The Inkwell: 2010-02-07

The Hotdog Vendor gives out Schnitzels & Snippets

Chili (about 45 minutes to prepare)
recipe by Charlotte Ann©

• 1 lb. Hamburg
• 1 or 2 cans of Kidney Beans
• 1 Can of Chopped Tomatoes
• 1 Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 Onion, Chopped (as much as you want)
• 1 Green Pepper, Chopped
(ingredient not absolutely necessary)
• About 1 tsp. of Chili Powder (more if you want)

In frying pan, put grease or oil, then add hamburg, peppers, onions. Fry.

Put in big kettle: sauce, tomatoes, cooked hamburg, chili powder, salt & pepper. Simmer about 1/2 hour then add kidney beans. Heat until hot and serve.

** Charlotte Ann© was a great cook, and didn't like to measure much. She was a strong believer that being a creative cook was what it was all about. Whatever her secret, her food was exceptional! Her idea was to add a pinch of this and a pinch of that.

Streetside Florist, Kathleen Baldwin

Monarda didyma, or commonly called Bee Balm

I find this herb completely beneficial...in the garden, for our bodies, for our noses, and for our insect and hummingbird friends. I do not personally use it for skin care. Since I grow a lot of herbs, I use Bee Balm for other things besides skin care.

It is called Bee Balm as the flower attracts bumblebees. Honey bees are unable to reach this flowers’ nectar unless holes have been made by other insects or hummingbirds. And, hummingbirds are very attracted to this flower, as well as butterflies.

The versatility of this herb includes using it as a cut flower, using the dried leaves and flowers in potpourri, as a garden attraction for pollinators, and as a culinary tea. It has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb, but one of my books writes it is no longer officially recommended for medicinal use today.

The aroma and flavor of this herb is likened to Oswego tea or Earl Grey tea when added to a china tea. One of its common names is Oswego Tea. It is very aromatic and very delicious to drink as an herbal tea – hot or cold by itself or added with other herbs. I have drunk several gallons of this tea over the years – I like it hot.

And, while it may not be “officially recommended” as a medicine, I find it is my best natural aspirin of all the herbs I’ve tried. I had read that it relaxes the muscles when drunk as a tea, all the muscles from headaches to menstrual pain. I read it may also relieve nausea, flatulence, and insomnia. I do find it quite relaxing and extremely aromatic. I have drunk this tea with catnip before, and I have drunk it with lemon balm. I like it best by itself, but it is quite good mixed, too.

What? You are asking me if it helps my tension headaches and muscle aches? Is the FDA listening? Yes, it does help – in fact, it seems to be quite relieving in the aches and tension department. :)

If you would like to begin your own herb garden or are expanding yours to include some tea herbs, look for this one. The best way to obtain it is from a friend or neighbor willing to divide it by the roots, or offer you stem cuttings that are very easy to root. Then, you are getting a plant that is already acclimated to your surroundings. Then, sit back, watch it grow, and drink some bee balm tea! Happy sipping!!!

To find out more about herbs, visit http://sweetcreekherbs.blogspot.com

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Posted by sbass

Sashay Magazine is proud to have a partnering voice with Lee Ann Brown, owner of Glamour Survival Guides'! She lives in Birmingham, Alabama and is passionate about helping others. Lee Ann say, "I really do believe that you can live a glamorous life of beauty & excitement, filled with love of family and community, anywhere."

After traveling for several years modeling in places like Atlanta, Miami, New York and Japan, Lee Ann found that the schedule and lifestyle wasn't right for her. She is now a mom, wife and entrepreneur, and still has a busy life but understands what it means to be a 21st Century Women. One who has found a way to balance her life's endeavors, care for her family while still being able to take time for herself.

You can find Lee Ann's page, The Glamorous Life at http://www.sashaymagazine.com/Sashay-Magazine/The-Glamorous-Life/ Her website is http://www.glamoursurvivalguides.com/ and she also has a great blog where she highlights Birmingham. http://mybirmingham.blogspot.com/2010/02/news-flash-gsgsashay-magazine.html

I hope you will visit www.sashaymagazine.com I'm sure you are a "Rugged, Real and Refined -- 21st Century Women!"

Monday, February 8, 2010

Contest Coming Soon

Posted by sbass

Sashay Magazine is going to be having a contest soon! Sign up for the "Catwalk" newsletter on www.sashaymagazine.com to get upcoming details. Sashay Magazine is for the "Rugged, Real and Refined--women of 21st Century".

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