Man in the Moon Herbs

This recipe is just the right size when you only want a pot of lip balm and not a vat! The formula is soothing, protecting and just the thing for chapped lips. Lip Balm 1 teaspoon of beeswax 1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil 1 teaspoon flax or hemp oil 3-4 drops of lavender, lemon or orange essential oil- optional 1 Vitamin E capsule Melt the beeswax in a small bowl over boiling water. Add the apricot and hemp or flax oil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and continue to stir until the mixture cools and starts to become opaque. Prick the Vitamin E capsule with a pin and squeeze into the lip balm. Quickly add the essential oil and mix well. Store in a small pot or tin. If you spend a lot of time in the sun avoid using the citrus essential oils as they can make your lips more sensitive to the sun.

I thought this post from a c ouple of years ago was worth repeating as it's May 1st, the perfect time to start thinking about making your own batch of May wine! The poet Gerard wrote wh en the delicate sweet woodruff is added to a cup of wine it will "make a man merry" Galium odoratum , or sweet woodruff is a hardy perennial plant that prefers semi shade and moist, porous loam. Provided these conditions, it will happily grow and spread to m ake a pretty spring ground cover. When dr ied it has a delicate hay-like scent that isn't present when it is fresh. To make an "exhilarating drink to lift the spirits and create a carefree atmosphere" do the following- May Wine dry a small handful of sweet woodruff in a warm dry place for 3-4 hours place the dried leaves in a glass pitcher and add the juice of one lemon and half a bottle of good Rhine wine let set in a warm place for 3-4 hours add 4-6 tablespoons of sugar and the other half bottle of Rhine win...

Some of my favorite customers have been requesting a more intense moisturizer. While I love what shea and mango butters do for your skin, I never liked how long they take to absorb. So, I did a little research and experimentation and created my new Whipped Dream Butter line of creams that are intensely moisturizing and quickly absorbed. Currently I have three available- Lavender Chamomile Shea Butter and Lemongrass Ginger Shea Butter (both with emu oil) and anti oxidant rich Green Tea and Mango Butter (great for the face!) You can find them in my Etsy shop or visit me at the Cooperstown or Bassett Farmers markets to give it a try before you buy.

My Mom, Pat Cooper, loved her buttons! She was always on the lookout for something really cute to finish off her beautiful crocheted baby sweaters. Unfortunately, she didn't get to use all of her fabulous finds, so I opened a shop on Etsy to find them good homes! All of the buttons are new and at least 10 years old. Many are vintage. Most are no longer made. When these beauties are gone, they're gone. If you are in need of an unusual finishing touch for your project, give me a visit at Mom's Buttons!

Come see me at the annual Spring Craft Show at Fox Care Plaza on Route 7 in Oneonta this Saturday and Sunday, April 9th and 10th. There will be 80 vendors and I will be debuting my new candle line along with some Whipped Dream Butters! Hope to see you there. ***Mention this blog post for 10% off your entire Man in the Moon Herbs purchase***

Lady's Mantle, also known as dew cup, is a tough perennial with an airy, delicate appearance. The proper name comes from the plant's healing reputation while "dew cup" refers to the plants habit of collecting dew. This dew was used by alchemists in their potions in days gone by. The name Lady's Mantle refers to its use for female ailments during the Middle Ages. To use topically, infuse the dried leaves in spring water and use as an astringent or facial steam. Use the infusion cold to decrease large pores and sooth acne. Dew cup is also used in creams to soften skin and decrease inflammation. Lady's Mantle Bath Place a small handful each of Lady's Mantle, comfrey and calendula in a muslin bag. Hang over the faucet as the tub is filling so the water flows through the herbs. At the end of your bath, gently rub the bag of herbs over your skin for added softness. As always, if you have sensitivities to herbs, do a patch test before using.