2015 FESTIVAL OF TREES

“A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

Proverbs 11:25

 

 

 

 

Next weekend is the Festival of Trees and Holiday Bazaar sponsored by the New Smyrna Beach Garden Club to help support scholarships, programs, community service activities and other club objectives.  It features a silent auction of gorgeous trees and wreaths designed by members, unique handmade items, gift planters plus delicious treats and baked goods. There is also a super raffle of over 30 gift baskets/items.

 

Each year my contributions for the bazaar and raffle have a theme and this year it is Herbal Spa!  I have been busy creating the following items which will be sold individually . . . 

 

LAVENDER HERBAL WRAPS

            Fold 1 hand towel lengthwise and sew down the center of the folded towel to form a tube.  Turn inside out and sew one end shut.  Fill the tube with 3-4 cups of long grain uncooked rice, adding 1Tbs lavender when half full.  Sew the other end shut and shake back and forth to distribute the herbs evenly.

To use: heat in microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, do not overheat.  Use on tired stressed muscles or to warm your feet.  When not in use, store in sealed plastic bag to retain herbal strength.

 

 

 

SORE MUSCLE SOAK

              Combine 1c oatmeal, 1c Epsom salts, 1c rosemary, 1/2c chamomile, 1/2c thyme, 1/2c marjoram, 1/4c calendula petals, 1/4c mint, 1/4c catnip and 1/4c lavender, then store in an air-tight container.   Fill a drawstring muslin bag with 1/4c mixture and tie closed.

To use: Pour 4 cups boiling water over bag and steep for 10 minutes. Pour the tea, and the bag, into a tub of hot soapy water and soak.

. . . or combined as part of a special gift mug or jar . . .

 

HERBAL FACIAL SCRUB

            Combine 1c grated soap with 1/2 c old-fashioned oatmeal, 1/4c loose leaf green tea and 1/4c lavender blossoms.  For each scrub, place 1/4c mixture in the center of a washcloth, gather up and tie tightly with a yard of ribbon.  Tie ribbon in bow.  Use in tub or shower to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation, then hang to dry over faucet or shower head with the attached ribbon between use.

HERBAL TUB TEA

            Combine 1c lavender, 1c green tea, 1c chamomile, 1c calendula and 1c old fashioned oatmeal in a bowl and mix thoroughly.  Fill a large tea bag or muslin bag with 1/4c tub tea blend. To use: steep in boiling water for 15 minutes, then add everything into tub and enjoy!

EYE TEA

            Combine 1Tbs ground green tea and 1Tbs ground chamomile.  Fill 2 tea bags with 1Tbs of the mixture in each.  To use to soothe sore, tired eyes and help relieve stress immerse tea bag into warm water.   Place one over each eye.  Lay back, relax and enjoy!

 

HEADACHE SACHETS

Combine 1Tbs lavender and 1Tbs cloves in a sachet bag and tie shut.  To use: inhale vapors when a headache begins

HERBAL FOOT SOAK
            Combine 2Tbs green tea, 1Tbs lavender, 1Tbs rosemary, 1Tbs sage, 1Tbs thyme and 1 broken bay leaf.  Place mixture in sealable tea bags. 

To use: Drop the herbal tea bag in 4c boiling water and steep for about 15 minutes. Add the herb infused water with warm water in a tub you can soak your feet in. Soak your feet for 15 minutes.

SERENI-TEA

            Mix 1/2c Green Rooibos tea, 1/4c lemon balm, 1/4c chamomile, 2Tbs catnip and 1Tbs spearmint.  To use: Add 1 heaping tsp to mug and steep in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

 

. . . plus all together as a basket for the raffle:

***HERBAL SPA***

BASKET

Herbal Facial Scrub

Lavender & Green Tea Tub Tea
Herbal Foot Soak

Eye Tea

Lavender Headache Sachet
Sore Muscle Herbal Soak
Lavender Herbal Wrap

plus

Sereni-Tea & Tea Pot

 

 

There will also be herbal treats and gifts in the edibles area of the event: Chai Mix Mugs, Chocolate Spoons, Cinnamon Vinegar, Pumpkin Scones and these Soup Jars: 

 

HOLIDAY TURKEY SOUP: In a wide-mouth pint jar, add 1c long grain rice (strength) and tuck 2 bay leaves (honor) down the side.  Add 1/2tsp each of marjoram (joy & happiness), rosemary (remembrance), basil (good wishes), spearmint (refreshment), sage (good health) and parsley (festivity) around the top of rice.  Add 1/2c or more rice to fill jar.  Top with lid and tie on a label with the ingredient meanings & instructions.  Great as a hostess gift!

 

Instructions: Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, stir in contents, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 45 mins. or until all water is absorbed.  Sauté chopped red pepper, chopped onion and 3 chopped carrots in butter until tender.  Add 2 ½ c broth, 1can diced tomatoes, 2c leftover turkey & chopped kale.  When rice is cooked, remove bay, add broth mixture and simmer on low heat 20 mins., stirring occasionally.  Serve hot.

 

Come early for the best selection of everything!!

 

Nov 20, 1pm – 7pm
Nov 21, 9am – 3pm

New Smyrna Beach Garden Club
2000 Turnbull Bay Road
New Smyrna Beach, FL  32168

                                                                                          Joyce