was incredibly easy to make. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.
You’ve simply go to make one for your favorite canine. It will be a huge hit! I promise!
You’ll need two small cake pans. I used disposable aluminum pans to make mine. It’s the first time I’m making this recipe and I wanted to see if I liked it before I invested in pans. I do. I’ll be buying pans SOON!
The disposable ones I used measured 3″ x 6″. And they were perfect. I’m sure you could also use a 4″ square or 4″ round pan. Which is likely easier to find if your investing in the real deal 😉
Preheat your oven to 350°. And lightly grease your pans.
Combine your dry cake ingredients, rye flour & baking soda, in a medium bowl.
Combine applesauce, egg, honey, sweet potato, banana, and peanut butter together in a small bowl.
Blend together with a fork. Pour wet ingredients in with dry ingredients. And blend to make a ‘dough’.
Divide the mixture between your two cake pans and use your fingers to evenly distribute it through them. Place on a baking sheet (for stability) and bake for 20 minutes.
HINT: While your cake is baking you can make your frosting and fry your bacon 😉
Remove from oven and allow to sit for 15 minutes before you take the cake out of the pans.
Let them cool completely before you frost them. I left mine sit out on a plate for another 30 – 40 minutes. It did the trick.
To make the frosting for your cake, simply blend mashed potatoes and peanut butter together.
Then frost the top of both cakes. Stack one on top of the other. And frost the sides.
If you like you can top your cake with bacon bits. I fried up two pieces of bacon and chopped it for mine. It was just the right amount. Adding a tablespoon of shredded sweet potato would have been a great touch, as well. But this doggie mom screwed up and cooked all of the sweet potato in the house in preparation for this recipe. So Riley missed out on that 😦 Although, he didn’t seem to feel as though anything were missing at all. He LOVED this cake!
Three candles were for sure in order here. My big ‘ol bulldogge baby is that old already. Three years! It’s hard to believe!
FINALLY, you get to the only part your pup really gives a d*** about. The slice and serve portion of the event. This cake sliced beautifully. It has a great consistency.
It’s a pretty indulgent canine snack. So Riley didn’t eat more than a few slices on his big day. The rest was sliced and stored in the fridge. It’s holding it’s shape nicely in there. And works well as a replacement for his treats this week. Perfect!
Don’t forget to share your thoughts on this post in the comments, please! Especially if you made this cake. I’d love to hear about your experience 😉
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
RILEY’S BIRTHDAY CAKE
CAKE INGREDIENTS:
1 c. Rye Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/4 c. Applesauce, unsweetened
1 Egg
1/4 c. Honey
1/4 c. Sweet Potato, cooked & mashed
1/4 c. Banana, mashed
1/4 c. Peanut Butter
ICING INGREDIENTS:
1/2 c. Potatoes, cooked & mashed
2 Bacon Strips, cooked & crumbled(optional)
1/4 c. Peanut Butter
1 tbsp. Sweet Potato, shredded (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°
Lightly grease two 4″ cake pans
In a medium bowl combine dry cake ingredients (rye flour & baking soda)
In a small bowl whisk all wet cake ingredients together (applesauce, egg, honey, sweet potato, banana, & peanut butter)
Pour wet mixture in with dry mixture and fold together
Divide batter between two cake pans and use your fingers to evenly distribute the mixture
Place two pans on a cookie sheet for stability and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Remove from oven and allow to sit in the pans for 10-15 minutes
Gently remove cakes from pans and allow to cool completely
Blend mashed potato and peanut butter together to create an icing and ice the top of both cakes
Place one on top of the other forming a two-layer cake
If desired, top with crumbled cooked bacon pieces and/or raw shredded sweet potato
Each day presents us with an opportunity to improve upon who we were the day before. Perhaps the version of you that walked this earth yesterday was a little less warm, vibrant, and energetic than you would have liked them to be. Or it could be that they were even warmer, more vibrant, and abounding with energy than they have ever been to date. And, of course, there are all of the measures and variances in between those two extremes.
USE EVERY DAY AS A CATAPULT TO AN IMPROVED YOU
However, no matter where you fell yesterday on the scale you use to measure your ideal self, there is ALWAYS room for improvement today. And it just makes good sense to take advantage of that gift to its fullest extent.
So …
When you wake up each morning, be certain to view it as an opportunity to ‘set the stage’ for who you plan to be today.
Perhaps you want to be more compassionate. Or maybe you want to expand your knowledge in some area. Or learn a new hands on skill. You may want to have more patience, better social skills, or a stronger propensity to kindness.
CREATE A LIST OF AFFIRMATIONS
Whatever it is that your seeking to improve, take a few minutes and jot it down.
Then turn those notes into a list of present tense affirmations. Meaning … ‘I want to have more patience’ becomes ‘I am a very patient person’.
Go over this list each morning. First thing, if you can. Before any negativity finds its way into your day. Repeat it a few times. Out loud if you can. And then do your best to wrap your mind around the idea that the affirmation you are repeating is already manifest.
If doubts creep into your thoughts as you first start this practice, don’t stress. The ability to FULLY believe will come in time. And it will come faster if you aren’t stressing!
Once you have come to a place where you are able to recite your affirmations with full confidence that they are already complete in the quantum realm, it is time to add the element of emotion to the mix. Begin allowing yourself to feel the emotions you expect to experience when your affirmations leave the quantum realm and become a physical manifestation. And then hold those feelings for as long as you are able. Shoot for 15-20 minutes. But don’t be discouraged if your starting point is much lower than that.
Again … this may take a bit of time. But it will come. It really will.
LAW OF ATTRACTION, SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY, & ACTION ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS
Faithfully engaging in this morning routine works for many reasons.
The law of attraction is one of those reasons. This law states that energy attracts energy which is on the same frequency as itself. So, the act of experiencing the emotions which will come with the obtainment of your goals causes them to materialize.
A second reason this practice works is that the mind believes everything you tell it. Absolutely EVERYTHING. It relies solely on information that is programmed into it. It makes up nothing on its own. Therefore, you’re able to become the curator of its content. Actively create its files. Rather than letting the world around you choose what goes into its archives.
If you tell it ‘I am successful’ than it will do everything it can to urge you to take steps to make that a reality. If you tell it you are a loser, than it gets right to work on making that fact come true.
It doesn’t differentiate one from the other. It would be nice if it could differentiate for you and always work in your best interest. But the cold, hard truth is, it doesn’t really give a damn what is best for you. It simply does as it is told. Every time. Without fail.
You may have heard this phenomena termed as self-fulfilling prophecy.
The law of attraction and self-fulfilling prophecy are two different perspectives surrounding the same principle. It makes no difference which one you choose as an avenue for change. Either one will get you there.
Both hold the tenet that you keep your thoughts and emotions firmly planted in the realm of your highest good. And by doing exactly that, your reality will begin to restructure itself. It will literally start to create a world that reflects your deepest desires.
And yet…
Action is not to be underestimated.
You will find many claims out there that if you line up your thoughts and emotions with your desires they will come to you with no effort on your part.
Perhaps this is true. I’ve had experiences where it seemed as though it happened this way.
But, BE ASSURED, that taking actions which support your desires will drastically alter the timeliness of their arrival. Use the momentum of action in tandem with the law of attraction and self-fulfilling prophecy and you are sure to see victory significantly sooner than if you remain motionless 😉
POSITIVE CHANGES ARE WITHIN YOUR REACH
If these principles are new to you they may feel a little ‘out of reach’.
There is no doubt that they require a bit of skill. But don’t despair. Because all it really takes to start to see some change occurring in your life is a little dedication on your part. Even the tiniest bit of commitment can kick-start an influx of positive changes. AND morning affirmations are just about the simplest way to start.
Do you practice the principles of law of attraction? Or self-fulfilling prophecy?
If so, please share your experiences in the comments. I’d love to hear them. And I know that those who haven’t yet known the power of these principles would as well ❤️
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
New Years and I have been in a bad relationship for as long as I can remember. I have never considered her a friend.
As a young woman I recall that just about everyone I knew would be looking forward to their new years holiday plans with anticipation. I was never very excited about mine. I tried to feel good about them. I really did. But I just couldn’t muster up even one little ‘give a damn’.
I’m sure this was directly related to the fact that each time I did try to go out and join in the festivities, I found myself even more disappointed than the last.
Other holidays weren’t like this for me. I rather enjoyed them. Even with the fact that as a single mom I had to work through much of them, I made it a point to make the very best of the time I could squeeze in to celebrate.
But new years … UGH! She was always a disappointment. Or worse. Usually worse ☹️
Eventually, I turned my back on her completely. I haven’t acknowledged her presence in many, many years. I just sort of let her come and go without so much as a turn of my head.
However …
This year I am going to try to make amends with this difficult creature who spends but one day (two if you count new years eve) a year with us.
I’m not going to try to make up for lost time. That would be senseless. And at this point it feels as though jumping right into traditional celebrations would be a disaster. It’s just asking for more of a mindset alteration than I am willing to entertain!
So …
I’m going to plan a simple day. A day of quiet contemplation. Done with a positive attitude. And carried out in very warm fuzzy pajamas.
It is guaranteed to be cold as hell here in northern Maine. So there will be a toasty fire burning in the woodstove. Creating the perfect atmosphere for me to just sink into a day filled with self-indulgence.
There will be a mini-brunch spread in the early afternoon. It can be grazing material for the entire day. Freeing me from the kitchen, so I can focus on something more relaxing. Perhaps, a sewing project. Or finishing up the granny square lap blanket I’ve been working on. Or maybe I will immerse myself in the pages of a good book, leaving my world behind to become part of another’s.
In the evening, there will be candles lit throughout my home. They will burn brightly, ushering in good vibes for the upcoming year. The intention placed behind their lighting will be to perpetuate the atmosphere of peace and serenity which has been actively cultivated there throughout the day.
There will be card games, or movies, or both. There will be plenty of play time and sweet, warm snuggles with the king of the house (my bulldogge). And there will be laughter. Lots and lots of laughter.
When the day is complete, and I lay my head down to rest, I will know that the journey to reconciliation with this holiday I have been at odds with for so very long has indeed begun ❤️
How will you be spending your holiday this year? Do you have fond memories of past new years celebrations? Or have you too had a rocky relationship with this special day?
I’d love to hear about your experiences! So meet me in the comments below and fill me in 😉
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
If I’m 100% honest I have to say that I hate to see 2019 behind me. It’s been one stellar year for me. I have experienced exponential growth and gathered a bounty of blessings over the past year. I’m really one lucky girl.
But 2020 is coming. And it will undoubtedly hold its own special set of gifts for me. I have developed a strong and disciplined thought life. And I’ve become a bit of a pro at mastering my emotions. So, in light of the fact that our reality is created by our thoughts and our emotions, I’m in a great spot to receive endless abundance in the coming year.
HEY!! Maybe I am ready to kick 2019 to the curb! Out with the old. In with the new. Bring it on 2020!
But before my new friend 2020 gets here, I’d like to have a few New Years resolutions in order. A sort of game plan to achieve the things which are most important to me in this 365 day time span.
Choosing Resolutions I Will Actually Keep
I’ve set some pretty damn lofty resolutions in the past. And I’ve learned that doing that sets the stage for failure. The loftier my goals are, the less likely I am to achieve them.
So, this year I am going to set the bar low. Not so low that they require no effort. There’s no real reward in reaching goals like that.
OK. Perhaps I should phrase this a little differently. I am going to set REASONABLE goals for myself. Goals that will take some effort to achieve. Making the attainment of them feel like a real triumph. And yet, nothing too over the top. No jumping through fire hoops, if you know what I mean 😉
Setting The Stage For Victory
I could easily create a list of things I want to work on in my life that are completely new to me. Things that I haven’t taken even the tiniest steps toward reaching.
But, in the spirit of setting the stage for victory, I am going to avoid things of that nature. And focus on refining things I have already laid some ground work for.
This will definitely make the likelihood of success greater. That’s a win!
I suppose working on ‘brand new’ things, or at least one or two of them, would be in order some years. But not this year. I am on a roll with some pretty big goals and I want to strike while the iron is hot, as they say 🔥
A Few Of My Own Resolutions
I’m going to break my resolutions down by category this year. Creating a general goal for each of the areas in my life which are important to me.
HOME:
I live in an old 20 x 30 home. It was meant to be a temporary spot to rest my head when I moved to Maine. But instead of looking for a nicer place to live, my son and I built a food the truck. And while I’m glad we did. It definitely means I’ve been in this little house way too long! So, it’s time to finish up the few odds and ends that need to be done and move on.
FAMILY:
This goal is probably the easiest one on my list. I have a small and amazing family. We function very well together and I’m happy with our relationships.
If I would change anything about our life it would be the amount of leisure time we spend together. So, more leisure time is high on the list.
SELF:
Taking care of my health is my #1 priority for myself. It has been neglected for too many years at this point. But I have grown so much in this area. And I no longer see self-care as something that one does when they have the time. Instead it is a matter of great importance.
And as I’ve begun to recognize that fact I have cultivated some pretty decent self-care habits in my life. I intend to improve on that in the coming year.
EDUCATION:
I have studied herbalism for a little more than a decade. I feel it is time for me to share the knowledge I’ve gained over this time with others. I have hosted classes before. But teaching my own courses is a new and exciting venture for me.
I am finishing up an herbal course, which I started some time ago, over the winter. And I’m designing several classes to release shortly thereafter.
WORK:
The food truck that I built with my son last spring was mad successful. And we have purchased a piece of land to place it on this next coming season, so that it will have a permanent home. Giving it it’s own home will make it so that we are able to develop the land that it sits on, and offer much more than just a ‘grab and go’ experience to our clientele.
The ideas that I have for this next step in our venture are plentiful. And they are still playing musical chairs in my head. The music hasn’t stopped. So I am not certain where any of them will sit, if you know what I mean.
I’ll solve this dilemma by setting my resolutions in this area on the basics. An awning on the front of the truck to protect people from the elements while ordering (it truly sucked not having this last year 😕) is #1 on the list. A finished parking area comes in right behind it. Storage on site is at the top of the list as well. These things combined with extended outdoor seating should cover the ‘get her up and running smoothly’ fundamentals.
And that’s it folks! Basic, achievable goals. Success is a no-brainer for this woman and her resolutions this year!
Are you setting New Year’s resolutions this year? Do you plan to keep them simple? Or reach for the golden ring?
Share your plans in the comments if you will. I’d love to hear them!
I’d also be interested in hearing how you feel about resolutions in general. Do they work for you? Or do they seem to fall by the wayside? And if so, why do you think that is?
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
There is an Olde English Bulldogge in my life who has 100% stolen the keys to my heart. Because of his presence I am changed forever ❤️
One of the many ways I show my love for him is by staying on top of his diet. I like to be sure that he eats top quality food. So that he stays as healthy as possible.
With Christmas approaching I wanted to make a treat especially for him. He gets quite jealous if anyone is eating without him! And with his own special treats on hand he can be included in ALL of our holiday snack times.
He eats a primarily grain free diet. But I do sometimes put a little flour in his treats. I’ve made his Christmas treats with brown rice flour. It’s a better alternative to white flour, for sure. But you can use any flour you like. Be sure to make certain it is canine friendly, of course. And adjust the amount of chicken broth you add to the recipe accordingly. Each flour has a different consistency and rate of absorbency. So you may need a little more or less.
I included chicken liver and cranberries in this recipe. Chicken liver is one of Riley’s favorite things. And cranberries add the festive touch I was looking for in a holiday treat!
He absolutely loves these tasty little doggie morsels. And because I made an extra batch just for this blog post he’s going to get doubly blessed this year. I’m pretty sure he’s already marked his calendar for the day the next batch will arrive. Christmas Day.
Here’s the recipe for you so you can make a batch for your canine love. Tell him to enjoy every single bite. And The Bohemian Apothecarist wishes him the very best Christmas yet ❤️ XO ❤️
CRANBERRY & LIVER CANINE TREATS
1 c. Chicken Livers, cooked & chopped
3/4 c. Chicken Broth
2 Eggs
3 c. Brown Rice Flour
3 tbls. Dried Cranberries
Preheat oven to 350°
In a small bowl mix the chicken liver, chicken broth, and eggs.
In a medium bowl mix the brown rice flour and dried cranberries.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and blend well. Form a dough ball. Put it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Roll the dough ball out to a 1/2″ thickness using flour on the surface you are rolling on, the rolling pin, and the dough ball.
Bake for 20 minutes. Cool. And store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If you make some of these delicious treats for your favorite canine this Christmas I’d love to hear how they liked them?
Attach a picture of them in the comments enjoying them if you would. It would make my day 😉
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
I’ve always had a thing for after dinner mints. Dessert is too much after a meal. BUT a little mint to tease the taste buds is just right!
Mint is known to settle the stomach. As are many herbs. The original idea behind having a bit of candy made with this tasty herb after a meal arose from that tenet.
Sipping on a cup of peppermint tea, after an evening meal, is a pretty common occurrence in my household. It’s just plain good for you. This Apothecarist highly recommends it 😉
However, for Christmas this year I wanted to make the after dinner mint experience a little more special than that. Like peppermint patty special.
Yet, the thought of all of the bad for you ingredients that are usually in a peppermint patty being the grand finale to my holiday feast didn’t sit quite right with me. So I got to work on creating a healthy version of this gas station staple.
And the results of my efforts are pretty damn phenomenal, if I do say so myself! So, I thought that I would share them with all of you. This way we can all enjoy the fruits of my labor!
I made the filling first (obviously, LOL).
I used unsweetened finely shredded coconut …
And a little melted coconut oil, honey, almond milk, and peppermint extract …
I mixed it all together with a fork. It took a little time and effort to blend it well. Honey can be a tough cookie to distribute through dry goods. But half the fun is in the making, as they say. So I took my time and it paid off big in the end.
I didn’t have a mold. And where I live there aren’t many places to shop. Most things have to be ordered online. Not like my hometown where I would just run up to Commerce Boulevard (the name says it all) and grab whatever I needed.
But there’s a whole lot of good to the laid back lifestyle folks live in my new home, so I’m not complaining. And since necessity definitely is the mother of invention, I simply pressed my coconut mixture into a tablespoon and then popped the balls out with my finger.
It worked great. I ended up with gorgeous little balls of coconut yumminess! Perfect. I popped them in the freezer. And set the timer for an hour to firm them up.
This step is paramount as otherwise they will simply fall apart in your chocolate coating and you’ll end up eating your peppermint patties with a spoon!
While you’re waiting for your coconut ‘balls’ to freeze you can get your other ingredients ready to go. Don’t mix them until you’re ready to use them though. They might harden up on you. Depending on the temperature in your kitchen.
The coating is made with cocoa. I think that probably goes without saying, right? Chocolate = cocoa.
When my timer went off I mixed some coconut oil and honey in with the cocoa.
And then dropped the balls in the final brew one at a time. So simple!
After I dropped them in I just used a spoon to pour coating over the top of them. And then scooped them out with a fork and slid them onto a plate.
I had to move quickly with this step because the coldness of the balls rapidly change the texture of the chocolate coating. And I didn’t want to have to reheat it.
Once I had all of them coated and placed on a plate, I tossed the plate in the freezer for a bit. I know from past experience working with chocolate coating that it only takes about 15 minutes to chill a candy like this. But I think I left them in there an hour or so before I tried them.
They came out absolutely perfect. So damn delicious!
Once I had a taste, I put the remaining balls in an airtight container and tucked them back in the freezer for Christmas. That was the plan. Wasn’t it?!?!
I could have kept them in the fridge as well. But I liked them frozen a lot. A whole lot. So frozen it is!
Here’s the recipe so you can make some for yourself and your family. It will be hard to share but you should. You really should 😉
If you find yourself feeling the generosity of the Christmas spirit, bear in mind that they make a really nice hostess gift for holiday parties/dinners.
Spread the love a little! Just sayin’!
HANDMADE HOLIDAY ‘AFTER DINNER MINTS’ RECIPE
FILLING:
1 c. Coconut, unsweetened, shredded
3 tsp. Coconut Oil, melted
2 tsp. Honey
1 tsp. Almond Milk
1 tsp. Peppermint Extract
COATING:
1/2 c. Coconut Oil, melted
6 tbls. Cocoa Powder, heaping
4 tbls. Honey
TO MAKE FILLING:
Place all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well with a fork. Shape into patties or balls and freeze for 1 hour.
TO MAKE COATING:
Place all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well with a fork.
Drop coconut patties/balls in coating one at a time and cover well. Do this quickly to prevent coating from getting too hard.
Place mints on a plate and freeze for 15 minutes.
Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
If you decide to make this tasty treat this holiday (or any other time 😉), please let me know in the comments how it works out for you!
Or just pop in the comments to share your thoughts about this recipe, about after dinner mints, or even just to say Hi!
I love hearing from all of you. I really do. Without you there is no reason for me to be here ❤️
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
Making the effort to ebb and flow with the natural cycles of the seasons is paramount for good health. Our bodies are designed to follow the patterns of Nature. Even the smallest adjustments to honor these patterns just make damn good sense!
Winter is a season which calls for more quiet time, deep inner reflection, and more than the average amount of nurturing. Perhaps even a little pampering every now and again ❤️❄️❤️
SLOW DOWN AS MUCH AS YOU ARE ABLE
Spend more time ‘snuggled in’ at home. Take a cue from wildlife and rest.
Life is busy much of the time. And sometimes the only way to shut that steady stream of to-do’s off is to get seriously intentional about it.
Take a at least one night a week this winter and plan to do a whole lot of nothing. Sink into a comfy chair with a good book. Gather up your crochet needles and put together some stitches while you watch a movie. Or sit yourself down with family/friends and play a few board games.
Just make sure there is an abundance of both feeling cozy and relaxing going on.
PRACTICE INNER REFLECTION
We all have things that we find difficult to cope with. Often we keep a few little struggles on the front lines of our lives in a subconscious attempt to avoid the bigger stumbling blocks.
Spend some time searching DEEP within your heart. See what you can find that causes you considerable pain when you think of it. Then allow yourself to feel the pain. Give it permission to be there. Recognize that it is justified. And it only makes sense that it took up residence there after the experiences you’ve had. And then …
Let it go. Take it right by the hand and escort it out of your life. March it to the outer edges of your personal experience here on this planet and place it on the other side of the borderline. Take a step back. Blow it a kiss and say goodbye. Then turn around and WALK AWAY.
HAVE SPA DAYS AT HOME
Light a candle. Turn on some music. Close the bathroom door. And pamper yourself.
About once a week, create a soothing atmosphere in the bathroom (and maybe the bedroom too) and just pamper yourself.
Deep condition your hair. Give yourself a facial. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi.
Make it a point to keep your thoughts on the positive side. Use a mantra if it helps. And breathe. Breathe deeply. You are worth each and every moment you are spending in this space. You deserve to be treated well. And sometimes it is damn nice when you are the person doing it.
We too often pay very close attention to how others are treating us while losing sight of how we treat ourselves.
So let’s try a little harder to be kind to ourselves this winter season. We will be better for it in the spring ❤️
If you have something you make a point of doing to make the dark, cold, season of winter, more beneficial (dare I say rewarding?), please share it in the comments.
I’d love to acquire a few new tricks to tuck up my sleeve for the upcoming season 😉
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
I’ve been working on a plant based stuffing recipe for a few weeks now. I’ve always had the best stuffing recipe ever. Like over-the-top frickin’ fabulous. It is my favorite dish on the Thanksgiving dinner table.
My recipe has sausage in it. And I’ve been trying to be more mindful of eating processed food. So I thought it would be fun to make a whole new recipe. A plant-based recipe. Fit for a Thanksgiving feast. Even though I won’t be making a full holiday dinner this year.
I volunteered to work for the holiday. And quite honestly I don’t cook a big dinner most years anymore anyway. Too much work for this girl. Particularly when I am the only one who really enjoys it in this house.
But I’m pretty sure that a big ‘ol scoop (or two) of crazy tasty stuffing. Topped with a really savory dressing. And a heaping serving of mashed potatoes on a plate will satisfy my desire to indulge, at least a little, in this once a year feast.
So with both, “I need the best damn stuffing ever” and “Let’s keep it plant-based” in mind I came up with the recipe below.
It’s damn tasty. I promise. Give it a try. You’re going to love it.
It will be a permanent addition to my recipe box, for sure 😉
PLANT-BASED THANKSGIVING STUFFING RECIPE
1 med onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 bayleaf
salt and pepper
2 1/2 c vegetable broth
8 oz fresh mushrooms
1/2 c pecans, chopped
1/2 c dried apricots
1/2 c dried cranberries
1/8 c dried parsley
8 c dried bread cubes
Toast pecan pieces.And place aside.
Saute onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, oregano, bayleaf, salt (to taste), and pepper (to taste) in 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth until onion and celery are translucent. Remove bay leaf.
Chop mushrooms. Toss them in with the veggies and seasonings and cook until warmed through.
Mix in pecans, apricots, cranberries, and parsley and immediately remove from heat.
Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and toss with all other ingredients.
Grease a large baking pan and pour mixture into it. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
I made my own bread cubes for this recipe. I used a package of bakery fresh buns to make them. I don’t generally eat a lot of white bread. But I had the buns on hand and so I used them up.
In my opinion a whole grain bread would be even better. It would add another dimension to the flavor profile.
But use whatever works for you. The recipe is damn good just the way it is.
Also, if you are oil-free as many plant-based eaters are, you can skip the oil by lining your baking dish with parchment paper before you put the stuffing in it. Or, better yet, use a silicone baking dish 😉
AND …
If you decide to make this tasty dish please be sure to share your experience with me in the comments! I’d love to know how others feel about the recipe. And learn any tips or tricks you might have discovered while making it!
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
Everybody wants to live a better life. It really makes no difference who they are, what they do, or what circumstances they live with every day. They want to alter their lives in a way that meets their deeper needs. They want it to be better than it is.
They want to have stronger, more stable relationships. They want to be respected, appreciated, and admired. And they want to feel that the way they’re spending their time and energy is purposeful.
Attaining these goals can seem impossible. When faced with the task, many people simply shut down intellectually, physically, and spiritually.
They don’t know how to get from where they are to where they want to be. It feels as though they are light years away from their goals. And so they do nothing.
Doing nothing guarantees that nothing changes.
But here’s some really great news for you …
You don’t have to run at these goals full speed. In fact, they are better reached incrementally.
Baby steps will get you to them just fine. So take baby steps. One or two little baby steps at a time.
Following are 18 things you can do right now that will exponentially improve your life.
6 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR STATE OF MIND
Do not let others tell you what you’re worth. They really have no way of knowing. Their opinions have been formed as an outside observer. It is impossible for them to understand all of the things which have shaped you into the human who stands before them today.
Do not tell others what they’re worth. You really have no way of knowing. You’re opinions have been formed as an outside observer. It is impossible for you to understand all of the things which have shaped them into the human who stands before you today.
Seek knowledge. You’re mind longs to learn. But sometimes it needs a little coaxing. Pick something that interests you. Anything at all. And then learn everything you can about it.
Allow your mind to rest. It is estimated that the average person thinks between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts a day. Give it a break. Sit quietly somewhere, or maybe go for a walk, and shut down all of those random thoughts with a mantra. Try, “I am purposeful”, “I am worthy”, or “I am beautiful”.
Train your mind to be more positive. This can be done pretty simply by practicing the 5×55 rule. Choose a mantra (see above) and write it out 55 times for 5 days. Your mind believes what you tell it. And over time it will start repeating these positive inputs on its own.
Smile. The very act of engaging in this facial expression causes an elevation in mood. You do not have to feel like smiling for it to work. Your brain associates the movement of the muscles you use to smile with ‘good feelings’ and will cause your mood to follow the action.
6 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL STATE
Stretch every chance you get. If you feel impelled to embark on a formal stretching routine, go for it. But don’t limit it to just that. Take moments throughout the day to stretch. It is sooooooo good for your body. And if you accompany it with a long slow breath in through your nose and out forcefully through your mouth you’ll increase the benefits by leaps and bounds.
Move more than you do right now. No matter what level of activity you have cultivated in your life, increase it. It doesn’t even matter what you do. Just move more each day than you have been in the routine of doing.
Pamper yourself. In whatever way you feel most nurtured, take care of yourself. Read a good book. Take a long walk. Soak in a jacuzzi for a bit. Or sit down in your favorite chair and give yourself a foot massage. Take 2 minutes. Or take an hour. But pamper yourself in some way every day.
Eat like you matter. Choose your food with careful consideration of its nutritional benefits. Prepare it with love. And then create a pleasant atmosphere to consume it in. Use the good china. Light the new candle. And disconnect from media.
Learn to listen to your body. It knows exactly what it needs. AND it is trying to tell you. There is a little bit of a learning curve involved in this skill but it is so worth the extra effort it takes. Your body will tell you what it needs to eat, when it needs to rest, when it is in distress, and more. Learn to hear what it has to say before you make choices that affect it.
Begin to research and develop an understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This can be done at any level. And while most think of it as a skill only for health professionals, it is becoming increasingly important for the average person to have some knowledge in this area.
6 WAYS TO IMPROVE THE STATE OF YOUR SOUL
Choose your higher power. And then cultivate an understanding of that power and also of the people who believe in it. This will broaden your view of faith. Both yours and others. Bonus points if you go so far as to research the belief systems of people who do not share your views.
Write a gratitude list. And then keep it handy for review. Don’t tuck it away never to be seen again. Look at it regularly. Every day if you can.
Engage in spiritual practices. These can be private practices, such as; prayer, meditation, or fasting. Or something more public, like; volunteer work, study groups, or attending spiritual services.
Write a letter to your higher power. Be open and honest in what you say. Don’t hold back from releasing any negative emotions you feel about your relationship. Choose to release any inner turmoil you feel surrounding the contents of this letter. And then dispose of it. Burn it if you can.
Write a letter to your higher power to express the appreciation, love, and gratitude you have for their presence in your life. Don’t hold back. Dig deep enough to include the little things. Then save it. Or send it off in the mail with an address that seems fitting. Don’t include a return address. Just let it go.
Do something for someone without expecting anything in return. This tends to be more rewarding when you do something for someone who doesn’t have the means to reciprocate. Let go of any expectations you may be inclined to place on their reaction to your act. And keep your act of kindness private.
And there it is …
18 simple ways to improve your life.
If you’re anything like I am you’re going to want to get started on each and every one of them right away.
BUT it will serve you much better to pick one or two and work with them for a bit (baby steps, remember). Allow yourself to ease into practicing them. Take great joy in the progress you make as they become part of the very weave of your being. And be kind to yourself as you absorb the lessons they have to teach you.
Then pick one or two more and move on to the privilege of experiencing growth in those areas as well.
NOTE: You don’t have to actually master one to move on to another. The beauty of this is that it is a long term, organic growth process.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about these suggestions in the comments below.
Have you used any of these tools in the past? How has that worked out for you?
Is there one that you’re excited about getting started on? Which one? And why?
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
I imagine that people who know me would say that I easily accept change. But that is far from accurate. Forcing myself to avoid resistance of change has been a coping mechanism of mine for many years now. One born from an unhealthy belief that I was unable to mold the world around me. That I had to simply accede to what life brought my way.
Embracing change did not come naturally for this girl!
It did come though. I managed to cultivate the skill (it is a skill you know), with just a little change of perspective and a whole lot of patience with myself.
And now …
Life, and all of its twists and turns, are much easier for me to navigate.
I have learned that when changes roll along, which they assuredly will, they are not destined to be a disruptive force in my life. They roll in armed with an entire arsenal of new choices, just ripe for the pickin’!
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“Things changed, people changed, and the world went rolling along right outside the window.” ~ Nicholas Sparks
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Change opens new doors. It turns the page of life’s written story and a fresh, blank sheet of paper is revealed. The perfect place for me to put pen to paper and begin a whole new chapter.
Lately, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am to have grasped this concept of embracing change. Because, the ‘winds of change’ have once again begun to blow in my life.
It occurs to me that the immanent approach of transformative energy carries a certain excitement with it for me now. Which is infinitely more pleasant than the dread that used to wash over me at its prospect in the past.
The changes which sit on my horizon at the moment are minimal in comparison to many of those I have seen. But still significant. And as I catch glimpses of them seeping into my life I get excited at the opportunity they present me with. I am sitting with pen in hand 😉
The idea that ‘making it’ in an area as remote as the one my son and I moved to last October would be difficult at best was not lost on us. We knew it would be hard to manage here. We had no resources here. And there is not a great deal of opportunity. Particularly, for employment.
The beauty and remote splendor of our new home is breathtaking to say the very least. Photo credit: VisitMaine.com
We both took jobs. And we both found them pretty damn unsatisfactory. Pretty damn quickly.
So we decided we needed to ‘make our own way’. We joined forces and built a food truck (from the ground up). Because we knew our combined skill sets in the restaurant industry are a force to be reckoned with, and if executed properly we could make the venture succeed in spite of the minimal customer base the area provides.
We designed a menu that we felt was pretty fool proof and set about the business of finding a place to park the truck.
Our time, effort, and investment have paid off and our little business is successful. Like really very ‘over the top’ successful.
We are thrilled to know that next season is going to allow us to expand the services we offer and also hire help to cut down on the 70 hour a week workload we are both pulling right now.
She’s even prettier than this now. Several improvements have been made. This is when she first opened. But we thought she was gorgeous back then too!
But, for this season, the fact that we finished building late and missed about 6 weeks of business at the start, combined with the idea that the arrival of winter weather is unpredictable here and may cut our season even shorter than we anticipated, is a little financially concerning for us.
We exhausted our financial resources to make this venture happen. And while we don’t regret that a bit. And we know it is going to pay off in the end. There is a seriously long winter ahead. You can feel it in the air. And the local folks are quick to point out all of the ways Mama Nature is revealing her plan to drop another harsh winter on Aroostook County this year 🙃
This was the view from our house last winter! It got worse than this before it was all over.
And so …
The ‘winds of change’ they are a blowin’ again 😉
We’re not certain when business will begin to wane. And there is even a possibility that we may be able to sustain a small amount of business over the winter. We would like to do that. Not only for ourselves but for the communities we serve.
However …
Uncertainty is the only thing we can be certain of at this time.
How will it all play out? Will there be enough resources for us to navigate the long Aroostook County winter ahead? What does the winter have in store for us? Can temporary employment be secured?
It’s difficult to say!
And then there is the idea that this is not the only area of life in which we are faced with the certainty of uncertainty.
We live in an awfully insufficient little house (and that is putting it kindly, LOL). And expected to be out of here by fall of this year. But … well … we built a food truck!
We’d like to sell this little place next year for sure. But there’s a bit of work to be done in order to accomplish that goal.
So we ask ourselves …
Will we be able to get any of the work done on this terribly insufficient little property, so that we can start to take steps to move to a more desirable place next season? Or is that just financially out of reach because of the crazy short season we’ve had with the food truck this year?
Additionally, I would like to teach classes this winter. It would be good for my soul. And my soul needs a little nurturing after all of these long hard hours at the truck. I have honed my herbal skills for a little over a decade now. I am more than ready to hold classes. I’ve developed the skill set mindfully and drawn from a well-rounded pool of resources.
I was unable to find photos of any of the classes I held at the shop. I often wish I had saved photos from that time of my life. But I’m not a ‘saver’ and so that memorabilia is lost. I did find these pics through my old friend google. I apologize for their quality. I had to enlarge them to make them visible for you. They came from an open mic night that was held in my little grassroots ‘herbal oasis’! You can see the style of my amazing space in the background. I DO MISS that time in my life!
But I wonder …
Will there be enough interest in such a class in this little area I have chosen to call home? And if the interest is there will people actually carry that through to full commitment to the course?
I could go on with my list of uncertainties …
There are health issues which need to be addressed, vehicles to maintain, and personal bills to be paid without any ‘real plan’ on how to manage all of these things.
If viewed through the eyes of one who has not learned the fine art of embracing change the overall situation might look pretty damn bleak.
But, as stated, I have become a bit friendly with this fine art. And, while I do still stumble a bit sometimes with my ability to master its uncertainty, I have discovered throughout the development of my relationship with change that it is not scary at all. Not even a little bit.
As a matter of fact, it is exactly the opposite. It is exciting. It is exhilarating. It is an opportunity to put pen to page and design the outcome of the future.
And that is exactly what I will be doing over the next few days. Like literally sitting down and putting pen to paper and writing my story as I want it to be told in the spring.
There is great power in this practice. I can GUARANTEE, that in the spring, as I read the words I’ve written I will find it all played out even better than I am currently able to imagine.
The Trough (our food truck) will have maintained exactly the status it was destined to, whether that is serving a small menu with a few heat and serve soups to warm the local folks on cold, winter nights. Or closing the doors all together and starting fresh in the spring.
There will be enough resources for us to make it to those first gorgeous spring days. Because resources are MADE, not acquired. And we will make them as we need them. We always do.
Vehicles will be maintained far before the first snow flies. There is so much more maintenance to consider up here that it seems like a stretch. But things often seem like a stretch, don’t they? And yet THEY HAPPEN.
Health issues will be on the decline by spring, because we will both be able to take better care of ourselves when our work weeks are not 70 hours long! And I plan to pen a membership to the local ‘spa’ facilities into that story when I write it 😉
Work will be done on the house so that it is ready, or darn close to ready, for sale in the spring. Because there will be more time this winter than there was last winter. It is such a small area and employment is scarce. Particularly for two people who are guaranteed to leave their jobs in the spring. So working on this old house will be our job!
And classes? I LOVE teaching classes. I LOVE the material I work with. I possess a great deal of knowledge in the subject I will teach and I have a highly honed skill in presenting educational material in an effective manner. I’m willing to bet it’s all going to come together quite nicely! Quite nicely indeed ❤️
So …
EMBRACE CHANGE. When it looks like life is about to take a few twists and turns, don’t resist. Worry and anxiety do not alter the outcome of situations. They simply make the journey through them more difficult.
Pick up a pen and write the story as you want it to be. Keep that storyline in your head as you navigate through the changes and you will be delighted with the outcome. Every single time ❤️
Don’t forget to share your thoughts on this post in the comments! I’d love to hear them 😉
And … connect with me on facebook if you would like to stay abreast of any other happenings going on here at Bohemian Apothecarist. We will both be glad you did ❤
Hey Everyone! So glad you decided to join me here @ Bohemian Apothecarist 🤗
If you know me then you know that I have had other blogs in the past. And each of those ventures were meant to financially contribute to my life. And they did. I consider myself fortunate for that.
The creation of Bohemian Apothecarist has a bit of a different purpose. I intend to use this ‘interweb’ space to share bits and pieces of my life journey with those who care to walk through this little portion of it with me.
Why would you want to walk through this bit with me?
I’m not at all sure. I simply know that all of the work that I’ve done running online spaces has been exactly that … WORK!
I would like to kick back a bit and enjoy the process of creating content (I love to write), sharing the things in life that pique my interest (both in good ways and in bad), and putting knowledge out there which I have gained that I feel may be of benefit to others (we all have that, we should share it).
So that’s what Bohemain Apothecarist is all about. I have created spaces on facebook, pinterest, etsy, and patreon. Most of them have no content at this time. I simply created them to secure the URL.
Facebook, pinterest, and this space will definitely grow over the winter months this year. Etsy and patreon may or may not ever see expansion. If I get in creation mode that extends beyond writing and memes etc, then there may be something put out there for anyone who is interested to purchase.
But right now I am co-running a food truck with my son. And quite honestly it is usurping pretty much all of my time. We are working 70 hours a week in the truck alone and then trying to maintain some sort of order in our personal lives. Only half-assed successfully on the personal life. With great success on the food truck venture!
Nonetheless, here are web addresses for all of the Bohemian Apothecarist’s sites:
I’m sort of a spiritual junkie, so I will likely post items referring to what I believe is enlightening information. I understand that enlightening information is highly subjective so you may or may not find it to be so.
I am a bit of an herbal enthusiast, so I will likely post information about herbs and their uses along with how-to’s concerning their preparation. This winter I will be working on finishing up an herbal course I started some time ago. I imagine much of that work will turn into blog posts here, memes on fb, and related pins on pinterest.
I have a passion for healing crystals, so I will likely post information on this subject as well. It is not a subject that I am as well-versed in as herbs, but what the hell this space will serve as a place where we can learn together.
You may also find recipes (after all … food truck), chemical-free cleaning tips (cuz I have a thing for that), funny quips (at least I will think they are funny) and all manner of other random things.
If you’ve read this far, I’m honored! I hope you stick around and see what the space has to offer. And please remember that without your interaction and input it becomes a bit hollow for me.
So do share your ideas and opinions. Do. Do. Do. 😉
This post is meant to be an informal introduction to exactly what’s happening here (I think it makes the mark on that one). It is also supposed to tell you a bit about me (perhaps that could be a bit more detailed, but how do you sum up an entire ‘personhood’ in a blog post?)
I apologize for it’s lack of visual appeal. I’ve not worked on WordPress before and I still haven’t figured out how to ‘pretty it up’! I will though. Because it will haunt me until I do, LOL!
Thanks again for being here. Stick around a bit. I think you’ll be glad you did. I know I will 😉
