Artichokes

Artichokes are just so absolutely gorgeous when they flower! 
And so good for you! They're an excellent source of protein and fiber with 6 grams of dietary fiber (a quarter of the recommended daily amount) with only 60 calories. And they  are the number one antioxidant right vegetable, according to research conducted by the US Department of Agriculture (2 J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Dec 27;54(26):9966-77)

One of my favorite ways (and easy!) to eat artichokes is to steam them! 

1. Cut of the tips of the leaves: Artichokes normally have little thorns on the ends of their leaves, so cut off the tips. 

2. Slice off 3/4 of an inch off the top of the artichoke with a serrated knife. 

3. Cut off excess stem and leave up to an inch on the artichoke or if you like how the stem tastes then just cut of the very end of the steam. The inside of the stem can taste bitter. 

4. Rinse your artichokes

5. In a large pot, put a couple inches of water, the garlic, a slice of lemon, and a bay leaf. Insert a steaming basket.

6. Place artichokes on top of the steaming basket. Cover the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 25 to 35 minutes or until the outer leaves can easily be pulled off

DIY Gardener's Salve

This time of year is great for getting out in the garden! But it can be rough on our hands. Care for your hands by making your own Gardener's Salve from the Mountain Rose Herbs blog - click here.

DIY Recipe: Extra Moisturizing Egg Yolk, Coconut Oil, and Honey Hair Mask

This easy, affordable, and moisturizing hair mask is perfect for all hair types - especially those with dry or frizzy hair. Honey is truly a magical ingredient - it's naturally moisturizing, cleansing, and it repairs dull hair without weighing it down.The egg yolk contains protein which helps strengthen and moisturize hair (and prevents breakage!). Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft to condition and smooth hair cuticles which helps with frizz and dryness. We tried this hair mask and were amazed with how soft, shiny, and moisturized our hair felt.   

Ingredients:
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Shower Cap 

1. Wet your hair - in the shower is quick and easy, then gently wring out excess water so hair is wet but not dripping
2. With hair wet, lightly warm up coconut oil so it becomes a liquid. Be sure to not heat it up too much (or wait to cool down to room temperature) because it will cook your egg!
3. Mix egg yolk, honey, and coconut oil in a bowl and lightly warm up in a pan (again for around 10 seconds just to get it warmed up and not cooked). 
4. From root to tip - using your fingers or a basting brush spread through your hair
5. Place shower cap on and wait 40 minutes
6. Rinse hair with lukewarm/cool water first to get egg out then continue to wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
7. Style

DIY Valentine's Day Gift: Felt Heart and Twine Mason Jar Vase

We found this great DIY Felt Heart and Twine Mason Jar Vase step by step on theprettybee.com. Love how simple and sweet it is and makes the flower bouquet pop.

To check out how to make it go to this link: https://theprettybee.com/diy-felt-heart-and-twine-mason-jar-vase/
 

How to Grow Tomatoes

It’s spring season which means the perfect time to plant tomatoes! Tomatoes contain beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. They are also a rich source of vitamins A, C, and folic acid. To grow tomatoes keep in mind that they need at least six to eight hours of sun. They need support so purchase a trellis or stake (larger the better) so your tomato plants have room to grow vertically and be kept off the ground and give each plant plenty of room to grow. It’s good to water your tomato plants by soaking the soil (not leaves) once a week or possibly more frequently when it is very hot. Harvest your tomatoes when they have reached their full size and color! To keep it sustainable and healthy, be sure to grow heirloom or non-GMO tomatoes - seeds will be available at any greenhouse or nursery.
 

DIY: Honey and Cinnamon Face Mask

I have dry and acne prone skin and when I need a pick me up and a face mask that won't irritate, dry me out, make me break out, etc- I turn to this gem. That said- this is a great mask for all skin types that is EASY, AFFORDABLE, and only takes 15 minutes! So why not give it a try?

Honey is an incredible ingredient- it's naturally moisturizing and antibacterial (which makes it fantastic for getting rid of pimples). Cinnamon is fantastic for getting rid of pimples as well and stimulates the skin while it gently sloughs off dead skin cells.

Honey and Cinnamon Face Mask:
1 tablespoon raw honey
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Splash your face with warm water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Mix honey and cinnamon together well and apply to entire face and neck (try not to apply too much as this mixture will melt on your face!)
Leave on for 15 minutes, rinse face with warm water and pat dry with paper towels

And that’s it! I like to do this face mask every two to three weeks. If I am feeling like I’m breaking out a lot I may do more but it’s always good to pay attention to how your skin is feeling. What’s your favorite DIY face mask? Let us know!
 

DIY: Soaking Salts

Herbal bathing is a soothing and therapeutic self-care ritual.

When you are immersed in warm water, pores are open and receptive to the healing properties of the herbs in your bath.

You can customize your bath so it’s perfect for what you need that day: to relax, invigorate, soothe tired muscles, soothe cranky skin, etc. Sore muscles? Add plenty of epsom salts. Add fresh or dried herbs or flowers like rose petals, lavender, even rosemary. Make sure to use plants that have not been sprayed or treated with anything you wouldn't want in your bath! Add essential oils for even more botanical benefit. Lavender to relax. Rosemary and spearmint to give you a lift. Eucalyptus and a drop of peppermint to breathe easy. Sandalwood and jasmine for romance. Try your own combinations! What are your favorites?

How to Grow Rosemary

Growing rosemary is easy- plant at the beginning of spring or in a pot indoors. Rosemary prefers drier environments so it's important that when you water to allow the soil to dry in between waterings. Plant in full sun as rosemary, like many herbs, needs at least six to eight hours of sunlight. Rosemary is hearty and drought-resistant and does well year-round in mild climates. However, if temps remain below freezing consistently, plant in pots and bring indoors when it's very cold. Bring them inside and toss a few sprigs in with potatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast and enjoy!

DIY: Honey and Olive Oil Hair Mask

I work for Ann of Lovetree Essentials (my name is Maggie!) and I have extremely curly hair and locking in moisture is everything. Having dry, brittle hair or super crunchy curls from product is not ideal for me (nor anyone for that matter). I love keeping my hair regimen as organic as possible- no sulfates, no parabens, no synthetics, etc. And sometimes that means it’s more expensive sadly.

BUT I tried this super EASY and AFFORDABLE hair mask that gave me soft and lush curls. You only need two ingredients: Raw Honey and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Oh and I highly recommend using a shower cap (this gets messy!)

Honey and Olive Oil Hair Mask:
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Honey
Get your hair damp (not soaking) so that the mask can fully be absorbed into your hair. Apply the mixture from roots to tips and pay special attention to areas that are dry. Pile your hair on top of your head into a bun and clip. Then put on a shower cap and wait 40 minutes.
Then wash it out, shampoo and condition as you usually do. And then enjoy your amazingly soft hair!
 

Here's the before and after: