Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Starr Homeplace

Starr Homeplace - Google Drive:Starr Homeplace , Heritage and Creatively Center
SR 133 / US 425  
GPS : 5317
5317 Old Mer Rouge Road
Oak Ridge, La 71264
June 08, 2013
8am until 3pm
Bring your family out for a fun day in the country.
cost is $5.00 admission for adults , free to kids up to age 12.  
plus a contribution for lunch if you want a home cooked meal on the grounds.
Families are welcome to pack a lunch, and spread out a picnic.
Picnic tables are on the grounds.
318-758-1758


Starr Homeplace in Oak Ridge is planning the “annual Homecoming to the Starr” a summer Community Day, Saturday -June 8th., If it rains for a few minutes, then visitors can duck into one of the 19 museum areas or the big barn. Upstairs in the barn is a continuous fundraiser of books that came from the Stone collection from their book store that was a part of Twin City Mall in Monroe.”
Starr Homeplace in Oak Ridge is the perfect place to get a glimpse of the past of Louisiana. . History that children see and read about in school comes to life, making learning fun. On the plantation there are 19 museums showcasing many aspects of life.  The experience for older adults is one of fond memories - remembering things our parents and grandparents shared with us in the past. There is something for everyone!  A good day trip.  Leather tooling and watercolors along with woodworking, and a blacksmith.  

Joe Rolfe said, “ I always encourage artists and craftsman to come out and showcase their work, plus I don’t mind if they want to sale also.  Last month we had several artists in that came here .  The large bottle tree in the field is a point of interest , as is the many relics of farm equipment spread throughout the 19 museum acre. You can step into a 50’s style kitchen and step back in time and see a grouping of spinning wheels and a quilt frame, go across the field to the barn and enjoy sitting in the old porch swing.

Please contact Joe Rolfe at the Starr Homeplace to be a featured artist. He is looking for people that want to demonstrate the facilities. Joe Rolfe said,” I need people to get involved, I have a lot of areas that need a demonstrator such as a quilting room with a frame.  The museums are more interesting if someone is making them come alive in an action way.  
#30#






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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Red cabbage Recipe

Dietitian's tip:
Red cabbage — a cruciferous vegetable with dark red or purple leaves — has a tougher texture and a slightly sweeter flavor than does green cabbage. To save time, shred the cabbage in advance and store in a sealed bag in the refrigerator until ready to use.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Serves 6

Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 pounds red cabbage, cored, quartered and shredded
    • 2 medium onions, chopped
    • 1 tart apple, cored, peeled and chopped
    • 1 cup pitted prunes
    • 1 garlic clove, crushed
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seed
    • 1 teaspoon coriander seed
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • Ground nutmeg, to taste
    • 1/2 cup water

Directions

In a large pot, add all of the ingredients. Stir to mix thoroughly. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Add water as necessary to prevent the cabbage from drying out. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve either warm or cold.

Nutritional analysis per serving

Serving size: About 1 cup
Calories108Sodium36 mg
Total fattraceTotal carbohydrate25 g
Saturated fat0 gDietary fiber5 g
Monounsaturated fat0 gProtein2 g
Cholesterol0 mg 

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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

A day by the Lake in my "little house"


It is very quiet, except for the birds, especially the cardinals and mockingbirds. I have my computer set up where I can see outside down the Lake. A couple of times a day the Blue Heron comes thru, I have to be very quiet because it scares very easily. The last few days have been fighting ducks, seems the hen has to make a choice between for her mate for the spring.

My mom gave me a hibiscus that the hummingbirds love and some purple verbena. The tomato experience is going good, I can tell the difference in the size and health of the YAK tomato plants that are full of buds and little tomatoes, and my Walmart and Home depot ones. The were all planted the same time. I also got lots of versions of seeds from swallowtail seeds for the tiny tom thumb and currant , along with some unusual grape ones. The are coming up, along with the lemon cukes.

I will get some pics up later. Thanks, Cindy


#wordonthestreet #cindymccleishingram #tinyhouse


Friday, April 26, 2013

Catch the wave at yaks

Yak's in Farmerville has wave petunia baskets . Beautiful and full , 2for 20.00

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The pessimistic gardener

I am always the "gardener that is pessimistic,I over plant", thinking nothing is going to come up.  

The last few years my yard has been a colorful, stress release place to sit and rest.  We have moved to the country at the end of a lake.  I am starting over with a clean slate.   During this season I will post how its doing.

The #passion flower picture is from my old house. I had hundreds of blooms.  I made the yard a shelter from the outside.   That is my goal this year.    I ordered seeds this year online because I could find none in town or a start.  I am hoping a few will pop up from all the pots I brought over.  I have red and blue coming up but have yet to find the maypop like this one.

Pessimism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pessimism
Pessimism is a state of mind in which one anticipates undesirable outcomes or believes that the evil or hardships in life outweigh the good or luxuries.

Reduce that Stress , we all need it .....

Reiki seminar ,stress reduction . May 3 Friday at 3 , pre register and pay $35.00 in advance 387-3000
Reiki seminar @ Natural Wellness Center- cost $35. May 3, Friday @ 3-5 pm, This is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing. It is based on the idea that "energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress. Learn to help yourself and your family’s energy and health so you can be more happy and healthy. Learn to give and receive help for pain, anxiety and more.
May 3, Friday at 3 (approx 1 ½ -2 h) Do NOT wear anything that has a
fragrance, ie perfume, smoke, etc. Must register and pay in advance-387-3000

I am back and back to it...writing this blog and updating daily, and telling you about my tomatos

Sorry, I was off the grid for a few days. I had to settle in and take care of family. 

I don't know how many of you have parents that are older and that you help daily, I do ... Luckily most of the time they are alright. The last few weeks have been a process and also with my teenager very ill I have been really just thinking about her.   I am going somewhere with this.

I just have to think that I have it so much better than some of my friends, Katie is better and back to school.  My parents are still with me. Being in my late 50's that is a wonderful thing. 

We all just have to spend some time doing things also for ourselves to rive up the motor. 

I went outside and sat on the dock for a while with my coffee.  Going over in my mind a long day and what I need to get done. Not a small feat in itself. 

I recently planted tomato's and herbs from #Yak's right out of Farmerville. I did a test, I bought several plants from Yak's, that were pesticide free and as organic as you can get in #Louisiana.  I also bought several of the same from a big box store in town.  The #Yak's have blooms and are twice as big as the commercial ones.   I will let you know when it starts to be harvest time, how the taste is different.   Yak told me that some growers stunt the growth so the shelf life will be longer for the sellers.My parents love tomatoes so I will be sharing with them also. My brother; Mike always has a great garden and his wife Sue is wonderful about making pepper hot sauce.

This is the #Louisiana Life and I am living it in the country with a lake beside me and ducks flying overhead.

Veggies are so important in our lives.

Photo: Which will you choose.  Keep Healthy & Happy !

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

 

 Allergies , just an update

 

Seasonal Allergies

Spring is the time of year that we normally think of when it comes to seasonal allergies. As the trees start to bloom and the pollen gets airborne, allergy sufferers begin their annual ritual of sniffling and sneezing.
Although spring most readily comes to mind when we think of allergies, many of the same allergic triggers that can make us miserable in the spring persist into summer.

Allergy workshop May 17th

Now is the time of the year when our nose runs and our eyes itch.  be proactive sign up for the mini workshop 



Allergy Elimination Mini Workshop

Do you or your family suffer from environmental, food or emotional allergies? Many do nowadays. We are offering this workshop for you to be able to eliminate these allergies.
  We will teach you how to do muscle testing then remove these energy blockages performing acupressure on specific points along the spine, re-educating the body not to respond to the offending item.  It is great if you bring a family member with you so you may have someone to help you do this at home. Cost is $60. per each person. Do NOT wear anything that has a smell, ie perfume, smoke, etc.
May 17, Fri, 3-5

--
Natural Wellness Center
Dr. Carolyne Yakaboski,
PH.D, DNM, RNC,FASA, LMT, FIBC
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Doctor of BioNutrition
2106 N. 7th St, Suite 132
W.Monroe, LA 71291
318-387-3000
dryakaboski@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

seeds, seeds ....plants to be up soon.

 What a great stress breaker, planting seeds and each day watching them break thru the soil.  My french marigolds are coming up all over to help with bugs.   I have got every color of Petunia (Yak's)either in the ground, or waiting in my little house to be planted.

 I ordered seeds in the middle of the night, this weekend from Swallowtail Garden Seeds , they came in on Tuesday . I have been hunting for passion flower seeds or a plant to start but was not having luck.  My old house had a whole fence growing along with morning glories. So I now have three colors of passion flower , micro tom cherry tomatoes, Radar Love Golden Clematis, firecracker vine and some huge Oklahoma Zinnias. M herbs I got from Yak's Herb and Garden Farm in Farmervile area doing good and I still have some heirloom tomato plants to settle in.

 From the Solid Built Blog , that sells garden sheds.
Vines are a great way to incorporate your shed into your garden. There are many different varieties, some which produce delicious fruit! They grow quickly and need little care Remember about  planting vines , they spread. They also increase pollination and make your garden more successful. Below are a few vines I find impressive and will make your shed bloom.
Vines are great for attracting humming birds.

The Trumpet Vine accomplishes this well. Flourishes in US zones 5-9. Can climb up to 30 feet and can be hard to remove because of deep, stubborn roots. Also known as Campsis radican, it is a native American plant that can be grown all over the country. Produces beautiful red, yellow and orange flowers that will attract beautiful birds to your shed.
The Clematis is a fast climbing vine that has many varieties that bloom at different times. You can have three different varieties so that you have flowers blooming in the spring, summer, and fall. This vine is most successful in US zones 3-9. They attract butterflies and people’s noses.
The Wisteria is a beautiful vine but is also known to cause a little bit of hysteria because in the right environment it can take over your shed. This vine will definitely add a secret garden feel especially when you enter what looks to be a big flowery bush. If you are into more of a Narnia outdoor experience then I recommend giving this vine a try. This garden thug can climb up to 30 feet. The flowers are absolutely beautiful but if you keep a strict garden prevent yourself the hassle and aim for a softer vine.
The name says it all, Morning Glory. Every day you wake up you will be pleasantly greeted by blooming flowers and at night after your long day at work you will see the flowers close. These vines spread really quickly and will transform a bare wall. This annual plant likes direct sunlight and will climb up to 15 feet. Lean some ladders on your shed and watch this plant flourish. They come in many colors and will make you happy all summer.
For the chocolate lover there is the Akebia vine so when you are not eating chocolate you can be smelling it. Or you can eat chocolate while smelling your chocolate smelling Akebia. The flowers are purple and white. This is a more fragile plant that does well in US zones 4-9 and can climb up to 30 feet!
The Kiwi Vine(Actinide kolomikta) is a nice vine. Grows up to 15 feet. Does best in US zone 5-9. The female plant grown with the male plant will produce the cutest, edible, sweet baby kiwis. The small kiwi vine enjoys partial sun. The leaves have pink and white accents.
For a plant that will quickly climb, the French, Sweet Lace Grape Vine(Vitis Vinifera), will do the trick. It will take several years before it produces grapes. It can grow 20-40 feet a year so make sure to keep an eye on it if you do not want a take over of your entire yard. This plant grows well in US zones 6-9.
The Sweet Pea Vine has flowers that look like little orchids. This plant likes the sun and can climb up to eight feet. Most of the flower varieties are fragrant and come in many colors. There are many different varieties. This annual plant grows well in US zones 6-9. Blooming depends on the amount of heat in your region. They begin to bloom in late spring and in colder climates can bloom into the fall.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

water your plants with herb Chamomile tea



Run across this on a neat blog , water your plants with Chamomile tea . Brew and let cool.  

Also saw don't throw out your veggie water and pasta water , let cool and water your plants. They love the left over vitamins.

Herb workshop April 5, Friday at 5:15pm

http://dryakaboski.comhttp://dryakaboski.com

TODAY is the day to go to the herb workshop

If you missed the first herb workshop , another is April 5, Friday at 5:15 pm in the Natural Wellness Center , West Monroe   cost: $8.00  

Natural Wellness Center
2106 N. 7th St, Suite 132
West Monroe LA 71291-2968
United States

The one this last week was a "hoot" and we learned a lot , Chef Patricia had some great ideas and explained  several of the more common herbs and how to grow, cook and dry them.

Natural Wellness Center
2106 N. 7th St, Suite 132
West Monroe LA 71291-2968
United States

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Thank you

The herb workshop was great ! Now we are all ready to plant and grow ! More to come .

The Herb Plants to start with in your garden

The post before has great links , here is a cut and paste from the culinary list .
THE HERB PLANTS TO START WITH
 
Now that you know where to plant and how to prune, the fun part comes with the choice of herb plants. No doubt if you are just starting out, you will want the basics. Here's an outline for an Herb Garden that will satisfy the most recipes per square foot. It is based on the needs of a family of four who cooks often.
  BAY: 1 plant, at least. Grow it in a pot and bring it in for the winter in you have to; a bay tree is an absolute must. 
DILL: 4-6 plants. Like Basil, you have to plant in succession to have fresh Dill throughout the growing season.
ENGLISH or GARDEN THYME: 4 plants. These are small plants and you might want to let one flower (for garnish and for the bees) while harvesting from the other 3.
FENNEL: 2 plants. One for you and one for the butterflies.
FRENCH TARRAGON: 4 plants.  Even so you will never have enough.
GREEK OREGANO: 2 plants, because you will put this in everything.
MINT: 1 good Spearmint like Mint the Best or Kentucky Colonel Mint and 1 nice Peppermint.PARSLEY: 4-6 plants.  Even though this plant lives two years, you should replant every spring for the best results.
ROSEMARY: 1 plant, if you live where Rosemary is hardy; 2 if you must grow it as an annual and harvest and dry for winter. SAGE: 2 plants. You can choose from any of the forms of Garden Sage. They all have excellent flavor. 
SWEET BASIL: 4-8 plants.  It takes 3 cups of fresh Basil leaves to make enough pesto to coat one pound of pasta. 
WINTER SAVORY: 2, maybe 3 plants, depending on how much you put in your spaghetti sauce. 
Of course, these are only general guidelines. But, this list is a great starting place for building your culinary repertoire.
After you succeed with these, the Herbs of the world are waiting for an honored spot in your garden.

Planting herbs, what can be planted together.

 I attended the herb class at Dr Yaks and one of the questions the chef answered was what to plant together and what not to...  The chef was really informative, the class turned into a very informal speak out with everyone sharing their stories. The Chef Patricia was fun , she spent a lot  of time out west and cooked for a herbalist that treated cancer patients. She described how to make "bone tonic" which takes three days. I will try to conjure up this recipe.

Don't plant dill and Fennel together because they will merge into a dill fennel. 
 I goggled how to plant herbs, and here is some interesting comments that popped up. enjoy   please add our comments on how you plant your herbs. 
 
Plant herbs that have the same soil, sun & water requirements together. Usually you can grow herbs anywhere you get half a day or more of sunlight.

Plants can be arranged by the amount of water they'll need, & how large or small the plants will be when mature. Dill & mint need conditions that keep them under control & are best kept separate.

"Mints would not be happy planted with lavender,because lavender does not require much water.
Mint tends to spread out and can overrun a garden or planter. You may want to plant your mint in a separate container. Or, if you want the mint in the ground, use an old, larger pot like the ones many nursery plants come in. Cut the bottom off and bury the pot upright in the earth, leaving the lip of the pot above ground. Plant the mint inside, Sevenski says, and it will thrive in the pot but won't spread throughout your garden."
http://www.azcentral.com/home/garden/art…

You could arrange to grow some perennial herbs next to annuals so your ground will not be completely bare when the annuals expire.
Common annuals are basil, cilantro, parsley and dill; perennials include thyme, chives, & sage.

Most herb gardens include include basil, thyme, cilantro, sage and chives. Those basics will serve your needs for Mexican cuisine, spaghetti sauce, fish and poultry and salads. Mint is used in Middle Eastern cooking and in drinks.

Here's a site on how to plant, maintain & use a Culinary Herb garden:
http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/cul…

List of Culinary Herbs & Spices (click on each name for info on Description, Flavor & Aroma, Uses, History, Recipes & other links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_her…

Savory Herbs lists what herbs are annual, biennials, & perennials, growing conditions & use in cooking:
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Savor…

Holisticonline has an Herb Directory, Tonics & Remedies:
http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med…

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

Source(s):

Thursday, March 28, 2013

How to Brew Fresh Basil Tea

How to Brew Fresh Basil Tea

How to Brew Fresh Basil Tea thumbnail
Basil
Basil is an herb plant used for seasoning. The green peppermint-like herb is widely used in spaghetti sauces, stews and tomato recipes. Basil is a source of vitamin K, iron, calcium and other nutrients. Herbal lore recommends basil for intestinal problems, headaches and ulcers. Studies indicate the herb may have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory health benefits. A flavorful healthy tea can be made with fresh basil. Brew the tea and serve it hot or cold. These tips are for a single cup of tea. Add extra basil and water to make a pot for sharing or chilling. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Root your rose with a potato.

Timeline Photos
By Green Renaissance
Propagating roses by cuttings is easy.
Some say the secret of success is the humble potato! Before planting rose cuttings, push the bottom end into a small potato, which keeps the cuttings moist as they develop roots. It sounds crazy, but apparently it works really well.
Have any of you tried this.
DIY rose cuttings - http://www.amateurgardening.com/home/taking-rose-cuttings/

Good morning for all you Good Friday Planters!

I know lots of people believe on Good Friday planting.   I had not really heard of this until I started this blog.  It has been a mark of spring to get your hands in the dirt and start enjoying planting.

Today is a herb workshop with a noted chef in the West Monroe National Wellness Center on North 7th at noon , cost is $8.00.  Cooking, growing , drying herbs.

This Saturday at the big greenhouses at Yak's , right out of Farmerville is a free clinic on herb tips, no chef , but planting tips . Of course the greenhouses are open and they are full of pesticide free vegs and herbs.   Seize the day....  go over to the peach /produce stand and start getting your plants.






Starr Homeplace in Oak Grove will have it's Blacksmithing hammer in April 13 . A day in the country in the sunshine is good for body and soul.



Wednesday, March 27, 2013

come to the grand opening saturday, 11am free herb workshop.

Grand Opening for your Summer Garden plants: YAK'S Nursery & Farm, now has plants available- herbs, tomato, pepper, cucumber,squash, okra, melon, broccoli, cabbage, kale, melons, petunia, begonia. Come by the peach stand, Hwy 33, Farmerville. OR if you are in West Monroe, call Natural Wellness Center 3873000 for a custom order of plants to be brought there. Please share this post with your friends.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Clear the air, let's talk allergy elimination


This is a little early, but due to this years allergy season already here, a sellout is anticipated.

Allergy Elimination Mini Workshop

Do you or your family suffer from environmental, food or emotional allergies? Many do nowadays. We are offering this workshop for you to be able to eliminate these allergies.
  We will teach you how to do muscle testing then remove these energy blockages performing acupressure on specific points along the spine, re-educating the body not to respond to the offending item.  It is great if you bring a family member with you so you may have someone to help you do this at home. Cost is $60. per each person. Do NOT wear anything that has a smell, ie perfume, smoke, etc.
May 17, Fri, 3-5

--
Natural Wellness Center
Dr. Carolyne Yakaboski,
PH.D, DNM, RNC,FASA, LMT, FIBC
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Doctor of BioNutrition
2106 N. 7th St, Suite 132
W.Monroe, LA 71291
318-387-3000
dryakaboski@gmail.com

Monday, March 25, 2013

Get your grove back

Yes I know that is not the name, but needed to put it in easy words.  Sounds like an interesting seminar


B.E.S.T (BioEnergetic Synchronization Technique) seminar
Take this first step to change your energy pattern forever.
Are you feeling unbalanced physically and emotionally?
Do you find it hard to focus?
Do you have joint stiffness, limited mobility, lack of energy?
Come learn how to help yourself!
cost $60.
Natural Wellness Center
2106 N. 7th St., W. Monroe, LA
March, 28, Thursday @ 2-4 or
April 5, Friday @ 9-11
387-3000__________________


#naturalwellnesssouthern  #dirtysouth #runners #BioEnergetic #balance

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Natural Wellness Herb workshop


Natural Wellness Southern Blog
This is a collection of what is going on in healthy living in our section of the south. Located in Monroe,La , the northeast part of the state of Louisiana

Are you into juicing, buying natural pesticide free herbs and veggies is a smart way to get healthy.   


 Natural Wellness Center Seminars available in two locations
Must preregister and prepay cash or check.
Please do NOT wear or bring any un natural perfumes or other smells to office
due to patients that are highly allergic to these.
Refunds if 48 hours notice. Cash or check only. Spaces limited.





Herb workshop- cost $8. (get $3. off if you purchase your herbs from Yak’s Nursery)
We also have many veggies plants (with no pesticides).
Learn how to grow, cook and dry your herbs taught by Certified Natural Chef Patricia from California.
Call in advance to place your order of herbs/plants if you wish us to create a custom order for you. Or come visit Yak’s Nursery @ Yak’s Farm Stand to select your own on Farmerville Hwy.
March 28th Thursday @ 12:15 and 5:15 or
April 5, Friday, 5:15 387-3000           
Natural Wellness Center
2106 N. 7th St., W. Monroe, LA

__________________________________________
Herb workshop- Farmerville at Yak's Produce Stand
Farmerville Hwy 33, (15 miles north of Ruston, 8 miles south of Farmerville)
Saturday, March 30 at 11 am. No charge with purchase.
Call to register, leave a message at 368-3992.

____________________________________________