Pallet for Home

A request for herbal wisdom~ Folk lore, recipes, charms...

First I must share my excitement is getting to over flow. Sometime around the 15th of this month I will be traveling out to pick up our grouping of Bee's and a new hive. For the first hive we will go with the traditional stack box style. Then when it's time to split them, we will use a top bar hive.

Now as for my herbal request, it has to do with something I have been slowly making for some time now. I have been compiling a Wise woman Herbal book for my children. The only herbs in it are ones we can grow ourselves or harvest from the surrounding area. I was once told "It is best to know 40 uses for one herb then to know 1 use for forty herbs". After much dilemma I have had when locally buying herbs I decided not to include herbs we could not provide ourselves.

swinging upon the outstretched limb of our Magic Tree next to the old garden, June 2009.

I have my list compiled of herbs for the book. Roots, leaves, trees, etc. for making it easier to write in alphabetical order, but the book itself is no where near complete.

I found a few folklore "charms" in a book titled :Mugworts In May by Linda Ours Rago

I am looking for simple backyard {Ohio grow able} ingredient herbals. Especially little sayings to go with each herb such as the one found in the above "In Dock Out Nettle. Don't let the Blood settle".

The book has helped in my understanding of what the masses thought of as "Witch Charms",which were actually knowledge passed down from mother to daughter in Rhyme. In a time when women were uneducated, unable to write, they passed the knowledge of herbs in rhymes. Making it easier to remember & repeated with their application, again reinforcing the memory.

May Day Basket 2006

I would also like to include the source of the knowledge shared from you and if in the future I decide to make this compiling of Herbals more public, ask of your permission to share & be able to mention the source. It would be through self publishing since I would like to share a copy with friends & family, meaning I would be downloading my finished compilation through an online self publishing site. Keeps pricing low for publishing a book with color pictures and durable cover.

I will share here when all is done should anyone else like a copy.

Feel free to share either by comment or Via email. If you go to my profile, you will find my email below profile picture.

I must Thank you ahead should you choose to share your herbal wisdom/ rhymes. One or ten, or even a suggestion of where to find what I seek. All are appreciated.

Sweet Dreams,

~Tammie

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How to create an eclectic...exterior! Rugs, seating, lanterns and other colourful patio ideas

April always seems to be one of the best months in the North East of Scotland and today we had tropical temperatures of 19 degrees Celsius! It was incredibly windy, but still, I managed to enjoy lunch 'al-fresco'. Each year I hope that we'll have great weather until at least August, but unfortunately we've had plenty of wetness and cold too.... Anyway, enough about our crappy Scottish Summers, let's talk sunshine! As I have recently been writing a couple of posts about how to create an eclectic interior, I thought it would be nice to focus on how to create inspirational outdoor areas today, since we'll all be walking around in our flip-flops soon.

As you may have seen in earlier posts my husband and I are still busy building our own patio area from beautiful natural stone, which hopefully will be finished before Summer. Can't wait to dress it up with furniture, cushions and pot plants. The rockery plants are in place already.

To give you and myself some inspiration, I selected some great images to get our creative thinking going...

I adore everything in this picture. Look at those tiles! Image: www.style-files.com

How romantic is this...! Image: La Belle Vie

How to create this eclectic garden chandelier, read it on www.sunset.com

And another wonderful alternative chandelier

Not exactly a patio area, but wouldn't you love to have your al-fresco Summer lunch here? Image: Modern Interior Design

I have a thing for colourful cushions, like necklaces, you just can't have enough of them! Image: My Deco

Even small balconies can be transformed into wonderful spaces. Image: Houzz

Indoor furniture doesn't have to stay indoors! Image: House to Home

Get your vintage linens out to create a wonderful country chic dinner table. Image: House to Home

Yup, told you so, get those vintage linens out. What a lovely French style patio! Image: House to Home

And of course...an example from Stockholm, where we'll be heading for our Summer holidays. Great use of a tiny roof terrace! Image: Pitut.com
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Don't know about you, but I am really looking forward to Summer now...hope you like this post. How do you create that individual look on your outdoor area?
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Filed Under: eclectic decor, fabric, garden, lighting

Product Review in SLUG Magazine

Check out my latest publication in SLUG Magazine!!!!

Click here to be redirected to SLUGmag.com

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Filed Under: reclaimed wreckage lisa brown product review eco design rubber handbag hobo slouch

Cement compost bin a week of hard labor

With the few sunny days over the last week, we have accomplished clearing out the South side strip of our woods.Lots of overgrowth, debris and brush. The bad part of it...I gave my son Poison Ivy...

So as I'm chopping vines, pulling dead tree logs & raking the mini forest floor~ I unknowingly threw Poison ivy vine into the brush pile they were picking up. Poor guy has it all over his neck & face, arms & leg. He's mending well but we did end up seeing the doc for some medicine.

I have some kind of immunity to poison ivy & oak.{I call it one of my "secret super powers" when the kids wanted to know why I've never had it}. I hear all the time, rather smugly "there will be a day you get it after all these years of immunity. It does not last forever". When it happens then so be it, in the mean time...I'll keep playing Jane of the Jungle.

In the beginning of the week we traveled out to Massillon for a truck load of freebie {intact} cement blocks. The guy had used them for a raised garden bed & we are now using it for the future planned Compost pile. The cement block is mortared together, a felt sheet applied to all of it's surfaces & then a cement like plaster is applied. Giving it an almost stucco smooth appearance.

Photo from book:

I found the how to in the book " Easy Concrete:43 DIY projects for Home & Garden by Malena Skote" . I was very happy to find it on the new release shelf of our library. Lots of inspiration & really cool projects in there.

AND speaking of projects, I am ALMOST complete with my farmhouse table. I had a little issue with the flat top slats...as in I bought them a few at a time and all 3 trips produced 3 different lengths. Yeah. Not a surprise but at least it is something I can fix with the saw. It's almost done minus the above & some little touches. I have a few other projects like removing the paint from Bike of Sunshine now that it is all disassembled and more clean up before we begin the Grape Arbor on the south side of the Garden by the Bonfire area.

The Captain lost all his Hops with our move last summer and is excited his new order came in. I had to share with you how their simple packaging held such charm compared to many such things we have ordered.

Simple burlap but far more charming then newspaper and a plastic bag. {and a welcome surprise of an extra Rhizome in one of the bundles}.

I truly can not wait for it all of this to be done.Not because of the work. No, it's final product I desire. I keep picturing it in my head. Trying to hold on to the image. Many a sore back, freezing body & numb finger moment, melted away knowing all this work will be worth it. Summer evenings spent by the Bonfire. Meals under the Grape arbor and on my 8 ft long Farm house table. Views of cleaned and tended mini forests and wildlife habitats.And a garden that is not only fruitful of edibles but bountiful of pleasure.

Instant smile and plenty of work to get the body heat pumping.

Sweet Dreams,

~Tammie

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Hurray! My wonderful "mid-century meets Marimekko" chair project is finished!

Finally got around to finishing the chair today, in the Spring sunshine on the patio - lovely. I'm really pleased with the result! What do you think?

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Filed Under: before and after, chairs, DIY projects, furniture

A very small but perfect cottage in the Stockholm archipelago

See the full gallery on Posterous

Only a short post today. Just wanted to share how excited I am that I found this beautiful tiny cottage near Stockholm, which we've now booked for a week this Summer. I love the painted white wooden walls and the eclectic mix of furniture. Yup - right up my street. It's got a beach, kayaks, a barbecue, a sauna and gorgeous views onto the archipelago. And still within cycling distance of the city buzz (yes, bicycles also come with the cottage!). Bring it on!

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The Offcuts

The Offcuts. A 68 page book with studiomama full of black and white images or animals and creatures made from offcuts of wood. My first go at a bit of publishing on-demand with lulu. It wasn't completely straightforward as black and white didn't really work…

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Filed Under: book, print

Archie Foal

This was completed before Christmas, packaging for Archie Foal's very lovely wool and cashmere socks. Paper garter wrap (above), swing tag, sock wrap and a bright red box all featuring the Archie Foal logo in bronze foil. The socks look really good on too!

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Filed Under: identity, packaging

Interiors: Chandeliers

Having just purchased my first crystal chandelier for the shop, I thought I'd write a post celebrating the drama that a great light fixture accomplishes. Though my tastes are not especially girly when it comes to interiors, I have to make an exception for chandeliers. I've always wanted to makeover an otherwise understated bathroom with an elaborate glass chandelier adorned with lots of colorful baubles. A beautiful vintage chandelier can add elegance to a dining or living space. On the other hand, an up-cycled found object (such as a bowler hat, as was recently suggested to me by a customer) can inject a sense of humor into an otherwise classic room. Why else were high ceilings invented if not to suspend elaborate sculptures?

As the following pics show, Etsy is chock full of options for beautiful and whimsical lighting.

Classic Hanging Lantern from Rosebuds Home.

Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo Chandelier from Fabulous Mess.

Pink Beaded Chandelier from Paris Couture Antiques.

Ball Mason Jar Chandelier from Boots N Gus.

Trouble Light Chandelier from Modern Upcycle.

Images: Lonny mag, Dec 2010. InsideOut mag; May/June 2010, June 2004. Thrifty Chic: Interior Style on a Shoestring by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell, photography by Simon Brown, published by CICO Books, 2009. Living etc mag; Dec 2010, Aug 2009. Rosebuds Home. Fabulous Mess. Paris Couture Antiques. Boots N Gus. Modern Upcycle.

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Filed Under: chandeliers, lighting

What Do I Say After the Loss of a Baby or Miscarriage?

I stumbled across this article and thought I would post it. It has great advice on what to say and what NOT to say to someone who is grieving the loss of a baby or miscarriage.
What Do I Say??
It's hard to know what to say to a grieving parent. Our own fear of loss can render us immobile. And sometimes people feel like they have to think of the "perfect" thing to say. There is no "perfect" thing to say. There is nothing you can say to heal the grief of losing a child. But acknowledging and supporting grief is a way to help healing. Please know that the effort of talking about the baby, the loss, and the sadness will be appreciated, even if it's not "perfect."

Some Things NOT to Say:

"It was God's will."
"It was meant to be" or "it was for the best."
"Your baby is in a better place now."
"Time heals all wounds."
"I know just how you feel." (Unless you have personally experienced the loss of a baby.)
"It's been ___ amount of time and aren't you over it yet? It's time to get on with your life."
"At least you have other children" or "At least you can have other children." ( I HATE THIS ONE!)
"Now you will have an angel in heaven."
"It could have been worse..." It could not have been worse. Not to the grieving parent.

Some Things You Can Say (and do)

"Who can I call for you? Let me help gather loving support around you."
"Cry when you need to because I know your tears are helping you grieve."
"This child was unique, special and irreplaceable. I know children are not interchangeable and the fact that you can have other children does not lessen the grief of losing this one."
"Talk to me, share your thoughts, feelings and memories of your baby. I know that you haven't forgotten your baby or your pain just because I'm afraid to mention it."
"When you've decided what you want to do with your baby's clothes, toys and furniture, I'll help you sort through it all. And if you need to cry, I'll bring the tissues."
"Let me take your baby's sibling to the park, read a story or tickle their toes. I know you don't feel like laughing or playing right now."
"I'm going to run errands now—is there anything I can pick up or do for you?
"Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to heal."
"There is no particular way you 'should' feel or things you 'should' do. There are no rules about how grieving should go."
"Don't worry about your baby's brothers and sisters at the funeral—I'll watch them and give them extra love and attention."
"I'll be over to pick up your baby's brother or sister to take them to school, Grandma's house, or to their soccer game—I'll even stay and cheer them on! And I'll listen to their feelings about losing a baby brother or sister. They need to know their world is safe even though yours doesn't feel that way right now."
"I'll help fill out medical forms, walk the dog, pay bills or answer the phone. I understand that it's hard to deal with the mundane details of life right now."
"I know it seems like a long time, but you don't have to 'get over' the loss of your baby on any time table. You'll feel better when you do and I'll still be here."
"Tell me more about your pregnancy and your baby...I'm interested and I'm not tired of hearing the same stories. I know sometimes you need to keep going over those events until they seem real and more tolerable."
"Wasn't it a year ago that you lost your baby? How about we go for a walk or out to lunch. And I'll remember this day next year and the year after."
"How are you doing today? If you don't feel like answering the phone, I'll just leave a message to let you know that I love you and was thinking about you. I'm sure you'll return my call when you feel up to it."
"I've found a list of local support groups in your community, synagogue or church and I'll take you if you'd like to go."
"I understand if you're having a hard time being my friend when I have a new baby and you've lost yours. I love you and I'll be here when you're ready."
"Don't feel guilty because you laughed today."
"I'm here. Call me any time of the day or night. I'll cry with you, I'll listen to you and I'll even laugh with you. I'll always have tissues."

How to Help

Please do not stay away or ignore the loss. Bereaved parents need your loving support. Not speaking about it does not lessen its reality. Bring up the subject, and be prepared for tears. Nothing you say will ever make the bereaved parent sadder than the reality of losing a child. Simply allowing a safe space for them to grieve without denying that grief is all that's required of you. Remember, it is usually the simple things you say or do that mean so much.

Article from http://www.babylosscomfort.com/what-do-i-say/

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The chicken...hot tub?

It all began simple enough. Bring the chickens hot water in a plastic container in 25 degree weather.Nothing new. The Captain reports as soon as he put that steaming water down, they went crazy. Knocking each other over, screaming and then... they discovered the warmth. One chick decided to sprawl out next to it, with it's head over hanging into the container. As though it were enjoying a facial steam. Then another decided to just hop in and sprawl out...like it was a hot tub. Just laid there as others continued to drink.

He laughed and said "stupid chicken". I said "wow, a chicken hot tub".

The problem came when The Captain went back 15 minutes later and discovered our "hot tub chicken" almost dead. Apparently it decided a walk outside their coop was in order after such a relaxing dip.

Feathers had icicles. The Captain thought it was dead for sure.

He scooped her up and brought her inside. You could barely see the weak shake in her legs as I got to work. A few minutes more outside and I'm not sure my effort would have worked.

After letting room temp water bring up her exterior temperature, I wrapped her up in a towel and used the blow dryer on low. You could hear the weak peeps begin to escape. 5 minutes more, her eyes would open up for a second or two. Ming, who tries so hard to play with the chickens {much to their horror}, has a most disturbing and insatiable desire for...chicken butts. How do you break a dog of that !?

She was quick to Hop in & help. Licking her legs and head, seeming to stimulate the freezing chicken. She laid claim and we nicknamed it Ming's "Precious". Once dried, she went into the now empty container she used as a hot tub. A heating pad underneath for extra warmth.

Ming would not leave her side. She laid on the ground towel and kept as close as she could .

Eventually her "precious" was strong enough to hop out of her warm nest and strolled around the living room, never more then a few inches from her new friend. She earned her "bracelet" which is reserved for special chickens. Like the one nice rooster out of the 4 I have counted in this batch.

Ming did try playing with her and that silly chicken could care less. Brain damaged or a strange bond between dog & poultry? Time will tell.

They strolled together a good half hour before I felt she was well enough to go back into chicken world.

It was best she went back out. After all, seeing Ming check out that chicken bottom became a bit disturbing.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

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Planning a Summer in Sweden... a lakeside cottage, Scandinavian design and childhood memories

Obsessed with Scandinavia? Who, me? After my recent trip to Copenhagen I suddenly refound my love for the Scandinavian countries (although the one for their design had never gone!). I spent many childhood holidays here - camping in Summer, cross-country skiing in Winter - and they were all wonderful. Fishing until midnight as it never got dark, jumping into the nearby lake straight from our tents, grilling sausages on an open camp fire and going on canoe expeditions on the look out for wild beavers. In Winter we would travel up with other families in a caravan of cars packed full of kids, skis and groceries from Aldi (cause you know what the prices are like in Sweden!) for a week of fun in the snow. My parents were truly Scandinavia-holics. IKEA was a standard stop on the way home and my mum even dressed me as Pippi for a school party. Ahhh...those were the days. (top image: Dinh Linh on Flickr)

Me in my Pippi outfit, age...8?

Our packed green Lada with matching canoe in Norway early nineties

And now I want to go back! I have been googling like mad on the hunt for the perfect holiday cottage by a lake (Glenn doesn't share my Dutch love of camping) and trying to find the easiest way to get to Sweden from Scotland in July. One week relaxing in one place and another week touring around and visiting various places including Stockholm. Lakes, canoes, camp fires and endless Summer evenings combined with a visit to one of the hippest design cities in Europe. Sounds like a plan. Shame it's still only March.

Image: DianeCA

I love the simple, functional but beautiful 'Scandi style'; pure, natural materials, clean lines, quality products and fresh, happy colours. No unnecessary decoration, but form follows function. Here are some inspirational photos featured on Scandinavian design blogs and designer websites:

A picturesque Swedish cottage and its interior featured on the Designheaven blog

A bright and airy space featured on the blog From Scandinavia with Love

A bathroom featured on the wonderful design blog by Stockholm-based Emma

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Colourful products by Darling Clementine, Norwegian design agency inspired by the past and their Scandinavian design heritage.

Plenty of inspiration for your interior on the lovely blog Scandinavian Chic (two images above)

Lots more to drool about on design blog Roomservice

Great looking 'retro' tableware by Swedish brand Sagaform

More great home decor on Tinaminastina's blog

Beautiful, durable woven rugs made out of plastic, designed and made in Sweden by Pappelina

Did I miss any good Scandinavian blogs and sites? Anyone been to Stockholm recently - share some tips with me please! And if anyone knows the perfect Swedish lakeside cottage, please share the details with me - thanks! :-)

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Filed Under: home decor, scandinavian design, sweden, travel