I was determined to be grumpy about the amount of snow coming down on the first of March, but going out and building a snow chicken with my almost 4-year old really helped. I highly recommend it for beating the winter blues.

Furthermore, I am awiting a large order of organic oranges, grapefruit and lemons. They should be delivered tonight and after a bit of chopping the essential oils of citrus should waft pleasantly through the house and lift my spirits. Oh sunshine!

The bounty will be turned into marmalade, of course, but I have some plans for the left-over peels as well. I think I may get ambitious and try candied Grapefruit peel in Lavender-infused syrup. I crave Lavender these days, and I especially like the combination of Lavender with citrus.

Thanks to my neighbor and Ameriherb I have a large supply of Lavender Flowers, as well as Rose Petals and many other wonderful herbs and spices. Ameriherb (1-800-267-6141) offers bulk herbs and spices, some of them organic, at very reasonable prices. The only catch is, their minimum is one pound. One pound dried herbs is a lot, so it is a good idea to split the order with someone. Their stuff is high-quality and very fresh.

It is definitely nice to be able to use these beautiful fragrant and very fresh herbs liberally. We like to mix chamomile, lavender, and rose petals for some delicate and elegant herbal tea we call "Beauty Tea." Sometimes we fill the mix in a little cotton bag and hang it under the faucet while hot water fills tub. With a few rose petals strewn on the water, this feels like pure indulgence.

Ameriherb (1-800-267-6141) is located in Iowa, they have a website, but only for existing customers. They will send you a "catalog" if you call. It is really just a list of their herbs printed on thin paper, like a newspaper.  11:10:49 AM    
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