The Joy Of Christmas~

The Joy of Christmas...let me count them one by one...so many, you'll be sleeping before I'm done.
There's holly and cedar, rosemary and Red Birds...
Paper Whites and Poinsettias , Red Roses and Tartan skirts...
Stockings of red, green and beyond....bows and bells....oh my, what great fun...
Candles in the windows, sleighs by the stoop, hot coco and mama's homemade soup....
Snowflakes and snow-balls for some there will be...alas, just rain and wind I see...
Chestnuts by the fire...cranberries strung above...and a toast to the one you love...
Pretty paper, pretty ribbon, pretty cards from far and near...
Silent night and happy dreams for those you hold dear...
Chocolate, red velvet, coconut and caramel tarts...
Snickerdoodles and Thumbprints, all tugging at our hearts...
Memories and flashbacks, from days carved in stone...
History indeed, but never really gone...
Carols for the neighbor...prayers for our Troops...
Christmas trees of all description-Presents all around-everything Merry and Bright...not like in Bethlehem...
Look into your heart-and find the tiny spark-turn up the flame and light the way....for yet another Christmas Day.

God Bless and may we keep the spirit of Christmas always in our hearts.

See you in 2013~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz

Rejoice~Tis The Season~

Merry Christmas from the 'Sage Hill Farms' family~

December is the month of many joyful reunions, family and friends who see each other on a daily basis, and those who travel far to make the connection at this special time of year.

There is magic in the air ! The twinkling of the lights seem to say...awake, go forth, and celebrate.
The falling of frosty snowflakes and cold windy gust...all seems to be a little less harsh during December.
Perhaps it is because we know there is a warm and ready fire awaiting us inside, hot frothy chocolate or simmering cider on the stove.
Or, perhaps it is the spirit that comes to celebrate the most important birthday of the year.....our Lord Jesus Christ.

We hear much about the commercialization of this amazing season...to this I say...tune out the hustle and bustle if it bothers you, but do not allow the actions of others to discolor your reason for the season.
Gifting is part of the celebration, that which comes from the heart is perfect for this display of love and inclusion.

May you, your family, and all those you include...have the most blessed Christmas ever.

A Recipe to Tempt Your Taste-buds~

( Cranberry and Port Sauce with Lemon Thyme~)

Makes about 1 pint-can easily be doubled

4 Tbsp port
4 Tbsp orange juice
4 oz brown sugar
8 oz fresh cranberries
1 Tbsp finely grated orange rind
1 Tbsp finely chopped lemon thyme

Pour the port and orange juice into a saucepan and add the sugar.
Place over low heat and stir with a metal spoon until the sugar dissolves.

Transfer the mixture to a larger pan, increase the heat a little and add the cranberries.
bring mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the berries are just tender and the skins begin to burst.

Remove pan from heat and mix in the orange rind and thyme.

Leave to cool...you can then pour into jars and seal for later use or for gifts...or place in a container for use on your holiday meats...it's delicious on turkey, chicken, duck, or ham...

Enjoy !

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Winterizing~

We winterize our homes, our cars, boats, and gardens...doesn't it make sense to do the same for our most precious possession ? Our Self~

Salmon, sardines, and other oily fish are high in omega-3 fats, which boost immune system activity. These fats also help balance excess omega-6 fats.

Other good sources of omega 3's include flax seeds, walnuts,and omega-3-enriched eggs.

OR...you can take a supplement-250 mg EPA from fish oil...morning and night is best.

We can also add a powerful punch to the strength of our immune system by taking Andrographis...this is highly recommended by herbalist (Karta Purkh Singh Khalas, DN-C,RH.) Taken throughout the cold/flu season, especially if you are traveling or under stress, will fortify your system.

Scandinavians have been using andrographis for 20 years to reduce the symptoms and duration of infections.

In the early stages of a cold take 10 to 15 g of andrographis per day as tea or in capsules, or up to 20 ml per day of the tincture.

(Andrographis paniculata is an herb commonly used in China, India and other countries in subtropical and Southeast Asia. Both the fresh and dried leaves, as well as the fresh juice of the whole plant, have been used in a variety of cultures. In traditional Chinese herbalism, Andrographis is used to support healthy digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems. In Sweden, Andrographis has been used for more than 10 years as a primary herb for the winter season for immune support.)

(PS) keep a small bowl of water with a cup of white vinegar and a few drops of Lemon oil in your kitchen sink...leave your dish towel in this mixture when not using it..it will stay clean and fresh all day. Plus, anything you wipe with it will be germ free.

And for goodness sake...add herbs to your daily diet-they add awesome flavor to any dish, each and every one is packed with nutrients of all accounting...what's not to embrace ?

Stay safe and healthy for the holiday's and all winter~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com