Homemade Fall Remedies - Vick Vaporub for Bees and Children

I love homemade remedies. This goes for my family and our animals, who - let's be honest - are part of the family anyways. Today I learnt something interesting: What's good enough to treat a human cold, may actually also help bees to overwinter more easily.

Over the last few days, I have been reading up on how to prepare my hive for the winter. I know, many of you will laugh and claim that it does not get too cold here in Southern California. However, this week alone we have had many mornings when it was 43F degrees at around 7am and  personally, I considered it cold.

This made me wonder about all our animals. While Schoko sleeps in my bed (ahh, thank god for her higher body temperature!) and the birds have down feathers and loads of saw dust to keep them cozy, my bees are pretty much exposed, I felt. So I started researching.

Apparently, the most important thing for a hive in winter is ventilation. Well, we have a bottom and a top opening, which the girlies use, so they should bee happy. Another issue that kept coming up is that pests may get to them, in particular mites.   In a backyard beekeeping book, I found a recommendation to strenghten the colony and prevent the worst when it comes to pests through use of essential oils. The recipe is a variation of Api Life, a pest management medication that is considered organic.

Here is the recipe that I used for my bees:

Cut an all natural sponge in tiny pieces and soak them in a mix of essential oils:

35 drops thyme
20 drops eucalyptus
10 drops peppermint
10 drops camphor

Then place these sponge pieces on top of the frames. Leave them in for about one week and replace them with the same. It was recommended to do this three times.

So, and here is the funny part... My little pumpkin has been complaining about a stuffy nose and having a heard time breathing. Roberto and my first thought was 'vick vaporub' to make breathing more easy and help with the common cold's aches and pains. Since I was already cooking up medication for my bees, I figured, I read up on the ingredients in that magic potion to see whether I can brew this as well. Turns out: Yep, I can! Interestingly, vick vaporub's ingredients reads pretty much like the mixture above.

So I whipped up this concoction for my little princess:

1/4 cup of beeswax melted in
1 cup of olive oil

Add these essential oils:

30 drops eucalyptus
20 drops peppermint
10 drops of camphor

Let it cool off and rub away those cold aches and pains.

"Nature never says one thing and wisdom another." Decimus Junius Juvenalis

MAMIS MITTENS - CROCHET TUTORIAL

My friend Stefanie asked for directions to make my mittens. Which I promised to write down in exchange for spekulatius. For those of you who have never had spekulatius, I am sorry, YOU HAVE NOT LIVED until you try those christmas cookies from Germany. I LOVE them and there is no way getting them in Southern California.

Unfortunately, I had crochet these mittens a while ago  without a pattern and used simply my own little two hands as measurement.

So, with this tremendously strong lure of spekulatius, I went to work and counted loops and rows of my mittens. . .  I hope this pattern is correct. In case you try re-creating these and you run into problems, let me know. I am pretty confident, we can figure it out ;-).

My mittens were made from pretty thick yarn; I would guess with a 8mm hook and the mittens measure  about 15 inches from top to bottom or 38cm. The circumference at the opening is 29cm or 11.5 inches.

These mittens are looong and when I wear them, they almost reach up to my elbow. If you don't want yours that long, take this in consideration when crocheting.

In case you need some help with the stitches, check out lion brands crochet tutorial videos.

http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/

These mittens are double-crocheted. If you chose to single-crochet them, the conversion from double to single crochet is about 1:1.5.

Without further speculation, here is how I crochet my mittens:

Cast on 34 loops and close to circle. Check whether this fits around your arm at the place where you want the mitten to reach up to. Adjust if necessary.

Cast 3. Double-crochet one per each loop. Close to circle with chain stitch.

Start reducing loops: Cast 3, double-crochet 30. To reduce, skip two loops that are opposite each other.

Cast 3. Double-crochet 28. Close to circle with chain stitch.

Cast 3. Double-crochet 26. Close to circle with chain stitch.

Cast 3. Double-crochet 24. Close to circle with chain stitch.

Cast 3. Double-crochet 22. Close to circle with chain stitch.

Cast 3. Double-crochet 22. Close to circle with chain stitch.

Cast 3. Double-crochet 22.  Close to circle with chain stitch.  These is the tight spot. It should fit your wrist. Try it on and adjust if necessary.

Cast 3. Double-crochet 24. Close to circle with chain stitch.  Add the two loops at the same place where you reduce before.

Try the 'mitten' on. This should cover and fit your wrist up to the point where your thumb starts.

This is tricky now, because we have to part with the thumb and finish the main hand part of the mitten first. So, from here on, crochet in rows.

Double-crochet 22, turn.

Cast 3, double-crochet 22, turn.

Try it on again. You should have passed by your thumb and can continue to crochet in circles again. If not, add another row.

 Chain one. Double-crochet 21.

 Double-crochet 22. Close to circle with chain stitch.

 Double-crochet 22. Close to circle with chain stitch.

 Double-crochet 20. Close to circle with chain stitch.

 Double-crochet 18. Close to circle with chain stitch.

Skip every other and double-crochet 9, chain one.

Cast these 10 all off together.

Now about the thumb:

At the point where we left off, single-crochet around the whole with 14, chain one.

Cast 3, double-crochet 12, chain one; yes, we start reducing again.

Cast 3, double-crochet 9, chain one.

Cast 3, double-crochet and skip every other loop, chain at end.

Cast all off together.

Make mitten #2 and embellish as you like.

I cut hearts and flowers out of felt and stitched them on and single-crochet a border on the opening.


"Nature never says one thing and wisdom another." Decimus Junius Juvenalis

Ad-OWL-rable HAT for the wee-ones - CROCHET HAT TUTORIAL

Inspired by a picture my friend Stefanie has sent me (THANKS AGAIN!), I dropped EVERYTHING to re-create this as-wol-rable hat with leftover yarns I found around the house. I ended up using from Nation's Washable EWE made in Australia; it is part of the Coats and Clark Company.

It is 100% superwash wool without the scratch-factor; ideal for kids since it won't scratch, which makes baby happy but it will keep lil heads nice and toasty. The label reads you can machine wash it on old, gentle cycle: So, mom likes this yarn, too.

I really think they should send a bunch of yarn balls my way ;-).

As I said, I used leftovers, so you may only need one third or at max half of a ball of yarn. This particular yarn comes in 100g balls. I would guess that you need less than 40g of each color: purple, green and less than 20g of yellow and white. Aah yes, and I used a 4mm crochet hook.

The circumference of this finished hat is approx. 19 inches or 48cm.

Anyhoohooot, here is how I did it: 

With purple yarn, I cast on 5 loops and close to a circle; you should have 6 loops now.

In each of these 6 loops, double-crochet 2.

In each of these 12, double-crochet 2.

Now, *double-crochet one, double-crochet two per loop*. Repeat between *. Now, you should have 36 loops.

Next, *double-crochet one, double-crochet one, double-crochet one, double-crochet two per loop*. Repeat between *. Now, you should have 48 loops.

Then, *double-crochet one, double-crochet one, double-crochet one, double-crochet one, double-crochet one, double-crochet two per loop*. Repeat between *. Now, you should have 64 loops.

Change to green color and double-crochet each loop for the next three rows.

In the next row, reduce loops to 60.

Double-crochet another row with 60 loops.

Next, to make the ears, single-crochet 30 loops, turn the whole project around, single-crochet back 5 loops, turn again.

Cast one, single-crochet 3, turn.

Chain one, single-crochet two, turn.

This is ear #1. Single-crochet down the ear to get back to the main line of the hat, single-crochet 30 and make the second ear. Cast off. 

To make the eyes, I used purple yarn, cast on 4 loops and closed them to a circle. The eyes are single-crochet in circles. 

Next, in each loop, of previous row, single-crochet two in purple. Switch color to white. 

Then, in each loop, of previous row, single-crochet two in white. 

After that, in each loop, of previous row, single-crochet two in white. Cast off.

Repeat for eye #2 and stitch them on hat.

For the beak, I used yellow yarn, cast on one and single-crochet in rows. In first row, single-crochet 3 in first row's loop. Turn.

Cast one, 4 single-crochet. Turn.

Cast one, 6 single-crochet. Turn.

Cast one, 6 single-crochet. Turn.

Cast one, 6 single-crochet. Cast off. Stitch to hat.

For the pom-ears, I used several threads of about 3 inches length (8cm) of purple, yellow and green and knotted them on top of the owl's head.

To make the braids, I used the same technic as for the ear-poms, however the thread was much longer and connected them to the ears and braided them. 

So, now the owl in our backyard has some SERIOUS competition. . . 

"Nature never says one thing and wisdom another." Decimus Junius Juvenalis

TUTORIAL: Crocheting Baby Bibs - Bibbe-Dee-Bobbe-Dee Frog and Duck

Here is an easy to make item for a baby-shower: Baby-Bibs

Our beloved mess-master wee-ones seem to always be in need of a bib and mommy-to-be will be happy for yet another bib.

Here is how I made the Froggy:

• 1 ball green cotton yarn; I used Sugar & Cream
• 1 ball white cotton yarn; I used Sugar & Cream
• 1 ball black cotton yarn; I used Sugar & Cream
• 1 ball brown cotton yarn; I used Sugar & Cream

With a crocheting hook in European size 5 or US 8, I casted 15 loops with the green yarn.
In the following 12 single-crocheted rows, I added one loop per side.
In the last 8 single-crocheted rows, I subtracted one loop per side and finished the bib by single- crocheting around the entire piece, weaving in any threads.

Then I made the first of the eyes with the white yarn by casting 4 loops and single-crocheted 4 rows to it, then casted all four loops off together and used the crocheting hook with the white yarn to stitch the eye onto the green base. Repeat for eye #2.

For the pupils, I made the first one with the black yarn by casting 1 loop and single-crocheted 5 casts out of it, and then used the crocheting hook with the black yarn to stitch the eye onto the green base. Repeat for eye #2.

The mouth is simply 15 loops with one single-crochet row on top (using the brown yarn) and stitched onto the green base.

DONE!


And here are the directions for Ducky:

• 1 ball yellow cotton yarn; I used Sugar & Cream
• 1 ball white cotton yarn; I used Sugar & Cream
• 1 ball black cotton yarn; I used Sugar & Cream
• 1 ball brown cotton yarn; I used Sugar & Cream

With a crocheting hook in European size 5 or US 8, I casted 20 loops with the yellow yarn. 

In the following 10 single-crocheted rows, I added one loop per side.

In the last 10 single-crocheted rows, I subtracted one loop per side and finished the bib by single- crocheting around the entire piece, weaving in any threads.

Then I made the first of the eyes with the white yarn by casting 6 loops and single-crocheted 5 rows to it, then reduced the loops one per side until only one loop left and used the crocheting hook with the white yarn to stitch the eye onto the green base. Repeat for eye #2. 

For the pupils, I made the first one with the black yarn by casting 1 loop and single-crocheted 5 casts out of it, and then used the crocheting hook with the black yarn to stitch the eye onto the green base. Repeat for eye #2. 

The mouth is made like this: 12 loops with 7 single-crochet rows on top (using the brown yarn), adding one loop per side and stitched onto the yellow base.

DONE!

"Nature never says one thing and wisdom another." Decimus Junius Juvenalis

CABBAGES - A WINTER CROP

Here is one of my dummy first year homesteader mistakes:

With a German planting schedule in my head, I planted cabbages, beets and salads in spring. However, in Southern California with its high temps, this is rather harsh on these poor plants.

I harvested some but definetely not the amount that I planted and the plants as such were soo small. These 7 heads barely make the 4 lbs mark.

Now however, is great planting time for these guys and guess what is sprouting in my kitchen right now...


"Nature never says one thing and wisdom another." Decimus Junius Juvenalis

Natural Remedies for the Cold Season

We are not too keen on bringing out the big guns, say antibios or even fever reducers, to treat a cold unless absolutely necessary. In light of the fact that several children's cold remedies and fever reducers have been pulled off market here in the US or are no longer available over the counter, moms have asked me for natural remedies for colds. Personally, I have to admit, that we are all blessed with great health. However, there were few times, when one of us caught a bug and with the cold season upon us, I wanted to share a couple of home and herbal remedies, that we use.


For children who are still nursing, keep doing it! This is the best thing you can do to keep your babe hydrated and strengthen her / his immunity and more likely than not, this may be the only thing your babe wants and / or will take anyway.


For weaned children and adults, avoid dairy, since I found it creates more mucus. Then feed loads of fresh fruit and warm drinks of lemon water with honey or try sage tea with honey; be careful not to use honey with infants.

Some people swear by eating raw garlic and onions for their antiseptic benefits. However, I am doubtful that any child will be willing to eat any of them raw, even when in perfect health. But, hey, worth a try!

Obviously hot baths with infusions are benefitial; try pine needles or rosemary, dried or fresh.

Coughs are a bit tricky. I found the worst is the scratchy in the throat, which is only soothed by drinking loads of ideally warm liquids. Great are syrups from berries (black currants) with honey as well as sage tea with honey.

For congested noses, I like to use saltwater douches. I know, this is kind of gross but it truely helps to get the mucus out and dry up the area. Use 1 teaspoon of seasalt for 2 cups of water. Be careful not to use too much salt.

To bring down temperatures, we soak towels in coldwater and wrap them around the calves. It doesn't feel too good but it works to bring down the temperature.

As with everything that we put into our bodies, I believe it is even more important during sick times: Please use organic produce to ensure best results and avoid that your body has to deal with additional intruders.

Generally, I do not like using medication to drive fever down unless the fever is really high. I believe, our bodies have great heeling powers and typically - if left alone - our bodies are equipped to deal with a cold and even most flus just fine.

In contrast, if you allow your body to heel itself, it is likely to generate more immunity and you may not become sick as often anymore. I believe, we all know some of those people, who have the flu and the cold all the time and keep taking loads of meds.

As the doctor in our house always likes to point out, "The hardest thing to do is simply NOTHING!"

Personally, I did not find that any cold meds could cure any of the colds I have ever had faster and agree with my mom, who used to say, "A cold lasts two weeks with meds and ten days without." 

How to get meds into kids?

However, if the temperature goes too high in your little one, please use the fever reducers. And yes, they are not too crazy about taking this yucky stuff and you may need to resort to these tricks: 

For very little ones: With the appropriate amount (read directions or ask a doctor) meds in a syringe, pour them into the little mouth and then immediately blow air into their face. This will make them swollow the stuff instead of spitting it out again. 

For young children, I use orange juice (or any other juice that your child likes) with the appropriate amount of meds (read directions or ask a doctor) mixed together and chilled into a popsicle. 

And most importantly: Do not send them to school! I know, we all want our kids to learn how to share but a cold is not one of the things that should be shared; no, seriously! The other moms (and the teachers!) will be eternally grateful!

"Nature never says one thing and wisdom another." Decimus Junius Juvenalis

September 2011 Harvest Tally

This marks the eighth month of our homesteading adventure and sadly, the summer is officially over.

Cold Fall has arrived
The temperatures have dropped noticeably and we are already bringing out our fall clothes again, which in Aurelia's case means we have to buy new ones or I have to see what I can sow up. She loves dresses and dresses only. A skirt and shirt combo won't do. I have found already a cute pattern and now have to see what my comprehensive fabric collection has to offer. 

Seeding Winter Crops
As for the garden, I am already seeding to seed for the fall and winter harvest: salads, cabbages (yesss, I will try again these pest-ridden brussels and red cabbages as well as kohlrabi), beets, carrots and other cold weather crops. 

September 2011 was not such a great month for us, though. Here is the harvest overview:

8 lbs Tomatoes

39 lbs Zucchini

3 lbs Eggplant

A total of 50 lbs of produce and 58 duck eggs. 

Duck Eggs in Baked Goods
Since it was Roberto's birthday, I got to use some of our duck eggs for his birthday-cake: German Chocolate Cake. I had made it before with regular store-bought chicken eggs and was told that this cake noticeably tasted better. When asked, what I had done differently, I initially responded, "Nothing!" It was only later that I realized: Yes, the duck eggs. If you have never used or tasted duck eggs in baked goods, it is about time that you give this a try: The duck eggs make baked goods extra fluffy and yummy. You already notice it when mixing the batter: These eggs are so much richer. 

Green Tomatoes

We still have a bunch of green tomatoes on the vines, which I am sure wont all come to red maturity, so I am already searching for green tomato recipes. You know any? Send them my way! THX!

What typically is done with green tomatoes: You pick them and store them on the window sill. They will turn red but will not taste as good as those vine ripened ones. They are more comparable to those immaturely picked store bought tomatoes, that we are trying to avoid. 

"Nature never says one thing and wisdom another." Decimus Junius Juvenalis

ETROG - Buddhahand Lemon

If you have never seen these fruits, they are quite something: A lemon that has several 'fingers'.

A bit over two years ago, when Roberto and I were looking at a 13 acre farm, when we saw an etrog tree. Ungrafted. Needless to say, that I took a few cuttings. Unfortunately only one sprouted.

Etrog - per Jewish law - is only to be considered kosher if indeed it was grown from seed or taken from a cutting from an ungrafted tree.

The laws are very particular about the fact that you cannot use fruit from a grafted tree for Soccot (The Fest of the Tabernacles).

Now, our etrog has been sitting in a container for quite a while and grown into somewhat of a bush. I am planning to transplant this baby into its final destination in the frontyard next spring (May or June), which is supposedly the best time to transplant citrus.

Then after the final transplant, for the next 3 years, no fruit can be harvested from the tree for it to be considered kosher. In case you keep re-potting your etrog, the 3 year wait starts after each transplanting new.

Some people claim you have to have a rabbi bless your tree while other growers claim it is not neccessary for the tree to be kosher. I decided, it cannot harm and am going to look for someone to bless my citrus-baby next spring.

We are very excited about our etrog tree since they are truely a showstopper or as some growers call them 'a collectible tree'.

BTW: Happy New Year!!!

Want more information? http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=10312

"Nature never says one thing and wisdom another." Decimus Junius Juvenalis