Make Your Own Custom Tea Blend

 

 What is the purpose for the tea you wish to make? There are many types of teas and they all have different characteristics, flavors, aromas and benefits. Teas can be healing, soothing, energizing, cleansing. Deciding the purpose and properties for your tea is the first step in choosing the right herbs or spices to craft a perfect custom blend.

Research the properties of various herbs, spices, and essential oils that will accomplish your purposes. You want to make sure that the herbs you choose will not cause health complications, clash in flavor, or cancel each other out. Scent will clue you in on complimentary ingredients.

Try starting with your personal favorite tea as a base, or a generic, more bland base that will not compete for flavor. Be sure to select the highest quality ingredients. Water quality is also important, so filter your water if you are using less-than-ideal sources. Create your blends and brew a small quantity to sample. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Bourbon Vanilla Honeybush Tea
from Random Tea Room

3 ounces calendula petals
1 ounce vanilla
1 pound honeybush (similar to rooibos)

On a baking tray, spread the calendula petals evenly. Using a small spray bottle, coat the petals lightly with the vanilla. Place in the oven on its lowest setting and with the door slightly ajar for 10-15 minutes or until the petals are dry. Blend with the honeybush and enjoy!


For more info, check out "Blending In" at imbibe magazine

information from daily superfood love

Gardening to Change the World: 3 Great TED talks

DIY Lip Balm Recipe Links

Follow the links below for recipes from:
the dabbliststyle me pretty alyssa & carla     craftberry bush     food + words     bellamumma

Mustard Mask for Hair Growth

This Mustard mask has a strong irritant action increasing blood circulation and a flow of nutrients to the roots of the hair. It can help activate dormant follicles. Avocado oil (as well as burdock oil) enriches the hair roots with growth stimulants. It is the closest oil to natural sebum, so the scalp absorbs it better. Apply this mask once a week for several months for results. Precaution: Don’t use mustard mask if you have a very sensitive scalp, open sores or you are allergic to mustard.

• 3 tbsp mustard powder (Russian ground mustard powder available in Russian food stores recommend)
• 3 tbsp avocado oil (or burdock oil)
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1-2 tbsp of sugar (optional). If you are trying the Mustard Mask for the first time, be careful with sugar. More sugar = more burning.

Before using Mustard Mask, you can prepare your hair by warming up 3 tbsp of Coconut or Olive oil and applying it thoroughly to the length of your dry unshampooed hair. (It is ok to touch the roots). By doing so, you will protect your hair from the drying effect of a Mustard Mask that is supposed to be applied only on the scalp but will eventually get on your hair anyway.

Mix ingredients and apply to scalp and roots on dry, unshampooed hair. (Hint: apply the mask on your scalp with a paintbrush using hair roots coloring technique). Once the mask is applied, slightly massage your scalp. Wrap your head with a plastic wrap and a towel and keep it in for at least 15 minutes, preferably 1 hour. Wash out. 

Jamie Oliver Ted Talk

Coconut Milk Body Wash

Honey + Coconut Milk Body Wash Recipe from Sincerely, Kinsey.

1/2 cup coconut milk
3/4 cup castile soap
2 Tbsp honey
5 drops vanilla essential oil
- Mix well. Store in a tightly-sealed container. Lasts 2-4 weeks.

Thank you to Kinsey Mhire for this all-natural recipe and lovely photography.
You can follow her at Sincerely, Kinsey

Breaking and Reforming Spiritual Molds

I'm trying to break the mold that my spiritual life was formed in, in order to grow beyond it.
To do so, I find it helps to avoid environments that trigger my past behavior and experiences. I don't feel safe in such environments because the influence and urge to conformity is still strong. Until I've learned to stand firm in a new perspective, I won't risk losing myself.

My biggest concerns when it comes to spiritual formation are:
- Authenticity.
- Vulnerability.
- Humility.
- Service arising from a concerned heart, strength of conviction, and a surrendered, obedient will.
- Truthfulness.
- Integrity.
- Tenderness & Compassion.
- Grace, and a nurturing spirit.

I want to be the kind of Christ-follower whose actions and lifestyle identify my beliefs.
I want an un-distorted comprehension of God, in order to know Him in spirit and in truth, and to reflect his character holistically. More than an intellectual assent to truth, I want the peace that passes understanding, the perfect love that casts out fear, and the truth that sets us free.