On Line Store

I have been asked time and again if people can order my products.  Some people live far away and some just can't make it to the artisan fairs that I attend.  Set up an on-line store I was told.  And trust me, I have been working on it.  The photos, the descriptions, the inventory it is far harder that it seems.  With the help of a few lovingly critical friends it is finally time to go live.  There is a link on the top page of my blog.  There is a link on my facebook page. And the link is below.  I look forward to seeing you in person or virtually.

Raven's Edge, LLC Square Market Place

Scavenger Hunt - Great Read and Great Prizes

Today kicks off the tease and introduction to the upcoming Scavenger Hunt giveaway being hosted by the one 'n' only, fabulous and talented Anne Kelleher.

I'm psyched about this site-hopping Scavenger Hunt event, spread over an exciting twenty-two days. Why? Well, because I love Annie, and can recommend every story she's ever written, and because I'm participating with one of the give-away options on one of those 22 days!

But ... today, November 27, through November 30 you can get your very own copy of The Ghost and Katie Coyle for free! What better way to treat yourself to a very special read and introduce yourself to the Scavenger Hunt coming up in just four days on December 1st?

So, yeah, get your free copy of The Ghost and Katie Coyle to enjoy over the weekend and to prime the excitement of playing along in the Scavenger Hunt.

Not only will there be daily opportunities to win something fabulous from the Hunt participants, but if you follow the Hunt every day and enter every day, you'll be entered to win the Grand Prize ~ a Kindle Paperwhite eReader! So cool.

So, get ready now by snaggin' your free copy of The Ghost and Katie Coyle by Anne Kelleher ~ you'll not enjoy the story, but it will flame the fires of excitement for the 22-day adventure into the Scavenger Hunt!

On the Road Again

I'm stealing the title of my blog from a friend and a song.  Reminds me of high school when my then boyfriend gifted me with the album (yes vinyl and I'm dating myself) Urban Chipmunks.  Alvin and his buddies did a hilarious rendition of this tune.  But, what it means for you is that I will be out and about in the coming weeks and I'm hoping you can stop by and see me at least one of these events.

November 29, 2014  Holiday Marketplace: The Spirit of Giving
61 Echo Lake Road, Watertown, CT
10 am to 4 pm
This is a celebration of artisans - all handcrafted items of the finest quality.  Plus the entire town caters to small business Saturday, so make a day of it.

December 5, 2014  Artwalk
40 Main Street, Torrington, CT
4 pm to 8 pm
This event is a way to meet the artists in town and see all they have to offer.  They have generously invited in guest artists to participate as well.

December 6, 2014  Whiting Mills Open Studios and Guest Artists
11 am - 5 pm
100 Whiting Street, Winsted, CT
I will be in studio 336, a guest of Rose from Walk in the Woods.
Sharing her space will also be Soul Threads
This is one event not to miss.  Explore the historic old mill, see all of the artists that occupy every nook and cranny and guest artists filling the main hall. The event is also taking place on Sunday but I will be...

December 7, 2014  Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair
9 am - 1 pm
55 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT

Elderberry Syrup

     It is the beginning of cold and flu season.  For me and my family I add lots of immune boosting herbs to our food. To see exactly what check out Brrrr it's cold outside. We wash our hands frequently and don't use anti-bacterial soap.  Killing  the good germs along with the bad doesn't make any sense to me.  And studies have shown that as well.  The one thing I always have on hand this time of year is elderberry.  I have tincture to take at the first sign of anything. And anything can include my co-workers having the sniffles.  I work in close quarters three days a week at the cube farm and a spoonful of elderberry a day keeps their germs away. I also make elderberry syrup which can be used in the same way.  This tastes amazing and contains no alcohol so it is great for children.  It boosts the immune system.  Clinical trials with elderberry have shown that elderberry both prevents and resolves cold and flu symptoms.  We have experienced this as at our house with colds.  We haven't had flu symptoms in our house so I can't speak to that.

     This recipe is based off my friend Rose's recipe.  I tweak it every time I make it.  I put a post it note on the recipe with the changes and notes for additions or subtractions for the next incarnation.  Today's syrup recipe yielded two and half cups of heavenly elixir.

2 oz. dried elderberries
1/2 oz. astragalus root
1/4 oz. candied ginger
3 cardamom pods
1/2 oz. Reishi mushrooms
4 Cups water

     I combined this and brought it to a boil.  I covered it and turned the heat down to a low simmer and left it for two hours.  I then strained it.  It yielded 2 1/4 cups of liquid.  I added this back to the pot and added 1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar.  I kept it uncovered and brought it slowly up to a boil stirring until the sugar dissolved.  I then let it simmer a few minutes before pouring it into a mason jar.  I poured some in a beautiful decanter that sits on the counter so everyone in the house remembers to indulge.

    This syrup can be used on pancakes or ice cream.  It can be added to cocktails or iced tea. It's uses are only limited by your imagination. It can be taken at the first sign of a tickle in the throat or not feeling yourself.