Marigold Moon, County Road 813, Cullman, AL (2025)

12/25/2024

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas 🎄

11/07/2024

🧡I am obsessed with marigolds! Have you ever met a more cheerful flower? They also do amazing dried and look gorgeous in dried flower arrangements or run a string through them for a garland. I love this flower so much I named our farm after it! 🧡 This coming spring I will be working on an exciting project where I’ll be breeding marigolds and I can’t wait to share the results with you!

11/05/2024

🧶One of the most exciting parts of moving onto this land was the discovery of the black walnut tree! I knew immediately I would whip up a batch of natural dye!
🧶 After soaking the green hulls for days (because I got distracted and forgot!) I let them simmer on the stove for a while as I prepared the yarn.
🧶 The yarn soaked in the walnut dye for an hour and I am in love with this color! It’s such a soft army green!
🧶 Now I am letting it dry then I will knit a sweater with it! Nature is so incredible!

10/25/2024

👩‍🌾 Hey friends! It’s been a minute! It’s been a busy time for our family, we started the process of moving our little farm in April and I’m happy to report we have finally settled into our new farm, it only took 5 months! Whew 😅
👩‍🌾 We are actually still waiting on the greenhouse to be moved, but we’re getting there!
🪴This move is exciting in many ways, one of which is we grew from 4 acres to 15 and we have so many exciting plans for this new space! 👩‍🌾 Jill, over at recently published this garden planner and I am excited to begin planning year one of on our new farm! We plan to keep the first year small and take a couple of years to scale up, baby steps always!
☀️ I hope you are all well and have a fabulous weekend!

10/16/2024

Dobie is such a handsome boy ❤️ We hatched him after his mom decided she was all done being broody! He spent the last 3 days in his shell in an incubator and we didn’t know if the egg would hatch or not! We were so excited to discover him one early morning. He has been the sweetest addition to our farm 🐓

09/25/2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book Review

📖 As an herbalist, I have been a fan of for many years and have had the pleasure of learning from her courses, so when I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of her newest edition of Herbs for Children’s Health, I jumped on it.
📖 The 3rd Edition of Herb’s for Children’s Health is an exceptional and invaluable resource for parents who are searching for gentle yet effective natural remedies for their little ones. Gladstar’s extensive wealth of knowledge and rich experience shines through every page of the book, making it accessible to all readers through her gentle and insightful wisdom., regardless of their previous familiarity with herbalism.
📖 She has compiled a wonderful collection of easy and safe herbal recipes tailored for children. The book is thoughtfully organized, making it simple for parents to locate remedies for common childhood concerns such as colic, earaches, teething, and diaper rash. Each remedy is accompanied by clear instructions and utilizes easily accessible ingredients. Furthermore, the book showcases delightful, child-friendly remedies like herbal ice pops and “candy” balls, infusing the natural healing process with joy for both parents and children.
📖 What sets this book apart is its reassurance to parents interested in integrating herbal care into their homes. Gladstar’s gentle guidance and sensible advice instill trust and confidence, creating the feeling of having a personal herbal expert by your side. The inclusion of the quick-reference guide for child-safe herbs is absolutely brilliant. Herbs for Children’s Health, 3rd edition is an essential resource for any home medicine cabinet. If you’re seeking a reliable, easy-to-follow guide to natural remedies for children, then this is the book for you!
📖 See the full review on the blog! 🔗 in bio!

09/10/2024

⭐️ 5-Star Review: Something in the Woods Loves You
📕 Happy Book Publishing Day! 📕

🌳 Jarod K. Anderson’s “Something in the Woods Loves You” is a beautifully poetic and deeply personal exploration of how the natural world can bring comfort and healing in our most challenging times. The book beautifully blends nature writing with memoir. Anderson shares his struggles and, more importantly, the strength of nature’s ability to transform our lives.

🍂 One of the things I enjoyed most about the book is how it combines scientific information with deep emotions. Anderson’s observations about bats hearing shapes, bees dancing to map their surroundings, and plants “eating” light are fascinating. Through these beautiful encounters, Anderson helps us see the ordinary aspects of nature as genuinely miraculous. This shift in perspective can be healing, and it’s amazing how it helped Anderson find joy and light even in his darkest days. It also helped me to make sense of the role nature played in my own healing from chronic pain.

🍁Andersons writing is beautiful and relatable, I was especially moved by the chapter on blue heron. Anderson encourages us to pause and appreciate the little things in life, like the beauty of a single mushroom or the quiet strength of plants. It’s not just a book about nature; it’s about being human and how connecting with nature can bring us a profound sense of peace. It’s a reminder that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. 🌎

📖 “Something in the Woods Loves You” is a love letter to the natural world and a must read for anyone who believes in the healing power of nature. It’s a must read for anyone needing a gentle reminder of the magic all around us. It’s a must read for anyone who needs to rediscover their sense of wonder. It’s a must read for nature lovers, those who enjoy self-reflection, or anyone who appreciates a beautifully told story. Basically this book is a must read for everyone and it will stay with you long after you finish reading.📖

09/09/2024

🫖 This week I want to share some tea blends that are ideal for Autumn! The herbs used in these tea blends help with supporting the immune system as we transition into colder months! The link to all the recipes are in my bio.
☕️ the first blend I want to share with you is Immuni-Tea! This blend uses equal parts of
- echinacea,
- holy basil,
- thyme,
- licorice.
🫖 This blend helps the body’s natural defense system. Echinacea is an immune stimulant and can be taken as a preventative remedy against colds and flu. Both thyme and licorice are natural antiviral herbs and can support the body’s natural defenses. Holy basil is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body respond better to stress. It can also be helpful for stress and anxiety. Licorice can be supportive for fatigue, tiredness, and burnout.
☕️ To make this tea combine equal parts of each herb and add your hot water and allow it to steep 15-20 minutes then enjoy!
🫖 What’s your go to tea blend for Autumn 🍂
🍁

09/05/2024

✨🧙‍♀️ Create a little magic this spooky season with my *Practical Magic* Cold Process Soap! Inspired by Alice Hoffman’s beloved book, this recipe is crafted with skin loving organic oils and activated charcoal for a deep, detoxifying cleanse. 🖤✨

Infused with the healing powers of lavender, rosemary, and copaiba essential oils, this soap soothes and revitalizes your skin, leaving it soft, balanced, and glowing. 🌿💫 It’s the perfect way to indulge in a little seasonal self-care and embrace the cozy autumn vibes. Ready to stir up some skincare magic? Check out the full recipe on my blog! 🎃🖤

08/21/2024

🧼 I recently made a batch of cold process soap using beef tallow as one of the main oils, it was a first for me.
🧼 Beef tallow, a rendered form of beef fat, has been used historically in various skincare products due to its numerous benefits. Here are some key advantages of using skincare products made with beef tallow:

1. Nutrient-Rich Composition
2. Skin Compatibility
3. Moisturizing Properties
4. Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Benefits
5. Natural and Chemical-Free:
6. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
7. Versatility
🧼 Skincare products made with beef tallow offer a natural, nutrient-rich, and highly compatible option for nourishing and protecting the skin. The moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, combined with sustainability benefits, make them an attractive choice for those seeking effective and eco-friendly skincare solutions.

🧼 Despite all of the benefits of using beef tallow in skin care products, I recognize that it’s not for everyone for a variety of reasons. To be completely honest with you when I received my tallow I was reluctant to even open it and smell it because I anticipated that it would not smell good. I do want to mention that when I ordered my tallow I was very specific about who I ordered from and how the beef was processed. I ordered grass fed and grass finished tallow.

🧼 Have you ever used beef tallow in skincare products? I would love to hear about it! 👇🏼

08/05/2024

In case you need to be reminded today:
🌱 you are brimming with potential, promise and possibility
🌱 with each breath and heartbeat you remind the world that you are here, despite any hardships & challenges
🌱 don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith - release any negative fears and harsh judgement and replace it with your honest intentions - and do it in your most triumphant voice
🌱 inhale confidence, exhale uncertainty
🌱 live from a place of abundance, not scarcity
🌱 the world needs your gifts and talents
🌱 the world needs your hopes and dreams
🌱 the world needs the real and true you
🌱 so today let go of the past, avoid over thinking the future and rise up in this moment because your hopes are greater than your fears and what you do matters 🙏🏻

07/17/2024

🌼✨ **Calendula: The Skin’s Best Friend!** ✨🌼

Hey, plant lovers! 🌿 Let’s dive into the world of **Calendula**, also known as the pot marigold. This beautiful flower isn’t just for your garden—it’s a powerhouse for your skin! 💛

🌿 **Calendula Quick Facts** 🌿

**Scientific Name:** Calendula officinalis

**Common Names:** Marigold, Pot Marigold

**Parts Used:** Flowers

**Uses:** Skin healing, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, soothing

🌸 **Benefits for Your Skin** 🌸

1. **Heals Wounds:** Speeds up the healing of cuts, scrapes, and minor burns. 🩹

2. **Reduces Inflammation:** Calms irritated skin, great for eczema and psoriasis. 🌾

3. **Hydrates:** Keeps your skin moisturized and soft. 💧

4. **Protects:** Fights off environmental damage with its antioxidant properties. 🛡️

5. **Gentle:** Safe for all skin types, even for babies! 👶

🌼 **How to Use Calendula** 🌼

**Infused Oil:** Use it as a moisturizer or add to your lotions.
**Salve:** Perfect for healing and soothing irritated skin.
**Tea:** Brew and use as a gentle facial rinse.

⭐️ Have you tried calendula? I would love to know your experiences with it!

07/03/2024

☀️ It’s hard to believe it’s July already, well, until I walk out the door and that summer heat slaps me in the face 😅
☀️ Summer is the season that tends to overwhelm me! As a homeschooling mom, summer provides those weeks to focus on so many other tasks that I neglect during the school year.
☀️ Summer is the growing season, herbs, veggies and flowers- so many things to tend to!
☀️ But this summer I’m setting the intention to slow down! I’m ready to jump on the slow living trend and do things with intention. One of my favorite quotes about slow living comes from Carl Honores.He said:

☀️ The SLOW creed is NOT about doing everything at a snail’s pace.

It’s about:

👍 Doing everything at the right speed
⏱ Savouring the hours and minutes rather than just counting them
🧘🏽 Being present and in the moment
👷‍♂️ Doing everything as WELL as possible, instead of as fast as possible

☀️SLOW puts quality over quantity in everything from work to food to parenting.

☀️So ignore the speed merchants imploring you to do everything faster. Because faster is not always better 🤦🏻‍♂️

☀️Sometimes the best thing you can for yourself and the people around you is to SLOW DOWN.

☀️ I would love to hear what is your best tip for sloooowing down☀️Over on the blog I’ve shared some ways to live the season of summer, the link is in my bio. ☀️.

06/24/2024

“May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder” - John O’ Donohue.

I crave slow days - not necessarily moving slowly, but being fully present and doing my daily tasks with intention. When you simplify life, you discover how much extra work you create for yourself because you feel like you should be grinding and you lose sight of the wonder.

Fast paced, big city, boujee living and girl bossing is not for me- I’ll just be over here harvesting blueberries, marveling over the gifts of nature.

06/17/2024

🌿✨ **Skullcap: My Serenity Ally** ✨🌿

Skullcap is one of the first herbs I brought into my herb garden and turn to most frequently. 🌱💚 This unassuming green gem has been a beacon of tranquility in my journey toward inner peace with its delicate blooms and calming essence.

With its tender leaves and subtle charm, Skullcap whispers serenity to the restless mind, nourishing the nervous system and quieting anxious energy. Skullcap guides the ungrounded mind to stillness, shifting from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system. Each sip of Skullcap tea feels like a warm hug from the earth, grounding my spirit and anchoring my thoughts in the present moment. ☕🌸

This herb is a true gift. Its calming properties allow focus to bloom like wildflowers. It’s my refuge in moments of overwhelm. It is a botanical balm that soothes the soul and nurtures clarity. 🌼🧘‍♀️ I would love to hear if you’ve worked with Skullcap and how it has benefited you. Share your experiences in the comments below!

06/11/2024

Roasted Dandelion Roots!
☕️ Dandelion root has many health benefits, including being a tonic for the liver and a powerful antioxidant. Dandelion root has a positive effect on the digestive system and contains several vitamins and trace minerals. It makes a lovely tea, honey infusion, tincture, or dandelion root bitters for digestion.
☕️ Once you get your foraged dandelion roots home, you will want to trim them up and rinse them well to get as much of the dirt off of them as possible. Slice the dandelion roots into smaller uniform pieces for using them fresh in a tea or dry them in a dehydrator or on a drying screen for later use. My favorite way to use dandelion roots is to dry them then roast them for a delicious, caffeine-free coffee substitute.

☕️ Roasted dandelion root
After the roots are dried, place them on a baking sheet tray in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until they are brown, brittle, and aromatic. Watch them carefully and stir them throughout the roasting process. Roasting can take anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes, depending on how big your pieces are and how dark you prefer the roast. Once they are roasted to your liking, remove them and allow them to cool. You can either store the whole roasted root chunks or grind them in a coffee grinder; either way, store them in an airtight glass jar.

☕️ Basic recipe:
To prepare your roasted dandelion brew, use about 1–2 teaspoons of the ground, roasted root per 8 ounces of water, decoct (steep) for twenty minutes, and strain. You can drink it as is or add honey or any milk or nut milk to your liking.
☕️ Chai flavored recipe:
Add your ground dandelion root along with fresh or dried ginger, a few cardamom pods, and a cinnamon stick to your water a d allow it to decoction for 20 minutes. Strain, then add in any milk or sweeteners if you’d like! Yum!

06/07/2024

Hibiscus & Mint Tea Recipe
☀️ We are fast approaching summer so I wanted to share one of my favorite refreshing iced tea recipes! This one comes from
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried hibiscus calyces
- 1Tablespoon dried lemon balm leaf
- 1 Tablespoons dried lemon verbena leaf
- 1Tablespoons dried peppermint leaf
- 2 quarts of water

Directions

Yield: One gallon (4 L) of iced tea.
- Bring two quarts (2 L) of water to a boil and add all the herbs.
- Cover and let steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain, and add ice to bring the volume up to one gallon.
☀️Enjoy!☀️

06/03/2024

☀️ Happy Monday!! ☀️
🧑‍🌾 I spent time over the weekend making my first herbal harvest of the season and I am geeked!! 🌱 My lemon balm and oregano are doing the most this year!
🪴I wanted to share some tips for harvesting herbs, four methods for drying your herbs and the best way to store them for a longer shelf life.
🏃‍♀️ You can head over to the blog and download the guide!
🪴How is your garden growing this year?

Marigold Moon